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Participants observe a moment of silence during a joint commemoration at the Chinese Expert Cemetery in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 4, 2026. China and Tanzania on Saturday jointly commemorated Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), marking 50 years since the railway's commercial operations began. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)

DAR ES SALAAM, April 4 (Xinhua) -- China and Tanzania on Saturday jointly commemorated Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), marking 50 years since the railway's commercial operations began.

Dignitaries from both countries gathered at the Chinese Expert Cemetery in Dar es Salaam, where they solemnly laid wreaths at the graves of the fallen heroes in a gesture of remembrance and respect during the Qingming Festival, a traditional Chinese occasion for paying tribute to the deceased and remembering ancestors.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tanzania's Minister of Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi hailed the TAZARA railway as "a living testament to South-South cooperation" and a symbol of the enduring friendship between Tanzania and China.

He emphasized the need to safeguard and modernize the railway as part of its revitalization agenda.

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian noted that more than 50,000 Chinese workers participated in the railway's construction in the 1970s, with 70 losing their lives in the process.

"They are heroes who built a monument of China-Tanzania and China-Africa friendship," she said.

Also at the ceremony, Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority Managing Director Bruno Ching'andu and Tanzania's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation James Kinyasi Millya expressed gratitude to China, praising the traditional friendship between the two countries. 

Tanzania's Minister of Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi delivers a speech during a joint commemoration at the Chinese Expert Cemetery in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 4, 2026.

China and Tanzania on Saturday jointly commemorated Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), marking 50 years since the railway's commercial operations began. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian delivers a speech during a joint commemoration at the Chinese Expert Cemetery in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 4, 2026.

China and Tanzania on Saturday jointly commemorated Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), marking 50 years since the railway's commercial operations began. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)

Participants are pictured during a joint commemoration at the Chinese Expert Cemetery in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 4, 2026.

China and Tanzania on Saturday jointly commemorated Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), marking 50 years since the railway's commercial operations began. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
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)
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MCLA Green Living Seminar: How Bird-Friendly Laws Strengthen Human Communities

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host the next installment of its Green Living Seminar Series on Wednesday, April 8, at 5:30 p.m. in the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121.

The presentation is free and open to the public and will be recorded and available at mcla.edu/greenliving

Meredith Barges, bird-friendly building policy advocate and PhD student at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, will present "How Laws Protecting Birds Strengthen Human Communities."

The talk will explore a growing movement to make cities more bird friendly by requiring developers, designers, and city planners to consider birds as essential inhabitants of the modern urban landscape. Barges will examine new trends and policy developments driving what she calls an "avian shift" in reimagining human-avian coexistence in citiesand what these changes mean for the health and well-being of human communities as well.

Barges' dissertation combines policy theory and environmental ethics to examine the dynamics driving the adoptionand nonadoptionof mandatory municipal bird-friendly building policies across U.S. and Canadian cities. From 2024 to 2026, she founded and chaired Lights Out Central New York, a nonprofit project of Onondaga Audubon dedicated to making the night sky safer for migratory birds. She previously co-founded and co-chaired Lights Out Connecticut, where she helped lead a successful statewide effort to pass Connecticut's Lights Out Law (Public Act 23-143). Barges also served as policy researcher for the Yale Bird-Friendly Building Initiativea collaboration of the American Bird Conservancy, Yale Law School, and Yale Peabody Museumand co-authored its foundational report, Building Safer Cities for Birds: How Cities Are Leading the Way on Bird-Friendly Building Policy. She holds a Master of Divinity in religion and ecology from Yale Divinity School and an M.A. in American history from the University of Chicago.

MCLA's Green Living Seminar Series brings environmental experts, scholars, and practitioners to campus throughout the academic year to engage students and community members in conversations about sustainability, ecology, and our relationship with the natural world.
Governor Awards Over $1Billion to Water Infrastructure Projects

BOSTON  The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that 70 projects across Massachusetts are eligible to receive over $1 billion in low-interest rate loans to upgrade or replace aging drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and cut treatment plant energy use and costs.

These funds are a critical resource that cities and towns rely on each year to plan and advance water infrastructure projects. Additionally, $143 million in funding will be made available to communities on a rolling basis throughout the year.

"The State Revolving Fund gives our communities the funds they need to keep Massachusetts a national leader in clean drinking water," said Governor Maura Healey. "Cities and towns count on this funding to move projects forward, and we are making sure they have the resources they need to upgrade aging systems, protect public health, and keep costs down for residents.

The State Revolving Fund (SRF) is administered by the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and finances projects implemented by cities and towns, regional water supply and wastewater treatment districts, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). The awards include 41 wastewater construction projects totaling approximately $703 million and 29 drinking water construction projects totaling approximately $315 million.

An estimated $135 million will be used to provide loan forgiveness for eligible projects. Loan forgiveness is awarded to renewable energy projects and for projects in communities that meet the affordability criteria established by the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. The affordability criteria factors in per capita income, unemployment rate and population trends. Loan forgiveness helps reduce costs for ratepayers and supports communities with fewer resources in moving forward with critical projects.

The SRF is composed of two programs that have provided $10.4 billion to Massachusetts projects: the Clean Water Fund, first capitalized in 1989; and the Drinking Water Fund, which began operation in 1999.

the Community Septic Management Program to remediate failed septic systems in participating communities, and $4 million will support the Sewer Overflow and Reuse Program. The SRF will also set aside $3 million to fund an emergency reserve. This year, the Clean Water SRF provides $728 million in support for clean water projects across Massachusetts. Approximately $413 million will finance 29 new construction projects and $289 million will be allocated towards financing 12 previously approved multi-year projects. Additionally, $13 million will be set aside to finance planning and PFAS design projects, $5 million will be allocated tothe Community Septic Management Program to remediate failed septic systems in participating communities, and $4 million will support the Sewer Overflow and Reuse Program. The SRF will also set aside $3 million to fund an emergency reserve.

The Drinking Water SRF provides $434 million in support for drinking water projects. Approximately $167 million will finance 16 new construction projects and approximately $148 million will be allocated towards financing 13 previously approved multi-year projects. Additionally, $103 million will be set aside to finance lead service line replacement projects, $10 million will be set aside to finance planning and PFAS design projects, and $5 million will be used to fund an emergency reserve.

Massachusetts awards subsidized infrastructure financing under the SRF, which is administered by the Trust  a joint effort of MassDEP, the Executive Office of Administration and Finance and the State Treasurers Office.
A barn at Stoney Brook Farm went up in flames on Friday, killing 18 chickens. PreviousNext

Friday Afternoon Fire Destroys Cheshire Barn

CHESHIRE, Mass.  A fire on Friday afternoon destroyed a barn at 920 Sand Mill Road.

The building is a total loss but firefighters were able to prevent the flames from reaching another nearby barn and the house at Stoney Brook Farm.

Fire Chief Thomas Francesconi said the fire was called in 12:39 p.m. by the homeowners "but it already had a foothold before they noticed it."

Responding firefighters found the L-shaped structure fully involved. Adams, Lanesborough, Savoy and Windsor fire companies responded and Williamstown Fire covered the station.

The tankers were used to transport water from a nearby brook until a pool could be set up near the scene and water pumped into it.

Northern Berkshire EMS responded and one firefighter was treated at the scene and then taken to Berkshire Medical Center.

Francesconi said there were no other injuries but the owners told him there were 18 chickens in the barn. The structure also had equipment and other materials in it, including a Jeep.

"We don't have any idea of the cause but the fire marshal is on the way, said the chief.

Firefighters were trying to douse hotspots but the structure's metal roof  now on the ground  was making it difficult to get into certain areas. The owner had a small loader on the way to help push the roofing aside.

The property has been in the Zieminski family for several generations. A section of the road in front of the home was closed off for a couple hours.

"We're just kind of mopping up operations at this point, as far as pulling the metal roof and getting into pockets of it, that kind of stuff," the chief said at about 2 p.m. "But we are starting to demobilize to send parties back."

All companies were released at 4:39 p.m. and returned to quarters.
KHARTOUM, April 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 2,042 people have been killed and 785 injured in 214 attacks on health care facilities in Sudan since the conflict began nearly three years ago, two UN agencies said Saturday.

In a joint statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said 184 deaths and 295 injuries occurred in the first quarter of this year alone, expressing concern over the growing scale and frequency of such attacks in conflict-affected areas.

"These attacks further restrict access to health care at a time when it is needed most," said WHO Representative to Sudan Shible Sahbani, who called for the protection of patients and health workers.

UNICEF Representative Sheldon Yett said attacks on hospitals "are a grave violation of children's rights," adding that they deprive children of critical services and protection during vulnerable moments.

The agencies said attacks on health facilities, staff, and patients violate international humanitarian law and deepen an already severe humanitarian crisis. They called on all parties to respect and protect health care, ensure the safety of civilians and aid workers, and allow sustained access to essential services.

Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023 has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, according to international organizations. 
A man refuels his vehicle at a gas station in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 1, 2026. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, April 4 (Xinhua) -- In the bustling streets of Kabul, Abdul Mateen, a 33-year-old taxi driver, sits behind the wheel of his car, awaiting passengers who have become increasingly scarce. His livelihood, like many others in Afghanistan, is under pressure as fuel prices surge, plunging him into a state of financial uncertainty.

"I used to earn 2,000 to 2,500 afghanis (about 31 to 39 U.S. dollars) a day," said Abdul Mateen, his voice laced with concern. "Now, I'm lucky to make 600 to 1,200 afghanis, and passengers have become scarce."

Driven by a combination of global supply disruptions, reduced fuel imports, and escalating transportation costs, the price of fuel in Afghanistan has surged dramatically from 55 afghanis per liter to 67 afghanis, creating a ripple effect that is felt across the nation. This price hike has placed an unbearable strain on taxi drivers, small business owners, and ordinary citizens in an already fragile economy.

For Abdul Mateen, the struggle is balancing the rising fuel prices with a dwindling number of passengers. "Business has slowed down, and passengers are becoming scarcer. When we tell them that the fare is 200 afghanis, they get upset. But we can't avoid it; the fuel prices have surged."

In a city like Kabul, where many rely on taxis for daily transportation, the rising fuel prices have made travel unaffordable for some. "Before, my fare was 100 afghanis; now it's 150 afghanis," said Jahangir, a Kabul resident who commutes by taxi every day. "It's a significant jump."

The fuel crisis in Afghanistan extends beyond skyrocketing prices -- it also involves a growing shortage in supply. Afghanistan's reliance on imported fuel, especially from neighboring Iran, has left it vulnerable to disruptions in the supply chain. Delays in transportation and limited fuel imports have led to scarcity, further driving up prices.

"We used to import fuel regularly from Iran, but now shipments are limited, and the price has gone up significantly," Ikramuddin, a fuel distributor in Kabul, explained the challenges this has created.

The impact of rising fuel prices stretches far beyond the transportation sector. As fuel costs climb, the prices of everyday goods and services also rise, creating a heavy burden on a population already struggling with financial uncertainty. For many Afghans, this economic strain is becoming unbearable.

"When fuel prices rise, everything is affected because everything depends on fuel," said Jahangir.

In response to the mounting crisis, the Afghan government has attempted to regulate fuel prices through official price lists, which are regularly updated to reflect market conditions.

"The government has put measures in place to prevent price gouging, but the situation is challenging," Nematullah Barikzai, spokesperson for a representative of Kabul Municipality, told Xinhua.

Despite these efforts, market volatility continues. The limited fuel supply, combined with rising global demand, has made it difficult for the Afghan government to stabilize prices. "When the global market fluctuates, we can only do so much to regulate local prices," Barikzai added.

For many Afghans, the future remains uncertain. As the cost of living continues to rise and incomes stagnate, the financial strain on families is becoming overwhelming.

"If this continues, we'll have to face even higher prices," warned Fuel trader Sangarwal. "It could rise above 100 afghanis per liter, and that means even more people will be unable to afford the fuel they need to survive." 

This photo taken on April 1, 2026 shows a gas station in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

This photo taken on April 1, 2026 shows a gas station in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
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Pupils as young as seven have been caught taking blades to class in shocking new figures that lay bare the true scale of the UKs knife crisis in schools.

As the government opens a national centre aimed at combating knife crime, The Independent can reveal more than 700 knife crimes, including threats and attacks, were recorded by police at schools in England and Wales last year.

It comes after a 13-year-old boy allegedly stabbed two boys in the neck at a secondary school in Brent in February, and a 15-year-old allegedly attacked a girl with a knife in school near Norwich a month later.

The mother of Harvey Willgoose, who was murdered by another pupil in 2025, called the number of incidents an emergency and accused schools of failing to face up to the issue as she reissued her call for metal detectors, otherwise known as knife arches.

Tory shadow ministers say a zero tolerance approach is needed and children excluded after being caught with knives should be thrown out of mainstream education, while school leaders claim there is a limit to what headteachers can do and call for a society-wide response to tackle the crisis.

There were 748 recorded offences involving knives or sharp objects in schools in 2025, including attacks and threats, according to the data requests from 26 of the 42 forces that responded. This marked a slight increase from 735 in 2024, and a fall from a five-year peak of 879 in 2022.

open image in gallery Two boys were stabbed at Kingsbury High School earlier this year, as figures obtained by The Independent show the extent of knife crime at schools in England and Wales ( PA Wire )

Twelve of the forces provided information on the age of suspects, which showed that, shockingly, 33 were aged 10 or under.

They included West Mercia Police recording the suspect in a knife possession offence as a seven-year-old boy. West Yorkshire Police recorded two offences for possession of a knife or sharp instrument, where the suspect was an eight-year-old boy. The offences included 118 incidents of violence and 29 threats.

Some forces said their knife crime figures could include incidents involving other weapons, such as screwdrivers or needles. And for some, the data may include incidents at colleges or sites where the school is recorded as the nearest location.

Caroline Willgoose, whose son Harvey was stabbed through the heart with a hunting knife at All Saints Catholic High School, Sheffield, said the figures were deeply concerning, but not a surprise.

open image in gallery Caroline Willgoose has been campaigning against knife crime in schools since her son Harveys death ( Supplied )

Its an emergency, and there needs to be change, Ms Willgoose said. Ive got hundreds of messages from parents who have said someone in their school, mostly primary schools, has taken a knife in and nothings been done about it, or theyve been sent to another school.

There needs to be serious consequences for knives being found in schools, and not just shoved under the carpet.

Earlier this year, the familys lawyers claimed an independent report found several missed opportunities before Harvey was murdered, including alleged failures by the school to adequately investigate concerns his killer, Mohammed Umar Khan, also 15 at the time, carried weapons. The school has since implemented robust measures, the managing trust said in February.

Ms Willgoose said schools should install knife arches to ensure children were protected, but said many schools had not been supportive. They are more worried about reputation and not scaring the parents, she added.

Meanwhile, teachers have said they feel under threat, including former physics teacher Vincent Uzomah, who gave up the profession 10 years ago when he was stabbed in the stomach by a pupil at school in Bradford.

Mr Uzomah, who is now a lecturer at the University of Salford, said: These are incidents that dont happen in every school, and it doesnt happen regularly, but when it happens, they have an enormous impact. For me, it nearly ended my life, and I get a shudder when I see a new case on the news.

He added: There needs to be a greater focus on the attitude from home, the attitude in society, and then not isolating these kinds of kids, but to put in place measures to safeguard the lives of teachers and other students to ensure that it is a safe environment for all.

The knife offences in schools come at a time when knife crime overall fell nine per cent in the year to September 2025, according to Office for National Statistics Figures. Labour has set a target of reducing knife crime by 50 per cent.

On Thursday, a new National Knife Crime Centre was opened in London, where policing experts will tackle offenders who sell and distribute weapons online, often referred to as the grey market.

Following the February attacks on two boys at Kingsbury High School in Brent, education minister Georgia Gould said ministers would look at security in schools.

Department for Education (DfE) guidance states CCTV and systems that detect intrusion, such as alarm systems, strong perimeter fencing, and security lighting, can help prevent attacks.

open image in gallery Knife arches are used in some schools to deter and detect knives from entering the classroom ( PA )

In the West Midlands, Dudley Academies Trust spent around 50,000 on knife arches for its four secondary schools. Chief executive Jo Higgins said schools that didnt take appropriate measures were vulnerable to violence.

Pepe DiIasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said there had been a number of appalling and tragic events involving knives, but tackling it needed a more concerted, society-wide response.

He said schools already conducted searches and taught about the dangers of knife crime, and when a pupil was found in possession of a knife, it was treated very seriously.

But he cautioned: There is a limit to what schools can be expected to do. They are part of their communities, not fortresses, and teachers are teachers, not security guards. Moreover, schools have very limited budgets and extending on-site security would require significant investment.

Tory shadow home secretary Chris Philp said he would introduce a stronger approach to violence and poor behaviour in schools if in government, including sending pupils excluded for carrying a knife to more appropriate settings, such as Pupil Referral Units.

He said: We need firm, early intervention backed by real consequences, so this is stopped long before it reaches the school gates.

A government spokesperson said: As part of the governments mission to halve knife crime within a decade, nearly 60,000 knives have already been taken off Britains streets, and knife homicides have fallen by 27 per cent.

We are also working with schools, police and youth services on prevention and early intervention to identify young people most at risk.
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The promise of hot dogs at the finish line was enough to spur on a Pembroke Welsh corgi to victory in the annual Easter corgi derby at a Scottish racecourse.

Three-year-old Islay, which was born in New Zealand, romped to victory in the race at Musselburgh Racecourse.

Owner Carolyne Ricardo, a vet at the University of Glasgow, said: Its a bit of surprise because we only found out two weeks ago she had been accepted for the race but I am delighted.

open image in gallery Participants take part in the Corgi Derby at Musselburgh Racecourse, Musselburgh, East Lothian, as part of its Easter Saturday race day celebration ( Jane Barlow/PA Wire )

Ms Ricardo, originally from New York, added: She likes a nap and is a slow starter in the morning but if she comes across a squirrel its a goner.

Dogs from across the world competed in the race including Sadie, which travelled with her owner from Newquay, Cornwall, and Naomi, which lives in Glasgow with her owners, but was born in China.

The annual race is in its fifth year and was created in honour of Queen Elizabeth IIs platinum jubilee in 2022.

open image in gallery Islay, originally from New Zealand with owner Carolyne Ricardo from Glasgow, after winning the Corgi Derby at Musselburgh Racecourse, Musselburgh, East Lothian, as part of its Easter Saturday race day celebration. Picture date: Saturday April 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire ( Jane Barlow/PA Wire )

Musselburgh racecourse head of marketing and business development, Aisling Johnston, said: Our Virgin Bet Scottish sprint cup race day is a fixture featuring lots of high quality horse racing with more than 300,000 on offer  but its no exaggeration to say our little, four-legged friends do their best to steal the show.
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A masculinity crisis is building in schools across the UK, a teaching union has warned, after almost a quarter of female teachers it surveyed said they have been subject to misogynistic abuse from a pupil in the last year.

For the fourth year in a row NASUWT teachers union has surveyed a rise in teachers reporting misogyny from pupils - up to 23.4 per cent from 17.4 per cent in 2023.

One teacher said she was called a f****** slag by a pupil, while others said sexual noises and gestures were made at them, they were called misogynistic names and said they were meowed at by male students.

Another teacher responding to the survey said a student had made naked images using artificial intelligence (AI) of her and others.

open image in gallery For the fourth year in a row NASUWT teachers union has surveyed a rise in teachers reporting misogyny from pupils (Ben Birchall/PA) ( PA Wire )

We have a masculinity crisis brewing in our schools, NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack said.

Teachers desperately need increased support to deal with this new frontier of behaviour management  it affects the wellbeing of everyone in the classroom.

This generation of teachers faces an unprecedented task that requires urgent action from policymakers.

The latest poll of more than 5,000 teachers focuses on female staff rather than students. It found more than one in five teachers said they have been subject to sexist, racist or homophobic language from a pupil in the past year.

Female teachers described being ignored and mocked by their pupils, including being referred to as love, told to calm down.

Many female teachers reported that pupils say misogynistic things to them after they attempt to address concerns about their behaviour, the NASUWT said, and some say male pupils do not listen to them because they are female.

One teacher said she faced misogyny on a daily basis, including abusive language.

Have had boys joke about raping girls in front of me and laughed about it when challenged, the teacher said.

Parents have told me if I cant handle teenage boys then I need to work in a f****** nursery.

open image in gallery The latest poll of more than 5,000 teachers focuses on female staff rather than students ( David Jones/PA Wire )

Mr Wrack said: If female teachers are reporting that they cannot contain gender-based aggression in their classrooms  and that is exactly what they are telling NASUWT  then we have a ticking time bomb on our hands.

These pupils are the same boys and young men who will go on to be husbands, fathers, and colleagues in the workplace.

They may eventually develop influence in the public sphere.

We must help them and their victims  including teachers  before it is too late.

He said social media and artificial intelligence companies must be held responsible for misinformation spreading on their platforms, and face sanctions if they do not.

Mr Wrack added: Our young people are being exploited to feed tech billionaires endless appetites for profit and power, and our education system is under attack as a result.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: Misogynistic views are not innate, they are learned, and we are committed to using every possible tool to achieve our mission of halving violence against women and girls.

Our updated RSHE guidance is designed to make sure all young people can identify positive role models, and we are providing resources to support teachers to recognise the signs of incel ideologies so we can intervene effectively, including through the Educate Against Hate programme.

We are strengthening our mobile phones in schools guidance to make it even clearer that schools need to be mobile phone-free environments and launching a consultation to seek views from experts, parents and young people to make sure children have a healthy relationship with phones and social media.
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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.

open image in gallery 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.

open image in gallery 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.

open image in gallery 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.

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.

open image in gallery 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.
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The number of haulage companies going insolvent has almost doubled in the five years since Brexit, sparking fears over supply chain disruption and food prices.

The data, revealed in response to a parliamentary question submitted by Liberal Democrat Europe spokesperson Al Pinkerton, shows that 2,051 haulage companies went bust between 2021 and 2025  almost double the 1,068 that went bust in the five years prior.

It comes amid growing fears over spiralling prices and shortages as a result of the Iran war, with oil prices having soared in response to Irans stranglehold on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The figures are expected to only get worse in the coming months, as haulage firms scramble to adapt to the full enforcement of the EUs Entry-Exit System, with the Road Haulage Association warning that 80 per cent of operators expect a decrease in business.

A total of 2,051 haulage companies went bust between 2021 and 2025, government data shows ( PA Archive )

Industry bodies have previously warned that the hit to the economy arising as a result of the new EES system  which requires UK travellers to have their fingerprints registered and a photograph taken to enter the Schengen area  could be as high as 400m.

The Lib Dems are now reiterating calls for the government to find a way for British HGV drivers to bypass this problem.

Europe spokesperson Al Pinkerton told The Independent: The government must immediately secure an agreement with the EU to allow British hauliers to register biometric details away from the border.

Failure to do so will have a catastrophic impact, not only for haulage companies who are unable to survive, but also for supply chains and a subsequent increase in food and goods prices for those already facing the effects of the soaring cost of living.

Ministers must therefore also begin negotiations with our European partners on a customs union.

A customs union is the single biggest lever the government can pull to boost business, deliver growth, and slash unnecessary Brexit bureaucracy. The government knows this, and its high time they do something about it.

It comes just days after a Bank of England survey of finance bosses across UK companies revealed that they expect to increase prices more quickly as they come under pressure from surging energy prices linked to the Iran war.

The Decision Maker Panel (DMP) survey showed that firms expected to increase their prices by 3.5 per cent over the next 12 months, according to data for the three months to March.

This is 0.1 percentage point higher than predicted over the three months to February.

While Sir Keir Starmer earlier this week signalled the government will seek stronger ties with the EU in light of the Iran wars global impact, he has insisted that Labours manifesto red lines on closer relations with Europe remain.

At the general election, the party promised not to seek a customs union, rejoin the single market, or establish freedom of movement as part of closer ties with the bloc.

Speaking on Wednesday, the prime minister said the volatile international situation caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Tehran meant Britains long-term national interest requires closer partnership with our allies in Europe and with the European Union.

UK and EU negotiators are due to meet this summer to discuss closer ties on food standards and emissions, as well as a youth mobility scheme.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: EES is an EU system and hauliers will only need to register once to use the system. The government has been working closely with ports and transport operators to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.

More broadly, our food and drink trade deal with the EU will slash red tape and checks for British lorry drivers, as well as adding 5.1bn to the economy.
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Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that his relationship with Donald Trump may be irrevocably damaged following another series of scathing remarks by the US president.

Kim Darroch, the former national security adviser, and a former British ambassador to the US, said the prime minister was right to resist getting directly involved in Mr Trumps Iran war of choice.

But it has unquestionably done significant damage to his personal relationship with Trump, he told The Guardian, adding that a damaged Trump could lash out with more tariffs.

It comes after Mr Trump mimicked Sir Keir for his response to the Middle East conflict in a speech at the White House. He recounted Sir Keir saying he had to ask his team about sending two old broken-down aircraft carriers to the Middle East.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer has not bent to Donald Trumps attempts to rile him into joining the US-Israeli war efforts ( PA Archive )

Speaking at the lunch on Wednesday, Mr Trump 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.

The remarks were made at a private lunch but they were released by the White House on a social media channel  they were later deleted.

open image in gallery The PM said he will continue to act in the best interests of the British people ( AP )

Downing Street sources said Mr Trump had never asked the UK for the vessels and Britain had not offered them.

In the face of criticism by Mr Trump, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said that our job is to take decisions in the UK national interest.

Ms Cooper told broadcasters on Thursday: 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.

Earlier this week, the prime minister reiterated that he will stick by his decisions to not enter the war with Iran, 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 and were not going to get dragged into it.
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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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Two relatives of Qassem Soleimani, an Iranian military commander who was killed in a strike ordered by President Donald Trump in 2020, have been arrested by federal agents.

Soleimanis niece, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, and her daughter are now in ICE custody, the State Department announced Saturday. The departments statement described Afshar as an outspoken supporter of the totalitarian, terrorist regime in Iran.

Afshar Soleimani pushed this propaganda for Irans terrorist regime while enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles, as attested to by her frequent posting on her recently deleted Instagram account, the State Department said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked their lawful permanent resident status, and Afshars husband is also barred from entering the country.

Qassem Soleimani was killed six years ago in a strike ordered by President Donald Trump ( ISNA/AFP via Getty Images )

Rubio said Afshar is an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the Great Satan.

This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter's legal status and they are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States, he wrote Saturday on X. The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.

The Iranian mission to the U.N. had no comment Saturday.

Afshar and her daughter are just the latest Iranians to have their legal status in the U.S. rescinded by Rubio.

He recently revoked the visas of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, an academic and daughter of Irans former national security adviser Ali Larijani, who was killed in a U.S.-Israel airstrike last month. Her husband, Seyed Kalantar Motamedi, also had his visa revoked, the State Department said.

Neither is still in the U.S.

In early December, well before the surge of anti-government protests in Iran and the start of the war, the State Department revoked or declined to renew visas of several Iranian diplomats, including the deputy ambassador, and staffers at Irans mission to the United Nations.

The department said Friday that action had been taken on Dec. 4 but declined to comment further "for privacy and security reasons" except to note that it was unrelated to either the protests or the war.
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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.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Beneath the quiet grace of brush and ink, a striking cross-cultural dialogue unfolds in Kuala Lumpur: Chinese seal script curls elegantly alongside Jawi, the Arabic-derived alphabet of Malay, weaving together traditional Malaysian pantun poetry.

That vivid fusion of civilizations has become an eye-catching work of the "LANTING Culture Salon" China-Malaysia Calligraphy and Painting Art Exchange Exhibition, which opened on Friday in Kuala Lumpur and brought together artists and cultural institutions from both countries to promote people-to-people exchanges and deepen cooperation in calligraphy, painting, and the integration of culture and tourism.

ART AS BRIDGE

The work was jointly created by Malaysian Chinese calligrapher Ong Wee Chong, who is also secretary-general of the Federation of Calligraphy Society Malaysia, and famous Malay artist Ustaz Baki Abu Bakar.

"We believe this work is not only an artistic creation, but also a bridge connecting different cultural traditions, demonstrating resonance and mutual respect among civilizations," Ong said.

Jointly organized by institutions and associations from China and Malaysia, the exhibition features 63 works by 50 artists, showcasing the richness of northern Chinese grassland culture alongside the diversity and vibrancy of Malaysia's Nanyang artistic heritage.

For her part, Katy Yu Guo Qin, chairman of the Asia Artists Association Malaysia, said that art transcends borders and culture builds bridges. She added that the exhibition aims to deepen artistic collaboration and enhance cultural and tourism exchanges between the two countries.

Han Ning, director of the China Cultural Center in Kuala Lumpur, expressed hope that the event would further inspire artistic exchanges and inject new vitality into China-Malaysia cultural cooperation.

INSPIRING NEW EXPRESSIONS

Taking the Year of the Horse and Visit Malaysia 2026 as an opportunity, this exhibition adopts the "horse" as its cultural motif. Featuring works from north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Malaysia, it highlights the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

Ng Swee Kheng, president of the Federation of Calligraphy Society Malaysia, noted that the exhibition combines the spirit of China's Mongolian grassland horses with the expressive traditions of Nanyang ink art, vividly illustrating the concept that "calligraphy and painting share the same origin."

Among the highlights, Ye Manyu, a representative artist from Inner Mongolia, presented 15 works at the exhibition, describing the exhibition as a vivid platform for cultural dialogue and a valuable opportunity for artists from both countries to deepen friendship and mutual learning.

The exhibition runs for one month and will last until early May. A series of interactive art exchange events will also be held during the exhibition to further promote exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Malaysian art communities.

"We hope to create an inner connection between the artwork and the audience, allowing viewers to complete the meaning of the work through their own understanding," said Iszuan Ismail, a Malaysian artist and art curator from Galeri Shah Alam, a contemporary art gallery in Selangor. 
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President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on April 2, 2026, only 14 months after she was sworn into office, making her time in the role the shortest in 60 years.

While much recent attention has focused on Trumps decision to fire Bondi, there has been less attention on what the attorney general actually does, or what happens when the attorney general gets fired.

The attorney general is the lawyer appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate to lead the Department of Justice, known as the DOJ. Because the attorney generals expansive responsibilities place the office at the forefront of both politics and the law, the position is one of the most important in the federal executive branch.

The attorney general represents the United States in all legal matters ( Matt McClain/Getty Images )

File lawsuits, give advice

Congress created the position of attorney general in 1789 so the national government had a designated lawyer to conduct federal lawsuits for crimes against the United States such as counterfeiting, piracy or treason, and to give legal advice to the president and cabinet officials, such as the secretary of the Treasury.

Initially, the attorney general served part time. Indeed, for the first few decades of U.S. history, most attorneys general maintained private law practices and even lived away from the capital. But as the federal government began to do more, the role of the attorney general grew and became a full-time job.

The attorney general represents the United States in all legal matters. In doing so, the attorney general supervises federal prosecutions by the 93 U.S. attorneys who live and work across the United States to enforce federal laws. The attorney general also supervises almost all legal actions involving federal agencies  from the Department of Homeland Security and the Environmental Protection Agency to the Social Security Administration.

For example, in the past few months, DOJ lawyers supervised by the attorney general have charged people with conspiring to smuggle artificial intelligence technology to China and negotiated an agreement requiring Ford Motor Company to clean contaminated groundwater in New Jersey. They have also worked with Wisconsin to successfully prosecute deceptive timeshare exit services targeting elderly customers.

Additionally, the attorney general gives legal advice to the president and heads of the cabinet departments. This includes providing recommendations to the president on whom he should appoint as federal judges and prosecutors.

In combination, these two aspects of the job, representing the U.S. and advising the cabinet departments, mean that the attorney general plays a key role in helping the president perform his constitutional duty to take care that the laws of the United States are faithfully executed.

115,000 employees

Since 1870, attorneys general have had an entire executive department  the Department of Justice  to help them execute their duties.

Todays department contains over 70 distinct offices, initiatives and task forces, all of which the attorney general supervises. There are currently over 115,000 employees in the department.

The DOJ contains litigation units divided by subject matter like antitrust, civil rights, tax and national security. Each of these units conducts investigations and participates in federal lawsuits related to its expertise.

The Justice Department also has several law enforcement agencies that help ensure the safety and health of people who live in the United States. The most well-known of these agencies include the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. branch of the International Criminal Police Organization, known as Interpol.

Additionally, the DOJ contains corrections agencies like the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the U.S. Parole Commission. These agencies work to ensure consistent and centralized coordination of federal prisons and offenders.

Finally, the department manages several grant administration agencies. These agencies, such as Community Oriented Policing Services, the Office of Justice Programs and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking, or SMART, provide financial assistance, training and advice to state, local, tribal and territorial governments as they work to enforce the law in their own communities.

Separating politics from law

Given all the attorney generals responsibilities, the role is both political and legal. As such, attorneys general historically have a difficult task in separating their jobs as policy adviser from their duties as chief legal officer of the United States.

For example, President George W. Bushs attorney general, Roberto Gonzales, resigned from office amid accusations of the DOJs politicized firing of U.S. attorneys and misuse of terrorist surveillance programs. And Loretta Lynch, President Barack Obamas attorney general, was criticized for meeting privately with former President Bill Clinton while former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was under investigation by the DOJ.

The attorney generals job is complicated by the fact that the president has the constitutional power to fire them for political reasons.

During his first term, Trump replaced Attorney General Jeff Sessions after Sessions angered Trump by recusing himself  removing himself  from overseeing the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Given the attorney generals connection to the president and the attorney generals position as the head of the DOJ, when Bondi originally got the job critics saw her as a key part of Trumps plan to control the departments agenda, including through the use of the FBI to pursue his perceived enemies.

And now Trump has reportedly fired Bondi for failure to execute his vision.

About the author Jenifer Selin is an Associate Professor of Law at Arizona State University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

What next?

Under current law, the president can designate a Senate-confirmed official in the administration or another high-ranking person who has worked within the DOJ for 90 days to serve as acting attorney general. Presidents across both parties historically have relied on these temporary appointments to steer the department as they decide whom to nominate officially for the position.

President Trump has named Todd Blanche as acting attorney general. Blanche, who served as deputy attorney general under Bondi, represented Trump in three of the four major criminal lawsuits he faced before the 2024 presidential election.

Trump is rumored to have discussed Lee Zeldin, the current head of the Environmental Protection Agency, to be Bondis permanent replacement. Zeldin worked as part of Trumps legal defense team during his first impeachment trial.

Blanches temporary appointment and Zeldins potential nomination have spurred more questions about the politicization of the DOJ.

A recent Associated Press study found that only two in 10 Americans have a great deal of confidence in the department. In part, this is a result of the longstanding political connections between the presidents and their attorneys general.

Ultimately, the fate of the nations top law enforcement official is in the hands of politicians.

This is an updated version of an article originally published on Dec. 19, 2024. It is part of a series of profiles explaining Cabinet and high-level administration positions.
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Buried towards the tail-end of President Donald Trumps meandering primetime address to the nation on Wednesday was a phrase hed lifted almost verbatim from one of his own Truth Social posts earlier that day in which he threatened to attack Irans civilian infrastructure and bomb the country back to the Stone Ages.

Trump trotted out the Paleolithic phraseology as he promised to have U.S. forces hit Tehran extremely hard over the next two to three weeks and therefore bring them back to the stone ages where they belong.

It was a jarring threat coming from an American president that hinted of widespread damage and civilian casualties, accompanied by an explicit vow to target Irans power grid  something that would be considered a war crime under U.S. law  if Irans leaders dont agree to allow maritime traffic to begin flowing through the Strait of Hormuz once more.

And Trump appeared to follow through on that threat later in the day on Thursday, when he posted a video of an explosion collapsing what he called the biggest bridge in Iran while warning several hours later that the American military hadnt even started destroying whats left in the country.

The president added: Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST! But Trumps promise to reduce one of the worlds oldest civilizations to a pre-civilizational state isnt anything new.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran back to the Stone Ages during his address to the nation on Wednesday, harking back to Strategic Air Command General Curtis LeMays (pictured with JFK) warning to North Vietnam. LeMay was said to have inspired the George C. Scott character in Dr. Strangelove . ( Getty )

Its a throwback to an attitude and set of tactics perfected and advocated by one of the most important military officers of the 20th century  the legendary commander of the Strategic Air Command General Curtis LeMay.

LeMay, a cigar-chomping, hyper-aggressive bomber pilot who during World War II had masterminded massive incendiary attacks on Japan  including the March 1945 bombing of Tokyo  rose to prominence in the post-war period by masterminding the Berlin Airlift and organizing the Air Force elements of what became the U.S. nuclear triad into a disciplined, ultra-professional force capable of delivering world-ending explosive power on a moments notice.

He was also a passionate advocate of using sustained strategic bombing campaigns to wipe out an enemys cities, ports and infrastructure  and demoralize adversaries without the need for boots on the ground.

LeMay explained how his preferred strategy was to be implemented during the Vietnam War in his 1965 autobiography, writing that he wanted to demand that North Vietnam draw in their horns and stop their aggression, or were going to bomb them back into the Stone Age.

And we would shove them back into the Stone Age with Air power or Naval power  not with ground forces, LeMay added.

The notoriously gruff Air Force officer  who inspired the characters of Buck Turgidson (George C. Scott) and Jack D. Ripper (Sterling Hayden) in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove  wasnt kidding.

open image in gallery General Curtis LeMay, commander of the Strategic Air Command (pictured with President John F. Kennedy) wrote in his 1965 autobiography that he wanted to demand that North Vietnam draw in their horns and stop their aggression, or were going to bomb them back into the Stone Age. ( Bettmann Archive )

According to a Joint Staff-authored, declassified report on 1960s-era war plans LeMay had helped to author for a potential conflict with the Soviet Union, the U.S. plan was to use strategic weapons  including thermonuclear ones  to destroy the USSR so completely that it could no longer be a viable society and remove it from the category of a major industrial power.

It was that sentiment which Trump was channeling when he spoke on Wednesday, and his threat on Thursday  combined with the strike on the massive Iranian bridge  appeared to be part of a deliberate effort to legitimize wholesale attacks on Irans populace and infrastructure that date back to his first term.

In July 2018, Trump responded to a series of provocative statements by then-Iranian president Hassan Rouhani by tweeting that Iran would SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKE OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE if Rouhani were to threaten the U.S. again.

The next year in May 2019, he threatened that any fight between the U.S. and Iran would be the official end of the latter. A month later, he said that any attack by Iran on anything American would provoke great and overwhelming force from the U.S., adding that overwhelming will mean obliteration in some areas.

And in 2020, Trump threatened to target 52 Iranian sites... some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture  something that would have violated international prohibitions against targeting cultural sites  amid tensions between Washington and Tehran following the U.S. operation to kill Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leader Qassem Soleimani.

open image in gallery The notoriously gruff Air Force Gen. Curtis LeMay inspired the characters of Gen. Buck Turgidson (played by George C. Scott) and Jack D. Ripper (Sterling Hayden, not pictured) in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove . ( Corbis/Getty )

Trumps threats to use tactics that would be considered war crimes by many experts are consistent with his longstanding disdain for international law dating back to his first campaign for the presidency, when he said during a 2016 rally in Wisconsin that the U.S. military has been made afraid to fight because of the Geneva conventions and all sorts of rules he called a problem.

But Trumps enthusiasm for LeMays preferred tactics appears to indicate that the president doesnt know that LeMay would later call the legality of his wartime actions into question.

The late Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, who served under LeMay in the U.S. Army Air Forces Office of Statistical Control, told documentarian Errol Morris in 2003 that LeMay admitted that we'd all have been prosecuted as war criminals over the bombing of Tokyo if the U.S. hadnt defeated Japan.

McNamara, who as defense secretary employed similar bombing tactics against the North Vietnamese, told Morris that the legendary aviator had been right to assess his actions as potential war crimes  but only if theyd ended up on the losing side.

LeMay recognized that what he was doing would be thought immoral if his side had lost. But what makes it immoral if you lose and not immoral if you win? he said.
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President Donald Trump warned that hell will reign down on Iran within 48 hours unless the country opens the Strait of Hormuz hours before he claimed many of its military leaders were terminated.

Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD! Trump said in a Truth Social post Saturday morning.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m. ET, the president shared a video purporting to show a massive strike in Tehran, though it was not immediately clear when the attack was carried out. Many of Irans Military Leaders, who have led them poorly and unwisely, are terminated, along with much else, with this massive strike in Tehran! he wrote.

Around a fifth of the worlds oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is at the center of the conflict, and Irans tight grip over its navigation has caused chaos for import-dependent countries.

Trumps Truth Social warning to the Iranian regime, where he appeared to confuse the use of rain with reign, comes as the search for a missing U.S. fighter pilot entered its second day after a F-15 was shot down Friday.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump threatened to reign down hell on Iran within 48 hours unless the country opens the Strait of Hormuz ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery The president later shared a video purporting to show a massive strike in Tehran. It was not immediately clear when the strike was carried out ( @realDonaldTrump )

In a video he posted on Saturday afternoon, a loud boom could be heard as images show an enormous fireball igniting over a hillside at nightfall.

The Independent has contacted the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command and the White House for further information.

White House director of communications, Steven Cheung, said Trump has been working nonstop over the Easter weekend. The president is expected to remain in Washington, D.C. all weekend, according to his schedule.

There was no official update from the Trump administration about the missing pilot as of Saturday afternoon.

In a slew of Truth Social posts Saturday morning, Trump hit out at the media and touted job figures, but he did not reference the pilot.

open image in gallery The president appeared to confuse the use of rain with reign in his previous Truth Social post issuing the threat against Iran ( @realDonaldTrump )

Two American warplanes were shot down in separate incidents Friday as a search and rescue mission was launched to find the F-15 crew member who was forced to eject. An A-10 attack plane was reportedly hit in the Persian Gulf region, and the pilot was rescued after making it to Kuwaiti airspace, officials said.

Trump told The Independent on Friday that he is not yet ready to say what the U.S. will do if Iranian forces get to the downed airman first. We hope thats not going to happen, the president said in a brief phone call Friday.

Iran was also issuing threats Saturday as the regime claimed it had used a new air defense system to target the U.S. fighter jet.

A spokesperson for the joint military command said that the country would definitely achieve full control over its airspace, according to Iranian state media.

Iran is reportedly offering locals around $65,000 to anyone who hands over the missing pilot alive.

An anchor on the Iranian state media channel said: If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police, you will receive a precious prize.

open image in gallery Debris from a military strike in Tehran April 4, as the violence showed little sign of slowing ( Getty Images )

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.

The downing of the military jet occurred just two days after Trump had declared in a national address that the U.S. had beaten and completely decimated Iran.

Both the U.S. and Israel had recently boasted about the supposed decimation of Iran's air defenses.

The violence showed no sign of slowing Saturday. Irans atomic agency said an airstrike hit near its Bushehr nuclear facility, killing a security guard and damaging a support building.

An Iranian drone also damaged the Dubai headquarters of the American tech giant Oracle on Saturday after Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened the firm, according to the Associated Press.

The sheikhdoms Dubai Media Office, which speaks for its government, said a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception that fell on the facade of the Oracle building in Dubai Internet City, adding there were no injuries.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began six weeks ago, including 13 U.S. service members.
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President Donald Trump is probably in panic mode over the missing U.S. pilot in Iran and two downed aircraft, according to John Bolton, his former national security adviser-turned fierce critic.

Two American warplanes were shot down in separate incidents Friday as a search and rescue mission was launched to find the F-15 crew member who was forced to eject. An A-10 attack plane was reportedly hit in the Persian Gulf region, and the pilot was rescued after making it to Kuwaiti airspace, officials said.

Trump has not been seen publicly since he addressed the nation late Wednesday, but he warned Iran that time is running out in a Truth Social post Saturday morning.

It sounds to me like hes probably back in a panic mode, Bolton speculated Friday night to CNNs Kaitlan Collins. Wishing he could find a way to declare victory and get out of this war, regardless of whether or not he opens the Strait of Hormuz before he does it.

Trump told The Independent that he is not yet ready to say what the U.S. will do if Iranian forces get to the downed airman first. We hope thats not going to happen, the president said in a brief phone call Friday.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump is probably in panic mode over the missing U.S. pilot in Iran, according to John Bolton, his former national security adviser-turned fierce critic ( AFP via Getty Images )

Bolton, who has been a vocal critic of Trump since he was fired by him in 2019, accused the president and his administration of a lack of effective decision-making heading into the war.

I think if there had been an effective decision-making process before the war started and these concerns were raised and they bothered the president, he had the option then not to initiate the attack. But apparently he was satisfied, Bolton said.

The president previously said Irans anti-aircraft equipment was destroyed, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth bragged that the U.S. had dominated the skies in Operation Epic Fury.

Bolton told Collins that Fridays events, coupled with previous brags of the Trump administration, degrades White House credibility.

open image in gallery Bolton, who has been a vocal critic of Trump since he was fired by him in 2019, accused the president and his administration of a lack of effective decision-making heading into the war ( CNN )

If you overstate what youve accomplished and evidence comes that shows that youve overstated, you look foolish, Bolton said.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.

Trump did not directly reference the missing U.S. pilot in a Truth Social post Saturday morning, but warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them, he said, appearing to confuse the use of rain with reign.

Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command claimed the regime had used a new air defense system to target the U.S. fighter jet.

A spokesperson for the joint military command Saturday that the country would definitely achieve full control over its airspace, according to Iranian state media.
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Democrats have slammed Florida lawmakers for passing a bill renaming the Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump - given it comes with an eye-watering $5.5 million cost.

In a statement after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the renaming bill, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell claimed GOP officials "decided to prioritize wasting five million of your taxpayer dollars on renaming an airport after the President."

"Your money is being misused to celebrate the man who caused gas prices to rise to over four dollars a gallon, grocery costs to shoot up, and health care prices to spike," she added. "Its clear Tallahassee Republicans care more about political stunts than they care about your wallet.

Overall, the name change is expected to cost up to $5.5 million, according to a local funding request filed to the state Senate, obtained by The Center Square.

The costs, not included in the renaming bill, would come from updating, fabricating, and installing all signage on roadways, terminals, parking areas, airfield locations, equipment, and vehicles; updating all branding elements such as logos, marks, and design standards; and revising websites, mobile applications, social media, consumables, advertising, promotional items, uniforms, and related materials, according to the request.

open image in gallery Democratic critics are hammering the plan to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Donald Trump because it could cost local governments up to $5.5 million ( AFP via Getty Images )

Our goal throughout this transition is to keep everything easy and familiar for our passengers, Director of Airports Laura Beebe said in a release. Our team will be working behind the scenes to implement the required updates, and travelers will continue to enjoy the same smooth, convenient and friendly experience they expect.

State Rep. Meg Weinberger, who proposed the renaming bill, has defended the expected costs. She believes the enthusiasm around the presidents name and brand being associated with Palm Beach will recoup the millions spent.

"I think it will really help our community and our state quite a bit having that global brand," she told WPBF earlier this week.

The newly renamed Trump International Airport connects to the recently renamed Donald J. Trump Boulevard, a stretch of road between the air hub and his coastal Mar-a-Lago estate.

During debate over the bill in February, state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith accused Republicans of helping the president turn the airport into a branding opportunity.

Were passing a bill using millions of dollars of Florida taxpayer money that will basically help subsidize President Trumps ability to continue to enrich himself on merchandise sales from the use of the name President Donald J. Trump Airport, he said.

That same month, the presidents Trump Organization company filed applications to trademark the name Donald Trump for use related to airports, shuttle buses, and even flight suits.

"To be clear, the President and his family will not receive any royalty, licensing fee, or financial consideration whatsoever from the proposed airport renaming," the company affirmed at the time.

open image in gallery The presidents company filed applications to trademark airport-related uses of his name in February ( AFP via Getty Images )

The renaming of the airport is one of the recent moves to honor Trump.

The president and his allies have also put his name on the marquee at Washington D.C.-area institutions including the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Institute of Peace. A federal lawsuit seeks to remove the Trump name from the Kennedy Center, arguing that it was illegally added without congressional approval.

Trump is also remaking city skylines, and recently revealed plans to build his presidential library in Miami, in the form of a towering waterfront skyscraper.

A rendering of the tower includes the name Trump across the top of the building, which has a similar look to New York Citys One World Trade Center. Inside the building is the presidential 747 jet gifted to Trump by Qatar. There is also a gold escalator and statues in the building of Trump, striking his fist-in-the-air pose after an assassination attempt.
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Australia has charged nine men over an alleged conspiracy to bring in 3.5 tonnes of cocaine and methamphetamine by sea and distribute the drugs nationwide, concluding an almost 10-month investigation by federal and state authorities.

The alleged smuggling operation came to light last May when a commercial trawler sank off the Victorian coast at Port Albert. Police officers monitoring the crews movements noted they had travelled out to sea in bad weather without standard fishing equipment, raising suspicion about the purpose of the voyage. In the following months, police conducted surveillance of several boat crews suspected to be linked to the syndicate.

The group allegedly made multiple attempts to reach a drop zone in Bass Strait where smaller vessels would have collected large quantities of drugs from a "mother ship" travelling through Australian waters. All attempts failed and no drugs were brought onshore.

The nine men, aged between 31 and 72, were arrested following raids in Victoria and Sydney.

They face charges including conspiracy to import cocaine and trafficking methamphetamine as well as firearms offences. Seven face the possibility of life in prison if convicted. The eight Victorian men are due in court on 28 July and the Sydney man on 20 May.

Four men were also charged in connection with a separate seizure of 30kg of methamphetamine in Perth last August and 41kg of cocaine in Victoria days later.

The syndicate allegedly used their connections in the trucking industry to move drugs between states.

AFP detective superintendent Ray Imbriano said at-sea drug transfers were dangerous and put both criminals and emergency workers at risk.

At-sea transfers are dangerous, and criminals using this smuggling method risk both their freedom and their lives," he said. "It also risks the lives of first responders who too often have had to save the lives of crew involved in drug retrieval."

He said organised criminals were targeting Australia because of an "insatiable" demand for illicit drugs and the community's willingness to pay high prices, warning that drug importations fuelled gang violence that left "innocent Australians caught in the crosshairs.

Victoria Police superintendent Dave Cowan said Australia had become a "favourable location" for organised crime syndicates.

"The damage caused by the use of illicit substances ripples throughout the community, and it does not just affect those using the drug," he said. Victoria Police said the investigation was ongoing and further arrests had not been ruled out.
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Two more people have been detained in connection with the arson attack on a Czech optics and drone factory last month, authorities said.

No injuries were reported after an industrial company about 120 km (75 miles) east of Prague caught on fire on March 20, which a previously unknown pro-Palestinian activist group claimed responsibility for.

Czech authorities have previously announced five detentions, including of an Egyptian and a U.S. citizen, since the fire that targeted a building used by the Czech defence group, LPP Holding.

Polish prosecutors said on Wednesday that two Polish citizens were also detained in connection with the case.

Czech police and prosecutors said another person was detained on Saturday. A further individual was also detained in Bulgaria on Friday and police said their extradition will be requested.

Both were foreign nationals, Czech authorities said.

Czech authorities have previously announced five detentions, including those of an Egyptian and a U.S. citizen ( CTK )

The group that claimed responsibility for the attack has said in a statement online that the targeted company was developing weapons for Israel. LPP Holding announced plans to cooperate with Israeli group Elbit Systems ESLT.TA in 2023, but says those plans were never implemented.

The company develops and makes products for civilian and military use, such as drone technologies used by Ukraines armed forces in the fight against the Russian invasion.

Interior Minister Lubomir Metnar said the incident may be related to a terrorist attack.

The fire was extinguished by firefighters and police said there was no danger to the public. It was not immediately clear what was inside the warehouse that was on fire.

LPP Holding had previously said it was planning to open a center to develop and produce drones and train personnel in cooperation with Israeli Elbit Systems, a military technology company.
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Students across Russia are reportedly being offered significant financial incentives to join drone units fighting in Ukraine, serving as both operators and engineers.

This recruitment drive is further evidenced by documents indicating that companies in Russia's central Ryazan region have been given quotas to enlist workers for the army.

This intensified effort to replenish military ranks comes as Russian forces continue to make battlefield gains in Ukraine, now in the fifth year of the conflict, and as US-brokered peace talks remain on hold due to the Iran war.

The move suggests Moscow is diversifying its recruitment strategies, though the Kremlin has stated that a general mobilisation is not on the agenda.

Top officials also deny any shortage of recruits, despite Ukrainian claims  dismissed by Moscow  that Kyiv is eliminating Russian troops faster than they can be replaced.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council, told state media on Friday that Russia's recruitment system, which offers substantial financial packages to volunteers, continues to deliver.

He claimed over 400,000 people signed up last year, with more than 80,000 joining so far this year. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Thursday that students are indeed being encouraged to join Russia's drone forces, a new division of the armed forces established late last year at President Vladimir Putin's behest.

open image in gallery Russia's move to target students - a process critics say has sometimes been accompanied by undue pressure - suggests that Moscow is keen to pour more skilled human resources into its drone forces which - like those of Ukraine - play an increasingly pivotal role in what has long become a war of attrition ( REUTERS )

Peskov added that the recruitment offer "applies equally to everyone - workers, students and the unemployed," describing it as "a completely open offer, an offer to join a new type of unit."

Russia's move to target students - a process critics say has sometimes been accompanied by undue pressure - suggests that Moscow is keen to pour more skilled human resources into its drone forces which - like those of Ukraine - play an increasingly pivotal role in what has long become a war of attrition.

Drone operators from both sides typically work some distance from the front line but are regarded as high-value targets who are hunted down and killed if their positions are revealed.

The Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok is promising students who sign up for a minimum of one year extendable academic leave and a guaranteed exemption from any education fees on their return, plus free accommodation and grants. It is also pledging to cover the costs of any military equipment and weaponry needed.

That is on top of what, by local standards, is a substantial financial package: a first-year salary from 5.5 million roubles ($68,433), a one-off payment of 2.5 million roubles after free training, a monthly allowance of 240,000 roubles, and a one-off payment of 200,000 roubles from the university.

open image in gallery People walk under a digital screen displaying an ad promoting contract military service in the Russian army's unmanned systems forces ( REUTERS )

"This is not only an opportunity to prove yourself, but also a unique platform for social and career advancement, backed by unprecedented support measures," the university said in a document published on March 19.

The Moscow State University of Civil Engineering is offering similar incentives, telling students in a statement on its website that they have the chance to become drone operators, engineers or technical specialists.

The Russian State Hydrometeorological University in St Petersburg is also encouraging its students to sign up. Its offer, published on its website, shows a drone operator promising payments from 7 million roubles ($87,000) per year.

There have been unconfirmed media reports that universities have been given recruitment quotas to meet and leaks suggesting that students - especially those who have failed exams or are indebted - have sometimes faced undue pressure to sign up, such as being threatened with expulsion if they do not.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm that and the Russian Defence Ministry and universities say signing up is entirely voluntary.

open image in gallery 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 army's ranks in what is the fifth year of its war. ( REUTERS )

The drive to woo students coincides with a new billboard recruitment campaign which shows a young drone operator with glowing eyes in hi-tech glasses under the title "the new indispensables."

Meanwhile Pavel Malkov, the governor of the Ryazan region - which has a population of over 1 million - has ordered private and public companies to set recruitment quotas for workers to sign contracts with the army.

His orders, contained in a decree which was published on a government website and publicised by state media, said that companies with up to 300 workers should provide two army recruits, companies with up to 500 employees three recruits, and companies with more than 500 workers five recruits.

The decree did not say what punishment, if any, companies would face if they failed to meet the quotas.
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.
ULAN BATOR, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's new coalition government, led by newly appointed Prime Minister Nyam-Osor Uchral, who is the chairman of the ruling Mongolian People's Party (MPP), was sworn in on Saturday at the State Palace in the capital Ulan Bator.

The coalition government, formed by the MPP, the opposition Hun Party, and the National Coalition, comprises a prime minister, 19 ministers, and 16 ministries.

Among the cabinet members, 10 ministers from the previous government were reappointed.

The political transition followed the resignation of former Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar, who stepped down at his own request last week.

In the 2024 parliamentary elections, the MPP won a narrow majority, securing 68 of the 126 seats. The Hun Party secured eight seats, while the National Coalition obtained four seats. 
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The US military is engaged in a desperate search for a missing pilot after an American warplane was shot down by Iran, which has now offered a reward for the pilot's capture. The incident marks a significant escalation in the six-week-old conflict, with Tehran calling on its citizens to turn in the airman.

The aircraft, identified by Iran as a US F-15E Strike Eagle, was one of two targeted on Friday. While one service member was rescued, at least one remains unaccounted for. This represents the first time the United States has lost an aircraft in Iranian territory during the ongoing hostilities, potentially signalling a new and dangerous phase in the campaign.

The conflict, initiated by the US and Israel on 28 February, has sent shockwaves across the Middle East and beyond. Thousands have been killed, global markets destabilised, crucial shipping lanes disrupted, and fuel prices have soared. With Iran continuing to retaliate against US and Israeli airstrikes, the violence shows no signs of abating. Saturday saw further missile and drone attacks, including an apparent Iranian drone strike that damaged the headquarters of US tech giant Oracle in Dubai.

The downing of the military jet occurred just two days after Donald Trump had declared in a national address that the US had "beaten and completely decimated Iran" and was "going to finish the job, and were going to finish it very fast." Both the US and Israel had recently boasted about the supposed decimation of Iran's air defenses.

Neither the White House nor the Pentagon released public information about the downed planes.

In an email from the Pentagon 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.

A U.S. crew member from that plane was rescued. But the Pentagon also notified the House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member on the fighter jet was not known. A U.S. military search-and-rescue operation continued Saturday.

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.

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 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.

An anchor on a TV channel affiliated with Iranian state television urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to the police.

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 the Iranian public was urged to look for a downed pilot.

Iranian state media said in a post on the social platform X its 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 a weapons system officer.

Tech giant hit in Dubai following Iranian threats

An apparent Iranian drone damaged the Dubai headquarters of the American tech giant Oracle on Saturday after Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened the firm.

open image in gallery The Oracle logo is displayed on a building at an Oracle campus on March 10, 2025 in Redwood Shores, California. ( Getty Images )

The attack targeted the headquarters, which sits along Dubais main Sheikh Zayed Road highway. Footage obtained by The Associated Press from outside the United Arab Emirates showed damage to the building. A large hole could be seen in the buildings southwestern corner, with the e in Oracle on a neon sign damaged.

The sheikhdoms Dubai Media Office, which speaks for its government, said a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception that fell on the facade of the Oracle building in Dubai Internet City," adding there were no injuries.

Oracle, based in Austin, Texas, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Guard has accused some of Americas largest tech companies of being involved in terrorist espionage operations against the Islamic Republic and said they were legitimate targets.

Earlier Iranian drone strikes hit Amazon Web Services facilities in both the UAE and Bahrain.

open image in gallery Fishing boats dot the sea as cargo ships, in the background, sail through the Arabian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz off the United Arab Emirates, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

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 is 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: With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began. 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 Arab states and the occupied West Bank, 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 U.S. service members have been killed. In Lebanon, over 1,300 people have been killed and more than 1 million displaced. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.
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A powerful 5.8 magnitude earthquake in northern Afghanistan has claimed the lives of at least eight members of a refugee family on the outskirts of Kabul. The victims, who had recently returned from neighbouring Iran, were killed when the tremor struck on Friday night.

A three-year-old boy, the sole survivor, sustained injuries and is currently receiving hospital treatment in the capital. Mohibullah Niazi, a neighbour who assisted in the rescue efforts, confirmed the family's tragic fate.

Afghanistan's deputy government spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, confirmed on Saturday that the overall death toll from the quake had risen to 12, with an additional four people injured. However, the Afghanistan Disaster Management Authority reported a lower figure, stating nine fatalities. The reason for the differing casualty figures was not immediately apparent.

Mr Fitrat also detailed the destruction, noting that five homes were completely destroyed and 33 others significantly damaged, impacting 40 families across the provinces of Kabul, Panjshir, Logar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and Nuristan.

open image in gallery Items are seen piled up at a house damaged by an earthquake in the village of Ittefaq, on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Siddiqullah Alizai) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The family near Kabul were among the millions of Afghan refugees who have recently returned from Iran and Pakistan, after both countries launched crackdowns in 2023 on foreigners - particularly Afghans - living in their countries.

They had arrived 15 days ago and were living in a tent on land next to Mr Niazi's home.

The family head, Najibullah, who was about 50 years old, "had no other shelter", Mr Niazi said.

"He was a very poor person."

The family had set their tent up next to a wall separating the plot of land from Mr Niazi's home, which stood on higher ground, in the village of Ittefaq on the eastern outskirts of the Afghan capital.

Heavy rains over the past several days, which have led to deadly floods in many parts of Afghanistan, had left the ground sodden and soft.

When the earthquake struck, the wall collapsed on the family.

"My daughter shouted to me that a wall had fallen on them. The whole family ran, but there were so many big rocks," Mr Niazi recounted as he stood at the scene.

"We tried our best."

On Saturday morning, piles of bricks and mud were all that were left, along with blankets, cooking utensils and other personal belongings salvaged from the rubble and set into a pile.

"For about three minutes, I could hear the voices of these people," Mr Niazi said.

"But we couldn't do anything. There were two or three of us, but this was not the work of three people."

Neighbours soon rushed to help, digging through the mud and rubble with spades and their hands.

They alerted the local Taliban police checkpoint, which sent rescuers and ambulances.

The young boy, Aarash, was pulled out alive but injured, and rushed to hospital.

Health Ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman, who visited the boy on Saturday, said he was being treated for a severe head injury.

For the rest of the family - the father and mother, four daughters aged between 12 and 23, and two sons - it was too late.

The rescuers could only recover their bodies.

open image in gallery Neighbor Mohibullah Niazi searches through items piled up at a house damaged by an earthquake in the village of Ittefaq, on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Siddiqullah Alizai) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Mr Niazi said he had hosted the family in his own home one night.

On Friday, just half an hour before the earthquake struck, he had renewed the offer, telling the family they could spend the night in his own guest room to shelter from the cold and rain.

"But they did not come with me," he said.

Friday night's quake had an epicentre in the Hindu Kush mountain range, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) east of the northern city of Kunduz, according to the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre and the US Geological Survey.

The area is roughly 290 kilometres (180 miles) north east of Kabul.

Afghanistan lies in a highly seismically active part of the world, and quakes have caused thousands of deaths in recent years.

Last August, a 6.0 earthquake that struck a remote, mountainous part of eastern Afghanistan killed more than 2,200 people.

Most casualties were in Kunar province, where people typically live in wood and mud-brick houses along steep valleys.

In November, a 6.3 earthquake struck Samangan province in northern Afghanistan, killing at least 27 people and injuring more than 950.

It also damaged historical sites, including Afghanistan's famed Blue Mosque in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, and the Bagh-e-Jahan Nama Palace in Khulm.

On October 7 2023, a 6.3 quake followed by strong aftershocks in western Afghanistan killed thousands of people.
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This article first appeared on our partner site, Independent Persian

As the US-Israeli war in the Middle East enters its second month, reports from multiple cities in Iran indicate the atmosphere inside the country is approaching a de facto state of martial law.

Residents say increased checkpoints, the presence of armed forces in residential neighbourhoods, intensified security crackdowns, and raids on homes have severely disrupted daily life.

According to accounts received by Independent Persian, in many neighbourhoods in Tehran, forces belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its subsidiary Basij militia have effectively turned residential areas into security zones by stationing heavy vehicles, numerous motorcycles and military equipment outside apartment complexes.

open image in gallery Members of the Basij paramilitary force stand at a checkpoint in Tehran, as residents report an increase in security crackdown ( AP/Vahid Salemi )

One resident of Tehrans Saadat Abad district said: Theyve set up a checkpoint in front of our building for a few days now.

From morning to night, they blast mourning chants at high volume. Its not just noise pollution; it also makes this place a potential target.

The fear that residential areas are being turned into military targets appears in multiple accounts.

Residents in several northern Tehran districts told Independent Persian the presence of these forces near homes, combined with constant drone surveillance, has created a strong sense of insecurity.

Many families fear that if these locations are targeted, civilians could be put at risk.

At the same time, reports point to a sharp increase in checkpoints on major roads and intercity routes.

open image in gallery A poster of the late Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and an anti-US placard in Tehran ( AP/Vahid Salemi )

A driver from Tehran said: From the airport entrance all the way to the Tehran-Qom highway, there are multiple checkpoints, right in the middle of the road. Military vehicles and armed forces stop every car.

He added that these checkpoints have not only caused heavy traffic but also created an atmosphere of fear, leading many drivers to avoid travelling at night.

Several accounts report a sharp rise in the inspection of mobile phones.

Dozens of individuals from across Iran told Independent Persian that security forces are checking phones in the streets, at checkpoints, and even during raids on cafes and homes.

A resident of Karaj said: They take your phone and search it to see if you have photos or videos of the attacks or sensitive locations. If they find anything, they arrest you on the spot.

This was echoed by a resident of eastern Tehran, who said: Ive seen them stop people in the street, take their phones, and even check messages and social media. One of our neighbours was taken for this reason, and we still have no news about him.

In some cases, these inspections are even more extensive and aggressive. According to a witness in the northeastern city of Mashhad, forces raided cafes and used portable modems to connect peoples phones to the internet, then checked their social media activity.

Recounting one encounter, he stated: They gathered everyone together, took their phones, and arrested anyone who had something suspicious.

Independent Persian has also learned that the Islamic Republics security forces in Borujen in the southwest Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, arrested 44-year-old mountaineer Kianoush Amini Borujeni along with his two sisters and their husbands.

According to the information received, Amini was arrested on 19 March after being beaten for protesting against Basij forces who had blocked the streets of Borujen to hold mourning ceremonies marking the death of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Later, his sisters, Golnoush and Mehrnoush Amini, who had been following up on his case along with their husbands, were also arrested on 27 March, after being physically assaulted by plainclothes agents and taken to an undisclosed location.

Other reports also point to repeated raids on residential homes. A resident of Tehran said: On the night of the [Persian] new year, they stormed into homes.

open image in gallery Mourners gather during a funeral procession for Alireza Tangsiri, head of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy ( AP/Vahid Salemi )

Even next to the Haft-Seen table, they searched phones. If they found anything, they would beat the person and take them away on the spot.

These accounts suggest that the scope of security action has extended beyond public spaces and into peoples private lives.

At the same time, reports indicate an increase in physical violence in these encounters. Several accounts mention beatings, threats with weapons, and even gunfire during inspections.

A resident of Mashhad said: If you resist or protest, they beat you with fists and kicks. They even shoot. There is no law.

Alongside this, some reports point to extortion at checkpoints.

A resident of Qeshm Island told Independent Persian: To pass through certain routes, you basically have to pay. Without paying, they wont let you through.

Changes in the behaviour of security forces have also been noted.

Several people told Independent Persian that to avoid identification, forces have removed number plates from official vehicles and are driving around in unmarked cars. The use of masks and face coverings has also increased among security forces.

One person remarked sarcastically: Before, we wore masks so we wouldnt be recognised  now they wear masks so we cant recognise them.

Reports also indicate a significant expansion in the arming of Basij forces, including at the neighbourhood level.

According to some accounts, unlike before, when these forces were only armed for specific missions, they now carry weapons permanently and even move around with them in their daily routines. There are also reports of armed women among these forces.

In the seminary city of Qom, locals describe a noticeable shift in the citys atmosphere.

According to one resident, many clerics are avoiding appearing in public, while cars displaying Iranian flags circulate through the streets: The atmosphere is completely securitised, but at the same time, there is also a hidden fear among those in power.

Another aspect of the situation is the sharp rise in arrests in recent days. Multiple sources have told Independent Persian that the number of arrests, particularly for sharing or sending images and videos related to Israeli and US strikes, has increased significantly.

At the same time, some legal sources say many lawyers have lost internet access, severely limiting their ability to follow up on detainees cases.

What emerges from these accounts is a picture of simultaneous external pressure and intensified internal control.

In handling wartime conditions, the Islamic Republic has increased its security presence across cities and imposed broader restrictions.

However, according to many residents, the result has not been greater security but rather heightened fear, distrust and serious disruption to daily life  a reality that is more visible than ever.

The near-total internet blackout in Iran, which began at the start of the war, has added further psychological strain.

Many people tell Independent Persian that the lack of access to information, the inability to communicate with family, and the difficulty of following news have created a deep sense of confusion and anxiety.

With widespread security presence on the streets and most people unable to record or share images and reports, this communication blackout has effectively left many in a state of isolation and uncertainty, and, as they describe it, has intensified the psychological pressure of the war.

Reviewed by Tooba Khokhar and Celine Assaf
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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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The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has long exerted a strong, often underestimated power in the Middle East. With around 190,000 members, plus an estimated 450,000 reserves in the Basij paramilitary, the largest component of Irans Armed Forces also controls much of the countrys politics, intelligence and economy.

After an Israeli airstrike assassinated the Islamic Republics Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, US President Donald Trump called on the IRGC to lay down its arms in exchange for immunity. IRGC forces refused the offer, and with many more of its leaders killed over the last month, it shows no sign of giving up.

As US ground forces deploy to the Middle East, it is imperative to understand that  despite a month of widespread US-Israeli bombing, damaged infrastructure, internal fractures and decimated leadership  the IRGC will likely resist any invasion of Iranian territory with tenacity. Its history demonstrates why.

From militia to frontline force

The IRGC originally emerged in the 1979 revolution from the ad hoc street militias made up of students loyal to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeinis vision of an Islamic Republic. It was opposed to the factions that sought to create a secular republic after the overthrow of the monarchy, and sought to be a national guard to protect the nascent Islamic revolutionary government.

Also known as the Pasdaran-e Enghelab, Guardians of the Revolution, it soon evolved into a praetorian guard for the countrys supreme leader.

In the forces earliest days it prevented a counter-revolution by the Artesh, the standing military under the Shah. The IRGC also fought street battles with rival revolutionary forces, including secular leftists and rival Islamist militias.

With Iraqs invasion of Iran in 1980, the IRGC emerged as a frontline conventional combat force in tandem with the national military. They repelled Saddam Husseins attack by 1982, though the war continued for another 6 years. Many current IRGC commanders were young soldiers or officers at the time, and experienced firsthand how Iraq deployed chemical weapons against them while the West remained silent.

The IRGC also became a counter-insurgency force when Saddam Hussein supported Iran Kurdish rebels in 1980. It has suppressed various internal ethnic rebellions, ranging from a Kurdish revolt in the northwest that began in the 1980s to a Baloch insurgency in the southeast in the 2000s.

Trumps recent attempts to foment Kurdish revolts will therefore likely meet with profound wrath from IRGC commanders, who have been fighting these ethnic rebel groups for decades.

Lessons from proxies

Through its regional proxies, the IRGC already has extensive experience of protracted wars of attrition against the US and Israel.

In 1982, the IRGC created a foreign expeditionary force, known as the Quds Force. Named after the Arabic for Jerusalem, the Quds supported the creation of Hezbollah in Lebanon in response to Israels invasion in that year to expel the Palestine Liberation Organization.

From that point onward, the IRGC was able to confront Israel via its proxy forces. Over 18 years, Hezbollah used tactics such as suicide car bombs to wear down occupying Israeli forces, who withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000. The operation was widely seen as a military failure for Israel.

open image in gallery In this image provided by Sepahnews of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on Feb. 16, 2026, shows troops standing at attention during the guard's drill in the Persian Gulf on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Sepahnews via AP) ( Sepahnews )

These tactics were repeated after the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, when Quds-backed proxy Shia militias, such as Kataib Hezbollah, targeted the US military deployed there with improvised explosive devices. The US withdrew from Iraq in 2011, desperate to extricate itself from a forever war.

The Quds proxies in Lebanon and Iraq provided lessons that the IRGC will surely seek to replicate in the event of a US invasion.

Many of these tactics were designed to wear down an occupying force, and will not be enough to thwart an immediate, high-intensity ground invasion. But if the US fails to achieve its (currently unclear) goals, it could find itself in yet another prolonged occupation and low-intensity war. If it does, the IRGCs well-honed attrition tactics will be deployed extensively.

Iran, the US and the Axis of Evil

After decades of bilateral tensions, the 9/11 attacks in 2001 forced the US and Iran into a brief alliance against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Irans regime even reached out to the US in late 2001, offering help to fallen pilots who landed on Iranian soil while combating their mutual enemy.

But in January 2002, George W Bush placed Iran alongside Iraq and North Korea in the now-infamous Axis of Evil, making them a target in the US War on Terror. For Iran, this marked a abrupt shift in public perceptions of the US.

The reformist president Mohammad Khatamis efforts at rapprochement ended. Three years later, the regime supported the rise of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a hardliner who, along with the Supreme Leader, invested in both the expansion of the nuclear program and the IRGC. The IRGC has since evolved to assume multiple security functions in the Islamic Republic.

About the author Ibrahim Al-Marashi is an Adjunct Professor at IE School of Humanities, IE University; California State University San Marcos . This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The only subsequent period of detente between the IRGC and the US was when the Quds Force fought against the Islamic State in 2014 in Iraq, in tandem with US air support. This cooperation occurred during the Obama administration, and a year later, the US entered a nuclear deal with Iran, from which Trump withdrew just two years later in 2017.

When IRGC bases were hit by ISIS terrorist strikes in early February 2019, it therefore viewed the attacks as the result of covert US actions. It blamed the US and Israel, in addition to a rise in Balochi and Kurdish subversion.

In the IRGCs narrative, the Trump administrations current war is part of a systemic American effort since the 1980s to attack the IRGC through proxies or economic warfare in order to weaken the Islamic Republic. For them, this is a conflict that has endured since the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

Protecting power

The IRGC has been, without a doubt, weakened by the past month of US-Israeli aerial attacks. But its history demonstrates its pattern of officers who have a sense of a distinct corporate identity, and who will defend their institutional power even if their leadership is killed.

This explains why, after Khameneis death, the IRGC rallied behind his son Mojtaba to keep its power intact. While some Iranians celebrated and others mourned Khameneis death, the IRGC presented a united front in backing his regime. If Irans political system fell apart, the IRGCs in-group status would be lost.

The IRGC has also evolved to operate as a business network. With holdings in the service sector, ranging from media to construction, it controls at least 20% percent of the economy. Given how some IRGC leaders have benefited from corrupt practices in managing these networks, they would fear being held accountable and tried by a new political order, and will not countenance the idea of surrender.

What this network of privilege represents is, ultimately, a deep state. The IRGC is not just an army, but a separate, autonomous and vast military institution, one that has managed to retain its power after Khameneis assassination. If the events of history  and of the conflict thus far  are anything to go by, it will fight to the bitter end rather than capitulate.
I keep thinking about how quickly life can change  about the thin line between having a home, having safety, and losing everything.

Ive been watching the conflict in Lebanon spiral  families forced to escape Israeli bombardments, carrying what little they can as they search for safety. Arriving in another neighbourhood, believing they will be protected, only to have to run again amid widening strikes.

I was in Beirut at the beginning of the year, chatting with young people in cafes and restaurants about their lives and plans for the future. So quickly, everything changed irrevocably.

I watch, I hope, I believe something will shift. Nothing does.

Almost every day, more people flee, as the number of safe places shrinks. More are killed, injured or displaced, and the scale of suffering mounts.

Families move, and move again. Some shelter in schools, classrooms lined with thin mattresses, people sleeping side by side. Places meant for learning and playing are now makeshift shelters. Many others are sleeping on the streets, in cars or on beaches.

Lebanon is a small country, now enduring immense devastation. Since 2 March, following intense strikes and widespread evacuation orders, more than a million people have been displaced by force  in a country already under immense pressure.

Entire neighbourhoods have been emptied; towns and villages destroyed. People are losing their homes, communities and the foundations of everyday life  roads, hospitals, schools, water, electricity.

This is not a temporary disruption. Lives are being dismantled with no end in sight.

This is happening while the world looks away, with too little being done to stop the war, which risks widening.

From Gaza to Lebanon, to Ukraine, Sudan and beyond, civilians are paying the highest price of conflicts and are too often left to endure the fallout alone.

open image in gallery UNHCR goodwill ambassador Theo James witnessed the destruction in Damascus ( UNHCR/Hameed Marouf )

This is not completely abstract to me.

My grandfather was a refugee. He fled Greece when the Nazis invaded Athens, finding safety in Syria. Growing up, his story shaped how I understand displacement and power.

Over the years, meeting refugees and internally displaced people  and most recently travelling in Lebanon and Syria with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency  has made that understanding impossible to ignore.

People caught up in war are often described as resilient. While they are, this word can become a quiet expectation: accept, adapt, carry on  whatever the cost.

Behind that resilience lies loss  of home, family, stability, the life that came before  and the quiet truth that none of this was chosen.

As a UNHCR goodwill ambassador, Ive spent years listening to, and trying to tell, the stories of forcibly displaced people in a way that does them justice. But some things resist translation  fear, grief, the uncertainty of what is to come.

Too often, we treat these stories as distant  belonging to other people, regions, history.

They dont.

Not long ago, Europeans were displaced across their continent. My own family lived that reality.

open image in gallery Displaced families in Lebanon have found refuge in Beiruts waterfront, sleeping in tents or in their car ( UNHCR )

Whats happening in Lebanon extends beyond its borders and underscores a simple truth: anyone can be displaced.

What the people of Lebanon are asking for is in no way unreasonable: safety; peace; to go home, return to school and live a normal life.

These are not aspirations. They are rights.

Empathy makes us human. But if we allow ourselves to feel, only to then look away, we become part of the distance and silence that allows injustice to continue.

Unless we all act, with shared responsibility, this is the question we must face: where do you go when there is no safe place?

Actor and producer Theo James is a UNHCR goodwill ambassador. UK for UNHCR is urgently appealing for lifesaving support in Lebanon and beyond: unrefugees.org.uk/Lebanon-emergency
Michael Houghton: My son hasnt quite realised that the 500 or so he might receive for his first communion represents only a fraction of what the day will cost us
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Sean Lemass with Dermot Ryan, whose private taped interviews with the former Fianna Fail leader form the basis of the new memoir

Frank Coughlan Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Sean Lemass would likely be phlegmatic, or at best give gruff approval, to the notion that Dublin Airport might be renamed in his honour. A bill with that purpose moved to its second stage in the Dail last November, introduced by a Fianna Fail TD.
MOSCOW, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The risk of a nuclear incident is on the rise following a U.S.-Israeli strike near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, the head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom said Saturday.

Iran confirmed that a projectile hit near the country's only operating nuclear power plant on Saturday, killing one security worker and marking the fourth such attack since the war began.

Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev said it remains unclear whether the strike was accidental or deliberate, warning that the situation around the plant is developing toward a worst-case scenario.

He added that Rosatom has begun evacuating its personnel from the plant, transporting staff by bus to the Iranian-Armenian border for their return to Russia via Armenia.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned Saturday's strike, noting that the situation at Bushehr is "increasingly approaching a dangerous point."

"The worst can still be avoided, but to achieve this, strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant, must cease immediately," she said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency called for maximum military restraint to avoid the "risk of a nuclear accident," noting that there was "no increase in radiation levels" after Saturday's attack. 
Air Corps praised for helping 96-year-old cancer patient reunite with wife hours before his death

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The Defence Forces Air Corps sometimes airlifts patients on 'humanitarian grounds'. Stock image

Darragh McDonagh Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 06:30

The Air Corps and a team of doctors in Galway have been lauded for exceptional efforts that allowed a 96-year-old cancer patient to be reunited with his 94-year-old wife before he died.
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James Johnston with his wife Carol, (centre right) and daughters Kate (left) and Meagan (right) at an inquest for his daughter Aoife. Photo: Brendan Gleeson.

James Johnston, the father of Co Clare teenager Aoife Johnston who died in UHL after contracting sepsis, has passed away after an illness.

James of Shannon, Co Clare, campaigned for justice for his daughter Aoife, who died at age 16 in 2022 after she contracted sepsis but had to wait over 15 hours for medication that could have saved her life.
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Mary Regan Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 06:30

There was a sense of deja-vu in the Aisling Hotel in Dublin on Monday night when the presence of Bertie Ahern prompted a round of applause among the Fianna Fail faithful.
Support drops for opposition leaders as cost of living and fuel crisis bite

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is now tied with Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns as the most popular party leader in the country, the latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll shows.

The Taoiseach has seen support for his party rise by one point to 19pc as the Government continues to grapple with the crisis ahead of launching a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing energy usage following the war in Iran.
A nationwide weather advisory is in place for the Easter weekend. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

MORE than 18,000 homes and businesses across the country were without power on Saturday night, as Storm Dave hit Ireland with strong winds and led to flights cancellations and travel disruption.
One Saturday, we had a funeral, a wedding, a first communion and then mass. It was too much: Irelands priests are feeling the pressure

As the number of priests dwindles and their workload soars, Irelands ageing clergy have a heavy cross to bear. Two priests open up about their day-to-day lives and the mental health struggles faced by clerics as they head into a busy Easter schedule

Bearing the Cross

Sarah Mac Donald Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 06:30

When my mother died, I had to ring around to try and find a priest to cover for me. I know priests who went back to work the weekend after the death of their mother or father because there was no one to cover for them, Fr Tim Hazelwood says.
Two childhood friends from Wicklow who live in the UAE would not let travel disruptions in the region stand in their way as they journeyed by road and alternative flights to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of a hometown cancer support group.
MOSCOW, April 4 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and four others, including a foreign citizen, were injured in an overnight drone attack on the Russian city of Taganrog, Rostov region governor Yury Slyusar said on Saturday.

"The victims sustained serious injuries. According to doctors, three are in critical condition," the governor said on Telegram.

Commercial facilities were damaged in the attack and a fire broke out at the warehouses of a logistics company, Slyusar said, adding that people were evacuated and the fire was contained.

Additionally, a commercial vessel flying a foreign flag was damaged in the waters of Taganrog Bay by falling drone debris.

Ukrainian media outlet Kyiv Independent reported that the Ukrainian forces struck two defense-related enterprises in Taganrog overnight.

The report said the Beriev Taganrog Aviation Scientific Technical Complex, where Tu-95 bombers and A-50 surveillance aircraft are modernized, and the Atlant-Aero plant, which develops and produces unmanned aerial vehicles, sustained damage. 
Declan Power: Veto power has turned UN into an empty vessel  Triple Lock must go so that Ireland and EU can ensure peacekeeping efforts

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Fighting is intensifying in Lebanon as Israel tries to capture more territory. Photo: Reuters

Declan Power Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 06:30

As fighting intensifies in South Lebanon as a by-product of the US-Israeli authored war in Iran, Israel continues to strengthen its grip on Lebanese territory south of the Litani River.
James Crisp: How Donald Trumps Iran war has lost him the support of Europes far-right leaders

Populist leaders falling out of love with US president they once showered with praise

US president Donald Trump with Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban, one of his biggest supporters in Europe. Photo: Getty

James Crisp Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Donald Trump thought he could count on Europes populist leaders, but they are turning against him over the war in Iran.
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Too many of our brothers, sons and fathers get upset and defensive when women talk about the realities of assault

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Louise McSharry Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 06:30

As the writer of an opinion column, you worry about becoming repetitive. Theres so much happening in the world, theres no need to come back to the same subject time and time again. Yet, as I prepare for each deadline, I struggle not to write about the same thing. Male violence against women.
Junior transport minister Sean Canney has warned of the extent of the global situation. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

It cant be good when the most powerful man in the world has to be reminded by the man who represents the worlds most vulnerable, that war isnt a game show.

United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher reacted after the US hit civilian targets in Iran.

It follows Donald Trumps threat to bomb Iran back to the stone ages.

Fletcher slated 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, Mr Fletcher said. You dont hit civilian infrastructure. That includes hospitals. You dont hit schools, energy sources, bridges.

His warning is apposite. On the first day of the war, five weeks ago, a strike on a girls school in the southern Iranian city of Minab killed 160 people, mostly children.

What so alarms the UN representative, and leaders around the world, is what he called a gradual and then sudden deterioration in the protection of civilians, adding: This stuff is not negotiable.

Were geopolitically in a global situation worse than we ever had before. The entire extent of it is not with us yet

We have too often in Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine seen repeated precision bombing target predominantly civilian areas.

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 raids in Iran.

Protecting life must always be the primary consideration. But the material consequences for global economies are also profound.

Here, the Irish Road Haulage Association has warned the Government that the fuel price crisis is approaching the level of a national emergency.

Since the government supports were announced, prices have risen 35pc. Speaking to RTE, junior transport minister Sean Canney said: Were geopolitically in a global situation worse than we ever had before. The entire extent of it is not with us yet.

Junior transport minister Sean Canney has warned of the extent of the global situation. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

In Brussels, the EU has said it is assessing all possibilities. This includes fuel rationing and releasing more oil from emergency reserves as it braces for a long-lasting energy shock from the war.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Dan Jorgensen, the blocs energy commissioner, said: This will be a long crisis... energy prices will be higher for a very long time.

Like our own Government, Jorgensen said there was no emergency yet, but Brussels was still drawing up plans to tackle structural, long-lasting effects of the conflict. But Trumps erratic pronouncements and shifting objectives in the war make it futile to plan for effective contingencies.

The US president glibly argues that the closure of the criticial Strait of Hormuz is not his countrys problem, even though his actions precipitated it. But of course the US is not insulated from the war. Outside the presidents skewed worldview, facts remain facts. As oil prices are set globally, when they soar, US consumers, like everyone else, pay at the pumps. If the war does not end soon, Trump may also find he too will pay.
Just outside Jerusalem, there was, the Bible tells us, a place named Gethsemane. It was there that Jesus went through the agony in the garden, asking God: My father, is it possible to take this cup from me? It was also where Judas betrayed him.

After going through many torments, he said: My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done. (Matthew 26:42).

Today, too many people in the Middle East  whether they have any association with religion or not  would wish that this cup of pain and anguish could be taken from them this Easter.

While efforts at conciliation may continue in the background, the momentum is with the military, and everything points to a worsening conflict.

This week, Pope Leo, who is an American, had a simple but direct Easter message for US president Donald Trump. As the first US pontiff, it may have unique traction.

He said: Im told that President Trump has recently stated that he would like to end the war. I hope that hes looking for an off-ramp.

Hopefully, hes looking for a way to decrease the amount of violence, of bombing, which would be a significant contribution to removing the hatred thats being created, thats increasing constantly in the Middle East and elsewhere.

He called on all world leaders to return to dialogue and look for ways to reduce the amount of violence so that peace, especially at Easter, might reign in our hearts.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the threat from Trump to bomb Iran back to the stone ages was unacceptable

At the weekend, he had an equally sombre, but sobering, message: Brothers and sisters, this is our God. Jesus, king of peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying, Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.

With wars raging in Ukraine and Iran, the Popes words demand attention. Voices of moderation are rare. He is clearly anxious to distance the Catholic Church from any attempts to justify bloodshed based on faith or beliefs.

However, the increasingly aggressive tone in Washington is causing alarm beyond the Vatican.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said the threat from Trump to bomb Iran back to the stone ages was unacceptable. He said citizens of Iran have no act or part in the war and must be protected.

Thats unacceptable. Every person involved in war has to prioritise civilian protection and innocent civilians, he said.

There is no better time than Easter to reflect on the indefensible loss of life war causes.

Leaving aside trying to decipher where Trumps real intentions lie, one universal truth holds. To paraphrase the novelist Margaret Atwood, whatever our differences, there is only one race  the human race  and we all belong to it.
Representatives from Newmarket Credit Union Elaine Howard and Dorothy Barrett presenting their generous donation of 2,500 to Deputy Principal DJ McSweeney and Transition Year students.

Eoin O'Sullivan gearing up to shine on stage.

Jena Healy and Emma Enright in the spotlight

Daniel McSweeny, Jena Healy, Lillie Walsh, Dan Collins and Jack O'Shea taking to the stage.

The cast and crew of Boherbue Comprehensive's TY musical 'Step Up'.

Transition year students from Boherbue Comprehensive School recently staged two very successful productions of their hit musical Step Up in Pearse Hall, Boherbue.

The production, which was held on March 27 and 28 drew strong community support, with tickets selling out in advance for both nights.

This illustrated the popularity of the schools annual musical and the anticipation surrounding this years show.

At the heart of Step Up was the dedication and talent of the Transition Year students, who took full ownership of the production.

The cast delivered a high-energy performance, combining strong acting with confident vocals and wonderful choreography.

Many students took on leading roles for the first time, rising to the challenge and demonstrating impressive stage presence and confidence throughout both nights.

Each performance was opened by a group of first year dancers, who set the tone for the evening with an energetic routine.

Beyond the spotlight, students were deeply involved in every aspect of the shows production.

A committed backstage team handled stage management, set construction and props ensuring the performances ran smoothly.

Others worked on costume design and makeup, helping to bring characters to life.

The students were guided by musical director and choreographer Emma Norton, a Newmarket native, who brought a wealth of expertise to the role.

A graduate of The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television in Edinburgh with a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre, Ms Norton has performed extensively across Ireland, including with Centre Stage School in Mallow, and she also spent seven months performing at Disneyland Paris.

The students were also supported by assistant producer Mike Guerin a creative writing and drama teacher based in Newmarket.

Mr Guerin is an award-winning short story writer whose work has been published both nationally and internationally, with plays staged across Ireland and at the INK Short Play Festival in England.

Sound for the production was expertly managed by Jimmy Healy and it contributed hugely to the smooth running of both performances.

The production was further strengthened by generous community support, including a 2,500 donation from Newmarket Credit Union.

Representatives Elaine Howard and Dorothy Barrett were recently welcomed to Boherbue Comprehensive School, where they met with Deputy Principal DJ McSweeney and the students involved in the production.

Their contribution played a vital role in enhancing the overall quality of the show and supporting students throughout the process.

The full houses on both nights perfectly reflects the continued support for the schools annual musical and the significant effort and dedication of everyone involved.
A Huntingtons disease sufferer who claimed that he doesn't drink and that his condition can be mistaken for intoxication has been placed on a peace bond for telling a hospital worker to "f**k off", with a separate charge of stealing a beer keg two days beforehand dismissed.

Niall Kelly (30), of Granby Lane, Dublin 1, had pleaded not guilty to being intoxicated in a public place and engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at St Vincents Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, on April 24, 2025.

Garda Kieran Devitt told Dun Laoghaire District Court that when he arrived at the hospital, he saw Kelly telling a female staff member to f*** off. He said there was a smell of alcohol from Kelly and that he appeared unsteady on his feet.

During cross-examination, defence counsel Silvia Maria Crowley BL put it to the garda that Kelly does not drink and said his unsteadiness could be explained by Huntingtons disease, a condition which affects movement and balance and can make a person appear intoxicated.

Gda Devitt told the court that he knew Kelly and was aware that he does drink. He said he did not accept that Kellys behaviour on the day was solely due to his medical condition.

The witness told Judge Anne Watkin that he believed Kelly had been drinking and said he was unsteady on his feet and appeared to be a danger to himself and others.

Ms Crowley told the court that Kelly is dealing with a very serious diagnosis at a young stage of life. She said Huntingtons disease can cause involuntary movements and unsteadiness that may be mistaken for intoxication.

Ms Crowley said the condition has worsened and told the court Kelly is no longer able to work because of the illness. She stressed the illness was not being raised as a defence, but was only being used in mitigation.

Judge Anne Watkin said she was sympathetic to Kellys medical circumstances and accepted that the illness affects his behaviour and would take that into account.

However, she said the condition could not excuse abusive behaviour towards hospital staff.

"I cannot say that because somebody has a very difficult life they can do whatever they like", the judge said.

Judge Watkin said she would deal with the case by way of a 500 peace bond that the defendant would be under for 12 months.

In a separate hearing, Kelly also pleaded not guilty to stealing a keg of alcohol valued at 200 from Farmer Browns pub in Clonskeagh, Dublin 4, on April 22, 2025.

A manager at Farmer Browns Clonskeagh told Dun Laoghaire District Court she saw two people taking the keg and called gardai. She said it happened near Scullys Field beside the Dodder walkway off Strand Terrace, where she said homeless people regularly gather to drink and cause problems for the pub.

A garda witness told the court that he downloaded the CCTV footage and kept it in a secured place, to which only he had a key. He said one of the males on the footage was identified as the accused.

However, Ms Crowley told Judge Watkin there was no clear chain of custody for the CCTV footage and the court could not be certain who had access to it, or when.

Judge Watkin found there was a gap in the continuity of custody of the CCTV evidence and the court could not be satisfied it could be relied on. She said the evidence was not sufficient and dismissed the charge.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
He panicked, the court heard

A fake name in Knocknagoshel, Dublin Bay prawns and a rolling can of coke were the cruxes of cases before Judge David Waters at Dingle District Court last Friday, March 27.

First up was Charlie Quilligan (19) of Penybryn Caravan Park, Llwynhendy, Llanelli, South Wales. Mr Quilligan was fined 1,100 for a series of charges following a garda pursuit on the Abbeyfeale road in Knocknagoshel.

The court heard gardai chased him after he was caught driving at 132kph in a 100kph zone at 12.50pm on March 26. When stopped, Mr Quilligan provided an alias and a fake age.

Gave his name as Tommy OBrien, said Sergeant Chris Manton. There was a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the vehicle, he added.

He was co-operative in the name of Tommy OBrien, said the sergeant, noting the accused had a change of heart about his alias once he realised he could only avail of bail with his real name.

Solicitor Brendan Ahern asked the judge to refrain from a custodial sentence considering his clients young age.

He panicked, said the solicitor.

He noted Mr Quilligan drove his aunts car and did not own a vehicle.

He tells me he has about 100 in his bank account, said the solicitor.

Judge David Waters convicted and issued a flurry of fines, including fines of 400 with a two-year driving disqualification for dangerous driving, 300 and a two-year disqualification for driving without insurance and 200 for possession of a controlled drug. He was also fined 200 for giving a fake name and date of birth to Garda Padraig Ryan. A conviction for driving without a licence was taken into consideration.

Patrick Martin (27) of Reenconnell, Dingle was fined 250 for driving without reasonable consideration. The court heard he drove into the rear of an An Post van making deliveries on Strand Street on September 11, 2024. Solicitor Padraig OConnell noted his client had said, A 500ml Coke bottle rolled under the break pedal, which caused my jeep to keep going. He had no priors.

Jamie Granville of Ballinaboula, Dingle faced a single charge as master of the Irish sea fishing boat, Ocean Harvester II, for failing to give the correct label to frozen Dublin Bay prawns (Nephrops norvegicus) at the time of stowage between January 18 and 23, 2025. The case sent forward for trial to circuit court.

Finally, the judge concluded last months civil case regarding a barking Pomeranian. Two tenants of a partitioned house gave their stories in testimony regarding a dispute about noise disturbance dating from 2024. Both parties had agreed there was no soundproofing in the subdivided house.

On Friday, Judge Waters said the house appeared to be a single unit and so its renters were more akin to room-mates than neighbours. As such, he made no offer on the applications, stating the laws were not designed to deal with this.

I think they need to start from the point that they are house-mates, whether they like it or not, said Judge Waters.

He noted people were destitute for housing.

I appreciate theres an appalling housing situation, particularly in places like Dingle, he said.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Mayor of Kerry Councillor Michael Foley, has called for an urgent decision on the long-awaited terminal at the Tarbert/Ballylongford Landbank, following a recent High Court ruling granting approval for a 600-megawatt power plant on the same site.

Shannon LNG Ltd received approval from An Coimisiun Pleanala in March 2025 to develop the power plant on the landbank but a judicial review against the proposal was brought by the environmental group Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE).

The power plant appeal was successful after two judicial reviews, which those in favour of the project hope will be the final obstacle towards establishing an LNG facility in north Kerry. This is currently before An Coimisiun Pleanala awaiting a decision

Cllr Michael Foley said he wants the national planning group to make its decision as soon as possible saying approval for the 600-megawatt power plant is a positive development for the region.

Those in favour of LNG believe it has the potential to support local employment, investment, and ensure a more stable energy supply, especially in the current climate of global energy insecurity while contributing to Irelands broader energy strategy.

Cllr Foley believes the High Court decision is a significant milestone, confirming that the planning and environmental assessments are robust, meet all legal requirements and demonstrates the strength and quality of the environmental analysis, particularly around sensitive issues like habitat protection.

Also, it is encouraging that the court acknowledged the efficiency of the plant design and the role it can play in displacing more carbon-intensive energy sources, Cllr Foley said.

He said the LNG project had been exhausted to infinitum, a view shared by Justice Richard Humphreys who noted in his summary that it is one of the most thoroughly litigated projects in recent times  this is the seventh written decision relating in one way or another to the project.

While this judgment relates to the power plant, it also provides important clarity that strengthens the LNG terminal currently under consideration, Cllr Foley added.

Fine Gael Senator Mike Kennelly said the fact the 600-megawatt power plant has withstood two judicial reviews demonstrates the strength of the project. He insisted that attention must now turn to the pending decision on the LNG terminal,

After years of scrutiny and analysis, it is essential that we move forward without further unnecessary delay, he said.

Senator Kennelly expressed his appreciation to all those who have supported the project over the years, saying the region is now almost there in securing critical energy infrastructure for the future.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae also welcomed the latest developments, saying it is timely for north Kerry and Ireland in an age of energy uncertainty due to global forces.

North Kerry has a proud industrial and energy heritage, and this development can play a central role in its future. It is essential that we maximise the potential of the Shannon Estuary as a hub for strategic investment, job creation and long-term economic growth, Minister Healy-Rae said.
Pictured receiving the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark at a ceremony in The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire in Dublin on Thursday March 26, recognising their work over an 18-month period to create safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ young people are staff and students from St. Brendan's College in Killarney.

St Brendan's College in Killarney was last week honoured to be awarded with the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark, recognising its work over an 18-month period to create safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ young people, at a ceremony that took place in The Royal Marine Hotel inDublin.

St Brendan's College was among 39 postprimary schools and Youthreach centres from across Ireland recognised at the event, in total representing over 2,300 staff and 22,000 students from across the country.

Key Achievements of the accredited schools include:

Policy Reform: Implementation of robust, LGBTQ+-inclusive anti-bullying policies.

Student Voice: Establishment of LGBTQ+ and Allies clubs to foster peer support.

Community Engagement: Direct outreach to parents and the wider school community to build a culture of belonging.

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is the first national accreditation of its kind, supporting schools and centres in Kerry and across Ireland to embed sustainable, longterm practices that protect LGBTQ+ students wellbeing and foster a culture of belonging.

The event brought together school leaders, teachers, Youthreach staff, students, and representatives from across the education sector to celebrate the impact of the programme and the progress being made nationwide.

Speaking at the event, Mr Sean Coffey, Principal at St. Brendans College, said:

We are delighted to accept on our LGBTQ+ Quality Mark on behalf of the whole school community. We take pride in helping our students grow not only in knowledge and skill, but in character and compassion.

Embracing diversity and nurturing inclusion strengthens our school community, enriches school life, and prepares our young people to lead in the modern world. Our achievement is the beginning of a renewed commitment to continuing to build a school culture where difference is celebrated, inclusion is lived, and every student knows they belong.

The Sem strengthens its position as a forward looking school grounded in respect, empathy, and communitya place where tradition and progress work hand in hand. Together we are one.
THE HAGUE, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Center in Nijkerk, a city in the Gelderland province of the Netherlands, was hit by an explosion on Friday evening, with no injuries reported, local media confirmed on Saturday morning.

Gelderland police said on social media that the material damage was limited, adding that they have launched an investigation and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

According to Omroep Gelderland, the regional public broadcaster, the blast occurred at the gate of the Israel Center, run by the Christians for Israel Foundation. The organization describes itself on its website as "a meeting place for Christians with a heart for Israel."

A series of incidents targeting Jewish sites in the Netherlands have been reported since the outbreak of the Iran war. 
The folly at Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, part of land believed to contain hundreds of unmarked infant graves

Laois County Council is set to write to the Minister for Housing and Heritage James Browne opposing private housing on the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home site in Blackrock, Co Cork.

Campaigns and protests ensued from February after an application for the construction of 140 apartments on the former Bessborough site was initially given the go-ahead by Cork City Council, having been submitted late last year.
A section of the pier at Gyles Quay has been cordoned off after a 'sink hole' developed in the surface

A 'sink hole' has developed in the surface of the pier at Gyles Quay

Visitors to the popular seaside spot Gyles Quay on the Cooley penisula are being warned to avoid a section of the quay where whats being described as a sink hole has formed on the surface of the pier,.

Louth County Council confirmed: As a precautionary measure, a section of the pier is being closed off immediately to protect public health and safety. Members of the public are asked to avoid the cordoned-off area and to follow all safety signage and guidance on site.

The statement added that an ongoing project for remedial works at Gyles Quay pier is already in development with a view to procuring a suitable contractor later this year.

A section of the pier at Gyles Quay has been cordoned off after a 'sink hole' developed in the surface

The pier is used by local fishermen and is also a popular spot for local swimmers, with pier jumping being a rite of passage for many local and visiting teenagers.

The pier was the first in Ireland to be constructed with an early form precast concrete by the Office of Public Works in the in mid-19th century replacing an earlier structure built by Ross Gyles.

Local residents have called for measures to be put in place to prevent cars from driving on the pier when repairs are carried out.
Councillors have raised concerns that a growing number of young families and working couples are earning just above the 30,000 income limit and therefore do not qualify for social housing, yet still cannot afford to purchase a home on the open market. Photo: Stock Image.

Councillors in Mayo have raised concerns about the income limits for social housing eligibility, arguing that the current thresholds are becoming increasingly out of step with working-family incomes and have highlighted the disparity between the limits in Mayo and in neighbouring County Galway.

Under Government regulations, Mayo sits in Band Three of the basic net income limits for social housing, meaning a single adult must earn 30,000 or less to qualify.

Councillors say the threshold now excludes too many people, as the cost of living continues to rise and house prices on the open market keep increasing, yet wages remain largely stagnant.

At the latest Castlebar Municipal District meeting, Cllr Michael Kilcoyne voiced his frustration that the Government is refusing to raise the limit for social housing.

If two people are working full time and they both get minimum wage, they are over the limit for a social house, he said.

Cllr Kilcoyne argued that the situation is made even more unfair by the fact that just across the border in County Galway, which falls into Band Two, the income limit for a single adult is 35,000.

He said the municipal district should write to Minister for Housing James Browne to question the disparity.

Under the social housing income limits, the basic limit can be increased by 5pc for each additional adult in the household, up to a maximum of 10pc for two additional adults, and by 2.5pc per child.

This means that a family of four in Galway can qualify for social housing with an income of 38,500, while the equivalent family in Mayo must earn 33,000 or less.

Cllr Kilcoyne has repeatedly highlighted that there is a growing number of households with two adults working full-time who are earning just above the income limit, leaving them ineligible for social housing support despite being unable to afford to buy on the open market.

He noted that similar households in Galway can earn around 5,000 more per year and remain eligible for social housing.

Cllr Kilcoynes concerns are shared by many of his colleagues across Mayo, as the need to raise the income limit has been raised at multiple council meetings.

During the most recent Housing Strategic Policy Committee meeting, Cllr Peter Flynn also questioned the disparity between social housing income thresholds in County Galway and County Mayo, and called on the Government to explain the difference.

He asked how a family living in Shrule could be excluded from qualifying for social housing while a family with the same income just over the border in Galway would be deemed eligible.

At a meeting of Mayo County Council, Cllr Patsy OBrien called for the income limit to be increased to 40,000, linking the need for the change to the recent rise in eviction notices around the county.

He warned that households facing eviction are struggling to afford rising rents, cannot buy on the open market, and find themselves not eligible for social housing because the threshold is too low.

Cllr Flynn supported the call, suggesting thresholds should rise to at least 40,000, and possibly even 50,000.

However, he acknowledged the limits of the local authorities' influence, as he said there is nothing anyone in this room can do about it, noting that the council repeatedly passed motions urging the Government to revise the current income limits.

This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Im a very lucky girl  Secondary school teacher Rebecca Collins is crowned the Roscommon Rose

Rebecca Collins from Kiltoom speaks to the Irish Independent after being crowned the Roscommon Rose for 2026

Roscommon Rose Rebecca Collins

Oisin McGovern Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 08:00

A multi-talented schoolteacher from Kiltoom has said she is very lucky to be representing her county in the upcoming Rose of Tralee Festival.
Ballymote's Art Deco and Sligo's Model Cinema are to collaborate with venues in the wider region to show more Irish films.

The cooperation is happening under the umbrella of Cinema North West (cinemanorthwest.ie) and is dedicated to bringing more Irish films closer to the audience and to widen the choice of films for people in the region. Screen Ireland, the national film development body, have welcomed the initiative.

The programme kicks off with the new Irish language film Baite (The Drowned) directed by Ruan Magan with showings in The Model (April 12) and Ballymote (April 15).

Set in the 1970s in a Gaeltacht village, proprietor Peggy Casey (Eleanor OBrien) prepares for a busy weekend in the pub. But when a body is found in the receding waters of the lake, the community is deeply unsettled.

Dublin Detective Sergeant Frank Ryan (Moe Dunford) arrives to investigate and uncovers disturbing truths.

Cinema North West will screen films through April and May.

Venues in neighbouring counties include Dromahair's The Barracks and Manorhamilton's Glens Arts Centre.

In addition to Baite, films to watch out for are the Irish-Ukrainian film Sanatorium, Spilt Milk and A Quiet Love.

Further information is available from cinemanorthwest.ie or the individual venues.
Hannah McLoughlin, ATU alumna and early years educator, was one of the key speakers.

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) welcomed students, educators, and industry experts to its Sligo Campus on Thursday, 26 March, for its first conference, Shaping Your Professional Future in Early Childhood Education and Care, designed to inspire and guide the next generation of early years professionals.

The event provided students with the opportunity to hear real-life stories, engage with experienced educators, and explore career pathways and postgraduate opportunities in the early childhood sector.

Organiser Sinead Barrins, lecturer in Sociology & Politics and Early Year Education & Care at ATU, says that the growing professionalisation of the sector, driven by initiatives like Nurturing Skills, highlights the vital role educators play in shaping the futures of our youngest citizens.

Students are stepping into an evolving workforce defined by passion, professionalism, and a shared commitment to placing early education and care at the very heart of Irelands education system and childrens lifelong development.

This event is about showing them the possibilities ahead, celebrating their dedication, and helping them see that every placement, every classroom experience, and every interaction is building their professional journey, she said.

Dr Richeal Burns, Head of the Department of Social Sciences at ATU, praised the students for their dedication. 

Without your work, children wouldnt have the support they need. What you do matters immensely- it helps children and their families thrive, particularly those with additional needs. You are valued, and your contribution shapes the world around you, she said.

The day featured multiple guest speakers, both in person and online, as well as interactive mock interviews facilitated by ATUs Careers Office in partnership with the Sligo County Childcare Committee.

One of the standout sessions was delivered by Hannah McLoughlin, ATU alumna and early years educator, who highlighted the value of students placements and practical experience.

Despite the challenges and emotional demands of the sector, there is a clear career path. Your qualifications open doors to diverse roles, and the opportunity to make a positive difference in childrens lives is profoundly rewarding, she said.

Find out more about the Early Education and Care programme at ATU: https://www.atu.ie/courses/bachelor-of-education-honours-early-education-and-care
Wexford teenager found lifeless from druglaced vape  She was choking on her own vomit

Mother issues warning to parents after 14-year-old daughter was rushed to hospital where she tested positive for THC  the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis

Jodie Hillis was brought to hospital by ambulance after taking a vape that contained THC.

Jessica O'Connor New Ross Standard Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 06:30

A Wexford mother has recounted the terrifying moment she received a call from gardai this week, informing her that emergency services were tending to her 14-year-old daughter who was lifeless and choking on her own vomit after inhaling a vape.
Sudanese rebels using rape as a weapon of war in a pattern of deliberate tactics designed to humiliate and terrorise, says NGO

Girls as young as 13 are being sexually assaulted with other cases involving children far younger, says MSF midwife

Rael Ombour

Rael Ombour Washington Post Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Thousands of women and girls in Sudan have sought treatment after surviving sexual violence in the countrys civil war, Doctors Without Borders has found, in what it called a pattern of deliberate tactics designed to humiliate and terrorise.
Your job here is not to fight one another, it is to fight this climate crisis, UN climate chief tells Cop30 in Brazil
The Kremlin is shifting its tactics to increase civilian suffering, Ukrainian officials claim

Local authorities say Russia is changing to daytime barrages to target key infrastructure as six people are killed in strikes across the country yesterday

A police officer and a resident stand in front of an apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Obukhiv, Kyiv yesterday. Photo: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters

Volodymyr Yurchuk Associated Press Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Russian strikes killed at least six people across Ukraine yesterday including in a massive missile and drone attack near the capital, local authorities reported.
BRATISLAVA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Saturday called on the European Union (EU) to resume dialogue with Russia and lift sanctions on Russian energy raw materials, after holding a phone call with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, local media STVR reported.

"The EU, and especially the EC (the European Commission), should immediately resume dialogue with Russia and ensure such a political and legal environment that individual member states and the EU as a whole replenish the missing gas and oil reserves and enable the supply of these strategic raw materials from all possible sources and directions, including Russia," Fico said in a post on social media.

He urged the "senseless sanctions" banning gas and oil imports from Russia to be lifted, and called for "decisive steps" to resume the operation of the Druzhba pipeline.

According to Fico, the phone call with Orban confirmed that the huge energy crisis cannot be tackled only at the national level. Fico said the governments of Slovakia and Hungary are protecting national economies and their citizens from the "ideological blindness and incompetence" of the EC.

Hungary and Slovakia have recently faced disruptions in oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian crude oil to Central Europe via Ukraine. The situation has heightened tensions between the two countries and Ukraine, while raising concerns about the potential impact on regional energy supplies. 
People march by the US embassy in Havana, Cuba, amid a months-long energy crisis since US president Donald Trump's administration cut off fuel supply. Photo: Reuters

Cuba late on Thursday said it would free more than 2,000 prisoners from the islands jails, the second time this year its communist-run government has announced a prisoner amnesty amid talks with the administration of US president Donald Trump.
Vatican hits back at notion of invoking divine support when launching missiles at another country, unprovoked

As Leo XIV approaches his first Easter as Pope, a new era of American military might cloaked in religious righteousness is presenting him with a challenge: How to confront a vision of God being articulated by the Trump administration and its supporters that sounds radically different to the view of the Vatican, spiritual epicentre of the worlds largest Christian faith.
Incoming US attorney general insists Pam Bondi was not fired for her handling of Epstein case

Lawyer may be just the latest person to fall in Donald Trumps shakeup

Attorney general Pam Bondi speaks to the media on March 18. Photo: Reuters

Graig Graziosi UK Independent Sat 4 Apr 2026 at 06:30

New interim US attorney general Todd Blanche has insisted 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.
A balcony collapsed on Pigassou Street, Corinth on Saturday afternoon, killing a 43-year-old woman of German nationality.

According to police, the woman was walking with her family at around 3:00pm when a balcony collapsed, causing fatal head injuries. Two children with the family sustained minor injuries.

Five firefighters in two vehicles responded to the scene, removed the unconscious woman, and handed her over to the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAV).

The local police department has launched a preliminary investigation into the incident

   iefimerida.gr
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has carried out a swift cabinet reshuffle, forcing out three ministers and a deputy minister within hours of the European Public Prosecutor's OPEKEPE farm subsidies case file reaching parliament, replacing them with figures designed to signal a clean break from

the scandal

Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis and Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiara submitted their resignations, as did Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos, all named in the European prosecutor's case files. Deputy Agriculture Minister Christos Kellas was also replaced despite not being named in the proceedings, as Mr. Mitsotakis signaled a broader restructuring of the ministry at the center of the scandal.



Former European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas was appointed Agriculture Minister, with government sources describing the choice as a signal of intent to transform the ministry from "a subsidies and compensation office, as it has been for decades, into a modern structure compatible with the cleanup already underway."



Evangelos Tournas replaced Mr. Kefalogiannis at Civil Protection, and Makarios Lazaridis was appointed Deputy Agriculture Minister. Mr. Vartzopoulos's health portfolio will be redistributed internally.



Beyond the cabinet, New Democracy party secretary Kostas Skrekas and parliamentary spokesman Notis Mitarakis also resigned from their party roles.



The eleven implicated lawmakers began receiving their copies of the case file late Friday, with the parliamentary Ethics Committee to receive full copies Saturday morning. Each file exceeds 1,000 pages. Immunity lifting proceedings are scheduled for Holy Tuesday, with a full plenary vote expected after Easter.



Government sources noted that two of the eleven lawmakers face felony-level charges involving alleged interventions exceeding 120,000 euros, while the remainder face misdemeanor counts of varying severity.

   iefimerida.gr
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against proceeding with its planned congresses and national convention without the commissions supervision.

Amupitan issued the warning during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, following the partys insistence on going ahead with its convention despite INECs derecognition of the leadership linked to Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.

He stressed that INECs decision was guided by legal considerations, particularly an existing court order.

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So if they are going ahead with their congress, with their convention, its left for them to look at it, whether it is in contravention of the court. INEC didnt just take a decision. We didnt just wake up one day and took this decision. There was something that led to it. There was an order of court, he said.

According to him, the court had directed parties not to take actions that could undermine ongoing proceedings.

Dont do anything. Dont take any step that will render any proceeding before the court nugatory, Amupitan stated.

He explained that the issue of conducting congresses and conventions is already part of a pending legal process.

So, if already they are asking that dont do any congress, dont do any convention, it is a relief that is being claimed. And especially they filed a motion for that purpose, that motion has not been determined, he added.

The INEC chairman warned that disregarding court orders could have serious consequences, citing past electoral precedents.

Let me tell you what happened in Zamfara. It happened in the past. We dont want to conduct an election without this early warning, and at the end of the day, after you have won, the court again will come and declare the election invalid. And the implication is that the person with the second highest number of vote will be declared the winner, he said.

He also referenced a similar situation in Plateau State, where failure to comply with court directives affected electoral outcomes.

It happened in Plateau State during the last election failure to obey the court order has consequences, Amupitan noted.

While maintaining that the ADC is free to act as it chooses, he emphasised that INEC would not risk repeating past mistakes.

They are at liberty to do whatever they want to do, but INEC do not want to go into this situation again, he said.
A prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has vowed to support whoever emerges as the partys presidential flagbearer, regardless of age.

Speaking during an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku stressed that party unity remains paramount, noting that all aspirants would rally behind the eventual candidate.

He pointed out that the number of presidential contenders within the ADC is relatively small compared to past experiences in other parties.

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The former vice president also reaffirmed his willingness to back a younger candidate if chosen, stating that age would not be a barrier to his support.

Addressing concerns about possible interference by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Atiku dismissed such fears, maintaining that the ADC continues to gain traction and attract new members across the country.

He highlighted a growing wave of youth participation within the party, revealing that many aspirants contesting positions from the grassroots to national level are young Nigerians. According to him, the ADC has consistently positioned itself as a platform for youths and women, with older members focused on creating opportunities for the next generation.

Reflecting on his personal motivations, Atiku noted that his commitment to the party and the country is driven by concern for the future of younger generations, including his children and grandchildren.
Nafiu Bala, factional national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has rejected reports that he resigned his position as deputy national chairman.

His reaction followed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)s resolution on Wednesday regarding the ADC leadership crisis.

Bala spoke in a video published by Rariya Hausa.

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.
WASHINGTON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Two U.S. military aircraft, an F-15 fighter jet and an A-10 Warthog attack plane, crashed in quick succession on Friday after coming under fire from Iran, local media reported.

One pilot from the two-seat F-15 has been rescued, but the other remains missing. The A-10 Warthog reportedly managed to reach Kuwaiti airspace, where the lone pilot ejected and escaped.

U.S. officials later confirmed that two U.S. rescue helicopters, including a UH-60 Black Hawk, which undertook the search-and-rescue operations for the jets, were also struck.

The consecutive losses of U.S. aircraft came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that Iranian forces "can't do a thing about" U.S. planes flying over Tehran.

SCRAMBLING FOR PILOT

This incident is the first known case of a U.S. warplane being downed inside Iranian territory and the fourth F-15 lost since the United States and Israel launched large-scale strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

Crews were racing to locate the second pilot of the downed jet, which was believed to have crashed in Iran's southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, near the border with Iraq, according to local authorities.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was combing an area near where the pilot's plane came down in southwestern Iran, and the governor of the province said that anyone who captured or killed the pilot would be "specially commended," reported Iran's semi-official news agency ISNA.

A television channel in the province advised citizens who encounter downed U.S. pilots to keep them alive and bring them to authorities for a "prize," reversing earlier instructions that had encouraged harming them, NewsNation reported.

A reward of 10 billion tomans (6,600 U.S. dollars) has been set to find the pilot, reported the Iranian news outlets.

After weeks of relentless U.S. airstrikes, Iranians posted jubilant messages online celebrating the downing of the U.S. aircraft. Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf wrote on X that what had begun as a military campaign had now been transformed into a hunt for their pilots.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported that Israel is assisting the United States with intelligence in locating the pilot.

Meanwhile, Israel's Channel 12 reported that the country had delayed planned strikes in the search area, citing Israeli officials. The Israel Defense Forces has not confirmed these reports independently.

"MISCALCULATION"

IRGC said Friday that the aircraft was hit by advanced air defense systems operated by its aerospace division.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said that Iran's drone and missile capabilities had been "decimated". While he claimed that the U.S. military had achieved "total air dominance" over the region, military experts suggested that air superiority does not mean that there are no threats.

Iran has bolstered its defenses by constructing extensive underground missile facilities, networks of tunnels, and fortified bunkers across the country, said Federico Borsari, a non-resident fellow with the Transatlantic Defense and Security Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis. "It is quite possible that some Iranian air defense assets are still operational and hidden and concealed in many locations across the country."

The potential that a U.S. pilot remains alive and at large deep inside Iran has heightened the pressure on Washington in a war that has struggled to secure strong backing from the American public, according to opinion polls.

In a phone interview with The Independent, a British online newspaper, Trump said he hopes that's "not going to happen" if Iranian forces find the missing airman.

Iran has rejected a U.S. proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Friday.

The source added that Washington has stepped up its diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, particularly after an Iranian strike targeted a U.S. "military forces depot" on Kuwait's Bubiyan Island.

According to the agency, assessments suggest that the proposal was put forward following an intensification of the crisis in the region and "serious problems" for U.S. forces resulting from their country's "miscalculation" of Iran's military capabilities. 
Nigerias ability to monitor and respond swiftly to large, mobile armed groups is being hindered by significant technological gaps, according to Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication.

Speaking on the growing security concerns across the country, Bwala explained that the government faces serious challenges in tracking heavily armed groups, especially those moving in large numbers on motorcycles.

He noted that while foreign countries like the United States can detect such movements in real time, Nigeria lacks the advanced satellite systems required for such surveillance.

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According to him, the difference lies largely in technological capacity rather than physical presence on the ground. He stressed that the United States relies on sophisticated satellite intelligence, which Nigeria currently does not possess.

Bwala further revealed that although Nigeria operates certain drone systems, they are limited in capability. He explained that the drones in use are primarily designed for intelligence gathering, such as capturing images and collecting data, but are not equipped to both identify and neutralize threats. This limitation, he said, reduces the effectiveness of operations against fast-moving criminal groups.

He also pointed to financial and procurement challenges as major obstacles. Acquiring advanced surveillance and combat technology is not only expensive but also tightly controlled on the global market, making it difficult for Nigeria to access such equipment even when funds are available.

Despite these setbacks, Bwala ed that Nigeria continues to maintain strong security cooperation with the United States. He noted that while the country may not fully own such advanced systems, it still benefits from ongoing international collaboration aimed at improving its security operations.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, minister of state for labour and employment, has resigned from her position.

Onyejeocha announced her resignation on Friday in a letter shared on her social media platforms.

Her decision follows President Bola Tinubus directive asking political appointees seeking elective offices in 2027 to step down before March 31.

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Her resignation comes three days after the deadline set by the president.

In the letter, Onyejeocha expressed gratitude to Tinubu, members of the federal executive council (FEC), and Nigerians for the opportunity to serve.

This period marks the end of a significant chapter in my journey of service as I formally resign as Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, she wrote.

She thanked the president for the trust placed in her and described her time in office under the administration as an honour.

The former lawmaker also appreciated staff of the ministry for their dedication, professionalism, and partnership, noting that their efforts helped advance policies aimed at protecting workers rights, improving workplace safety, and expanding employment opportunities.

Onyejeocha, a former member of house of representatives who represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency of Abia between 2007 and 2023, also thanked her constituents for their support.

As one chapter closes, another opens. I remain committed to service, to progress, and to building the Nigeria we all deserve, she added.

The former minister did not indicate which political office she intends to contest in 2027.

Onyejeocha is the third minister to resign from the cabinet following Tinubus directive.

On Tuesday, Said Alkali, minister of transportation, resigned to contest the 2027 governorship election in Gombe state.

Similarly, Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, has stepped down and is expected to join the Bauchi state governorship race.
A former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has launched an attack on Labour Partys presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, predicting that he would never lead Nigeria.

The attack comes after Obi compared current politicians who once championed pro-democracy activism unfavourably to late military dictator Sani Abacha.

Fani-Kayode, in a post on X on Friday, described Obis remarks as way beyond politics, saying they had assaulted the senses and wounded the sensitivities of all those who lost their lives, liberty and loved ones during the struggle against fascism, dictatorship and military rule.

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To mock the memory of those that died fighting for democracy in the June 12th struggle and sacrificed their lives and liberty as members of NADECO in this way is unacceptable and unforgivable. Simply put, it is despicable, he wrote.

Fani-Kayode declared Obis political prospects finished. You shall NEVER become President of our nation, he said.

The outburst was a response to a post Obi published on Thursday, in which the former Anambra governor said it was a historical irony that former NADECO activists now governed in ways worse than the dictatorship they once opposed.

What an irony of history, that the acclaimed defenders of democracy and human rights who claimed to have fought for democracy during the era of General Sani Abacha now find themselves worse than the man they opposed, Obi wrote.

He went further, saying Abacha will be remembered as seemingly more democratic and more respectful of human rights than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days, adding: Power indeed reveals character.

Obi did not name any individual in the post, but his remarks were widely read against the backdrop of an ongoing crisis within the African Democratic Congress, where the Independent National Electoral Commission derecognised the David Mark-led executive following a court ruling.

Opposition figures have accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of engineering the crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections, allegations which the APC have since denied.
In this image released by the White House, President Barack Obama and the first family mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday Passover with a Seder with friends and staff in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House in Washington, on Monday, March 29, 2010. Read more

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It was April 2008. The Pennsylvania primaries were a few days away.

Eric Lesser, Herbie Ziskend, and Arun Chaudhary, recent college grads working on Sen. Barack Obamas presidential campaign, realized they would not be with their families for Passover. Instead, on April 19, the holidays first night that year, they would all be working at the Sheraton Harrisburg, preparing for the primaries.

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They decided to form an impromptu seder late at night.

A couple of staffers are going to be doing a seder. If you want to come by, you are welcome to come, Lesser recalled his conversation with the senator from Chicago who would go on to become president.

He looked at me and very earnestly said, Absolutely, I would love to come, Lesser recently recalled, sitting in his law office in Boston.

He thought the presidential candidate was just being polite.

Preparing for the seder, Lesser contacted a cousin, then an undergrad at the University of Pennsylvania with access to the Chabad House at Penn and UPenns Hillel. He helped pick up some holiday basics: matzo, Manischewitz wine, gefilte fish, and macaroons.

He also gathered copies of the Maxwell House Passover Haggadah, a booklet that first appeared in 1932 and became a popular holiday guide retelling the biblical story of the Israelites escape from bondage in Egypt along with prayers and songs.

The morning of April 19 began with Obama appearing at a rally at 30th Street Station, then leaving Philadelphia on a whistle-stop train tour to Wynnewood, Paoli, Downingtown, and Lancaster, before arriving in Harrisburg that evening.

Separately, in a U-Haul, Lesser transported the luggage for Obama and his entourage of campaign aides and press from the hotel on Race Street in Philadelphia to the Sheraton Harrisburg; he also carried his cousins carton of seder supplies.

That evening, in a nondescript basement room at the Sheraton Harrisburg, Lesser, Ziskend, and Chaudhary met to begin the seder service.

I am here to join, Obama said as he appeared after a long day of campaigning. On the train to Harrisburg, Obama was accompanied by Sen. Bob Casey and a state representative by the name of Josh Shapiro.

Obama asked if I wanted to join him at his own seder that night at his hotel in Harrisburg. I politely declined and explained I needed to be home with family, Shapiro, now Pennsylvanias governor, writes in his recent memoir, Where We Keep the Light.

In that Sheraton room, everyone shared reading passages from the Haggadah. At the end of the ceremony, participants lifted their glasses of Manischewitz and recited the concluding blessing of peace and hope: Next year may we be in Jerusalem!

Obama raised his glass and added, Next year in the White House!

All responded: Yes. Next year in the White House!

About a month after Obamas first inauguration, Lesser was working as a special assistant to the presidents senior adviser David Axelrod. He recalled the president peeking into his small workspace in the West Wing.

Hey, Lesser, are we doing the seder again?

Are we?, Lesser asked in response.

I said, Next year in the White House, and we are here in the White House. So, we are going to do the seder.

April 9, 2009, was the first time an American president and first lady celebrated a seder in the White House. And it all began in a Sheraton basement.

Throughout Obamas two-term presidency, White House seders were an annual Passover tradition, with no media present. All eight gatherings in the Old Family Dining Room intentionally kept the spirit of that initial seder in Harrisburg, using Maxwell House Haggadahs and Manischewitz wine.

Author and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel even requested an invite but was politely denied by the president. It always remained an event for the group from Harrisburg, for Obama, said Lesser.

Lesser and Ziskend conducted the service, while the President used the reading of the Haggadah to explain to his young daughters, Malia and Sasha, the relationship of the Exodus story to the African American experience.

A reading of the Emancipation Proclamation was later added to the White House seders.

At the beginning of the 40-page illustrated book Next Year in the White House, Malia and Sasha Obama watch as the seder table is being set for the historic meal. The first familys pet dog Bo wouldnt arrive until a few days later, but author Richard Michelson took a dog lovers liberty and also included him.

The scene is illustrated by Philadelphia native E.B. Lewis, who is a Caldecott Award and five-time Coretta Scott King Award winner, now living in Folsom, N.J.

Harold Grinspoon, the founder of PJ Library, which supports the monthly free distribution of Jewish-themed childrens books, commissioned Michelson, who then asked former collaborator Lewis to create the accompanying artwork.

The artist worked for nearly five months on 21 illustrations. He used photo references and models  Lesser and Ziskend briefly posed  to recreate the seder scenes. The former PAFA professors watercolors take full advantage of the white paper to present place mats, tablecloths, plates, dress shirts, and architectural features of the White House.

When the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago opens on June 19, an exhibit titled Opening the White House will include a miniature room display of the historic private Passover seder dinners hosted by the Obamas.

We learn about how much we have in common by celebrating each others traditions. The Center will give hope a permanent home, said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation.

With Obamas friend Eric Whitaker, then-traveling press secretary Jen Psaki, personal assistant Reggie Love, and campaign team member Samantha Tubman, Jarrett accompanied Obama to that eventful Harrisburg seder and to the eight subsequent ones in the White House.

Passover this year began at sundown Wednesday, April 1, and ends at sundown Thursday, April 9.
Justin Nagtalon, aka El Toro, a Philly sticker artist and muralist. He died at 43 from a heart attack on March 7, 2026. Read more

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If you walk around Philly, theres a high chance youve been smiled at by a Filipino water buffalo drawn on an USPS sticker label, be it in the back room of the South Street bar Tattooed Mom, on a newsstand at 15th and Walnut Streets, or stuck on street signs, buildings, cement barricades, and lamp posts around the city.

The buffalo is named El Toro, the pseudonym used by sticker artist Justin Nagtalon, who died at age of 43 on March 7. The cause, confirmed by the family, was a heart attack.

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Through a career that spanned more than 20 years, Nagtalon left a trail of multicolored stickers across Philadelphia. With street artist Bob Will Reign, Nagtalons iterations of the two-legged buffalo brought the New York City and Western European culture of sticker art to Phillys street corners.

In 2021, he shed his pseudonym and went from drawing on postage labels to turning the walls of restaurants like Babys Kusina + Market, Manong, and Tabachoy into his canvas. He also created the logo for WHYYs Art Outside podcast series and was commissioned to create an official game day poster for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025.

His art inspired a generation of street artists to create sticker art and slap them onto surfaces all over Philly, My heart hurts, Nagtalons mother, Jennifer, wrote to The Inquirer in a text message. [He was] such a loving husband ... a loving brother to his big sister and to his younger brother. A fun uncle to his nephews and nieces. Most of all, a very sweet and loving son to me.

The joyous buffalo he created two decades ago was reflective of the artist himself, a man who is remembered for his radiant smile, vast imagination, and playful personality.

As a child growing up in Quezon City, Philippines, Nagtalon spent days scribbling in his black moleskin notebook. By the time he was 7, he filled pages with images, using markers he stole from his older sister, Jamille Nagtalon-Ramos.

Whenever I would attend one of his shows, I used to joke with him and say, OK, you did good. Im not mad at you for stealing my markers anymore, said Nagtalon-Ramos.

When Nagtalon was 10, he, with the rest of his family, joined their mother in Paterson, N.J., where she had been recruited amid a nursing shortage. Nagtalons father worked for the Bureau of Fisheries.

While the move was a significant cultural shift, Nagtalon found comfort in watching 1980s cartoons, such as He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, ThunderCats, and The Simpsons, and reading comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes.

Those early interests inspired his friendly alter ego, El Toro, later in Nagtalons life.

All of my core interests are because of my brother, Jethro David JD Nagtalon, Justin Nagtalons brother, said. Hes the one that influenced me with cartoons, anime, and certain art that I like. He got me into skateboarding, too. We both skateboarded, badly. But we skateboarded badly together.

While his sister followed his mothers career footsteps, Justin Nagtalon opted for a career in the arts. In 2001, he enrolled at the former Art Institute of Philadelphia to study graphic design.

In a 2020 interview with the art blog Streets Dept, Nagtalon said he developed an interest in graffiti while growing up in New Jersey. He started writing graffiti in college, but soon focused his attention on sticker art after discovering the fast-rising European scene in the early days of the internet.

He found his medium. He just wanted to spread love and happiness and positivity through the world, JD Nagtalon said.

Before landing on El Toro, which was inspired by Carabao, a swamp-type water buffalo native to the Philippines, Nagtalon told Streets Dept that his stickers featured weirder characters. He even considered adopting a poop monster before settling on the cartoon water buffalo.

Every time I saw one, I felt like I was a kid again, said Conrad Benner, Streets Dept founder and editor, and a friend to Nagtalon.

You were naturally happy to be around him

By the time they met at the Art Institute, long-time friend Andrew Witter said Nagtalons artistic ambitions were in full bloom.

Witter recalled the two of them listening to MF Doom and playing Need for Speed: Underground on a PlayStation 2. As early as 2003, Witter recalled, Nagtalon was putting up stickers throughout the city.

It was the path he wanted to take, and he never stopped, he said.

Witter and fellow sticker artist Dana Williams watched as El Toro went from being one of Nagtalons many doodles, to a recognizable symbol of a burgeoning street art movement in Philadelphia.

Williams called Nagtalon the bigger visionary.

He saw the forest for the trees, as they say, he said.

With frequent collaborator Bob Will Reign, Nagtalon forged connections with local gallerists and soon drew the attention of early art sites such as Robots Will Kill (RWK).

ChrisRWK, who launched the site to spotlight underground artists, said Nagtalon and Bob revolutionized the sticker scene in Philadelphia.

Nagtalon worked anonymously for most of his arts career and collaborated with early sticker artists like Ticky 33, Underwater Pirates, and Nosego. He also played a significant role in transforming Tattooed Mom into an epicenter for street art, by contributing his own work and connecting owner Robert Perry to other artists.

Nagtalon, ChrisRWK said, was always smiling, and he had a positive feeling or attitude to any situation. You were naturally happy to be around him.

Im no longer afraid of who I am

Nagtalon met his wife, Amanda Benson, outside of Good Dog Bar in 2007. Benson said he flashed an adorable smile, which made her walk toward him.

And thats when [Nagtalon] said he panicked, she joked.

The two bonded over their love for vinyl toys, pop-surrealist artwork, and First Friday events in Old City. A year before they met, Benson had attended an art show that featured the work of El Toro. On their first date, she noticed his tattoo and asked if he was the man behind El Toro. He said yes with no hesitation.

Five years later, in 2012, they were married at the Valley Green Inn along the Wissahickon Creek. The couple then took a cross-country roadtrip and moved to Los Angeles.

There, Benson said, Nagtalon drew El Toro nearly every day.

Benson and Nagtalon moved back to Philly in February 2021 to be closer to friends and family.

Upon his return, Nagtalon decided to shed his anonymity and reveal his true identity.

He initially hesitated, fearing his illegal graffiti practices would result in an arrest, but he wanted a more formidable presence in the citys street art scene. He also wanted his two nieces and three nephews to be proud of the legacy he had carved out.

Im no longer afraid of who I am. And I think thats its such a big leap to connect, and also to understand my art more, Nagtalon said in a 2023 interview on WHYYs Art Outside. I think bridging that gap before wasnt important. But now it is. And I think I have a lot more things to say because of it.

While they didnt have children of their own, Benson said her late husband loved kids and spoiled his nieces and nephews.

Nagtalons nephew Leo Ramos, 21, said he and his sister Leilani looked forward to playing video games, riding bikes, and baking cookies with their Uncle Justin on all the holidays.

You didnt really think about those moments that we had growing up in the moment, said Leilani, 19. And then when you realize that person is gone, those memories suddenly flood back into your mind. And for me, they were all very sweet and vivid memories.

It was Leo who rushed to his uncles home in Philadelphia on March 7, after receiving an emergency call from his mother. Nagtalon was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Nagtalon-Ramos said her brothers death, and the call she made to her son, Leo, were eerily similar to the one she received from Nagtalon when their father died at age 44, also from a heart attack.

Im really going to miss his youthfulness, Nagtalon-Ramos said. Im going to miss his interactions with my children. Im going to miss that playful side of him. And Ill really miss how he interacted with the world.

JD said hes going to miss their hilarious phone calls, shared Instagram posts, and the time they spent with one another.

He was the happiest and most loving person I ever met, he said.

With Nagtalons death, Bob Will Reign said he had lost his partner in crime.

He plans to continue posting stickers across Phillys street corners as a way to carry on his friends legacy, both as El Toro and the kind-hearted soul he first met more than 20 years ago.

Dozens of Philadelphia street artists took to social media to post Nagtalons stickers, past El Toro collabs, and their photos with the beloved sticker artist. Others have made their own renditions of Nagtalons iconic character to honor him and his work.

Its been incredible to see the outpouring of grief, but also the support thats been in his direction, Benson said. I just want to thank the people who have reached out. Im so grateful for it.

El Toro sightings on her walks, Benson said, will always remind her of the joyful, playful, and hilarious man she fell in love with nearly 20 years ago.

No public memorial is planned at this time. A Meal Train to support Benson was started by Nagtalons friends.
Philadelphia Zoo president and CEO Jo-Elle Mogerman looks to redefine urban zoos across the country. Read more

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There isnt a single week when Philadelphia Zoo CEO Jo-Elle Mogerman doesnt stop to enjoy the worlds natural wonders.

From the cardinals and bald eagles that circle the city skies, to the squirrels that scale the long-limbed sycamore trees, and the Eastern cottontails that roam Phillys urban parks.

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She cherishes witnessing the beauty in Philadelphias bustling cityscape. It reminds her of childhood, observing the worlds wonders from her porch on Chicagos South Side.

She carries that same curiosity wherever she goes, including miles-long walks along the Schuylkill on weekends. Its amazing to me how dense it is here, so Im fascinated by the wildlife that shows up, Mogerman said. You spot all sorts of things you wouldnt ordinarily see.

These moments also remind Mogerman of her civic duties as a protector and champion of animal life as the leader of the nations first zoo.

But thats not all that fills Mogermans days. The night owl is a lover of fresh baked goods, Dough Head Pizza slices, and comfy movie nights with her husband and corgi-Jack Russell mix, affectionally named Boogie Demarcus.

Heres how Mogerman would spend her perfect day in Philly.

10 a.m.

Im a night owl, so Im waking up around 10 in the morning. Then I walk my dog. He likes to sleep in, too. Ill take a dog walk, then hit one of the many Starbucks around my house in Graduate Hospital for some iced tea.

Ill see whats going on in the neighborhood, then I come back home. Assuming its nice weather, I go for a two-to-three mile run. Im not fast, but Ill walk over to the Schuylkill trail and see how far I get. Sometimes I get to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Sometimes I can get a little farther running down Kelly Drive.

11 a.m.

Then, I come back and treat myself at the Bake Shop on 20th, and get a BLT or baked good. Theres also a Mighty Bread Grab & Go on 17th and Pine Street. I love their morning buns. Ill pick up one of those, come home, and take a shower.

Noon

Im still exploring Philly, so I love checking out the small business and local boutiques like M Concept [on South Street]. I may walk to the Delaware River and see whats going on. All the while, Im looking for birds and seeing which ones are overhead or in the river.

1-3 p.m.

I head over to Saigon Grace Cafe. They have a really good Cobb salad and good tea packages.

Ill take the dog with me on another walk, and check out the Bok Dog Park on Ninth and Dudley. Ill hang out for a little bit, and probably come back home and take a nap.

6 p.m.

Theres always a dinner discussion in my household. If were in a cheesesteak mood, well walk over to Angelos Pizzeria and bring it back home.

If my husbands feeling beery, well head over to Monks Cafe. And coming from Chicago, were a little pizza picky. I love Dough Head Pizza, especially their tomato salad.

8 p.m.

If I have a sweet craving  which I always do  I will drive to Mount Airy to go to the Night Kitchen Bakery & Cafe for their carrot cake. The carrot cake is the bomb. But if Im going to have carrot cake, I should walk it off along Forbidden Drive.

11 p.m.

Then, its probably time for another night walk with the dog around Graduate Hospital, Rittenhouse, and South Philly. And then I come home and watch a movie. [My husband and I] are trying to catch up on our Philadelphia movies, so we can learn a little bit more about the city. Then, catch Saturday Night Live if it happens to be on.

1 a.m.

At this point, its time to go to bed.
If you don't like the new Gmail address you've created, you'll have to wait 12 months to be able to create a new one. Read more

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Good news for people who regret the Gmail address they came up with when they registered for an account: Google is now letting users change it.

Google started quietly rolling out the change late last year in India and said this week in a blog post that its now available for all Google Account users in the United States. There were no details on when it would be available to users in other countries.

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Googles CEO suggested the update will be welcomed by people who want to keep their accounts but have outgrown the awkward, embarrassing, or nonsensical Gmail handles they created after the service launched 22 years ago.

2004 was a good year, but your Gmail address doesnt need to be stuck in it, Sundar Pichai wrote in a post on X, adding that the policy change means users could say goodbye to v0t3f0rp3dr02004@gmail.com or mrbrightside416@gmail.com (or whatever you were into at the time).

The company also updated a help page to reflect the new policy. Heres a quick run-through.

Its a simple process

The procedure is fairly easy to follow. First, go to your Google Account page. From the Google homepage in your computer browser or the Google mobile app, click the account icon in the top right corner, and then click or tap Manage your Google Account, then Personal info, then Email.

You should be able to click Change Google Account email. If you dont see it, you might not have the option yet. Google says its gradually rolling out to all users.

Now youll have to enter your new address so make sure you have an idea for what you want. Then click to confirm that you want to make the change. Google says addresses cant be identical to any existing address or one that was used by someone in the past and then deleted.

Second thoughts

But what if you miss your old Gmail address? Dont worry, youll still be able to access it because Google is effectively creating a second Gmail address.

The old address will remain as an alternate and messages sent to either the old or new addresses will appear in your Gmail inbox. To find out which address an email was sent to, check the to field.

You can switch back to the old address by changing the settings in your Google account.

If you dont like the new Gmail address youve created, unfortunately youre out of luck  at least for the next year. Google wont let you create another Gmail address for your account until 12 months have passed. And you can only do so three times in total.

Potential issues to keep in mind

Gmail addresses are also used to sign in to other Google services like YouTube, Google Docs, as well as third-party websites and apps. But the company warns that some non-Google apps and services might not recognize you with the new Gmail address, so it provided some troubleshooting tips on a help page.

Google also says Chromebook users might encounter problems, though many issues will go away after a few hours. It advises users to check a troubleshooting page but warned that if the problems persist, you may need to change back to your previous Google Account email, although the new address can still be used to send and receive messages.
A former volunteer firefighter and 911 dispatcher has been charged in federal court with possession of child pornography. Read more

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A former volunteer firefighter and 911 dispatcher in Chester County has been charged in federal court with possession of child pornography.

Anton W. Bilski, 25, of Landenberg, was arrested on March 20 after federal agents executed a search of his home located southwest of Kennett Square, prosecutors said.

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In a motion to oppose Bilskis release before trial, prosecutors detailed additional alleged offenses and said they expected to file more charges in the case.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Goldner Cinquanto granted the motion and ordered that Bilski remain in custody pending further proceedings.

Federal prosecutors said that Bilski has been terminated from his job as a 911 dispatcher.

The Avondale Fire Company issued a statement Friday on social media saying that an unnamed member facing serious charges had his membership revoked and relieved of all responsibilities.

Bilski served as a lieutenant with the Avondale Fire Company.

The federal investigation began in September 2025 after an allegation emerged from Europe that Bilski was exchanging child pornography through an Instagram account with the user name Abilski26.

For years, beginning in 2023 and continuing until February 2026, the defendant collected and distributed sexually explicit images and videos of children being raped, sexually abused, and exploited, federal prosecutors said.

Bilskis lawyer, Assistant Federal Defender Michael B. McCrossen, declined to comment.
A teachers aide in South Jersey has been charged with sexually assaulting young children and making child pornography. Read more

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A 43-year-old man who worked as a pre-kindergarten teachers aide in South Jersey has been charged with sexually assaulting young children and making child sexual abuse material, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said.

Shaun M. Stebbins, of Somers Point, N.J., works as a pre-kindergarten teachers aide at Woodbine Elementary School, the prosecutors office said this week.

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Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds did not say that the alleged crimes had any direct connection to the school, but he issued a statement Thursday raising concerns that there may be more victims.

We are deeply concerned that there may be additional victims, particularly given the defendants access to children through his employment, Reynolds said.

As we have seen in other recent cases, individuals who prey on children often place themselves in positions of trust within schools, organizations, and youth programs to gain access to victims, Reynolds said.

Representatives for the Woodbine School District could not be reached for comment.

The investigation was conducted by the Somers Point Police Department with assistance from the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office Special Victims Unit.

The charges stem from reported incidents involving victims from 2014 to 2025, the prosecutors office said.

Stebbins allegedly committed multiple sexual acts against multiple victims under the age of 13. He is further alleged to have created and possessed child sexual abuse material, the prosecutors office said.

Stebbins, who was arrested on Sunday, was being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility pending a detention hearing scheduled for next week.

The criminal case covers four victims who are siblings, said a family member of the victims who asked not to be identified. The alleged abuse started with one child who was 5 years old at the time. The siblings are now in their teens and early 20s.

The siblings went to the police about two weeks ago, the family member said.

Anyone with information helpful to the investigation can contact the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office at 609-909-7800 or submit an anonymous tip at acpo.org/tips.
Journalist Ben Shore in front of the Cherry Hill Public Schools Board of Education headquarters. Read more

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When freelance journalist Ben Shore began looking into the Cherry Hill school district, he asked the South Jersey school system to turn over records like invoices and legal bills.

Shore, who operates a news site that focuses on Cherry Hill, believed his requests were in the public interest and allowed under New Jerseys Open Public Records Act. He filed 14 requests in a year.

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I believe that our government works best when people can see what theyre doing, Shore said in an interview last week. In addition to documents, he requested videos of board meetings that showed different angles. I want to bring that transparency to the people.

But the district fought back.

The school district denied some of the requests and further responded recently by filing a lawsuit against Shore and his brother, fellow journalist Daniel Shore, to ban them from requesting records from the district for a year. Daniel Shore works with his brother and had only filed a single request himself.

In a 128-page lawsuit filed in Superior Court in February, the district said it deemed the numerous, repeated and vexatious requests as harassment that substantially interrupted school operations.

His legal dispute with one of the largest school districts in the state has renewed debate about changes enacted to the public records law in 2024. Advocates say the case could stifle others from requested records.

It is about shutting him down, said his attorney CJ Griffin, who represents reporters and others in public records cases. He was targeted over a very small amount of requests.

According to the districts lawsuit complaint, district personnel, including its custodian of records, have spent more than 100 hours reviewing and redacting documents and responding to requests.

Griffin, in her response last week with a motion asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit, said the district has failed to show that the requests affected school operations.

Its baseless, Griffin said. Its ridiculous that they tried suing him.

Eric Harrison, the districts attorney, declined to comment. Nina Baratti, a district spokeswoman, did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Changes to state open records law

New Jerseys Open Public Records law, first enacted in 2002, changed in June 2024 when then-Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill that overhauled how the public can access government records, such as budgets, contracts, and police records.

The new law allowed governmental entities like Cherry Hill an opportunity to prove that requests were harassment or interfered with their work. It also eliminated a guarantee that people who successfully dispute record denials in court can recoup their legal fees.

Advocacy groups, including the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists, say the Cherry Hill case confirms their fears that the new law would compromise public transparency.

In a statement, the group said it was disappointed by the lawsuit and urged Cherry Hill to withdraw the complaint. Cherry Hill could become a test case for how far a government agency should be allowed to go to ban public access, it said.

It is shameful to see a government entity follow the path of the Trump Administration in going after journalists it feels it can bully into silence, the group said.

Griffin, director of the Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center at her Hackensack law firm, contends the lawsuit violates New Jerseys anti-SLAPP law, which protects records requestors from public entities that retaliate by taking them to court.

Shore, 25, who graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in December 2025 and recently passed the bar exam, said he has paused his records requests pending the outcome of the case. He has filed four lawsuits against the district to appeal denied open records requests.

We dont want to get sued again for another request, he said. It has had an absolutely chilling effect.

The lawsuit also seeks to shut down a portal that Shore created through his news site, Shore Investigates, that allows the public to file requests instead of using the districts website.

Shore said he wants to collect bills and other expenses to share with the public so residents can see how much Cherry Hill spends on everything from legal fees to special education costs.

Cherry Hill is in the midst of a funding crisis after announcing likely cuts for the 2026-27 school year to bridge a budget gap. The average annual tax bill is expected to rise by $420.

Shore estimates that the legal costs incurred by both sides will total thousands of dollars. He plans to ask the judge to order the district to pay his legal fees, if successful.

 READ MORE: Cherry Hill student prevails in fight to bring service dog to school

Shore, the son of a lawyer, is no stranger to taking on the school system. In 2017, while attending Cherry Hill East, Shore persuaded the district to change its policy and allow him to bring his service dog, Charlie, to school.

Then a junior, Shore, who is on the autism spectrum, said having his certified goldendoodle along helped with managing panic disorders and stress. He argued that the districts policy against service animals violated state and federal laws protecting students with disabilities.

Lawmakers championed his case, and passed Charlies Law, which prohibits most public spaces from turning away service animals and imposes up to $1,000 in fines for violators.

Shore said he plans to practice law, possibly civil rights cases, and continue advocating for public transparency. He wants to create a national portal for requesting records.

I spent so much time to get the law degree that I feel I have to at least try that out, he said.
NEW YORK, April 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. federal agents have arrested the niece and grand-niece of the late Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qassem Soleimani after their permanent resident status was revoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department said on Saturday.

According to the State Department, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The decision to revoke their green cards resulted in their subsequent arrest.

Also, Afshar's husband has also been barred from entering the United States, the State Department said. 
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is among the ships whose passage to the Middle East was tracked by Chinese firms. Read more

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As the war in Iran erupted five weeks ago, social media sleuths across Western and Chinese platforms flagged a wave of viral posts detailing equipment at U.S. bases, the movements of American carrier groups, and granular breakdowns of how military aircraft were assembling for strikes on Tehran.

The intelligence came from a fast growing new market: Chinese firms  some with links to the Peoples Liberation Army  marrying artificial intelligence with open-source data to market information they claim can expose the movements of U.S. forces.

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Beijing has sought to distance itself from any direct involvement in the Iran war, but the firms  many of which have emerged in the past five years as part of the governments push to harness private AI for military use  are capitalizing on the conflict.

U.S. officials and intelligence experts are divided over whether Chinese firms publicly marketed tools pose a genuine threat or are being credibly used by U.S. adversaries, but say the surge in private-sector offerings points to a growing security risk and reflects Beijings intent to project the strength of its intelligence capabilities.

Beijing has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into supporting private firms developing AI with practical defense applications under its civil-military integration strategy, and last month announced plans to supercharge those efforts as part of a broader five-year national strategy.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment.

Private firms have long used open-source data  including flight trackers, satellite imagery, and shipping data  to generate market intelligence. But the growing AI capability of Chinese firms is making these tools more powerful, underscoring the growing challenge of concealing U.S. military movements from adversaries.

The proliferation of more and more capable private sector geospatial analysis companies in China will augment Chinas defense capabilities and ability to contest U.S. forces in a crisis, said Ryan Fedasiuk, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute think tank.

MizarVision, a Hangzhou-based firm founded in 2021, is one of the companies that uses a mix of Western and Chinese data filtered through AI to catalogue activity at U.S. bases in the Middle East, track naval movements, and identify the position and number of specific aircraft and missile defense systems.

Images sourced to the firm  which is not part of Chinas military but holds a National Military Standard certification required for firms supplying services to the Peoples Liberation Army  and posted on Chinese and Western social media, for example, detailed the buildup of U.S. forces in the Middle East on the eve of the launch of Operation Epic Fury, including the passage of the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups. It also shared detailed breakdowns of the number and types of aircraft massing at Israels Ovda Air Base, Saudi Arabias Prince Sultan Air Base, and Qatars al-Udeid Air Base.

In the lead-up to the escalation of tensions in Iran in 2026, we quickly identified the locations of weapons and equipment deployed in the Middle East," and exposed the refueling patterns of U.S. carrier groups, MizarVizions website claims.

Elsewhere on the site, it claims to have tracked U.S. military escalation ahead of the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro months in advance and says it can track the entire transport process of U.S. medium-range missiles in the Asian Pacific in real time.

MizarVision does not publicly list its clientele and did not respond to requests for comment. It also does not disclose the sources of the data it analyzes  including satellite imagery, ADS-B flight data, and ship AIS data  though, Chinese state media reports, an analysis of images posted online and accounts from two users of the companys platform suggest it draws on a mix of Chinese and Western sources.

Satellite photos posted by MizarVision appear to include some commercially available imagery from U.S. and European providers, including Vantor and Airbus. Chinese state media has also previously reported that the firm has used imagery from Planet Labs. It remains unclear whether any U.S. companies are knowingly supplying data directly to the firm; most major providers maintain policies that restrict or prohibit such end uses.

A Vantor spokesperson said that it does not sell any satellite imagery to Chinese entities and exercises controls during conflicts, including limiting requests for imagery over areas where U.S., NATO, and other allied and partner forces are actively operating, as well as over areas that are being actively targeted by adversaries.

A spokesperson for Planet Labs said that MizarVision is not a client and it had verified that images posted by the firm during the Iran war were not sourced from their satellites. Airbus did not respond to a request for comment.

One person in China working in the private defense industry, who is familiar with the companys platform and operations, said the firm uses AI to analyze publicly available Western satellite imagery but does not have real-time access to U.S. imaging sources.

There are constraints, but the advantage is that it uses this data to track the American military specifically  that is not typical for Western firms, said the person, who requested anonymity because they are not permitted by their employer to speak to the press.

My understanding is that they are buying a lot of imagery from actual collectors like the Jilin satellite constellation that China operates, said Fedasiuk, who has tracked the rise of Chinese firms positioning themselves as experts in monitoring U.S. military movements.

Jingan Technology, another Hangzhou-based firm tracking U.S. military movements in the Middle East, released what it claimed was a recording of two U.S. B-2A stealth bombers communicating with each other during the opening salvos of Operation Epic Fury.

In the eyes of AI, there is no absolute stealth, it said in a post on Chinese social media site describing its analysis in early March. The firm later deleted the recording. In earlier posts, it claims to have tracked similar interactions between U.S. B-52 strategic bombers flying patrols near Venezuela in October.

While ordinary people were still debating over social media tweets, [Jingan] frantically cross-validated massive amounts of ship and flight data in just a few days from the end of January to the beginning of February, locking onto more than 100 U.S. warships, dozens of U.S. military aircraft, and recorded more than 100,000 [military-related] movements, the firm said in a Chinese social media post.

The company did not respond to a request for comment.

U.S. officials and former intelligence analysts say they are skeptical that Chinese firms can penetrate U.S. stealth communications, but warn that the rise of such companies is concerning nonetheless. Even if the capability isnt there yet  the big picture concern is the intent, said one U.S. official who tracks technological threats from U.S. adversaries and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Analysts say gaps in Chinas real-world intelligence suggest the firms capabilities may be overstated  pointing to Beijing being caught off guard by the surprise U.S. operation to capture Maduro.

I think that Chinese intelligence is feeling this pressure. And one way to deal with that is to have these companies go out and say hey, we can see all the American aircraft in the Middle East, said Dennis Wilder, a senior fellow at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service who previously served as the CIAs deputy assistant director for East Asia and the Pacific.

The trend has sparked urgency among U.S. lawmakers.

Companies tied to the CCP are turning AI into a battlefield surveillance tool against America. The threat from Chinas technology ecosystem isnt theoretical, its imminent. ... The United States cannot allow the Chinese Communist Party to turn commercial technology into real-time intelligence on American troops, the House Select Committee on China said in a statement referencing MizarVisions work.

Analysts say the work of private firms like MizarVision and Jingan could also offer Beijing a plausible way to aid partners while maintaining official distance from conflicts.

The state can benefit from private sector innovation and it can likewise disclaim, credit or blame for the actions of ostensibly private companies, even when they are operating at the direction of the state or with the strong alignment of the state, Fedasuik said.

Iran is a longtime ally and a key oil supplier, but China has been careful to avoid entering the war, seeking to preserve its image as a peacemaker. This week, in a joint statement with Pakistan, the two countries called for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks as soon as possible.

The Washington Post earlier reported that Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to attack American forces in the Middle East, the first such indication that a major U.S. adversary could be actively participating in the war.

Asked on Tuesday about whether U.S. adversaries are sharing intelligence with Tehran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said: Theres some things adversaries are doing to provide info and intel that they shouldnt. Were aware of it and ultimately we move things around.
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Washington, D.C., is doubling down on efforts to kill rats in some of its most infested neighborhoods by returning to a method the city has tried before: birth control.

The approach, this time combined with an effort to improve trash disposal, is part of a new pilot that will launch in the coming weeks. The city will focus first on Adams Morgan, a lively corridor full of restaurants, bars, homes, and  to residents chagrin  many, many rats.

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You have said that we need a more effective strategy, and so we have come up with a new strategy, D.C. Health Director Ayanna Bennett said at a news conference Wednesday.

In the past, the citys rodent crews would treat rat burrows with poison and then move on. The new pilot will try a different approach, where the health department will focus on one neighborhood for three weeks  roughly the time it takes for a rat to get pregnant and give birth  before moving on. Crews will employ two poisons that kill rats, along with a liquid contraceptive that can prevent pregnancy. Three weeks later, crews will treat the burrows again and measure their progress.

Key to the new effort, according to Bennett, will be a partnership with civic and business leaders in the neighborhood to simultaneously improve practices around trash disposal and storage  a combination rodent control experts suggest may improve outcomes.

Lynda Laughlin, an advisory neighborhood commissioner in Adams Morgan, was skeptical.

The only true solution is to get rid of the food source, said Laughlin, who ran for the hyperlocal government seat in part because of her neighborhoods rat problem. I think this pilot will have very quick results, a quick return, but it will not have long-term lasting results.

Giving rats birth control  or trying to  is not new.

In 2013, New York officials experimented with a contraceptive product colloquially referred to as cannoli cream because of its consistency. But the pilot was unsuccessful, said Joshua Goodman, a deputy commissioner at the NYC Department of Sanitation, which helps with rodent control.

They wouldnt go for it, Goodman said. They wouldnt consume it.

Like D.C., the citys health and mental hygiene department is running another pilot, this time using liquid contraception, according to Goodman. Its 12 years later and technology is different, he said. I think its worth testing.

Goodman and other rat experts said that while birth control can work, it cant be done without other methods. Ultimately, what worked in New York City  where Goodman said reported rat sightings have dropped every month since December 2024  was requiring composting, adding rat-proof trash containers and an all-out effort to educate the public on proper disposal of trash and enforce trash rules.

Weve used carbon monoxide poison in their burrows and other ways, but at the same time wed put 44 million pounds of rat food on the curb, Goodman said, referring to trash put in bags and laid on curbs. Wed just set up this all-you-can-eat-buffet and then still ask, Why are they coming around?

In D.C., Gerard Brown was unofficially dubbed the citys Rat Czar for the 27 years he was the control program manager of rodents for D.C. Health. He said the citys latest efforts are similar to some approaches used in the past with tracking powder that gets on rats fur and kills them, toxic bait dumped in rat burrows and liquid contraceptive put in bait stations.

The idea is they kill all the adult rats and knock down the population, Brown said. Then if any survive, the hope is theyll ingest the contraceptive and have no more babies.

Browns crews tried liquid contraceptive for rats in 2017, putting it in 13 alleyways throughout the city. But after two years, results were inconclusive.

One problem, Brown said, was the rodent birth control works just like it does for humans: A rat has to take it daily for it to be effective. Another issue, Brown said, is that if rats still have access to food, theyre likely to choose that instead.

Bennett said the upcoming pilot will initially concentrate resources on Adams Morgan, pulling inspectors from other neighborhoods to do so. She said that while the city had shied away from rat birth control because it is expensive, the goal now is to use the product more intensely to test whether it is worth the cost, and accompany it with the trash removal and cleaning effort.

The pilot will cost about $130,000, a health department spokesman said.

If the program is effective in Adams Morgan, the city will move on to Barracks Row and Chinatown, a D.C. Health spokesperson said.

Laughlin, the advisory neighborhood commissioner, attended the citys rat academy two summers ago. The experience helped her crystallize the cascade of factors that exacerbate the problems in Adams Morgan, she said, including many private apartment buildings that do not all manage trash well, and the citys open-top trash bins. Those combine, she said, to create a rat smorgasbord.

She was grateful the city is focusing again on rats but hopes the pilot will be paired with other action, pointing to a bill by D.C. Council member Christina Henderson that would start replacing city trash cans with rodent-proof ones.

Its going to need a more holistic approach, she said.

Peter Wood, who chairs the Adams Morgan Advisory Neighborhood Commission, said in an email that he was eager to work with the Bowser administration on a lasting solution as the rat infestation has reached alarming levels.

So far, however, the partnership appears nascent.

A D.C. Health spokesperson said the pilot had no firm launch date but would start in the next several weeks. Wood said he first heard about the pilot program from D.C. Health on Thursday afternoon.
From left, Reps. Ro Khanna (D-California), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) and Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) held a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol in November 2025 with victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Victims have asked for a meeting with King Charles during his upcoming visit to Washington. Read more

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LONDON  A state visit by a British monarch is typically an exercise in flummery, smooth diplomacy, and a royal spectacle. But King Charles III and Queen Camillas trip to Washington later this month risks being overshadowed by mounting calls for him to meet victims linked to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, whose ties to the kings younger brother, Andrew, have stirred ongoing controversy.

We strongly urge King Charles to meet with us and survivors and hear what we have to say, the family of Virginia Giuffre wrote in an email to the Washington Post, adding to the growing pressure on Buckingham Palace ahead of the trip. Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, said she was trafficked by Epstein to then-Prince Andrew and forced to have sex with him on three occasions, the first time when she was 17 years old.

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The royal visit is intended to commemorate 250 years of American independence and, perhaps, to help steady relations at a time of strain in the trans-Atlantic alliance.

President Donald Trump recently labeled Prime Minister Keir Starmer as no Winston Churchill over Britains reticence to get involved in the war against Iran. The broadsides appear not to have damaged Starmer, with some commentators describing his stance as a Love, Actually moment  a reference to the 2003 film in which Hugh Grant plays a U.K. prime minister who stands up to a bullying U.S. president.

The palace has yet to release full details of the visit.

But moments after Buckingham Palace announced it would take place in late April, with exact details to be confirmed in due course, Trump posted on social media that it would run from April 27 to 30 and would include a beautiful Banquet Dinner. Congressional leaders have also invited the king to address a joint meeting of Congress.

What is designed as a ceremonial visit, however, risks becoming a test of the monarchys willingness to confront one of the royal familys most difficult and persistent controversies.

The former prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, relinquished his Duke of York title last fall after excerpts were made public from Giuffres memoir in which she wrote that she was forced to have sexual encounters with him as a teenager. As scrutiny intensified, Charles stripped Andrew of his prince title and forced him to vacate his residence at Royal Lodge.

In January, when the Justice Department released documents related to the case of Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, they included photographs of a man, apparently Andrew, crouching over a female lying prone on the floor. In February, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to his work as a global trade envoy for the British government.

When Charles stripped Andrew of his prince title and other honors, the palace said that their Majesties  in the plural  wished to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.

For families and survivors, the issue now is whether those words carry weight beyond symbolism.

Survivors, relatives, and politicians are urging the king and queen to make time publicly to meet with victims during the trip.

Brad Edwards, a lawyer for a second woman who claims she was sent to the United Kingdom by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew, said in an email that it is clear that Prince Andrews access to Epsteins victims was made possible by his connection to the Royal Household. The Palace has publicly expressed sympathy for the victims, which we initially took at face value.

Unfortunately, those statements have proven to be performative  effectively window dressing  as the king and the palace, through lawyers, have made clear that they will not meet with the victims, Edwards wrote. If the Palace meant what it said, then the Palace should and would engage. But it wont.

Sigrid McCawley, another lawyer representing victims, said in a statement, An audience with King Charles for survivors would be a step in the right direction by the monarch in acknowledging the wrongs that were committed by one of their own but were hidden from the public for far too long.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D., Calif.), a co-sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, has written to Charles to request that he meet with victims during his U.S. visit to discuss how powerful individuals and institutions failed them.

As you are aware, this is not solely an American matter, Khanna wrote in his letter posted on social media. He pointed to Epsteins ties to the U.K. through his British girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell and other British public figures.

The issue has also surfaced in Westminster. This week, Starmer was asked at a news conference if there was a moral case for the king to meet the victims. Starmer sidestepped the question, saying instead that the focus would remain on the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The issue has been made more pointed by Queen Camillas long-standing advocacy for survivors of sexual violence  she has done more in this area than any other royal  and the palaces previous expressions of sympathy.

Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre but has always denied any wrongdoing.

Palace officials said that the king and queen would be unable to meet with victims while investigations are still underway.

While the inquiry involving Andrews arrest relates to misconduct in office, several British police forces are also pursing separate Epstein-related inquiries, including allegations that Epstein used British airports in the trafficking of women and girls.

For some, that legal sensitivity has provided a defensible reason to resist the growing calls for meetings.

Baroness Helena Kennedy, a lawyer and member of the House of Lords, told the BBC that she didnt think a public meeting would be wise for relatives of someone whos still being investigated in relation to those allegations.

Mark Stephens, a media and human rights lawyer, said in an interview that Charles wasnt formally prohibited from meeting survivors, but that doing so would inevitably attract criticism that the monarchy was intervening in continuing legal matters.

Robert Hardman, author of a new biography on Queen Elizabeth II, said there was no precedent for a British monarch getting involved in ongoing legal proceedings during a state visit, but noted that allegations surrounding the kings brother and Epstein would be among several sensitive issues likely to shadow the trip, alongside tensions over Canada, Greenland, NATO, and the war in Iran.

There will be many elephants in the room, Hardman said.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham campus in Robbinsville, N.J. on Friday, April 3, 2026. Read more

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Workers at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, a massive Hindu temple in Robbinsville, N.J., say they contracted a variety of life-threatening respiratory illnesses while constructing the facility, the Guardian reported Thursday.

The structure is the largest Hindu temple in the United States.

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The workers interviewed by the Guardian, who spoke anonymously out of fear of retribution, said they believe two of their peers, Ramesh Meena and Devi Lal, died of a lung disease called silicosis that they picked up breathing in silica dust at the worksite.

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham refutes the claims.

This isnt the first time workers have leveraged accusations against the religious group revolving around issues of worker safety and well-being.

Heres what you should know about the temple and its history with its workers:

What is the temple?

The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu temple designed to house expressions of art, language, music, and spiritual learning, according to its website.

It was built between 2011 and 2023 across a 185-acre campus in Robbinsville and is made of marble, limestone, granite, sandstone, and teakwood, among other materials.

Where is it located?

The temple is located northeast of Philadelphia in Robbinsville, Mercer County. Its about 15 miles from Trenton and about 45 miles from Philadelphia.

What are the workers accusing management of?

The workers allege in the Guardian article they were exposed to unhealthy air particles without being given proper protective equipment, which resulted in a number of them contracting respiratory illnesses including tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, and silicosis.

Workers said two peers, Meena and Lal, died from silicosis. The lung disease generally develops from breathing in silica dust around mining and construction sites, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It can cause inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue and can lead to death. The disease can be prevented if workers wear tight-fitting respirators, according to the clinic.

Workers told the Guardian they were not given proper protective equipment while carving and weatherizing stones for construction.

What have the workers alleged in the past?

In 2021, several workers filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for New Jersey alleging various labor issues, including that they were forced to work at the temple for more than 87 hours per week, that their pay was around $1.20 per hour, and that they were forbidden from interacting with temple visitors and cut off from those outside their cohort.

The suit also alleged the temple recruited workers from a class known as Dalit, a historically marginalized group in Hindu caste society formerly known as the untouchables.

After the complaint was filed, New Jersey police and federal agents raided the campus, according to Religion News Service.

The Justice Department closed its investigation into BAPS last year, BAPS North America announced in September.

The United States governments decision to end this investigation sends a clear and powerful message in support of what our organization has maintained from the outset: that BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham  a place of peace, service, and devotion  was built through the love, dedication, and volunteer service of thousands of devotees from all walks of life," BAPS North America wrote in a Sept. 18 statement.

The civil case that started with the workers complaint is ongoing.

What does the temple have to say about the allegations?

In a statement to The Inquirer, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham refuted the accusations in the lawsuit and the Guardian article.

Respirators, N95 masks, helmets, work boots, and gloves were provided to the workers, said Darshan Patel, a spokesperson for BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. A certified Occupational Safety and Health Administration officer was also on site daily to supervise, he said.

The workers were provided with comprehensive medical care inside and outside of the campus grounds, Patel said. Each had health insurance with premiums and related costs covered by BAPS, he said.

We have no reason to believe that the passing of Mr. Meena or Mr. Lal were connected to their service here in Robbinsville, where safety standards were maintained, Patel said in a statement.

He also denied the accusations in the lawsuit, characterizing the work environment as insulated and substandard.

BAPS provided the artisans with government-inspected housing; all meals; round-trip flights from and to India at the beginning, end, and during their service; medical care; health insurance; prepaid phone cards; and unlimited and unmonitored access to the internet, Patel said. That is not forced labor; it is not human trafficking; it is not any of the things alleged in the lawsuit.
Noah Burns's mural, painted in 2022, is pictured on the former location of the Friends Association on West Chestnut Street. The mural could be removed after the building's new owner put a request before the borough's public arts commission. Read more David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

Listen to article  0:00 min When Joyce Chester drives down Chestnut Street, as she does every day, shes nervous, wondering: Is it still there? Has it been painted over yet? Chester, the Friends Associations chief executive officer, is thinking about the vibrant mural that overlooks the street, as it has since 2022 after it was commissioned by the homelessness prevention organization. But Friends Association opened a new location earlier this year. And the old buildings new occupant is looking to have the mural, painted by West Chester University student Noah Burns, removed. Advertisement Chester said she has talked to the mayor and the borough council. Though there arent any imminent plans for its removal, the buildings new owner is exploring removing the mural, according to Hello, West Chester. Theres no ordinance protecting the artwork. It could be the first time the borough has ever dealt with a situation quite like this. But as a private property, theres little any public official would be able to do to preserve it if the new occupants decide they truly want it gone. (The mayor and boroughs Public Arts Commission did not respond to a request for comment. The new occupants could not be reached.) It makes Chester sick. I really feel heartbroken about it, she said. The day they paint over it, I may be brought to tears, quite frankly. Inquirer Chester County Want to get Inquirer Chester County straight to your inbox every week? Sign up here for our guide to the news, stories, and events shaping life in your community.

When the Friends Association moved, Chester worried that something like this could happen. But she felt there was no reason to paint over the vibrant rendering of a persons peaceful face with an outstretched hand, framed by depictions of homes, that has looked over Chestnut Street for years.

Once something goes up on a building like that in a community, it kind of belongs to the community, she said.

The Friends Association commissioned Burns ahead of his freshman year to paint the mural. Burns, who is now 23 and will graduate this year after studying art and design, grew up in the area. His high school teacher forwarded him the Friends Associations call for art, and he decided to go for it.

The Friends Association was open to his artistic interpretation of the concepts of housing, compassion, and inclusivity. He spent one hot summer bringing the final design to life, something he found to be a more physical experience than sitting down and painting a canvas or working digitally.

The work was supported by the boroughs Public Arts Commission, helping with the call for artists and the application process. Its members, fellow artists, helped paint it that summer, too. It features on their website, and on West Chester Universitys art department page.

It was cool and definitely different to do something on such a scale, and to see that work publicly displayed, Burns said. He moved to Philadelphia as he finished up his degree, and heard about the potential removal through his ties still in the community  his friends and family  and circulating social media posts.

Ive already gone through my stages of grief. Im somewhere between denial and acceptance, he said. I want to try to fight for it, but Im also semi-removed. Ive been joking, its kind of serendipitous, Ive removed myself from the space physically, and then any remnants of myself have been torn down.

When the mural was first unveiled, Burns recalls saying in his remarks that a lot of young people in the area need to be seen and heard. He felt like the mural was the start of something like that.

Its less about the mural itself, more about what it means to the space. The mural can get taken down, as long as they put something up that carries that value in the space  I could agree with that," he said. But just to paint over it, to give it the landlord treatment, I think thatd be something of a loss.

This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.
A street sweeping crew works near at 24th and York Streets, in Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 2019. JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

Street cleaning resumes on Monday in Philadelphia, bringing back roadway scrubbing  and parking restrictions  after a long winter off.

The citys mechanical street cleaning program, now in its fifth consecutive year, targets 14 areas with high scores on the citys Litter Index  including streets in Frankford, Germantown, Kensington, Logan, Nicetown, North Central Philadelphia, Paschall, Point Breeze, Port Richmond, South Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion, West Fairhill, and West Philadelphia.

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The program runs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week, until Oct. 29  except for holidays. Cleaning takes place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., according to the city.

From what to expect to how to avoid getting a parking ticket, here is what you need to know.

Where, exactly, will the city clean?

No new neighborhoods have been added to the citys cleaning plan this year  but it expanded its coverage of eight neighborhoods. The city will clean:

Frankford: Levick to Bridge Streets from Frankford Avenue to Keystone Street; Bridge to Orthodox Streets from Griscom Street to Torresdale Avenue; Orthodox Street to Castor Avenue, and from Castor to Torresdale Avenue. Germantown: Berkley Street/Stenton Avenue to Chelten Avenue from Pulaski Avenue to Wakefield Street. Kensington: Front Street to Castor Avenue from Wyoming Avenue to Tioga Street; Tioga Street to Lehigh Avenue from Second Street to Kensington Avenue. Logan: Roosevelt Boulevard to Godfrey Avenue from Broad to Mascher Streets; Roosevelt Boulevard to Glenwood Avenue from Broad to Front Streets. Nicetown: Broad to 20th Streets from Lindley to Wagner Avenues; Broad to Clarissa Streets from Windrim Avenue to Hunting Park Avenue; and Broad Street to Hunting Park Avenue from Hunting Park to Westmoreland Street. North Central Philadelphia: Broad to 22nd Streets from Allegheny to Girard Avenues. Paschall: 58th to 62nd Streets from Grays to Lindbergh Avenues; 62nd to 70th Streets from Cobbs Creek Parkway to Dicks Avenue. Point Breeze: Christian to McKean Streets from Broad to 24th Streets. Port Richmond: Lehigh to Torresdale Avenues from Kensington to Aramingo Avenues. South Philly: McKean Street to Oregon Avenue from Fourth to Eighth Streets. Southwest Philadelphia: Woodland to Kingsessing Avenues from 49th Street to Cemetery Avenue; 58th to 61st Streets from Cobbs Creek Parkway to Chester Avenue. Strawberry Mansion: Lehigh to Girard Avenues from 22nd to 33rd Streets; 22nd to 29th Streets from Allegheny to Lehigh Avenues. West Fairhill: Broad to Second Streets from Glenwood to Lehigh Avenues; Broad to Front Streets from Lehigh to Girard Avenues. West Philadelphia: Parkside to Woodland Avenues from 40th to 52nd Streets.

When will cleaners come to my neighborhood?

City crews will sweep streets and pick up litter from sidewalks Monday through Thursday each week. Residents can view their planned routes on StreetSmartPHL.

The sweeps take place in shifts, from:

9 to 11 a.m. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 1 to 3 p.m.

The crews will also beginning posting no parking signs on April 13 on their routes, the city said.

How can I avoid a ticket?

Cleaning crews use a mechanical broom to reach all the way to streets curbs  and they will not work with vehicles in the way. The city will fine vehicles that do not observe no parking signs.

Each fine is $31.

To avoid a ticket, residents should move their vehicles during posted street-cleaning times. If you are fined, tickets can be paid online, by phone, or in person.

Why does the city do this?

Philadelphia began its mechanical street cleaning program in 2022. The pilot program was launched to boost quality of life in neglected swaths of the citys neighborhoods, limiting trash, unclogging storm drains, and clearing cluttered sidewalks.

City officials said the inaugural push was so successful that the program would continue each year.

Where can I learn more?

The city will host three virtual meetings next week, giving residents the chance to ask questions of its sanitation department, which runs the street-cleaning program.

The meetings take place:
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter

Welcome to Saturday. We may hit another record high before a cold front moves in on Sunday.

Should you be concerned if your partner refuses to venture out beyond their neighborhood? Our group chat has advice for dating a man who seems to be glued to his zip code.

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Plus, the latest on security checkpoints at PHL, why a Philadelphia coffee shop now charges for to-go cups, and our report card for this week in Philly news.

 Paola Perez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

What you should know today

A reader asked: Ive been dating someone who never wants to leave his neighborhood. Should I see that as a nice commitment to his community or a red flag?

To help, Inquirer reporters Abigail Covington and Beatrice Forman got together to determine if this is a harmless habit, or if it could be a sign of a bigger problem. For instance, it can come off as lazy, and maybe set a bad precedent for the relationship.

Beatrice, who self-identified as a homebody, said dating carries an expectation to leave your comfort zone. Abigail pointed out the benefit of putting in the effort to meet a new romantic partner halfway. Be the best version of yourself! The version that is willing to brave SEPTA for your crush! she said.

Read their full verdict here. And if you need advice, or want to share your thoughts, we want to hear it. Send us an email.

Philly bars will stay open until 4 a.m. this summer. What could go wrong?

In her latest column, Stephanie Farr unpacks a list of potential shenanigans that may unfold.

Im all for extending bar operating hours, but Ive also covered enough Philly celebrations to know that our joy, especially when it is drunken, looks a heck of a lot like anarchy, Farr writes. Read on for her take.

 Find the egg

Think you can locate this egg? Our weekly game puts your knowledge of Phillys streets and places to the test. Check your answer.

 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: Goodbye, Lincoln Financial Field. Hello, ...

DUALISM HIPPED THALIA

Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Charlene M. Wiltshire, who correctly guessed Fridays answer: Shakira. The Colombian pop superstar will bring her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour to Atlantic City this summer.

Every year, David Kedson was dismayed by the crossover of his birthday with Passover, whereby Jewish custom bars the consumption of goods like birthday cake.

Then he found a way to transform the holiday from a dreaded to a beloved occasion: plague-themed cocktails, taking inspiration from the hail, flies, pestilence, and boils of the Old Testament.

Denali Sagner and staff photographer Tyger Williams take us to Kedsons Bala Cynwyd home to learn about his craft.

Somewhere on the internet in Philly

 How do you spell Eagles? We showed pop star Zara Larsson how we do it around here. A lucky fan also showed off her Lush Life moves on stage.

 Check out this stunning watercolor of Fairmount Water Works.

 Could we explore the Ben Franklin Bridges forbidden hallway? Hopefully, Jimmy King finds out for us.

 Take in these Philly transit affirmations  and then help us by casting a vote for Tom Fitzgerald, your favorite transportation reporter. (Thank you!)

 Thats it for now. Thanks for stopping by, and take care.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Listen to article  0:00 min

The buyers: Katie Pratt, 29, public affairs manager

The house: A 614-square-foot condo in Northern Liberties with two bedrooms and one bath

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The price: Listed for $175,500; purchased for $165,000

The agent: Rachelle Lee Schneider, Space & Co.

The ask: Katie Pratt had a good apartment in West Philly. It was a decent-sized one-bedroom on a street she liked. It was affordable. It worked for her and her two cats, Winston and Harold. For a while, that felt like enough. Then Pratt realized she wanted to live in Philadelphia long-term, and continuing to rent didnt make any sense. She was 29  the same age her sisters were when they bought their first houses  and ready to put down roots.

But owning a home didnt feel realistic. Pratt has health issues that make her energy levels unpredictable. Some days, she said, she can barely leave bed. She wasnt sure she could handle the upkeep a house requires. Maintaining my own home seemed overwhelming, Pratt said. Thats when a friend suggested she look into a condominium. It could give her all the perks of homeownership without leaving her responsible for a damaged roof or a leaking basement. Pratt loved the idea.

Stairs were a dealbreaker, so she narrowed her search to first-floor units or buildings with elevators. She wanted plenty of natural light and more space than her apartment offered. A second bedroom wasnt necessary but sounded nice.

The search: Pratt began looking in spring 2025 after reaching out to an agent a coworker recommended. She thought the meeting would be informational. Instead, it kicked off a real search. I didnt realize at the time that meeting with the agent kind of got it all started immediately, she said.

In all, Pratt looked at 15 places. One place seemed almost suspiciously affordable for the location, so Pratt asked a resident outside what it was like to live there. This stranger told me everything, she said. The apartment was, in fact, too good to be true.

Then Pratt spotted a listing somewhere she had never thought to look for a home: Facebook Marketplace. The seller had skipped an agent and posted it himself, Pratt said, because he didnt want the company that owned a big chunk of the complex to snap it up. He wanted to sell it to someone who would actually live there.

Pratt messaged him, and he wrote back quickly. He seemed eager to move the conversation along, which made her wonder if the whole thing was a scam. She asked him to talk to her agent instead. Turns out it was legitimate, Pratt said.

The appeal: Once Pratt knew the listing was real, she could focus on the place itself. She knew the complex because a close friend rented there, and she had seen the area at different times of day and night. That made her more comfortable. She didnt have to guess what living there might feel like.

The place itself checked nearly every box. It was a first-floor, two-bedroom unit with lots of light. Theres so much sun, and its really pretty, Pratt said. It came with a parking spot and storage. The complex had a courtyard, trees, and a semi-gated layout that made it feel tucked away.

The deal: The seller was asking $175,500. Pratt and her agent offered $160,000, which she said was a common price for units in the complex. They settled at $165,000.

Then the inspection turned up old windows and electrical issues in the kitchen, so Pratt and her agent tried to bring the price back down to $160,000. By then, though, the management company had caught wind of the sale and offered the seller $165,000 in cash. That left Pratt with little room to negotiate. If that hadnt happened, I could have probably negotiated to $160,000, she said. Still, she thought $165,000 was a good deal. Two-bedroom homes in the area, she said, can easily sell for more than $200,000.

The money: Pratt put down about $50,000, more than she had originally planned. She had to account for the homeowners association fee and wanted her total monthly cost to feel manageable, not scary, she said. Her mortgage payment is $1,120.

To cover the down payment, Pratt pulled from several sources. Roughly $35,000 came from selling stock her grandparents had bought for her when she was born. She added about $10,000 of her own savings, and her parents transferred another $10,000 in stock for her to cash out.

After closing, Pratt used much of what remained in the stock account from her grandparents, along with her own savings, to get the condo ready. She painted, updated the electrical, and bought furniture that fit the new layout, including a queen bed and a new couch. I got some things that Im very happy about, she said.

The move: Pratt closed at the end of October but didnt move into the condo until Jan. 1. She had some overlap with her lease, which gave her time to move gradually instead of all at once. Over the next two months, she took things over bit by bit, mostly on her own. Her parents came for about a week to help and friends pitched in, too.

Any reservations? Buying a home gave Pratt more anxiety than she expected. The hardest part was watching her savings shrink. After everything settled, it was just like, Wow, its all gone, she said. She has had to be more money-conscious than she was before. To calm herself, she tries to think long-term. I tell myself, Youll love yourself in a year or two, Pratt said. You wont regret it, even if you do in this exact moment.

Life after close: In her old apartment, Pratt worked from the living room. Now her extra bedroom serves as both an office and a guest room, with a foldable desk and a pullout couch she found on Facebook Marketplace.

Pratt also bought a pull-down screen for the projector she already owned. Changes like that helped the condo feel more like home. The process was stressful, and the financial hit was real. I feel very lucky, she said.

Did you recently buy a home? We want to hear about it. Email acovington@inquirer.com.
A law which would see guardianship rights removed from anyone convicted of killing their partner or parent of their child is at an advanced stage of drafting, according to the justice minister.

Known as Valeries Law, the legislation is the result of campaigning by the brother of 41-year-old Valerie French Kilroy, who was murdered by her husband James Kilroy in Westport, Co Mayo, in 2019. Ms French Kilroy was originally from West Cork.

Kilroy was convicted in 2024 but retains his guardianship rights over their children, ensuring he has a right to know where they live and to be involved in major decisions affecting their lives.

The Government brought forward the General Scheme of the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill, 2025 last year.

Speaking at the Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Forum in Dublin this week, justice minister Jim OCallaghan said: When I published the 20252026 Zero Tolerance Implementation Plan, I highlighted several key areas of legislative reform that I was committed to pursuing. This includes the removal of guardianship of a child from those convicted of killing their intimate partner or ex-partner, and drafting is now at an advanced stage.

The bill would allow an application to be brought to the District Court to remove guardianship rights from the perpetrator. This application should be sought within six months, with the court then ordering a guardian to be appointed for the child.

Mr OCallaghan also referenced Jennies Law, approved last September by the Cabinet. When enacted, the legislation will allow the establishment of a Domestic Violence Register. The legislation is named after Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her former partner Gavin Murphy in 2021.

The Domestic Violence Register will be managed by the Courts Service and victims will be required to provide consent before the convicted abuser can be named on the public register. Names will remain on the register for three years, with the possibility of removal upon request. The legislation for the register underwent pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Justice Committee earlier this year.

Mr OCallaghan said: The recommendations of the committee will be carefully considered once received by my department.

Meanwhile, a report being prepared by the National Observatory of Violence Against Women and Girls will be released on April 27. It focuses on engagement with survivors of violence against women and girls.

The National Womens Council chairs the observatory. The councils executive director Corrinne Hasson told the forum among the key findings of the research was survivor engagement in policy must not be tokenistic. It found diverse perspectives should be included at every stage of the frameworks design, development, implementation and review.

She added: The survivor engagement structure must recognise how racism, structural discrimination, poverty and exclusion shape the experience of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, including substance use, mental health support needs, homelessness, involvement in the justice system, poverty and disadvantage."
The transport minister said he is acutely aware of concerns around public transport in Cork City, after figures showed that there were more than 2,700 complaints in just 12 months.

The most troubled route, with 317 complaints, was the 208 Ashmount to Curraheen, which journeys through the heart of Corks northside, and is a major mode of transport for students of University College Cork (UCC) and Munster Technological University (MTU), and patients and staff of Cork University Hospital (CUH).

The 220 Ballincollig/Douglas/Carrigaline route, which is one of the most used in the city and surrounding areas, had 245 complaints, while the 215 Mahon Point to Cloghroe route had 240 complaints.

The 214 CUH to Glyntown in Glanmire via Patrick St, which is also a major route for students and workers, saw 209 complaints  backing up anecdotal evidence on local online community forums, which have outlined countless examples of work and college days being ruined for weary passengers because of its unreliability.

The 203 from Manor Farm in the southside to Parklands in the northside had 190 complaints.

The figures were released to Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould. He said that the number of complaints showed a transport system which was not functioning.

The crisis in Cork Citys bus service has jumped from chaos to catastrophe over the last two years. I cannot count how many times I have heard of people left waiting at bus stops for ghost buses or for hours on end because of cancellations.

People missing appointments, work, education and important events because of a bus service that cannot meet the demand.

No service that receives more than 2,000 complaints in 12 months is functioning. Every single route received complaints, with the 208 receiving more than one complaint a day. How is that acceptable? he said.

The most troubled route, with 317 complaints, was the 208 Ashmount to Curraheen, which journeys through the heart of Corks northside. Picture Larry Cummins

In response, the Department of Transport said that minister Darragh OBrien was acutely aware of the pressures on commuters in Cork, which he said, has been experiencing significant reliability issues for a combination of reasons including driver availability, mechanical, and traffic congestion issues.

The department said that the minister has responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, but the day-to-day operations of public transport lie with the National Transport Authority.

Figures provided to the Public Accounts Committee last month showed that Bus Eireann was penalised more than 735,000 for poor punctuality within Cork City.

In an update to the committee, the Department of Transport said performance payment deductions had been capped in 2024 to avoid putting Bus Eireann into a loss-making situation in relation to contracted services.

The department said that the Government is committed to ensuring that public transport services can continue to operate reliably and sustainably in the face of growing passenger demand nationwide and increased operational costs.

It comes as it was confirmed that the preferred route for the Cork Luas is due to be published later this month.

It is expected to contain a number of significant changes to the earlier emerging preferred route, published last year.

Among the changes understood to be included are a 2km extension at the western end, a rerouting in Bishopstown to travel behind CUH instead of in front of it, and what have been described as minor adjustments in Ballinlough.
Speculation is a dangerous pastime. When I was six, I made the mistake during catechism one day of asking if Jesus was married. I can still see the revulsion on my teachers face. I was guilty of heresy and given two sharp swipes of the cane.

This man called Jesus has never ceased to fascinate me. Thirteen years after my faux pas, that in March 1980 in a courtyard on Dov Gruner Street in East Talpiot, three miles south of the Old City in Jerusalem, a construction crew laying the foundations for an apartment complex uncovered a tomb.

It contained 10 small burial cases, one of which was engraved with the words Yehoshua bar Yehosef, translated as Jesus son of Joseph; although the inscription was partially illegible and its translation is widely disputed to this day. Also discovered were various other human remains and several wall carvings.

A documentary film, The Lost Tomb of Jesus, by James Cameron and journalist Simcha Jacobovici was released in 2007, at the same time as a book of the same title by Jacobovici and Charles Pellegrino, which argued that the tomb was the burial place of Jesus of Nazareth.

Read More Ireland among most religious countries in Europe, new study finds

Other translated inscriptions included Mariamene e Mara (Miriam or Mary), and Yehuda bar Yehoshua (Judah son of Jesus).

Even though all were names of New Testament characters, they were also among the most common names in Palestine at that time. But that didnt stop Cameron and Jacobovici claiming that Talpiot was the burial place of Jesus and Mary Magdelene, Judah their son, and Mary, Jesuss mother.

Also laid to rest there allegedly was James, brother of Jesus. Given the lack of records, we have no way of ever knowing how accurate the discovery was. If it was true, it was nothing less than the tomb of Jesus and his family, which would open an argument that the resurrection had never happened.

Outrage and criticism

It was one of Discovery Channels most successful shows in years. However, such was the level of outrage from Christian groups and biblical academics, they pulled the plan for a repeat broadcast.

In 1996, 16 years after the tomb was found, the BBC produced a documentary for Easter Sunday called The Body in Question, which posed a hypothetical question based on the Talpiot discovery, What if Jesus wasnt resurrected?

The public reaction to the programme was both critical and angry. The reaction of its presenter Joan Bakewell appeared to be the only argument that either side of the heated debate could agree on, namely there is certainly no positive proof of anything.

Some of the criticism aimed at the Talpiot discovery was both personal and nasty, motivated by an unwarranted need to defend ancient Christian beliefs.

From a scholarly perspective, critics pointed out that the tomb itself was a type more popular with wealthy Jerusalem families in the first century, while Jesus family came from a poorer background.

Another criticism was that the Jesus ossuary wasnt inscribed with a title, such as Messiah, or Master.

And if Talpiot was his burial place, then what becomes of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which has always been revered as the site of Jesuss death and burial since the second century?

But whos to say that such criticisms, or objections, come from a place of absolute truth?

Speculation

What if these objections are wrong, and that Talpiot is the burial place of Jesuss family?

There is no definitive physical or archaeological evidence of Jesuss existence, which surely makes the Talpiot findings somewhat curious.

One of the burial boxes found there is known as the James ossuary, which bore the inscription James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus. However, it was later found that the words brother of Jesus were forged.

Biblical scholar, Ben Witherington suggests this combination of biblical names is most likely not a coincidence, and that James could be the connection to the real Jesus and his family.

Because there is so little physical evidence available that can reliably present us with facts, one of the most explosive theories is the marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdelene.

Its a speculative claim that cant be historically verified or rejected. But what if it were true?

Dan Browns 2003 bestseller The Da Vinci Code raised the idea that Jesus and Mary Magdelenes marriage had been suppressed by the church for thousands of years. Their love for each other is central to the narrative.

The Holy Grail is Mary. If it was all one big conspiracy theory, then it gave rise to historical revisionism like never before, making people rethink history and religion.

The Bible is filled with symbolism, and its to be expected that more and more people are thinking outside the box. What if Jesus had been married to Mary Magdelene? What if they had a daughter called Sarah? Would it change how history has charged this man as a saviour and redeemer?

And what about James his brother? That would infer that Mary, Jesuss mother, had other children  Joseph, James, Jude, and Simon, as indicated in the gospels of Mark and Matthew; or if James was Jesuss half-brother, that would have meant Joseph was the father of a son from a previous marriage.

Biblical discrepancies

Is it acceptable to push the boundaries on religious narratives that we were led to believe over our lifetime could not be questioned? It is, if they contradict what we have been taught.

I wonder if many priests suspect that Jesus was married; and how must that make them feel about celibacy and the lonely existence they live. None of the four gospels states that Jesus was celibate, while none of the gospels tells us that Jesus was married. So what are we left to believe?

Jacobovicis Talpiot tomb account is regarded by critics as a story that doesnt hold together, but its also fair to say that the Bible has its share of contradictions. Matthew and Lukes gospels trace Jesus lineage in completely contradictory ways, as though he was two different people.

The accounts of Judas Iscariots death in Matthew 27:3-10 and Acts 1:18-19 differ in both the details of what happened and how he died. In Matthews gospel, Joseph and Marys hometown was Bethlehem, while in Lukes they lived in Nazareth.

None of the gospels came with an about the author section, so how do we know who wrote them and when? Many of the great biblical scholars have argued about their origins, but as new writings are discovered everything is open to debate.

Personally, the notion that Jesus and Mary Magdelene were married with a family appeals to me because it makes them more human, more real. While it remains a notion, as time passes more evidence is being discovered that holds a microscope to all the other lifelong beliefs.

Nikos Kazantzakis in his 1953 book The Last Temptation of Christ alleged they were married, as did Dan Brown in 2003. As recently as 2008, a manuscript almost 1500 years old unearthed at the British Library claims the same.

The reason we know nothing about Jesus from the time he was 12, when he visited Jerusalem with his parents to celebrate the Passover, until he was in his early 30s was because he was busy raising a family, according to a 2014 book The Lost Gospel by Barrie Wilson and Simcha Jacobovici, based on this ancient manuscript. Its worth a read.

At the risk of getting theological backs up, Im reminded that few religions in history have led to more conflict than those based on the teachings of a man called Jesus. As Napoleon, among others, once said: "What is history, but a fable agreed upon?". Happy Easter.
Another American restaurant chain has shuttered its final location, reinforcing the growing reality across the industry that even well-established brands with loyal followings are no longer enough to withstand sustained economic pressure.

While the restaurant sector remains a major contributor to the U.S. economy, operators are navigating a far more complex environment shaped by rising costs, tight margins, and more cautious consumer spending.

Eating and drinking establishments were projected to contribute $1.54 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2025, accounting for more than 5% of nominal GDP, according to the National Restaurant Association.

Despite this scale, closures continue to accelerate across both independent restaurants and multi-unit chains.

The Meatball Shop closes its final location

The Meatball Shop has confirmed it has permanently closed its last remaining location at 798 9th Ave in New York City's Hell's Kitchen, marking the end of a 14-year run.

"After many great years, The Meatball Shop has closed its doors," said The Meatball Shop in the statement published on its official website. "We're deeply grateful to our guests and team for the memories we shared."

Founded in 2010, the brand built a strong following with its customizable meatball bowls and cocktails. At its peak, it operated seven locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Washington, D.C.

However, like many urban restaurant groups, the company faced mounting challenges during and after the Covid pandemic. Lease pressures, rising labor costs, and shifting consumer traffic patterns led to a gradual reduction in locations, leaving only its Hell's Kitchen restaurant by 2023.

Its closure highlights the broader industry trend where concepts that expanded during lower-cost, high-demand periods are now being forced to adapt or exit entirely as fixed costs rise and margins tighten.

Although its restaurants are now closed, The Meatball Shop continues to maintain a presence through its 2011 cookbook, which remains available at major grocery stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Markets.

Notably, the founders hinted at a possible revival in late 2025, engaging followers on Instagram about a potential reboot of the concept.

The Meatball Shop closes its last remaining location.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

A restaurant industry under pressure

The closures reflect deeper structural challenges affecting the U.S. restaurant industry, where long-term sustainability has become increasingly difficult to maintain.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 17% of new restaurants close within their first year. Long-term restaurants have an even higher chance of shutting down, with around half closing within five years and only 34.6% surviving beyond a decade, according to Oysterlink.
Shes as bold as brass. Lelia Doolan, the 91-year-old peace activist en route from Clare to the Dail to protest at the US militarys use of Shannon Airport, is talking about the other reason shes setting out across the country on foot  to honour her dear friend and fellow agitator Margaretta DArcy.

The two women had been hatching a plan to take some kind of action when Margaretta went off and died last November, at the age of 91.

She was a powerful warrior for peace and Im just travelling along in her footsteps, Lelia Doolan tells Irishwomans Diary after day two of Walk with Lelia, the anti-war pilgrimage that will culminate with a request to meet Taoiseach Micheal Martin in Dublin in a few weeks time.

Mind you, its hard to believe that the woman Archbishop John Charles McQuaid once famously described as mad, bad and dangerous is following in anyones footsteps.

Its not clear when he issued that damning assessment, but it was probably in the late 1960s as a response to her work as producer and director at RTE.

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Lelia Doolan herself wasnt too impressed with the commercial bent of the state broadcaster at the time and resigned, with others, in 1969. Soon afterwards, in 1971, she was appointed first female artistic director of the Abbey Theatre.

If the archbishop had considered her creative exuberance morally suspect, by stark contrast the Chicago Sun Times actively celebrated it.

A cutting from the Chicago Sun Times, June 4, 1972, was sent to Lelia by actor and friend Donal Donnelly after she was appointed first female artistic director of the Abbey. Picture: University of Galway Library

The Fiery Lass who runs Dublins Abbey, trumpeted the paper in June 1972 over an article about her history-making tenure at the national theatre.

When I mention it, she says: Im a very calm, quiet person, you know. Theres truth in that too because she talks with conciliatory calm about the need to come together in solidarity to speak out against war and the use of Shannon Airport by the US military.

That is a campaign of longstanding, but one with international resonance now as Spain bans US military flights from its airspace and other European countries push back against US military operations.

Read More Clodagh Finn: The countess who issued her own coinage to pay her workers

Margaretta DArcy, artist, filmmaker, Aosdana member and jailbird  she spent three months in prison because of her Shannon activism  might be heartened to see that. Shortly before she died, she again expressed her fierce opposition to US troops using the Co Clare airport There were many other causes too. She and Lelia Doolan camped outside the Dail in 2024 to put pressure on the Government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill.

The following year, they both returned their honorary doctorates to the University of Galway in protest against the universitys links with the Israeli institute Technion.

While Lelia was on her own when she did a parachute jump on her 90th birthday last year to raise funds for Medecins Sans Frontieres, the spirit of her friend-of-decades is with her now as she journeys little by little, as she puts it, along a 200-plus kilometre route.

'She always spoke out directly'

She was always herself, Lelia says of her. She always spoke out directly. She was interested in peoples reactions to everything, which is always very unusual. And she listened to people with whom she disagreed, or who disagreed with her.

And that to me is the most important quality; to be able to listen without shouting back at people who perhaps have a different view and bring them slowly around, perhaps, to reflecting on that.

Margaretta DArcy in 'Mad, Bad, and Dangerous'. Picture: courtesy of Cathy Dunne

Having said that, Margaretta was a great woman to shout at her friends too, Lelia adds. Shed tell them that they werent getting the message, which of course, very often they werent, because she was a bit ahead of most of us anyway. Some people did get the message, such as Emma OGrady, the artist who filmed the two friends in Mad, Bad and Dangerous, her inspired 2020 documentary series celebrating older, difficult women.

(On an aside, cant you just hear US writer Karen Karbos oft-quoted line: It actually doesnt take much to be considered a difficult woman. Thats why there are so many of us.) Mind you, OGrady recalls how quarrelsome her subjects were: In making the episode with them, I learned so much about womens intellectualism and how it connects with the heart. They were moving mountains long before hashtags. But the main thing I remember is how argumentative they were.

'You can be both silly and formidable'

We filmed while they shouted and roared and disagreed  seriously  with each other, but then one of them would make a joke and you could feel the love and fun. I learned a lot about listening, how to argue with love. That and how much of a pro Lelia is. And I loved Margarettas playfulness; she was an imp... they both are. People dont realise that you can be both silly and formidable; they arent mutually exclusive.

Its not entirely surprising, then, that Emma OGrady is co-ordinating this months walk  shes a marvel, says Lelia  or, indeed, that she has followed Margaretta DArcys example and is now facing trial with two others for taking action against the US militarys use of Shannon.

But this two-week trek across the country is not just a call for peace and solidarity but a way of celebrating the special friendship between two indefatigable women who forged new paths in so many spheres.

Margaretta DArcy, to quote President Catherine Connolly, was a woman of extraordinary conviction, an actor, playwright, filmmaker and writer who brought a radical honesty to her work. Her lifelong dedication to peace and anti-war activism was equally profound.

Its almost impossible to sum up the work  to date  of Lelia Doolan, but here is one list of adjectives that captures some of it: Broadcaster, television producer, filmmaker, theatre director, lecturer and environmentalist. She is also a gifted writer and a person whose horror of war goes back many decades. She recalls vividly how she heard of the crushing of the freedoms of the Prague Spring by Soviet and Warsaw Pact allies in 1968.

Lelia Doolan at the Peace Roundabout outside Shannon Airport, where she began a symbolic walk to Dublin together with a band of supporters calling for peace and the end of the use of Shannon Airport by the US military. Picture: Chani Anderson

She was on holidays in Camp, Co Kerry, and recalls lying out, on starlit nights, trying to get a signal on shortwave radio to hear updates from New York on UN meetings. She recalled the Czech plenipotentiary pleading with his global compatriots to come to their aid.

On that crackly radio, his voice was urgent and emotional and his words were most affecting. I was riveted. I could see those tanks, the horror of the people, the suddenness. It is still an unforgettable moment for me, the shock of war. The only reason she was up, she says with a laugh, is that she played 110 nearly every night with the neighbours, which is one of the great card games of the universe.

That dance between the everyday  the fun and joy of chatting to people while sitting on a wall to rest  and the deadly seriousness of the impact of war sums up the essence of Walk with Lelia.

In the end, though, she hopes that the action of the few will influence those in power: Look, I mean, every single human being has the ability and the courage to see that whats going on in Shannon is not right, and that the government has got to pay attention to the fact that it has the courage to change what its doing, just as Spain and Italy have done.

The walk is also a reminder of all that is good in life, such as friendship, she says, before signing off with this: People need each other; that is a simple and often forgotten truth.
Budget measures are not typically announced in April.

Usually, journalists would not dream of asking a budget question in the springtime out of fear of being scolded by a minister.

Yet we already know one big aspect of Budget 2027 will be Tanaiste and finance minister Simon Harriss new savings and investment account.

The crux of his argument is that there is 170bn on deposit sitting in Irish accounts across the State. It is understood just 2.2% of any money saved is actually invested.

The Fine Gael leader is returning to his partys old motto of helping the people who get up early in the morning, saying the so-called squeezed middle is not investing due to the complexity of the system and the risk of being hit with a tax bill.

Capital Gains Tax of 33% is charged on profits from shares and property.

Deemed disposal rules, meanwhile, dictate if you hold an investment in an exchange-traded fund for eight years, a tax is levied on any profit you earn.

This is applied to Irish funds and life assurance products. As part of Budget 2026, it was decided the tax would be reduced from 41% to 38%.

Earlier this week, Mr Harris questioned whether this tax was too high and admitted there were broader questions around the rationale for the policy.

In some cases, investment income can also be subject to income tax, USC, and PRSI. In addition, Deposit Interest Retention Tax (Dirt) of 33% is also charged on savings.

Under the plans proposed by Mr Harris, an annual flat rate of tax will be charged on savings and investments once the balance in the account goes above a certain threshold. How much this threshold will be is a budget day decision.

It is proposed this will be the only tax charged on the account.

The accounts will not be administered by the Department of Finance itself, but rather they will be run by the countrys financial institutions, with the Government ensuring a different tax regime is applied to them.

'Tax break for millionaires'

However, there has been mounting opposition to this part of the plan. Cian OCallaghan, the Social Democrats finance spokesperson, labelled the plan a tax break for millionaires.

Dr Barra Roantree, an economist at Trinity College Dublin, told RTEs Morning Ireland the plan could cost the State millions over the coming decades.

While it has been repeatedly suggested by the finance minister there is up to 170bn sitting on deposit in Irish accounts, Dr Roantree suggested this was probably overstated as it would amount to an average of 90,000 per household, which doesnt stack up with other statistics.

The median amount of savings a household has is just 9,000, he suggested.

A study in December by the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland found one in three people had less than 5,000 in savings.

If there is 170bn worth of savings in current accounts and Credit Unions around the country, most of that is held by people with a lot of savings. It is held by the very rich.

Mr Roantree also said people who were already investing would just move to the new account to pay less tax.

Evidence from other countries suggests tax breaks do not lead to overall savings levels increasing. Rather, he said, it leads to those who are already saving just saving more.

SSIA on steroids is what this would end up being, and in order for what? he added.

This was shot down by Government sources, who said the millionaire and billionaire argument doesnt stack up, because they pay funds to manage their investment.

This is for people who dont, they argued. This will be for people who want to invest modestly through their bank or local Credit Union.

The Government will also be hoping to attract the younger generation who have already started to invest.

A study by Revolut in 2024 found a 17% surge in young investors across the Irish market, with those aged between 18 and 34 making up 57% of the companys Irish investment customer base.

Whether the new Government plans can woo the youth away from flashy products like cryptocurrency is another question.

However, with the rising cost of living and global economic uncertainty, most of Irelands squeezed middle is set to become even more squeezed.

By the time the plan is rolled out, the Tanaistes target audience could have smaller savings pots due to an unexpected rainy day.

Speaking at the Central Bank on Tuesday, Mr Harris spoke of a grandmother called Mary, whom he recently met in a Cork Credit Union.

She puts a fiver in each of her five grandkids' credit union accounts every week, he said.

She's going to keep on doing that, and she wants to build up a little nest egg for them.

But at the moment, despite people doing the right thing, that's not earning any money. It'll be worth less to those grandkids when they go to withdraw it than it is when they put it in.

That's what we're trying to fix here.

This plan will only work if people actually have money to invest in the first place.

By the time Budget 2027 rolls around on October 6, Mary may not have 5 a week to put into one of Mr Harris new accounts at all.
The Artemis II crew are now closer to the moon than the Earth, Nasa said on Saturday morning, as the four astronauts completed the third day of their flight to the moon.

We can see the moon out of the docking hatch right now. Its a beautiful sight, said an unnamed member of the crew, which Nasa shared in a post on X.

By 11am Saturday, the Orion spacecraft had travelled more than 152,000 miles away from Earth since its launch on Wednesday.

Nasa released the crews first downlinked images on Friday, just one-and-a-half days into the first astronaut moonshot in more than half a century.

Artemis II will follow a figure-8-shaped path that will send astronauts around the Moon before returning them to Earth.

The first photo taken by commander Reid Wiseman showed a curved slice of Earth in one of the capsules windows. The second showed the entire globe with the oceans topped by swirling white tendrils of clouds. A green aurora even glows, according to Nasa.

Its great to think that, with the exception of our four friends, all of us are represented in this image, said Nasas Lakiesha Hawkins, an exploration systems leader. She added the mission was going well.

The space agency also shared the menu for the trip, which includes tortillas, vegetable quiche, mango salad and barbecued beef brisket. As there is no refrigeration onboard, all meals are carefully selected to remain safe, shelf-stable and easy to prepare.

Wiseman and his crew should reach their destination on Monday.

A view of the Earth from NASA's Orion spacecraft as it orbits above the planet during the Artemis II test flight, on Thursday, April 2, 2026. (NASA via AP)

The three Americans and one Canadian will swing around the moon in their Orion capsule, hang a U-turn and then head straight back home without stopping. They fired Orions main engine on Thursday night, which set them on their course.

After mission control shifted the position of their capsule, the entire Earth  complete with northern lights  filled their windows.

It was the most spectacular moment, and it paused all four of us in our tracks, Wiseman said in a TV interview.

They are the first lunar travellers since Apollo 17 in 1972.

Orion will travel about 4,000 miles (6,400km) beyond the moon before turning back, providing unprecedented and illuminated views of the lunar far side.

If all proceeds smoothly, the astronauts will set a record by venturing further from Earth than any human before  more than 250,000 miles.

The mission is part of a longer-term plan to repeatedly return to the moon, with the aim of establishing a permanent base that will offer a platform for further exploration.

On Thursday, after what Nasa described as a flawless engine firing that lasted just under six minutes, the astronauts said they had been glued to the windows of the capsule as they left Earth.

Artemis astronaut Christina Koch said: Theres nothing that prepares you for the breathtaking aspect of seeing your home planet both lit up bright as day, and also the moon glow on it at night with the beautiful beam of the sunset.

Now that the astronauts are moon-bound, there is no turning back: they are on a free return trajectory, which uses the moons gravity to slingshot around it before heading back towards Earth.

In the event something goes wrong, the astronauts are equipped with suits that also serve as survival systems. This means that in the unlikely case of a cabin depressurisation or leak, they will maintain oxygen, temperature controls and the correct pressure for up to six days.

They are expected to spend 30 minutes a day working out on the spacecrafts flywheel exercise device, in order to minimise the muscle and bone loss that happens in the absence of Earths gravity.

The mission marks a series of historic accomplishments, including sending the first person of colour, the first woman and the first non-American on a lunar mission. It is also the inaugural crewed flight of SLS, Nasas lunar rocket.

After years of delays and massive cost overruns, it was meant to take off in February but was again delayed by repeated setbacks, with the rocket needing to be rolled back to its hangar for repairs.

The current era of US lunar investment has frequently been portrayed as an effort to compete with China, which aims to land humans on the moon by 2030.

During a post-launch briefing, Jared Isaacman, the Nasa administrator, said competition was a great way to mobilise the resources of a nation. He added: Competition can be a good thing  and we certainly have competition now.

The Artemis programme has come under pressure from Donald Trump, who is hoping US boots will hit the lunar surface before his second term ends in January 2029. But the projected date of 2028 for a landing has raised eyebrows among some experts, in part because Washington is relying heavily on the private sectors technological headway.

After blasting off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, the astronauts sounded the alarm over a slight glitch: a toilet had begun malfunctioning as the crew reached orbit.

With help from mission control, Koch was guided through some plumbing tricks until she finally got it going, but not before having to resort to using contingency urine storage bags.

The 10-day mission will take NASA astronauts Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover and Mission Specialist Christina Koch and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen around the moon and back. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Koch later said she was proud to call herself the space plumber, noting that it had just been an issue of the equipment needing to warm up.

I like to say that it is probably the most important piece of equipment onboard, she added. So we were all breathing a sigh of relief when it turned out to be just fine.

After the crew was asked about the deep divisions at home and what message they had for Americans, astronaut Victor Glover replied by pointing to their singular vantage point and the view it had afforded them of Earth.

You look amazing. You look beautiful. From up here, you also look like one thing, he said. Were all one people.

- The Guardian
Pope Leo XIV, carrying a tall, lit candle through a darkened and silent St Peters Basilica, ushered in Christianitys most joyous celebration with his first Easter vigil service as pontiff on Saturday night.

The pope urged that Easter would bring harmony and peace to a world torn by wars.

Easter for Christians commemorates Christs triumph over death with his resurrection following his crucifixion. Lighting the candle before he entered the basilica, the pope intoned: The light of Christ who rises in glory.

Candle bearers stopped to light candles of the congregants as they walked down the central aisle, spreading flickers of light through the dark basilica before the lights went up as the pope arrived at the baroque main altar, followed by cardinals dressed in white.

Nuns attend Pope Leo XIVs Easter Vigil inside St Peters Basilica (Andrew Medichini/AP)

In his homily, Leo called sin a heavy barrier that closes us off and separates us from God, seeking to kill his words of hope within us, and likened it to the stone that had covered Jesuss tomb  but which was found overturned, revealing his resurrection.

Leo said that there are stones representing sins to be overturned today, some so heavy and so closely guarded that they seem to be immovable.

Some weigh heavily on the human heart, such as mistrust, fear, selfishness and resentment; others stemming from these inner struggles, sever the bonds between us through war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations.

Let us not allow ourselves to be paralysed by them, the pope said, calling on the faithful to make a commitment so that the Easter gifts of harmony and peace may grow and flourish everywhere and always throughout the world.

Pope Leo XIV arrives for the Easter Vigil inside St Peters Basilica (Andrew Medichini/AP)

With the US-Israeli war on Iran in its second month and Russias ongoing campaign in Ukraine, Leo has repeatedly called for a halt in hostilities.

On Palm Sunday, he said that God does not listen to the prayers of those who make war or cite God to justify their violence.

As is tradition, Leo baptised 10 adults from all over the world during the mass.

During Leos first Holy Week, which is notoriously demanding, the pontiff carried the cross for the entire 14 stations during the Way of the Cross on Good Friday, the first time a pope has done so for decades.

On Holy Thursday, he washed the feet of 12 priests in the traditional Holy Thursday ritual, restoring a tradition his predecessor Pope Francis had broken by including lay people and non-Christians.

On Sunday morning, Leo will celebrate an open-air mass in St Peters Square before delivering his Easter message and offer the traditional Urbi et Orbi message to the city (of Rome) and the world, which acts as a summary of the worlds woes.
The contract administrator offered $10,000 below the listing price. She also asked that the seller kick in $5,000 toward closing costs. The seller accepted, and later agreed to throw in another $12,000 for repairs after a home inspection revealed roof damage.

The trends helped give home shopper Anne King a strong hand when she set her sights on a three-bedroom, two-bath ranch-style house in Fort Worth listed at $275,000.

Its been a really good buyers market to kind of start the year off with, he said.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, lower listing prices and more homes on the market are forcing many sellers to price their home more competitively or consider offering some incentives to land a buyer, said Matthew Crites, an agent with Coldwell Banker Realty.

Home shoppers who can afford to buy at current mortgage rates this spring are likely to find a more buyer-friendly housing market than this time last year. That means they'll have more leverage when negotiating with sellers, who in many cases are watching their property go unsold for weeks, potentially making them more willing to lower their initial asking price or offer buyers money for closing costs, repairs or other concessions in order to get a deal done, real estate agents say.

The war in Iran has seriously complicated the spring buying season, said Joel Berner, senior economist at Realtor.com. I expect that many buyers will be put off by rising rates and mounting economic uncertainty, choosing to bide their time rather than jumping on board for a purchase before rates go up.

While rates are still down from a year ago, their recent upward trend has already led to a slowdown in mortgage applications. Further increases threaten to put a damper on home sales during whats traditionally the busiest time of the year for the housing market.

The conflict is also injecting more uncertainty into the U.S. economic outlook at a time when the job market is sputtering.

As recently as the last week of February, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage dropped to just under 6%, its lowest level in more than three and a half years. It climbed this week to 6.46% , its highest level in nearly seven months.

Mortgage rates have been rising since the war began, as surging energy prices heighten worries about higher inflation, pushing up the yield on U.S. 10-year Treasury bonds, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.

LOS ANGELES (AP)  The economic fallout from the war with Iran is driving up the cost of buying a home, even as other housing market trends in many parts of the country favor home shoppers this spring.

Story Continues

Fortunately for me, the seller was in a position they needed to sell, said King, 57. The purchase was finalized in late February, just before the start of the conflict in the Middle East.

King had hoped mortgage rates would ease further before she bought the home, but decided it made sense to buy sooner, rather than risk having to compete this spring against more homebuyers who could potentially trigger a bidding war -- something she experienced last May when she bought a two-bedroom, two-bath townhouse in Arlington, Texas.

She locked in a 6% rate on her mortgage and plans to refinance to a lower rate whenever rates drop.

I feel like I got a good deal on this property, and thats all that matters, she said.

Home shoppers gain more leverage

While the inventory of homes for sale nationally is still low by historical standards, active listings  a tally that encompasses all homes on the market except those pending a finalized sale  jumped nearly 8% in February from a year earlier, according to data from Realtor.com.

The increase varies across the U.S., with the West, Midwest and South far outpacing the Northeast. Still, some 43 of the 50 largest metro areas had more homes for sale in February than a year earlier, with listings up between 10% and 38.5% in many markets, including Seattle, Indianapolis, Las Vegas and Houston and Denver.

As homes take longer to sell, prices have started falling. The median listing price was down in February from a year earlier in just over half of the nations biggest 50 metro areas, including a nearly 9% drop in Austin and Memphis, and declines of more than 5% in Washington D.C., San Diego and Los Angeles.

In another sign that buyers may have the edge negotiating with sellers this spring, an analysis by Redfin estimates that there were about 46% more sellers than prospective buyers in the market nationally in February. Thats up from about 30% a year earlier and represents the largest gap between buyers and sellers on records going back to 2013, according to Redfin.

Miami, Nashville and Austin are among the metro areas where sellers most outnumber buyers, Redfin found.

A buyer's market, if you can afford it

The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes were essentially flat last year, stuck at a 30-year low. They have remained sluggish so far this year, declining in January and February versus a year earlier.

While the pace of home price growth has slowed or fallen in many metro areas, affordability hurdles remain daunting for many aspiring homebuyers because wage growth has not kept up with home prices.

Consider, the median price of an existing home sold in February was $398,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. That's nearly five times the median household income. A historic rule of thumb was that homes generally cost three times the household income.

The recent increase in mortgage rates adds slightly to the affordability challenge. On a $400,000 home near downtown Dallas, for example, factoring in a 20% down payment and a 30-year mortgage at 6%, the buyers monthly payment would be about $2,248. At a 6.4% rate, that payment would climb to $2,331.

And while mortgage rates are still lower than a year ago, making monthly payments more manageable, rates are still much higher than the sub-3% averages available to homebuyers during most of 2020 and 2021 as the weakened economy dealt with the coronavirus pandemic and its aftermath.

Sellers under pressure

The housing market has cooled considerably since earlier this decade, when rock-bottom mortgage rates set off a frenzy that sent home prices soaring. Back then, it wasnt uncommon for a home to fetch well above the sellers asking price after receiving offers from multiple buyers.

While some sellers are still receiving multiple offers now, its far from the norm.

Jo Chavez, a Redfin agent in Kansas City, tells clients looking to sell to expect that their home probably wont sell right away. She also advises them to be reasonable with how they price their home.

We have a lot of sellers who have that idea of like, well, my neighbors sold for this much, and so I think I should price $10,000 above them, said Chavez. And thats obviously not a logical approach, because there were less sales last year.

Kansas City is among the few metro areas where the median listing price isnt falling. It rose 4.1% in February from a year earlier, according to Realtor.com. However, the number of homes on the market soared by nearly 20%.

Gail Sanders and her husband, David, put their four-bedroom, three-bath home in Olathe, Kansas, on the market in late February. But even after hosting a couple of open houses, and after lowering their asking price from $535,000 to $525,000, the couple had yet to receive any offers as March drew to a close.

The couple wants to sell the house and buy a home in another Kansas City suburb closer to their three adult children and grandchildren. But until they find a buyer, those plans are on hold.

We just didnt think it was fair to somebody else to put a contingent offer on (another house), but then also lock ourselves into something when we werent sure how fast ours was going to move, said Gail Sanders, a senior claims director. I dont want to be stuck with two house mortgages on the off chance.
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Human Rights Watch  (Beirut, March 30, 2026)  The Iranian government has repeatedly used inherently indiscriminate cluster munitions delivered by ballistic missiles in attacks on Israel since February 28, 2026, Human Rights Watch said today. At least four civilians have been killed in the strikes, which violate the laws of war and may amount to war crimes.

Human Rights Watch confirmed three separate Iranian attacks involving cluster munitions that affected population centers in Israel, including two separate incidents that resulted in civilian deaths near Tel Aviv, two men in Yehud on March 9 and an older man and woman in Ramat Gan on March 18.

Irans use of cluster munitions in populated areas in Israel pose a foreseeable and long-lasting danger to civilians, said Patrick Thompson, crisis, conflict and arms researcher at Human Rights Watch. Cluster munition bomblets are dispersed over a wide area, making them unlawfully indiscriminate in violation of the laws of war.

Cluster munitions are fired in rockets, missiles, and projectiles or dropped from aircraft. They typically disperse in the air, spreading dozens of explosive submunitions, or bomblets, indiscriminately over a large area. Many fail to explode on initial impact, leaving duds that can kill and maim, like landmines, for years or even decades, unless cleared and destroyed.

Human Rights Watch analyzed 50 videos and 5 photographs posted online of suspected cluster munition use by Iran between March 1 and 20, as well as 6 photographs of unexploded submunitions apparently located in Israel and the West Bank. Human Rights Watch also interviewed witnesses to suspected cluster munition attacks. Human Rights Watch wrote to the Iranian government on March 25 concerning the use of cluster munitions. No response had been received at the time of publication.

Since the United States and Israel launched their assault on Iran on February 28, Iranian forces have responded with drone and missile attacks against Israel, as well as other countries in the region, particularly in the Gulf. Media reports and the Israeli government said at least 16 civilians have been killed in Israel and 4 in the West Bank as a result of missile fire. Nine of the victims in Israel were killed in a single ballistic missile strike on the town of Beit Shemesh on March 1, including 3 children. As of March 27, the Iranian Red Crescent had reported 1,900 deaths in Iran since the start of the conflict.

Although Iran has not joined the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which comprehensively bans all production and use of these weapons, international humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate attacks. The widespread impact of submunitions across a populated area is indicative of attacks that cannot discriminate between civilians and combatants and may amount to war crimes. Unexploded submunitions pose continued danger to civilians long after attacks.

Iran is known to possess ballistic missiles capable of delivering submunitions. The Israeli military spokesperson accused Iran of using cluster munitions in a post on X on February 28, the first reported use of these weapons during the current hostilities. Human Rights Watch was unable to verify this claim, but on March 1, multiple sources began posting videos and photographs on social media of what appear to be cluster munitions dispersed by an Iranian ballistic missile. It is unclear if these images are from the same or separate attacks.

Human Rights Watch reviewed 30 similar videos showing descending ballistic missiles surrounded by numerous suspected submunitions falling toward the ground. These most likely show eight separate incidents between March 1 and 20. Most show ballistic missiles with between 21 and 25 objects falling along their paths. Two of the videos show at least 65 objects. Human Rights Watch could not corroborate where these videos were taken, but researchers could not find them posted online before March. There is no visible evidence in videos reviewed that suggest these missiles were intercepted. The Israeli military has reportedly said that it does not attempt to intercept cluster munitions to conserve interceptors.

The first incident involving cluster munitions that Human Rights Watch confirmed occurred in the city of Or Yehuda, in central Israel. On March 6, Emanuel Fabian, a military correspondent for the Times of Israel, posted CCTV footage on X showing a clearly identifiable submunition affecting a civilian area that Human Rights Watch geolocated to a commercial area in Or Yehuda. The video, timestamped March 4 at 2:38 p.m., shows a submunition hitting the middle of a wide, empty street, causing an explosion.

The second attack took place on March 9, killing the two men and injuring at least one other person. Human Rights Watch verified near simultaneous impacts in Or Yehuda, Yehud, Bat Yam and Holon, all nearby cities in the broader metropolitan area of Tel Aviv. This area is Israels most densely populated, accounting for up to 45 percent of its population. The apparent submunitions were likely from one ballistic missile, affecting sites up to 13 kilometers apart, demonstrating the inherently indiscriminate nature of these weapons.

The attack in Yehud killed two construction workers at a building site. A video posted to Telegram on March 9 just before midday and verified by Human Rights Watch, shows two bodies several meters apart, one in a pool of blood, at a construction site. A witness to the attack said: I work here on the construction site where the men were killed. I was pulling [my car] onto the street, on my way to work, and the sirens came on, and I heard the explosion.

An apparent submunition impact approximately five kilometers away, in Or Yehuda, severely injured a man at the same time. Human Rights Watch verified CCTV footage posted to Telegram and geolocated it to Or Yehuda that shows a suspected submunition detonating on a road between newly constructed apartment complexes and a pedestrian falling injured to the ground a few meters away.

At 11:30 a.m. on March 9, Magen David Adom, Israels national emergency medical service, posted on Telegram that it was responding to multiple incidents in central Israel that had caused serious casualties. Fabian, the reporter for The Times of Israel, reported that the impacts were caused by submunitions, quoting first responders.

Human Rights Watch analysis of the detonations and the damage to residential areas in Yehud, Or Yehuda, Bat Yam, and Holon also suggests the use of submunitions, which have a relatively small explosive payload and cause significantly less damage than medium and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, which have high explosive payloads many times larger than a single submunition. The damage was also inconsistent with kinetic damage caused by falling debris.

In the third incident Human Rights Watch verified, suspected submunitions struck multiple locations between midnight and 1 a.m. on March 18. At 12:12 a.m., the Israeli military announced the detection of ballistic missile launches from Iran and at around 12:20 a.m., sirens began sounding throughout central Israel. From 12:22 a.m., multiple sources began posting videos on Telegram of suspected cluster munitions, with the captions saying they were falling over central Israel. Researchers could not determine the locations of these videos, as they were taken at night, but it appears that they were not posted online before March 18.

These videos were followed by reports on social media of impacts in Bnei Brak, Petah Tikva, and Ramat Gan, all within the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.

Shortly after reports of strikes surfaced, Magen David Adom reported that a man and a woman had died of severe fragmentation injuries in Ramat Gan. Videos and photographs of the impact site verified by Human Rights Watch show damage to a three-story residential building. A top-floor apartment where the couple were killed sustained damage to at least one interior room and its facade, with only light structural damage to the rest of the building, including a collapsed awning. The apartment damage is consistent with a submunition, as a large unitary warhead from a ballistic missile would most likely have caused significantly more damage.

A witness in Ramat Gan said: We were huddled inside our shelterme, my mother, father, and brotherwhen suddenly, after the alarm, we heard an explosion. It sounded close. We opened the window, looked outside, and saw that the apartment across the street from us was hit. A [munition] went through the roof and hit two older people, in their 70s, before they had reached the shelter.

Human Rights Watch confirmed near simultaneous impacts in Petah Tikva on March 18 that were also most likely caused by submunitions. A photograph geolocated by Human Rights Watch shows an impact crater next to an upturned vehicle consistent with the size and depth of craters in other videos of submunition impacts. A video verified by Human Rights Watch and time-stamped 12:21 a.m. on March 18, shows an explosion consistent with a submunition impact approximately 815 meters to the northeast.



Two images of unexploded submunitions posted by South Sharon Regional Council in central Israel on March 5, 2026.  2026 Human Rights Watch

On March 19, four Palestinian women were killed in the West Bank town of Beit Awa. The Israeli military asserted they were killed by a submunition, while the Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that they were killed by shrapnel falling from a missile. Human Rights Watch has not been able to independently verify the type of munition that killed them. Palestinians in the West Bank are more vulnerable to missiles and falling interception fragments due to a lack of protective infrastructure such as warning sirens and bomb shelters.

Human Rights Watch also reviewed six photographs showing unexploded submunitions posted online between March 1 and 15, that reportedly struck Israel and the West Bank. Human Rights Watch could not establish the locations of these submunitions due to the lack of geographic detail in the photographs, but researchers could not find them online before March. These submunitions are consistent with munitions used by Iran during the 12-Day War in June 2025, and their use has not been documented in other conflicts.

Publicly available technical information on the exact weapons used in these strikes is limited. Iran has, however, previously published information on ballistic missiles that have the capability to dispense submunitions. Iranian media published information on the Zelzal ballistic missile, which can carry up to 30 unguided submunitions weighing 17 kilograms that resemble those identified by Human Rights Watch. The number of submunitions is also consistent with most videos of suspected submunition use reviewed by Human Rights Watch.

Following an apparent failed missile test in Iran in 2023, submunitions resembling those Human Rights Watch identified in Israel struck the city of Gorgan in northeastern Iran. These submunitions are equipped with a heat shield that protects them as they descend through the atmosphere, causing a glow visible in videos of their descent. Additionally, Iran is also known to possess multiple other ballistic missiles reportedly capable of delivering submunitions, including variants of the Ghadr, Khorramshar, and Fateh missiles.

The Iranian government should immediately stop firing cluster munitions, Thompson said. These munitions are not only inherently indiscriminate at the time of use, but unexploded submunitions pose a risk long afterwards, until cleared or destroyed.

Via Human Rights Watch
To be sure, the category was the best-performing business unit in 2025, with sales up 5.7 percent to 655.2 million euros versus 2024. Conversely, sales of skin care were down 3.6 percent to 161 million euros, as the strong results in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Asia were not enough to offset the decline in the U.S. Ditto for the hair and body business unit, whose sales decreased 16.9 percent to 231.1 million euros versus 2024.

In 2025 we wanted to rebalance our mix, reducing the share of packaging we sold with our products, which inevitably had an impact on our top line, said Semerari. He added the group focused more on our core business, makeup, which returned to account for more than 60 percent of total sales last year.

Renato Semerari , chief executive officer of cosmetic manufacturing powerhouse Intercos Group , expects the companys top line to grow between 5 and 6 percent in 2026 versus 2025, when the groups net sales slightly exceeded the 1 billion euro threshold, almost flat compared to the previous year at constant exchange rates.

In Bologna there was much buzz around the professional channel, too, with a particular focus on hair care. According to Euromonitor, the global hair care market will grow 6.6 percent in 2026 and exceed $116 billion by 2028.

Skin care is expected to reach $198 billion by 2028, while in the shorter term, fragrance will be one of the most dynamic categories, with sales expected to grow 9.2 percent in 2026, followed by sun care and color cosmetics, projected to increase 7.8 and 6.8 percent, respectively.

According to market analysis by Euromonitor International shared by the fairs organizers, the global beauty and personal care market will continue to grow, as its value is expected to increase from $635.2 billion in 2025 to $678.3 billion this year. Longer-term projections forecast it will reach $826.1 billion by 2029, with an average annual growth rate of 7 percent expected for the next four years.

The four-day trade show that closed on March 29 and showcased 3,104 companies from 68 countries, drew more than 255,000 visitors from 150 countries. The attendance was in line with last years edition and consolidated the industrys attractiveness despite the macroeconomic hurdles.

BOLOGNA, Italy  Tariffs, war in the Middle East and overall global geopolitical tensions slightly dampened the mood of exhibitors at Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna , but the industry still turned out in force.

Story Continues

Intercos Group presented the new Prisma Stick product at Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna.

We also had two factors we didnt take into consideration at the beginning of last year, like the tariffs and the impact they had on the American market, and the unfavorable exchange rate trends, said Semerari.

While the companys sales in the Americas and in the EMEA regions were down 1.1 and 5 percent, respectively, the ones in Asia continued to grow, with Intercos Group reporting a 6.4 percent uptick to 225.5 million euros in sales in the region last year.

Asia will be the area which will grow the most in the coming years. Thats also mathematically obvious, considering the number of the population and the average spending, said Semerari, adding that the company is also investing in Southeast Asia with a strategic partnership with Meiyume signed last year. Were also betting big on India. Were seeing very promising results, not only for its population but for its long-standing ties with color.India will be the China of the future, the number-one market.

The Flat Iron Concealer Stick by Gotha Cosmetics.

Gotha Cosmetics CEO Paolo Valsecchi agreed on the potential of the Indian market in the long term but has eyes set on the U.S. for the year. He said the company has screened more than 100 firms and plots to make an acquisition Stateside by the end of 2026 to boost its skin care proposition and have a more balanced portfolio.

Meanwhile, Gotha is also reaping the benefits of the investment made in China in 2022, when the Italian makeup manufacturer acquired the formulation and filling company iColor Group. While Gothas sales are still mainly split between Europe and the U.S., Asia is where the present and immediate future of the industry lies, according to Valsecchi.

Speed makes all the difference, and thats why China or South Korea are doing great. Theres no European or American brand that can keep up with that pace.More than the product itself, now a brands success is defined by its speed, said Valsecchi.

Inside Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna's 57th edition.

This factor encouraged competitor Chromavis not only to open an office in Shanghai in November to study the market up close, but also set up Startup Studio in its Italian headquarters. This is the evolution of the Atelier project the cosmetics manufacturer introduced in 2021, when it created a factory within a factory to offer its clients the opportunity to customize ready-to-go products in one day and take them to the market in just three weeks.

The Neuroflow hybrid powder by Art Cosmetics.

Enhancing efficiency, operational processes and product innovation via investments in new technologies drove Art Cosmetics performance last year, when the Italian makeup manufacturer reported 122 million euros in sales. Were definitely more flexible and agile compared to the past, also in terms of reacting to our clients time-to-market demands, said managing director Marco Quotadamo. Now even the most advanced innovation needs to be delivered way faster, so weve been working in making sure that even if our formulations get more complex, the timelines can get shorter.

While Art Cosmetics has invested more than 50 million euros over the past decade to enhance its facilities, including setting a new plant dedicated to the production of powders near its headquarters, last year it made its first moves to explore business opportunities in the Middle East. Given the current situation in the region, it is now looking to Far East, too. Conversely to the Middle East, which from a product viewpoint is more similar to our market, the Far East requires a more vertical approach so there might be a need to partner with a local player to develop products fit for that market, said Quotadamo.

As for the conflict in Middle East, Quotadamo said even if there are no immediate repercussions, the supply chain will be impacted somehow.Were in standby, hoping this wont be a tsunami.

The Xoco packaging derived from the upcycling of hazelnut waste by Berlin Packaging Beauty.

Looking Ahead: War Woes and New Opportunities

Its too early to judge, said Bakics CEO Dominic Bakic, whose packaging company grew by double digits last year. On one side, youll see impact on consumers, like standard cost of living going up and weakening demand for products. On the supply side, raw material prices might rise.We dont have any supply chain disruptions so far, and Im not expecting that, but shipping costs increased quite a bit. So again, its all about jiggling around, finding the right spots where to buy and where to sell. Its every year now, were used to these challenges, he quipped.

Semerari pointed to delays in the supply chain as his biggest concern, too. Were working to minimize the impact of this, he said, underscoring that the Middle East is a relatively small market for Intercos Group, which generates about 3 percent of its total sales in the region. But there will be also an impact on consumers sentiment to take into consideration, he added.

Refillable deodorants by Bakic.

For Denis Maurin, president of sales and innovation at packaging giant HCT by Kdc/one, the impact on raw materials was a priority. Not only prices can go higher but what if a material is lacking altogether? That would be an issue, he said.

Product Innovation: No-waste Solutions and Transformative Formulations

A given by now, the sustainable theme was still a key driver of innovation, along with new gestures in delivery systems that pointed to the toy-ification of packaging, aimed at helping brands to engage with a demanding consumer who is less loyal and always on the hunt for the next (beauty) dopamine rush.

I still think that one of the main subjects is how to experience a product, and packaging plays obviously a major role with it, said Bakic, pointing to a sense of playfulness favored by Gen Zers, for example.

Lipsticks by Cosmei, now under Berlin Packaging Beauty's umbrella.

Maurizio Ficcadenti, global R&D manager at Italian packaging specialist Baralan, confirmed the ever-increasing demand for customization. But its evolving into fragmentation. In the past, customization in packaging served mainly to identify a brand, now its for different limited series [under a brand]and it doesnt pertain to just the vessels shape or color but also the applicator, for example  all in the quest of making the experience more efficient and enjoyable for the consumer, he said.

In the same spirit, Aptar Beauty presented the NeoDropper Autoload, a new dropper designed for prestige and dermocosmetic brands that comes with automatic filling and a short applicator for enhanced hygiene, formula protection and precision dosing, that eventually prevents waste.

Aptar Beauty's new NeoDropper Autoload dropper.

Bakic agreed the mists and gel-to-mist sprays are definitely a trend that were seeing right now, as well as applicators evolving and becoming bigger and bigger to address hair or body usage. The bourgeoning hair care category and consumers quest for personalized and multistep routines inspired by skin care propelled the firms new Inova Mini Spike tube, featuring an applicator head with flexible tips that massage the scalp, support improved absorption and overall product performance.

The water-activated shampoo sheets by South Koreas Woorikidsplus start-up also moved in the same dosage-controlled direction and looked to reduce single-use plastic. Ditto for QPearls CycleOne by Romanias Cahm Europe, a recyclable stainless steel dispenser housing pearls made from a patented smart biomaterial that break down upon contact with water to release a cleansing gel.

The Inova Spike applicator by Bakic.

Multifunctionality also informed formulations, that bet big not only on the sensorial quotient with transformative and hybrid textures but on high performance with an extra focus on active ingredients and biomimetic innovation.

At Intercos Group, launches included the Prisma Stick gel-powder product reinventing the application of powders, as well as alternative ways to apply fragrances or mists enriched with SPF.

Three-dimensional compact powders in different textures were seen at Gotha Cosmetics and Chromavis. The former also presented a balm-to-oil lip product and the Flat Iron Concealer Stick. The latter spotlighted the Everveil setting powder, a triple-hybrid setting compact powered by two patented technologies resulting in a gummy-to-powder texture that reflects light.

The Everveil setting powder by Chromavis.

The longevity trend trickled also at Art Cosmetics. The company pushed formulations performance to mimic the effect of professional treatments, as it shared analysis about the growth of nonsurgical procedures, a market expected to reach $46 billion by 2026. Formulas aimed at reshaping, smoothing and illuminating the skin via amino acids, peptides and exosomes optimizing skin longevity, like in the cryo-inspired Cryo Helix DNA lipgloss claiming to deliver fresher, plumper-looking lips.

The Cryo Helix DNA lipgloss by Art Cosmetics.

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Tehran (Special to Informed Comment; Feature)  In Tehran, the expected signs of wartime breakdown are largely absent.

The conventional logic of war tends to follow a simple assumption: sustained external pressure leads to internal fracture. In the case of Iran, much of the prevailing analysis particularly in Western policy circles has followed this line, suggesting that military escalation combined with economic strain would deepen domestic divisions and potentially destabilize the state.

Yet developments inside Iran point in a different direction.

Rather than triggering collapse, external pressure appears to be producing a form of internal consolidation socially, politically, and strategically that complicates expectations about the trajectory of the conflict.

From within Tehran, the most immediate observation is not breakdown, but continuity under strain. Daily life has not stopped. Shops remain open, people continue to work, and public spaces remain active, even as currency volatility and intermittent internet disruptions reshape daily routines. These disruptions are real, but they have not translated into visible societal disintegration. Instead, they have pushed people to adapt. Households are adjusting consumption patterns, work routines, and expectations about the near future. The system is not static it is recalibrating.

Equally notable is the absence of large-scale outward flight. In many conflict environments, early phases of escalation are accompanied by attempts to exit whether through migration, asylum-seeking, or capital flight. In this case, such patterns have remained limited. Reports from European institutions indicate no significant surge in Iranian asylum applications, while anecdotal evidence suggests that some members of the Iranian diaspora have considered returning, rather than leaving. This does not imply uniform support for the political system; rather, it reflects a shift in prioritization. Under external threat, political disagreement appears to be temporarily subordinated to a broader sense of national continuity.

Iran has seen something like this before.

During the IranIraq War, participation in national defense cut across ideological and religious lines, involving not only the political base of the state but also minorities and groups otherwise marginal to the governing structure. The current moment reflects a similar dynamic: external pressure is reconfiguring the boundaries of political identity, shifting emphasis from internal divisions to collective endurance.

However, framing this solely as national unity risks oversimplification. What is emerging is not merely cohesion, but strategic adaptation at multiple levels. Socially, this adaptation is visible in how risk is managed in everyday life through precautionary economic behavior, altered communication practices, and an implicit acceptance of prolonged uncertainty. Politically, it is evident in the recalibration of expectations: rather than anticipating a rapid resolution, many appear to interpret the conflict as an extended process in which outcomes will be determined over time.

This temporal shift is mirrored in Irans military and strategic posture. Contrary to the expectation that Iran would front-load its capabilities in the early stages of escalation, its operational approach has been characterized by restraint in initial deployment combined with a gradual intensification strategy. Rather than exhausting high-end capabilities at the outset, Iran appears to have relied on lower-cost systems such as drones and short-range projectiles deployed in repeated waves. The objective of such an approach is not immediate decisive impact, but cumulative pressure.

This method aligns with a logic of attrition that extends beyond the battlefield. Repeated, lower-cost attacks can impose sustained demands on defensive systems, particularly when those systems rely on finite and expensive interceptors. Over time, this dynamic introduces an economic dimension to military engagement, where the cost asymmetry between offensive and defensive measures becomes increasingly relevant. In this context, the conflict is less about singular exchanges and more about the depletion of capacity across interconnected systems.

The Strait of Hormuz plays a central role in this broader strategy. Often discussed in abstract strategic terms, its significance in the current conflict has become operational rather than theoretical. Restrictions on maritime transit whether partial or selective have already introduced friction into global energy flows, contributing to price volatility and uncertainty. For Iran, this represents a form of leverage that operates simultaneously in economic and geopolitical domains, allowing the country to extend the impact of the conflict beyond immediate military engagements.

What seems to be emerging, then, is a layered strategy in which military actions, economic pressure points, and societal adaptation are interconnected. The conflict is not being waged solely through kinetic exchanges, but through the management of endurance both domestically and across the broader system in which Iran is embedded.

Early in the escalation, public statements from US leadership emphasized maximalist objectives, including the possibility of forcing a decisive outcome. Over time, however, the framing has evolved. Subsequent statements have focused more narrowly on specific constraints most notably limiting Irans nuclear capabilities while acknowledging the complexity of achieving broader goals. This shift does not necessarily indicate a change in ultimate objectives, but it does suggest an adjustment in the perceived feasibility of different outcomes under current conditions.

Such adjustments reflect a deeper issue: the difficulty of translating external pressure into internal fragmentation within a system that is structured for resilience under constraint. If external actors operate on the assumption that increased pressure will linearly produce internal collapse, they risk misreading the adaptive capacity of the society they are engaging with. In the Iranian case, pressure appears to be reinforcing certain forms of internal alignment while simultaneously pushing strategic behavior toward longer time horizons.



Photo of Tehran by hosein charbaghi on Unsplash

For policymakers, this presents a challenge. Strategies premised on rapid destabilization may not only prove ineffective but could also generate countervailing dynamics that strengthen the very structures they seek to weaken. Understanding the distinction between internal dissent and external resistance becomes critical. A society can contain significant internal disagreements while still exhibiting cohesion in the face of perceived external threat. Failing to account for this distinction risks conflating political diversity with structural fragility.

The current conflict thus illustrates a broader point about contemporary warfare in interconnected systems. Outcomes are not determined solely by territorial control or immediate battlefield performance, but by the ability of actors to absorb pressure, manage resources, and shape the environment over time. In this context, Irans approach combining societal adaptation with a calibrated strategy of attrition suggests a model of engagement that prioritizes endurance over rapid escalation.

Rather than collapsing under pressure, the system is adjusting to it.

And in that adjustment lies the central strategic reality that external actors must contend with: the mechanisms designed to compel change may, under certain conditions, produce a different kind of stability.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Mars Snacking announced that the company is creating 600 new jobs to expand its global headquarters in Chicago.

The expansion includes adding Mars Snackings North America Region, Accelerator Division and Global Functions to its global headquarters operation in Chicago. The Windy City will continue to serve as a central hub to connect Mars Snacking teams and support long-term business growth.

Illinois continues to prove that its the right place for companies that want to grow and compete globally, Pritzker said in a March press release. Mars Snackings decision to expand its footprint in Chicago reflects the strength of our states workforce, infrastructure and business environment. Were proud that a company with such an iconic portfolio is building on its history here, creating opportunity for Illinois families and strengthening our economy.

More: Global company to establish flagship hub in Illinois technology park

Mars Snacking global president Andrew Clarke said Chicago has been a longstanding business hub for the company. Mars Snacking is a confectionery and snacking division of Mars Inc. The brands include M&Ms, Snickers, Twix, Starburst, Skittles and more.

The Chicagoland area offers the best of all worlds for Mars Snacking  a vibrant urban environment, strong communities and access to world-class talent," Clarke said. "We are proud to deepen our roots here, advance the Mars Snacking business, and continue our long-standing commitment to community engagement and responsible business.

Mars Snacking will open a new North America regional office hub in Chicagos Fulton Market district, with capacity for more than 1,000 associates. The Accelerator division will also establish a new global office hub in downtown Chicago, taking over the former Kellanova global and North America headquarters.

Together, these moves reinforce Mars Snackings commitment to the Chicago region, where the company supports more than 4,000 jobs, produces more than 20 brands and anchors the companys Global Innovation Center.

As part of Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with the state, Mars Snacking has committed to making a $100 million investment and creating 602 new full-time jobs. In 2025, companies in the EDGE program committed more than $2.6 billion in investments in communities across Illinois.

Mars Snackings decision to invest and expand their operations in Illinois is a testament to all our state has to offer, said Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
By Ed White

REGINA, Saskatchewan, April 3 (Reuters) - Farm machinery salespeople are wrapping up a dismal season of farm shows across North America as farmers gear up for spring planting without much new equipment.

Farmers have not stopped buying, but many have slashed spending and are avoiding big-ticket items due to high machinery, fertilizer and fuel prices, as well as a global grains glut pushing down crop prices.

More from Yahoo Scout What's causing the decline in farm machinery sales? What impact are trade wars having on agriculture? Why are farmers delaying major equipment purchases? How are Trump's tariffs affecting farm equipment costs?

"They might not buy the million-dollar combine, but they'll buy a $100,000 implement," said Chad Jones of manufacturer Degelman Industries, standing among his company's rockpickers, harrows, rippers and other yellow-painted equipment at Canada's Farm Show in March.

Farmers are still spending money, but far less than in other years, according to sales data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, the organization that represents big players in the North American industry.

The group told Reuters that sales of big-ticket items like tractors and combines were down between 30% and 40% in the U.S. in March compared to a year ago.

Farm machinery sales have been hammered by a squeeze on farmer finances exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war tariffs that have escalated the production cost of already-expensive machines like tractors and combines. These items, known by farmers as "big iron," are manufactured from large amounts of steel and often with imported components.

The Trump administration is reported to be planning a 25% tariff on the value of finished imported goods that contain steel and aluminum, rather than just 50% on the metals content of those goods. That will likely raise the overall price of those products. However, goods that are mostly made from steel and aluminum, including tractors and combines, will still face the 50% tariff that has been in place for almost a year.

In its most recent quarterly earnings call, a John Deere official said the company estimates tariffs will cost it $1.2 billion in 2026, and that not all of 2025's tariff costs had been passed on to farmers.

Last Friday, Trump called on the manufacturers to cut prices in order to help farmers.

But for the beleaguered industry, Trump's tariffs are the problem. The easiest way to bring the cost of machinery down would be "to significantly scale back on the tariffs that are hitting the manufacturers, and the retaliatory tariffs that are hitting farmers," said Kip Eideberg of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Trade fights have hurt U.S. crop export sales, with China absent from the U.S. soybean exports market for months, depressing North American crop prices and creating huge stockpiles.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, Press Association

An IT system used by pupils in Northern Ireland has been hit by a cyber attack, the Education Authority (EA) said.

The EA said it was taking the incident very seriously and apologised for the impact on pupils who may be preparing for exams over the Easter break.

It said that user passwords are being reset over the Easter weekend, with priority given to students at post-primary schools who are due to sit exams.

We understand and sincerely apologise for the impact on staff and pupils; particularly pupils who may be preparing for exams or completing coursework during the Easter period, it said.

The C2K school system, provided by Capita, is used as a curriculum support.

The EA said it could not yet confirm whether personal data had been compromised and it was engaging with the Information Commissioners Office.

We can confirm that the C2K school system has been the target of a cyber attack, an EA spokesman said.

As soon as we became aware of the incident, the system managers, Capita, took immediate steps to contain the issue and begin a full investigation.

The investigation is at an early stage, and we are not yet able to confirm whether any personal data has been affected.

We are taking this very seriously and are engaging with the Information Commissioners Office and relevant authorities as part of our response.

As a critical security measure, a full password reset has been carried out across the school network.

It initially said that as Capita was conducting further security tests, the system could not be accessed.

On Friday afternoon, it said the EA and Capita had begun to reset user passwords for staff and pupils.

This will continue over the weekend, it said.

Priority is being given to post-primary schools, particularly those supporting pupils in examination years, with progress being tracked throughout the process.

Dedicated support is in place, including over the weekend, to assist schools and address any issues as they arise.

We recognise the disruption this situation has caused for schools, staff, pupils and parents, and we will continue to provide updates as restoration work progresses.

We would like to thank schools and all of our partners for their invaluable help and support at this time.
Sarah Slater

Waterford City's Darkness Into Light walk organised by suicide awareness charity Pieta will not go ahead this year.

The decision was made at a recent meeting of the local organising committee over an issue where the charity offices of Pieta will be located in the city.

Des Purcell, committee chairman, outlined the reasons behind the decision not to hold the nationwide walk in Waterford on Deise Today with Damien Tiernan on WLRFM.

Purcell said the recent decision by Pieta to move the Waterford service based on the Waterside to a new location was "upsetting" for the committee.

"They can't justify taking money from the people of Waterford when the house is closing, that's the bottom line," he said.

"They do not want to go and request money from the people of Waterford while, simultaneously, the house is closing."

He explained that a letter was issued to Pieta headquarters informing them of the decision.

Waterford's Pieta service is due to move to a new location later this year.

The decision was confirmed by Pieta as part of what is being described as "a strengthened regional and local service model aligned with national health strategies and the development of HSE Regional and Integrated Healthcare Areas.

As part of this transition, three of Pieta's centres will move to a co-located outreach model, including the service in Waterford and they added that they are fully committed to the city and the surrounding communities.

The Waterford walk was due to take place next month.

"It's a black or white issue," added Purcell. "Either we have a walk and we have a house or we don't have a house so we don't have a walk."

He outlined issues with the proposed co-location model put forward by Pieta which would see the charity establish a presence within every Integrated Healthcare Area across the country.

Purcell described having a physical house in Waterford as sacrosanct".
Stephen Maguire

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.

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.
IFA Poultry Chair Brendan Soden said egg shortages on supermarket shelves have arisen because producers are not getting paid enough.

Producers have been warning retailers and egg packers that farmgate prices are not financially sustainable to meet growing demand, he said.

We have sought an increase of 2c an egg for free range and organic production and 1c an egg for barn eggs. This must be ring fenced and returned directly to all egg producers. Under the right financial conditions, they are more than willing to meet this growing demand for Irish eggs.

READ NEXT: Meet the man set to represent Kilkenny at the 2026 Mr Personality Festival!

This is not an excessive ask. It reflects cost increases since 2022; the erosion of premiums; and the widening gap between Irish and EU pricing.

What we are seeing is history repeating itself. The UK experienced this in 22/23 when shelves were left empty and rationing of eggs was introduced.

Hopefully we dont see rationing here.

What we are now seeing on shelves is the direct consequence of continued inaction on farmgate pricing. Producers simply cannot sustain output at current returns.

We have put several proposals on the table which would give producers more confidence and financial stability, but this seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

Egg production is a high-risk sector, with the threat of Avian Flu always in the background. Many free range producers (who are receiving little to no premium for free range) are weighing up whether the risk is worth it, he said.

IFA is calling on retailers and packers to step up and deliver a concrete response.
People in Kilkenny are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland meet its fundraising target of 300,000 on 65 Roses Day, taking place this year on Friday, April 10.

Volunteers across the county will be selling purple roses to support fundraising at Dunnes Stores on Kierans Street and MacDonagh Junction along with McCarthy's SuperValu, Newpark Shopping Centre.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition that affects multiple systems including breathing, digestion and reproduction. Ireland has the highest rate of CF per capita in the world, with more than 1,400 people living with the condition, 33 new cases diagnosed per year and many people living with the most serious forms.

There is no cure and CF often becomes more severe over time. Thanks to multidisciplinary care and the introduction of modulator therapies, many people with CF are living well into adulthood.

However, as people age, new challenges can emerge, including CF-related diabetes, osteoporosis and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

SEE ALSO: Kilkenny councillor calls for extension to funding deadline for local sports clubs - Kilkenny Live

Today, CFI is investing in research to better understand emerging issues and provide essential supports.

These include a dedicated information and support line offering guidance, reassurance and advice; targeted financial assistance through a range of grants that help ease the cost of living with CF and monthly online peer-support groups that connect people with CF and strengthen the community.

Encouraging people in Kilkenny to go out and support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day this year is Sandra Brewer from Kilkenny.

When I was younger, I lost my brother and my sister to CF, she says. When I look back now to how things were then, the change is incredible. People with CF are living healthier and are aging, but with that comes other challenges - like getting mortgages and travelling without stress.

So, despite advances, the work is not yet done and CFI are still working, still fighting for and alongside people with CF in Ireland. On 65 Roses Day, Im asking for the publics continued support for CFI.

Every donation goes towards supporting people with CF in Ireland so please buy a rose, visit Dunnes Stores or donate online, she added.

For more information and to donate online, visit www.65roses.ie.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS
The looming loss of further bus services in Kilkenny is a damaging blow to Rural Ireland, and another reality check for the lofty ideal that people should be increasingly availing of public transport.

While there is no doubt that we should all aspire to this ambition, it really is just fantasy stuff at times, given the abject state of public transport infrastructure in this country. An anaemic railway system, and now, even fewer bus routes, leaves anyone travelling in Ireland with little choice. As well as those commuting for work, what about students travelling to college, or older people attending medical appointments?

The latest victim  the Expressway Waterford-Dublin service is a vital connection that people rely on every day. It serves many areas, like Mullinavat, Ballyhale, Thomastown, Gowran, and Paulstown.

These latest cuts come at the worst possible time  in the face of surging costs, when the Government is urging us to reduce fuel use. It is notable that some of those voicing the loudest concerns over the bus cuts are government TDs John McGuinness and Peter Chap Cleere, as well as Cllr Deirdre Cullen.

READ MORE KILKENNY VIEWS AND OPINION HERE

As local representatives, they need to have a word with their party pal Darragh OBrien, the transport minister, to sort it out. They may also need to chat to their party leader, Taoiseach Michael Martin, about going further with some of the energy/fuel supports.

With all this going on, is it any wonder we are seeing a massive increase in the use of e-scooters?

They wont get you up the motorway or to the airport, but they are increasingly a viable, short distance way to get around the gaps in public transport, and without being stung by petrol and diesel hikes. Gardai now say they are dealing with a rising incidence of unlawful use of these vehicles.

While their use must be in compliance with laws and road safety, there is no doubt that this type of micromobility is going to be even more prominent in future.
Neighbourhoods across Kilkenny are being invited to pull up a chair, share some food and say hello as Street Feast, Irelands national weekend of community lunches and gatherings, returns on Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24.

Now in its 16th year, the national weekend has grown into something simple but powerful; a chance for neighbours to come together in a way that makes everyday life feel a little warmer and more connected.

READ MORE: Council of Trade Unions raise alarm to cuts to therapeutic services in Kilkenny

With more people looking for real moments of community, President Catherine Connolly, Patron of Street Feast, is encouraging households everywhere to get involved. As patron, I am delighted to support Street Feast, which brings neighbours together and strengthens communities through the simple act of sharing a meal.

This year marks the beginning of a new chapter as Tesco Ireland steps in as Street Feasts sponsor for the next three years.

With Tescos support, Street Feast is aiming high, with an ambition to grow participation from 962 neighbourhoods last year to 1,200 feasts in 2026, helping thousands more people come together across the country.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS

Anyone who registers at StreetFeast.ie will get a free party pack delivered to their door, stocked with bunting, posters, invitations and a DIY guide.
Here is what every crash victim, plaintiff attorney and settlement claimant needs to know. In most states, if an RRG goes broke, the state guaranty fund will not cover the claims. The same fund that protects policyholders when a traditional insurer fails explicitly excludes RRGs in most jurisdictions. Your settlement pending against an insolvent RRG makes you an unsecured creditor in a liquidation proceeding. You may collect nothing.

The trucking industry adopted the RRG model because traditional commercial auto insurers pulled back from small carriers or priced them out of coverage. RRGs filled the gap. Some are well-run and adequately capitalized. Others are not.

An RRG is a member-owned liability insurer formed under the federal Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986. The law was written to help industries with limited insurance access, medical providers, architects, and other professionals pool their risks and self-insure collectively. The structure lets an RRG form in a single state and operate across all 50 states without individual state licensing. That means lighter regulatory oversight, lower capital requirements and less transparency than a traditional insurer.

Most people in trucking understand commercial auto insurance at a basic level. You pay a premium, a licensed carrier stands behind the policy, the state regulates it and if the insurer collapses, the state guaranty fund covers the claims up to a limit.

Cross-referencing FMCSA safety records, California Secretary of State UCC and other State UCC filings, and a dataset of more than 6,100 carrier records tied to 51 risk retention groups, I spent several weeks mapping the financial and safety architecture underneath a corner of the trucking market that almost nobody watches. What I found goes well beyond bad carriers. It goes into the solvency of the insurers putting them on the road, the stability of the lenders financing their trucks, and the legal exposure of crash victims who believe they have coverage protecting them.

A small trucking company you have never heard of is probably insured right now by an entity you have never heard of, financed through a trust and surviving on cash advances from a factoring company that holds a blanket lien on everything it will ever earn. That carrier may have a safety score in the gutter. The officer listed on the FMCSA registration may control a dozen, even hundreds of other companies with the same profile. When it crashes, the person on the other end of that collision may discover there is nothing left to collect. This is what the data shows.

Story Continues

In 2003, Reciprocal of America, a Virginia-domiciled RRG that insured professional services, collapsed under claims it could not pay, leaving more than $1 billion in uncovered obligations and thousands of claimants without recourse. It was the largest RRG failure in history at that time. The trucking segment has had its own smaller collapses since, each one leaving injured parties scrambling for recoveries that often do not exist.

The RRG is also different from a risk purchasing group, or RPG, which is a buying cooperative that negotiates better rates from a traditional admitted insurer. The RPG keeps all of the regulatory and guaranty fund protections of traditional insurance. The RRG replaces both with member capital and the assumption that claims do not cluster. When they do cluster, the math falls apart quickly.

Someone else has to absorb that somewhere.

What the data shows

The dataset analyzed for this investigation contained 6,167 records covering 4,561 unique carriers across 51 RRGs. Using a 0-to-100 carrier risk score, which incorporates crash rates, out-of-service rates, violations, revocations, authority age and insurer quality, the carriers were classified against FMCSA safety records.

Of the 4,561 unique carriers, 1,703 scored CRITICAL. That is 37% of a dataset that already skews toward smaller, newer operators.

The single largest RRG in the dataset insures 740 unique carriers. Of those, 354 score CRITICAL. That is a 48% CRITICAL rate within one insurers portfolio. At standard $750,000 BIPD coverage, the theoretical exposure across those 354 CRITICAL carriers alone is $265 million, before a single nuclear verdict multiplier is applied.

The data also shows 288 carriers under two years old, with zero reported crashes, zero out-of-service violations, and $750,000 or more in active coverage. They exist in the FMCSA system. They have insurance. They have never been inspected. They are completely unknown-risk entities absorbing premium capacity inside RRGs that are already stretched.

If 20 percent of the 1,703 CRITICAL-scoring carriers across all RRGs have a major crash in the same policy year, that is 340 claims at $750,000 each, or $255 million in direct BIPD exposure. If 10 percent of those reach nuclear verdict territory, and the American Transportation Research Institute documents these verdicts averaging well over $20 million in recent litigation where gross negligence is found, the gap between what the RRG pays and what the court awards runs into the hundreds of millions. The carrier LLC has no assets. The plaintiff gets the policy limit and an uncollectible judgment for the rest.

The three-legged financing system that keeps all of this moving

Every new carrier needs three things to operate: a truck, fuel, and insurance. The formal banking system provides none of these to a one-truck operator with no credit history. The industry built its own alternative finance system to fill that gap.

Factoring companies buy carrier invoices at a 2 to 5 percent discount and hand the carrier cash today instead of waiting 45 days for the shipper to pay. That solves a real cash flow problem but when a factoring company writes that agreement, it files a UCC-1 blanket lien on every dollar the carrier will ever earn. First position. Senior to nearly everything else.

Equipment lenders finance the truck itself. In the carrier network analyzed here, a cluster of finance trusts operating out of Overland Park, Kansas, appeared repeatedly across multiple carriers and carrier groups. The trust names follow a pattern: Latin words paired with sequential numbers. Amplus 223 Trust. Dominari 224 Trust. Luceo 124 Trust. Fortis 126 Trust. These appear to be special-purpose vehicles from a single lender issuing sequentially numbered trusts to finance equipment. Multiple carriers in this network appear as co-debtors on the same UCC-1 filings. That is a public record verifiable through the California Secretary of States UCC search portal, as well as in other States and their UCC filings.

The structure plays out like this: the factoring company holds first position on cash flow, the equipment lender holds the truck title and the RRG holds the liability. When a carrier fails, the factoring company enforces its lien, the equipment lender repossesses the truck, and the RRG is left facing a claim with no solvent carrier behind it and whatever reserves it managed to accumulate.

The geographic pattern and what it means

This RRG dataset shows 108 carriers registered in Indiana. Of those, 55.6 percent list a Punjabi or Sikh surname as the listed officer. That concentration is real and it is not random.

The Punjabi-American trucking community built its U.S. footprint in Californias Central Valley starting in the 1980s. Indianapolis and its southern suburbs, particularly Greenwood, Whiteland and Brownsburg, became a secondary hub for straightforward economic reasons. Commercial vehicle registration costs less. Truck parking is accessible and affordable. Interstates 65, 70 and 74 converge in Indianapolis, putting a one-truck owner-operator within a days drive of 80 percent of U.S. freight demand.

This analysis does not suggest Punjabi or Sikh carriers are more dangerous than other groups. We simply do not have that data. The CRITICAL scoring rate for Punjabi and Sikh carriers in this dataset is 43 percent. For Hispanic and Latino carriers in the same data, it is also 43 percent. The overall dataset average is 37 percent. The concentration matters for what it means about correlated financial risk, not for what it says about any communitys fitness to operate.

Indiana Punjabi-surname carriers in this dataset have a median out-of-service rate of 46.1 percent. While it is bad, it isnt causation. The same calculation for California Punjabi-surname carriers is 20 percent. When inspectors pull these trucks over in Indiana, they fail nearly half the time. Twenty-two officers in this dataset hold carriers registered in both California and Indiana simultaneously. While they may have the same name, we tied them together with UCC filings, addresses and data that cross over between entities.

If current enforcement trends result in CDL revocations or operating authority losses for a significant portion of these operators, the defaults do not arrive one at a time. They arrive in a cluster. Equipment lenders attempt repossession simultaneously. Factoring companies chase dead receivables. RRGs lose premium income while claim liability stays open. The people absorbing that damage are not primarily the operators who built it. They are the crash victims waiting on settlements, and the legitimate owner-operators whose truck values just dropped because a wave of repossession inventory hit the used market at once.

The public record

The most specific findings in this investigation come from public UCC filings that anyone can look up today, but processing large datasets takes significant time. Most people dont even know what UCC filings are, but theyre very helpful when it comes to determining which 12 companies the same Gurpreet Singh or John Brown happens to own. These extremely common company official names make it difficult in most other search cases and while these officials often count on this confusion by commonality to hide themselves, one place theyre not going to claim to be someone else is when it comes to getting their money.

UCC file number U240091327427 appears in California Secretary of State records for two separate FMCSA-registered carriers with different DOT numbers. Both list the same officers name. Both carry coverage under different risk retention groups. Two companies. One lender agreement.

A separate filing ties a Bakersfield, California, carrier as a co-debtor with an individual listed at a New York address. The officers name on the FMCSA record is one name. The co-debtor on the UCC is a different name. In equipment financing, co-debtors are co-guarantors. Both parties signed for the same loan. Also, a public record.

These are documented financial relationships between entities and individuals that warrant review by the insurers, lenders, and regulators best positioned to act on them.

What happens when it breaks

There are three ways this plays out, and all three are already happening on a small scale in this market.

The first is the individual failure. A CRITICAL carrier crashes. The RRG pays the policy limit. If the verdict is $20 million and the policy is $750,000, the plaintiff collects the policy limit and holds an uncollectible judgment for the rest. That is the ordinary functioning of the current system. It happens every week.

The second is RRG insolvency. If enough CRITICAL carriers inside a single RRGs portfolio generate major claims in the same policy year, reserves may not hold. When an RRG is declared insolvent, claimants with pending settlements become unsecured creditors in most states. The state guaranty fund does not step in.

The third is the cascade. Large-scale enforcement hitting a concentrated geographic cluster produces correlated defaults. Equipment floods the market. Factoring companies write off bad debt. RRG premium income collapses while claim liability stays open. The financial shock is concentrated among a small number of RRGs and lenders. The people who get hurt the worst are not the operators who exploited the system. They are the families waiting for crash settlements and the legitimate carriers who played by the rules.

The post When the safety net becomes the risk appeared first on FreightWaves.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Chance of a shower or two during the evening, followed by partly cloudy skies overnight. Low near 40F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Chance of a shower or two during the evening, followed by partly cloudy skies overnight. Low near 40F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low around 40F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low around 40F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Chance of a shower or two during the evening, followed by partly cloudy skies overnight. Low around 40F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Chance of a shower or two during the evening, followed by partly cloudy skies overnight. Low around 40F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
President Donald Trump recently proposed federal retirement accounts for American workers who dont have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan.

Participants in the federal plan, which Trump announced during his February State of the Union Address, could receive $1,000 in matching contributions each year. The match would give todays working seniors incentive to save and help them accumulate savings faster, but its real impact on any one individual depends on their ability to save.

Learn More: Would Trumps Australian-Style Retirement Be Better or Worse Than the U.S. Plan?

Read Next: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires  and How You Can, Too

Federal Reserve data shows that 70% of American adults ages 55 to 64 already have some type of tax-preferred retirement savings account. For the segment of that group who only have individual retirement accounts, the Trump plan would provide an additional way to save. The matching funds would accelerate those savings.

For the 30% of 55-to-64-year-olds who have no retirement savings, the account might not have much benefit.

Hes going after an issue that is a big problem, said Nicholas St. George, certified financial planner and chartered retirement planning counselor at St. George Wealth Management in Denver, North Carolina. Social Security alone isnt enough to retire on.

However, a $1,000 match is a drop in the bucket for folks who already struggle to save.

How Would Trumps Retirement Plan Work?

Trump suggested the new retirement account would resemble the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) federal employees receive.

The TSP is a defined contribution plan, similar to a 401(k) plan. Participants make contributions through automated payroll deductions, called deferrals, and can invest their money in any of the investment options offered. Participants may use some of their balances to trade mutual funds of their own choosing.

Check Out: Trumps Budget  What It Means for Your Retirement, by Age

If Trumps retirement plan follows the same rules as the TSP, youll be able to contribute pre-tax funds to get a tax break in the year you contribute, or make Roth contributions with after-tax funds and withdraw the money tax-free in retirement.

Federal workers can contribute up to $24,500 to their TSPs in 2026. However, seniors ages 50 and up can make additional catch-up contributions of $8,000 to $11,250, depending on their ages.

The administration hasnt yet explained how the match would work. For example, it might match 100% of the first $1,000 saved. Or it might match a smaller percentage, such as 50%, in which case the worker would have to save $2,000 to get the full $1,000 match, similar to the savers tax credit.
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 &&
(ECNS) -- As "China travel" gains momentum, international visitors are looking beyond sightseeing for more immersive, everyday cultural experiences, with 24-hour spas emerging as a viral trend on social media.

Unique experience for foreign visitors

Chinese spas are places where you can truly hang out, and relax for hours  not just come and go for a single treat, Yemi told China News Service.

Yemi recently visited a 24-hour spa in Beijing, the capital of China, where for about $50, guests can enjoy unlimited fruit, drinks, ice cream and popcorn, along with a wide range of spa services.

Fruits at a "China spa". (Photo: China News Service/Wang Yuling)

Yiran Qiu, a Canada-based visitor, said she has already returned multiple times. Her routine typically includes a hot spring soak, skincare treatments and time in shared relaxation areas. She also tried gua sha, a traditional therapy she described as a new experience compared with treatments back home.

Staff at a spa in Beijing's Sihui area said foreign visitor numbers have risen since late 2025, with dozens arriving daily.

Going viral online

The trend has gained traction on social media, with overseas influencers sharing their experiences.

Irish content creator Travis Leon drew millions of views with a video showcasing a 24-hour spa in Chengdu," which has garnered 9.57 million views.

He paid $35 to enjoy all services at a spa in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, noting that overnight stays can cost less than a hotel.

Online reactions have been strong, with some users comparing the cost to monthly rent and others noting the widespread availability of similar venues across China.

Despite language barriers, visitors say staff are welcoming and helpful, contributing to a positive overall experience.

(By Gong Weiwei)


Investing.com -- In a significant diplomatic gesture, the United States has repatriated a Chinese drug-smuggling fugitive to Beijing, marking a rare moment of law-enforcement cooperation between the two superpowers.

The move, reported by the Wall Street Journal, comes as both nations attempt to solidify a period of stabilization ahead of a high-stakes leaders summit planned for mid-May.

Chinas Ministry of Public Security hailed the case as a new achievement, signaling a warming of relations that have been heavily defined by trade friction and the fentanyl crisis.

Fentanyl diplomacy and tariff links

The repatriation of the suspect, identified only by the surname Han, is being viewed by analysts as a direct result of the "Busan Agreement" struck last October.

During that summit in South Korea, President Trump and leader Xi Jinping established a framework where the U.S. would reduce fentanyl-related tariffs in exchange for a Chinese crackdown on the precursor chemicals used to manufacture the synthetic opioid.

President Trump has consistently linked the trajectory of broader trade duties to Beijings willingness to assist in curbing the U.S. overdose epidemic.

The timing of this "counternarcotics momentum" is critical. The Presidents visit to Beijing was originally slated for early April, but it was rescheduled for May to allow the administration to focus on the ongoing conflict in Iran.

The successful cooperation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Chinese authorities suggests that Beijing is prioritizing a smooth summit and is willing to use law enforcement as a tool of economic diplomacy.

Investigatory cooperation and market sentiment

The recent cooperation extends beyond individual fugitives. Last month, the U.S. Justice Department noted that Chinese police provided "critical intelligence" in an investigation into pharmaceutical companies suspected of selling illicit chemicals.

FBI Director Kash Patel recently praised the "unprecedented cooperation," a shift in tone from previous years when Washington accused Beijing of foot-dragging. The signs of a "thaw" in the worlds most important bilateral relationship are providing a much-needed reprieve from fears of a renewed, all-out trade war.

However, the sustainability of the two countries cooperation remains a point of caution for investors. Historically, Beijing has been known to sever counternarcotics ties when geopolitical tensions rise in other areas, such as technology transfers or maritime disputes.
Trump gives Iran 48 hours to open Strait of Hormuz as search continues for missing US pilot

U_S_ President Donald Trump has again warned Tehran over his Monday deadline to open the crucial Strait of Hormuz and allow ship traffic to flow again, and Iran has responded by threatening to open the gates of hell.
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The U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, has taken a firm stance against Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, stating that they will not be allowed to enter America. This comes months after President Donald Trump revealed that he was open to EV companies producing cars locally.

MotorBiscuit recently reported that Canada had loosened its grip on Chinese EV companies by relaxing its tariff structure, allowing them to enter the country at a revised duty rate of just 6.1%.

This has helped brands like BYD and Chery access the Canadian market, although they are only allowed to bring in a fixed 24,500 Chinese-made EVs each under the quota, still enough to build a strong dealer network.

Both brands are planning to establish independent dealerships, but it remains to be seen if they can sustain multiple dealerships under a limited vehicle quota.

Read More from MotorBiscuit:

A white sports car parked on the side of the road. Chinese EV

Chinese EV companies are eyeing an aggressive expansion plan across the world, with Canada being one of their recent additions.

However, Hoekstra has stated that despite their gaining popularity, they will not be allowed to enter the U.S. Ford Authority reported his statement:

Those cars can come in from China, come into Canada, but theyre not going to cross the border into the US. That aint gonna happen. Were not going to open the floodgates to Chinese cars entering the U.S. from Canada.

At present, Chinese EVs are not permitted to enter the U.S. due to cybersecurity laws that prohibit their import or sale. However, Trump said early this year that he would welcome Chinese EV companies if they built a manufacturing plant in the country. MotorBiscuit reported his comment:

If they want to come in and build a plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbors, thats great, I love that.

However, U.S. automotive groups, representing car manufacturers, parts suppliers, and car dealers, are not happy about the threat Chinese EV companies pose to the countrys automotive market. As a result, they approached Trump to block their potential entry into the country in the future by writing him a letter.

The group revealed serious concerns about Chinas ongoing efforts to dominate global automotive manufacturing and to gain access to the U.S. market. These actions pose a direct threat to Americas global competitiveness, national security, and automotive industrial base.
With the rapidly rising cost of living and market volatility, its easy to feel uncertain about retirement. In fact, nearly six in 10 U.S. adults surveyed by Goldman Sachs reported that they worry they may outlive their retirement savings (1).

Stressed about the future, many believe the only way to retire comfortably is to become a multimillionaire. According to Northwestern Mutual, the average retirement savings target is $1.26 million, meaning many Americans feel they need to save more than a million dollars before retiring (2).

Must Read

The reality is that becoming a multimillionaire is not realistic for everyone. However, you likely dont need $1.2 million or more to retire comfortably.

Here are some key facts many anxious Americans might overlook.

Most retirees stay within budget

Retirees often manage their budgets better than expected. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), 55% of retirees report that their retirement expenses are either equal to or lower than what they anticipated (3). In other words, more than half of seniors are actually managing their money well.

Withdrawal data also reflects conservative spending. A 2025 study in Financial Planning Review found that married couples aged 65 and older with at least $100,000 in retirement savings withdraw about 2.1% per year, while single retirees withdraw about 1.9% annually. These figures are well below traditional planning assumptions (4).

Simply put, your monthly expenses may not be as high as you think. Since retirees no longer face costs like commuting, work attire or regular business-related expenses, overall spending often declines.

Lower monthly expenses also mean you need a smaller nest egg to generate income. Using the 4% rule as a guideline, every $1,000 in annual expenses requires roughly $25,000 in savings. If your projected expenses are $10,000 lower than expected, your retirement target could decrease by up to $250,000.

Read More: 5 essential money moves to make once youve saved $50,000

Fixed income is a key source of security

While expenses are at or below expectations for many retirees, fixed income sources  particularly Social Security  also provide steady monthly cash flow that reduces reliance on large personal savings.
A FUNDRAISING page has been set up by residents in Durrow to support their appeal to An Coimisiun Pleanala to overturn planning permission for two International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centres on Mary Street.

According to the GoFundMe page, the money donated will cover administration costs, legal fees, and will go towards engaging professional planning services to facilitate their appeal to An Coimisiun Pleanala.

The page was set up by Durrow Community Council (DCC) following a well-attended public meeting in the Castle Arms on 30 March 2026. Sharp words were exchanged at the event, with Cllr Ollie Clooney (Ind.) saying there was 100 percent support against the plan.

Cllr Clooney said the objectors intend to use funds to get professional advice for their appeal. He said the group will reach out to An Coimisiun Pleanala and the Minister for Justice, Jim OCallaghan, whose office grants contracts for IPAS centres.

Brian Stanley, Independent Republican TD for Laois, said that the government should move away from renting derelict buildings all over the place for IPAS accommodation, arguing that Durrow is not a suitable location for the proposed centres.

He voiced surprise at Laois County Council for granting conditional permission without providing provision for car parking. He said he would lodge an appeal against the plans with Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley, his wife.

Laois County Council granted conditional permission in late March for both Peadars Bar and Lennon's bar in Durrow to be converted to IPAS accommodation. Owner Marc Lennon obtained planning permission for the development at Lennon's, as well as retention planning permission for Peadars Bar, both on Mary Street.

However, planning permission does not automatically mean that the buildings can be used for those seeking asylum, which would require a contract with the Department of Justice.

The granting of planning permission can be appealed to An Coimisiun Pleanala. The buildings would provide accommodation for about 60 people, including some asylum seekers.

IPAS centres provide shelter to people fleeing war and persecution in their home countries. Providing accommodation and basic support is part of Irelands humanitarian duty under Irish and EU law.
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A public consultation on water quality is due to take place in one County Kildare Municipal District.

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is holding a community information meeting about water quality and water related issues in the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District.

READ NEXT: Probe launched by Kildare gardai following theft of e-scooter from busy train station

According to LAWPRO, it has been working in the area as part of the second cycle River Basin Management Plan for Ireland.

At the meeting, LAWPRO will explain to the public how the second cycle works and what is being planned for the 3rd cycle Water Action Plan.

LAWPRO also asserted that there will also be opportunities for the public to ask questions and talk to members of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP).

Speaking ahead of the public meeting, Anthony Coleman, Director of Services with LAWPRO, said: As we are coming to the end of second cycle work in the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District and begin implementation of the new Water Action Plan we would like to take this opportunity to welcome members of the public to come along and find out more about whats happening in their local waterbodies and river catchments.

"We hope to engage as many people as possible at this meeting in Kildare, because public participation and support is key to achieving water quality improvements."

READ NEXT: Calls for extension of footpath on this busy Kildare regional road

He added: "LAWPRO would also like to thank all those whether in a voluntary or paid capacity, working in their local areas to help make a difference to their natural waters and the biodiversity that live in and around them."

The public consultation will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 in the Hamlet Court Hotel, Johnstownbridge, in Enfield.

It will begin at 7pm and conclude at 8.30pm.

Light refreshments will be available on the day.

To register for the event, visit LAWPROs Eventbrite page.

READ NEXT: Arrests made in Kildare after gardai seize suspected drugs haul worth an estimated 7 million
A new yoga studio, OM Collective, has recently opened in Blessington, on the Kildare border offering a community-focused space rooted in personal experience and wellbeing.

Founder Amy Ryan said the idea for the studio grew from her own early struggles with stress during school. I first discovered yoga at a time when I was experiencing stress and anxiety around exams and academic pressure.

"I began practicing at home, following classes on YouTube, and quickly noticed a real difference in my mental health and overall wellbeing. What started as a simple way to cope became a consistent practice that supported me throughout college.

READ NEXT: Five new homes planned for this Kildare region.

The impact of yoga led Ryan to pursue formal training abroad. The impact yoga had on my life was so significant that I felt called to share it with others. This led me to take a solo trip to Rishikesh, widely known as the birthplace of yoga, where I completed an intensive and traditional teacher training. Since then, I have returned to India twice more to further deepen my practice and studies.

After returning home, her teaching journey began modestly. After returning to Ireland from my first training, I began teaching just one class per week. Within two years, that small beginning grew into something much bigger, leading me to open my own dedicated space, OM Collective.

She explained the meaning behind the name: The name OM refers to the sound of the universe, a sacred vibration traditionally chanted at the beginning of yoga practice to create a sense of unity. Collective reflects the heart of the studio, a welcoming, community-focused space where everyone can feel included and supported.

Now operating full-time, the studio caters to all levels. Now running full-time, OM Collective offers a variety of classes suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. The schedule includes styles such as Hatha, Yin, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Rocket, and Restorative yoga, with options ranging from slow, meditative practices to more dynamic, energetic classes. The studio also hosts other teachers, each bringing their own unique approach, and will soon be expanding to include chair yoga and teen yoga to make the practice even more accessible within the community. On weekends, we often host community and wellness events, including drum circles and other group activities, to offer collective enjoyment and connection for the local community.

Ryan also shared a light-hearted moment from her travels. A funny story from my second trip back to India, I actually found myself on a yoga billboard from my previous visit!

Highlighting the benefits of the practice, she added: Yoga offers a wide range of benefits, including improved strength and flexibility, reduced stress, enhanced mental clarity, and overall wellbeing. At OM Collective, the aim is to make yoga accessible to everyone, whether you have never practiced before or already have an established practice.

For Ryan, bringing the studio home has been especially meaningful. As a young entrepreneur originally from Blessington, it means a lot to be able to bring this space back to the community. The studio has now been open for five weeks and the response so far has been very positive. The more local people who are aware of it, the greater the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in peoples lives.

She added: Creating a space that supports wellbeing and helps people feel better in themselves has always been something Ive aspired to do, and I would be very grateful for any support in helping share this with the wider community.
A elderly mans home was broken into and a wallet containing up to 9,000 cash and his wife's memorial card was stolen - it was alleged at Naas District Court.

Before the court was Andy Cash, 29, whose address was given as 2 Ardristan Heights, Tullow, Carlow, who faces allegations of assault, burglary and entering with intent to commit theft.

Detective Garda Pamela Whelan said it will be alleged that the incidents took place on January 27 at Ballitore. The garda also said there was an objection to bail being granted and CCTV footage is being gathered.

Det Gda Whelan said runners were seized from the defendant's caravan that appear to have been used in the incident.

She said that around 6pm a man with his face partially covered attempted to force open a front door and this was captured on CCTV.

READ NEXT 'Stay vigilant' - HSE warns public as hundreds across Ireland receive scam messages

A few minutes later an 80 year old male living alone at a neighbouring property woke to find two men in his bedroom.

He was held down by his hands and by bodily pressure and a wallet containing between 7,000-9,000 was taken.

She said that this was basically all of the mans money.

Det Gda also alleged that the man was punched in the face by one of the men and spent two nights in Naas Hospital and his ribs are still sore.

She also said the man could have been unconscious for two hours.

Det Gda Whelan said it will be alleged that the defendant was the front seat passenger of a car seen in Tullow by an off duty garda, who suspected it may have been involved in incidents in Wexford.

She said the loss of his wife's memorial card was upsetting for the injured party.

She said she was not willing to withdraw objections to bail if conditions could be agreed.

Defending barrister Donncha Craddock said the defendant was incorrectly identified and the case against him amounted to hearsay.

He said he was identified through a runner which could have been owned by anybody and the defendant is denying he was involved in this.

Sgt Mary Meade said the injured party sustained serious injuries and there was a concern that further offences might be committed.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said strict bail conditions would not be appropriate and he initially adjourned the case, remanding the defendant in custody.
Three men and a woman have appeared in court in connection with the discovery of an alleged 7m worth of cannabis in south Kildare this week.

Emre Ozdemier, 29, whose address was given as 23 Burrin Street, Carlow; Alex Forsyth, 33, whose address was given as 12 Dunedin Terrace, Monkstown Farm, Dublin; John Weekes, 38, whose address was given as Branswood, Athy and Alanna Corrigan, 29, whose address was given as Crookstown Upper, Ballitore, Co Kildare. They face allegations of possessing cannabis and possessing it for sale or supply on April 1 at Crookstown Upper, Ballitore.

The initial hearing took place at a special late sitting of Naas District Court tonight.

Garda Kayleigh Milward said Mr Ozdemier was arrested at Crookstown Upper and he had hidden a ditch for over three hours before being found by a garda search dog and search team. Gda Milward said he was found in a deep dyke and the cannabis was located in a shed at the property.

The garda also said that some 350 kilos of cannabis herb was found and in a follow up search gardai found tubs of benzocaine, said to a be a mixing agent.

A digital scales was also found at Mr Ozdemiers address.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly said the defendant only uses cannabis to alleviate pain caused by a work accident and he only tried to leave the scene because there was a small amount of cannabis in his vehicle.

Garda Elaine Commins told of arresting Alex Forsyth and she alleged he made an admission about the shed being used to store cannabis and he is the occupier of the address.

She said the intelligence-led operation saw searches conducted at locations in Kildare and Carlow.

Solicitor David Powderly described the defendant as a mule who is on the lowest possible rung of the ladder and who only supplied four walls and a roof for storage by others.

Gda Commins claimed John Weekes was observed attempting to flee the scene and attempted to discard two phones while leaving. A wallet with documents belonging to him was found in a vehicle owned by Mr Ozdemier.

Barrister Richard Wixted said the only evidence against Mr Weeks was that he happened to be on the premises and "reacted in a rash way when the gardai arrived. He said he was there to retrieve a wallet.

Ms Corrigan, who stated to be Mr Forsyths partner, was the only defendant to be granted bail subject to signing on conditions, providing a mobile phone number and surrendering her passport.

Judge Desmond Zaidan upheld garda objections to bail against the other three defendants.

All four will appear in court again on April 8.
A historically grounded play telling the story of IRA hunger striker Frank Stagg is set to take to the stage in Ballinamore this June.

We Have Him Back  The Frank Stagg Story, written by Brian MacSuibhne, will be performed at the Island Theatre Ballinamore on Saturday, June 6, marking the 50th anniversary of Staggs death.

Set in Leigue Cemetery in Ballina, the play offers a deeply emotional and historically accurate account of Staggs death after 62 days on hunger strike in Wakefield Prison in 1976and the controversial handling of his remains in the aftermath.

Seven days after his death, Staggs body was secretly buried in an unmarked grave under heavy Garda presence, where it remained for 18 months before being reinterred in the republican plot in Ballinafulfilling a promise made by his brother, George.

READ MORE: Council launches mobile sauna trial across six locations in Leitrim

The production will premiere with a two-night run at the Aras Inis Gluaire on May 15 and 16 before embarking on a tour across every province, including dates in Dublin, Belfast, Donegal and Cork.

The play marks five decades since the death of Stagg, a Mayo man who died in February 1976 after a 62-day hunger strike in Wakefield Prison in England. His death, and the handling of his remains, became one of the most controversial episodes of the prison protests of the 1970s.

Following his death, Staggs body was buried in an unmarked grave against his wishes and those of his family. The grave was later covered in concrete under the direction of the Irish Government, a move that sparked outrage and long-standing debate.

Twenty-two months later, his brother George exhumed the remains and reinterred him in the republican plot in Ballina, fulfilling a promise he had made.

Developed with the full permission and input of the Stagg family, the production presents an historically grounded account of the hunger strikes, the use of force feeding by British prison authorities, and the determination of the Stagg family in the aftermath of his death.

At its core, the play is told through the voices of those closest to him  a mother watching her son die, a wife confronting official narratives, a sister struggling to understand, and a brother determined that history would not be silenced.

Blending documented accounts with staged dialogue, the production also captures the wider atmosphere of 1970s Ireland, weaving in references to world news, music, fashion and everyday life of the time.

Speaking ahead of the premiere, MacSuibhne said the play aims to revisit a story that was deliberately suppressed.

Fifty years ago, the truth of what happened to Frank Stagg and his family was buried in concrete, censorship and lies. This play is about uncovering that truth, about love between brothers, and about a family who refused to let their son be erased from history.

The play will take place at 8pm (doors open at 7pm), with the Crannog Bar open on the night. Tickets are priced at 20 plus booking fees.
Gold just had its worst month in over a decade. Goldman Sachs is not budging.

After gold fell more than 10% in March 2026, its biggest monthly decline since June 2013, Goldman Sachs reaffirmed its $5,400 per ounce year-end target.

Spot gold is trading around $4,567 to $4,769 as of April 1, well below the all-time high of approximately $5,600 set in late January.

The bank's message is direct. The March sell-off does not change the structural case. The buyers who drove gold higher are still there, and Goldman does not expect them to leave.

What Goldman actually said about gold

Goldman analysts Daan Struyven and Lina Thomas raised the bank's 2026 year-end gold target to $5,400 from $4,900 in a note dated Jan. 22. The bank has maintained that target through the March decline.

The core argument is that private investors who bought gold as a hedge against long-term macro risks, including fiscal sustainability concerns and doubts about central bank independence, are not selling. These positions, Goldman says, are "stickier" than the event-driven bets that unwound after the 2024 U.S. election because the underlying concerns do not resolve on a known date.

"Risks to the upgraded forecast are significantly skewed to the upside because private-sector investors may diversify further on lingering global policy uncertainty," Struyven and Thomas wrote.

Three drivers Goldman is watching

Goldman's framework rests on three structural pillars.

The first is central bank buying. Goldman forecasts that emerging-market central banks will purchase about 60 tonnes of gold per month in 2026, as countries diversify reserves away from the U.S. dollar. China's central bank extended its gold purchases for 15 consecutive months through January 2026, Central Banking reported.

The World Gold Council projects total EM central bank purchases will reach approximately 850 tonnes in 2026, per USAGOLD.

More Gold:

The second is ETF inflows. Western gold ETFs added roughly 500 tonnes since the start of 2025, running well ahead of what Federal Reserve rate cuts alone would explain. Goldman expects a further half-point of Fed easing in 2026, which it estimates adds roughly $120 per ounce to gold's price support.

The third is what Goldman calls the "debasement trade." Concerns over long-term government debt levels and monetary policy credibility are driving physical bar purchases by high-net-worth individuals and call option buying by institutions.
Meet Realta Harrington, a young woman who drove over two hours to rescue a puppy from Limerick Animal Welfare.

Realta (23) from County Clare and her puppy Minnie recently celebrated one year of love, happiness and fun together since adoption.

The young woman recently bought a cake from Kildare's Happy Tails Bakery to mark the special day.

"I just wanted to do something to really commemorate the day because we know her birthday, but she didn't have the best start in life, so we wanted to celebrate the day she came home with us and became a part of our family. It's almost like her new birthday, in a sense."

Realta made the long two-hour car journey to Limerick Animal Welfare because they are over capacity with dogs, "they're crying out for people to adopt."

READ NEXT: Tributes paid to two Limerick residents swept into sea while fishing off Clare coast - Limerick Live

"We had heard really good things about them. I know a friend who adopted from them, so yeah, it's been really smooth sailing. Even when we adopted and filled out the paperwork, they were like, look, you have any issues with her, you bring her back to us.

"Please don't dump her, we will always take them back. Just bring them to us, you know. They really care about the well-being of the animal and that they're looked after."

At any one time the centre cares for up to 200 animals including up to 70 dogs, 60 cats, horses, goats, rabbits, chickens and the occasional exotic animal.

The animal rescue has a no kill policy and works tirelessly to make sure every animal they rescue finds a loving home.

Realta decided to rescue a dog from the centre after her childhood dog Coco passed away seven months prior.

"He had epilepsy and we had to put him down, unfortunately. He had multiple seizures every day. So about seven months had gone by and I thought, I need another dog in the house. You just miss their company so much."

Realta and her mother were initially introduced to a male Cockapoo named Andy and she said "it just wasn't a match for us."

"He was very strong and my mum's got back issues and we were just worried she wouldn't be able to walk him. So Marie in Limerick Animal Welfare actually decided to match us with Minnie."

Minnie is an adorable little female Cavalier mix who had come in just the day before Realta arrived at the centre. Nobody had gotten a chance to meet her yet.

Marie from Limerick Animal Welfare told Realta: "I think she might be a really good fit for you."

"Little did she know Cavaliers are my mum's favourite breed ever. So, she brought her in to meet us and she was just such a loving, affectionate puppy.

"I'd met a lot of puppies before, like friends' puppies, family's puppies, but I'd never met a puppy that was so affectionate. Her tail was going 100 miles an hour, this tiny little tail, and she was licking us all over. She was just the sweetest little thing and I thought, she is perfect for us."

Realta and her mum couldn't take Minnie home straight away unfortunately because she had been turned into the centre with health issues.

She had kennel cough and a viral infection.

READ ALSO: Charitable gnome in a small vehicle will visit Limerick's Allianz Hurling League Final - Limerick Live

"She had diarrhoea, bless her, and she had all these symptoms and she couldn't leave. She needed antibiotics and care so they couldn't give away a sick puppy.

"So, it was about 10 days before we were able to bring her home and we were both kind of nervous when we went back in."

Realta wondered what if Minnie didn't remember them or what if they didn't feel the same as when they had first met.

"But as soon as we went back in, she was the same lovable puppy she had been the first time. Just a ball of energy."

Bringing Minnie home was "very scary" because Realta only ever had one dog who she got when she was nine-years-old.

"This was my first time adopting myself as an adult, so she was all my responsibility. We brought her home and she was quite whiny and whimpery the first day, specifically the first night. But then, honestly, by night two, she was fine.

"She just settled in really, really well. I think that's one of the benefits to adopting a puppy, although I think adopting any dog is important. She was so young.

"I think she adapted so quickly. She was about 10 and a half weeks old."

Realta said that adopting dogs and puppies is so important in Ireland because "there is no real animal protection in this country.

"We still have greyhound racing and puppy farms, as much as people like to pretend they don't exist. I think there's not much protection for animals in Ireland. I think so many of them are in shelters and I think they all need a home.

"People need to stop promoting such a negative business in Ireland by buying from breeders, especially when there's so many dogs, like I said, that need homes. Limerick Animal Welfare, specifically, are overwhelmed with the amount of animals they get in. They've had to close off their cat unit before because they've just had so many cats that need a home."

Realta said that when she is out walking Minnie people are shocked that she came from a shelter because she is so cute and friendly.

"That's just my point to people. It's not just these mixed-breed mutts that people are thinking of that look real scruffy and whatever. There's Bichons and Collies and beautiful dogs in the shelter. Small dogs, big dogs, mixed breeds, pure breeds.

"There's something for everyone, and I think that's why people need to be more open-minded to adopting and not so set on the one image of what they have in their mind."

Realta herself has health issues of her own, having to leave school at 17, and said that getting a puppy meant she could give her the love, attention and time that she needed.

"They need a lot of care. That's why I think for a lot of people, it's more beneficial to adopt a dog who's a little bit older and can have more of a routine where they can be okay for a few hours on their own and they won't be pining as much. With puppies, they need to be fed multiple times a day.

"It's a big commitment to take on a puppy, it really is, especially one that young."

If you or someone you know is looking to rescue an animal from Limerick Animal Welfare, you can get in contact on 063 91110 or out of hours 087 6371044 or lawsanctuary@gmail.com.
A LIMERICK man who had two rifles and a bulletproof vest at his home has been sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Michael OCallaghan, aged 23, with an address at Distillery View, Thomondgate in the city had pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition, an improvised firearm and two rifles under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990.

During a sentencing hearing, Limerick Circuit Court heard that on February 22, 2023, gardai carried out a search of Mr OCallaghans residence in Thomondgate.

In the upstairs bedroom of the property, they found two black air rifles and an improvised firearm which was hidden in the sleeve of a coat jacket.

A bulletproof vest and one round of ammunition were also discovered by gardai during the search.

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Mr OCallaghan was arrested and during interview he subsequently admitted to being the owner of the items.

Imposing sentence, Judge Colin Daly noted the firearm did not fire when tested by ballistics experts.

The judge also noted there was no evidence that any of the weapons were used or brandished by Mr OCallaghan at any point.

The court heard the accused had admitted he was a drug user and that he had been receiving threats in relation to outstanding debts he owed at the time.

Mr OCallaghan told gardai he had acquired the weapons because he was paranoid and feared for his safety.

Having considered the evidence and submissions, Judge Daly said that Mr OCallaghan had high culpability, given he had sought out the weapons for his own use.

However, he noted that it didnt appear he had acquired them for any other more sinister reason.

In mitigation, Judge Daly highlighted the accuseds early guilty plea and its value to gardai, the State and the court - in terms of money and time.

He said what had occurred was a serious matter but that Mr OCallaghan had co-operated fully with investigating gardai.

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The court heard that the man has since cleaned himself up after he spent a period living in England with his grandfather.

The judge noted the remorse expressed by Mr O'Callaghan in a letter of apology penned by the accused.

After formally convicting Mr OCallaghan, Judge Daly imposed a four-year prison sentence, with the final year suspended for a period of six years.
A LIMERICK man, whose sister was murdered, has pleaded guilty to robbing a wallet from a 90-year-old man with a cane as he was waiting for a bus at Colbert Station.

It is difficult to imagine a more vulnerable victim, said prosecuting barrister John OSullivan.

Ian Waters, aged 32, of Church Avenue, Templemore, County Tipperary but who is a native St Marys Park, Limerick pleaded guilty to one count of robbery at around 6.30am on July 23, 2025.

Mr OSullivan BL, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court with the assistance of Detective Garda Shane Arthur.

Mr OSullivan said the 90-year-old man, from a County Limerick village, went to Colbert Station to take the 7am bus to Cork early on the morning of Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

READ NEXT: Men caught stealing 'hundreds of euros' of protein bars and energy drinks in Limerick

The barrister said Waters was loitering with criminal intent. The victim, who was sitting on a bench, observed Waters and a woman (not before the court).

He transferred his wallet from a trousers pocket to his jacket pocket when he was set upon by Waters.

The accused man grabbed the wallet from his hand and fled. It contained his free travel pass and 115 in cash. The victim told gardai he did not suffer any injuries but was quite shaken by it, said Mr OSullivan.

Gardai launched an investigation and Waters was arrested that night. He told gardai he was smoking three or four bags of heroin a day, had run up a drug debt and said: If I hurt him Im sorry, I don't recall. Im so sorry - its not my style.

Mr OSullivan said Waters has a number of previous convictions including possession of a firearm, criminal damage, robbery, production of an article, assault causing harm and possession of drugs.

He has a propensity to violence, said Mr OSullivan.

Joseph McMahon, barrister for Waters, said his client has pleaded guilty which meant the victim hasnt had to spend his twilight years coming to court, and co-operated with gardai.

Mr McMahon, in mitigation, said there was no injury suffered by the nonagenarian and his client has expressed genuine remorse.

The barrister said when gardai asked Mr Waters what would he say if the 90-year-year old man was present his clients reply was: I have no words. It should never have happened. Im sorry. If he can find it in himself to forgive me because I have elderly parents. Can you give that 100 to him? I dont know where the wallet is.

Mr McMahon said Waters is a native of St Marys Park and the unsolved murder of his sister is a significant event in his life.

The barrister said Waters has a longstanding heroin addiction and was intoxicated to such an extent that he doesnt remember the incident but that is no excuse.

He apologises unreservedly, he said.

Judge Colin Daly jailed Waters for three years, backdated to July 24, 2025.
FROM the Limerick City Gallery of Art to the studios tucked behind Georgian terraces and Shannon-side warehouses, Limerick has long been a city that punches above its weight artistically. Its a place where creativity isnt a luxury but a form of survival  a kind of local defiance against economic and cultural neglect.

From the vibrant exhibitions at Ormston House to the student showcases of LSAD, the city hums with experimentation and grit.

As debates continue about fairness and access in Irish arts funding, Limericks thriving and resilient creative scene offers a vivid lens through which to view Aosdanas role  not as an institution of exclusion, but as a fellowship deeply intertwined with regional talent. Aosdana (the Irish association of artists established by the Arts Council) was founded in 1981 it carried the air of a quiet revolution.

For the first time, the Irish state formally recognised that artists  like engineers or doctors  might deserve material support for enriching national life. The idea was audacious: to grant Irelands artists not charity, but dignity.

READ MORE: Limerick author Gerald Griffin helped shape Irish literary tradition

More than 40 years later, the once radical vision of Aosdana  an Irish academy of creative artists  continues to evolve.

Conceived as a fellowship to celebrate and sustain Irelands leading creators, it has been criticised for elitism, yet it also reflects the nations maturing understanding of artistic labour.

Aosdana was the brainchild of the Arts Council, influenced by the ferment of 1970s Ireland when the nation was redefining itself.

Colm O Briain, then director, proposed a body modelled loosely on the Academie Francaise but with an Irish conscience. The idea found a patron in Charles Haughey, who fancied himself a modern Medici.

In 1981, Aosdana  literally people of the arts  was born. Membership would be limited to 250 artists across literature, music, and the visual arts. Entry came through nomination and election by peers, recognising an outstanding contribution to the arts in Ireland. Central to the model was the Cnuas  an annual stipend funded by the Arts Council, designed to allow artists to focus on their creative work. It was, for its time, radical policy.

Limericks contribution to Aosdana has been remarkable, disproving any notion of regional neglect with visual artists such as John Shinnors, Tom Fitzgerald, Diana Copperwhite, and Donald Teskey, the city and county have produced a lineage of outstanding members. The literary tradition is equally rich.

From the late Desmond OGrady  the Limerick-born poet and translator who bridged Ireland and Europe to Michael Hartnett, born in Newcastle West and remains one of the most revered poets of the Irish language revival.

While Gabriel Rosenstock (not to be confused with the comic satirist known for his humorous radio sketches and political send-ups), born in Kilfinane, continues to shape bilingual poetry and cultural dialogue within Aosdana.

The region has also drawn others into its creative orbit  Samuel Walsh, resident since the late 1960s, and poet/memoirist Ciaran ODriscoll both exemplify how Limericks artistic energy extends beyond birthplace. The presence of such figures within Aosdana suggests that, at least in this corner of Ireland, the fellowships spirit of recognition and support has found firm ground on the banks of the Shannon.



In theory, Aosdana would foster a democracy of artistic spirit; in practice, it sometimes resembled an artistic parliament that few could enter. Membership quickly became both honour and gatekeeping mechanism. The early roll call read like a whos who of mid century Ireland: Seamus Heaney, Brian Friel, Louis le Brocquy, Maire Mhac an tSaoi.

Few questioned their worthiness, yet the very system that celebrated excellence also slowed renewal. The working class poet or digital experimenter often found the door closed.



At its core, Aosdanas mission was twofold: to acknowledge excellence and to materially support creation. It is in the latter that cracks show. The Cnuas stipend  roughly 20,000 per year  goes to artists who demonstrate need and continued commitment. Yet questions linger: who defines need and why do so many recipients already enjoy secure reputations?

The insider driven nomination process tends to reward continuity over innovation. In a changing Ireland, Aosdana must remain open to newer, more diverse voices and forms of practice. In a world of digital collaboration and crowd-funding, Aosdanas model feels increasingly analogue.

The principle behind Aosdana is sound: art is labour, and those who enrich national life should be supported. But fairness remains elusive. The Cnuas fund is small, and many creative workers outside Aosdana survive on part time jobs or short term grants.

Even the idea of merit grows harder to measure in a landscape that includes community art, hip hop, and experimental film alongside poetry and painting.

Beyond Aosdana

Outside Aosdanas gates, many working artists rely on a different form of state support  one based on need rather than prestige. Since 2017, the Department of Social Protection has allowed professional artists to access Jobseekers Allowance under special conditions. The scheme recognises that creative work rarely provides a steady income and that artists shouldnt be penalised for low earning periods.

Under this system, painters, musicians, writers and performers can receive social welfare payments while continuing to create and promote their work, without having to seek other full time employment.

Applicants must show evidence of professional artistic activity  exhibitions, publications, or recognised membership.

Though modest, the scheme acknowledges the precariousness of creative life and offers a safety net for those beyond Aosdanas inner circle. It highlights Irelands two tiered arts economy: the canonised and the emerging, the celebrated and the struggling.

Aosdanas legacy cannot be separated from its political parentage. Charles Haugheys vision of cultural leadership was hierarchical  artists as national treasures, not citizens. Aosdana inherited that patrician tone: recognition from above rather than empowerment from below. It reflects the contradictions of Irish arts policy  generous in language, cautious in practice.

Still, Aosdana has done genuine good. The Cnuas has sustained respected figures through financial hardship, and the organisation has spoken out on censorship and funding. Its archives chart Irelands artistic evolution, and many members continue to innovate. The bodys symbolic value as a national acknowledgment of artistic labour remains significant.

Yet no institution survives on past virtue alone. Aosdana must evolve to reflect modern Irelands artistic diversity. Some propose fixed term membership to make room for emerging voices; others suggest expanding or restructuring the Cnuas.

Transparency, inclusivity, and regional representation must become priorities if Aosdana is to remain credible. The creation of mentoring networks and residencies in partnership with regional centres like LSAD, the Belltable, and Dance Limerick could renew its relevance and reach younger artists.

Aosdana mirrors Ireland itself: proud, self critical, steeped in tradition yet uneasy about change. When it was founded, art was a means of national self definition; today, it is also survival  a way to resist commodification and assert identity.

Structures that served the old order now need reimagining. In this sense, Limericks evolving artistic scene  outward-looking, resilient, and collaborative  offers a model for what a renewed Aosdana might become.

Is Aosdana fulfilling its mission? As an academy honouring excellence, yes. As a system ensuring artists can live and work with dignity, not quite. It has preserved the canon but sometimes neglected the frontier. Yet to scrap it would be to abandon one of the few tangible expressions of Irelands belief in art. The challenge is not to end Aosdana but to reform it  opening its doors wider, embracing new forms, and renewing its social contract with a changing nation.

In Limerick, the question of who gets to make art  and who gets to live from it  is more than theoretical. From the artists of Ormston House and the Belltable to the students of LSAD carving out their voices in a city that knows hardship and reinvention, the need for support is urgent and real.

Limericks creative energy has always thrived both within and beyond Aosdanas structures  from pop up exhibitions in former factories to poetry nights in pubs. If Aosdana is to mean anything to them, it must continue to open its reach beyond Dublins cultural enclave and into the heart of Irelands creative regions.

The true test of the people of the arts will be whether the next generation of Aosdana members comes not just from the capitals salons, but from the riverbank studios and rehearsal rooms of Limerick  where art has always been made not for prestige but for the spirit that imbues life itself.
Aman Gupta

Aman Gupta is a Digital Content Producer at LiveMint with over 3.5 years of experience covering the technology landscape. He specializes in artificial intelligence and consumer technology, reporting on everything from the ethical debates around AI models to shifts in the smartphone market. <br> His reporting is grounded in first-hand testing, independent analysis, and a focus on how technology impacts everyday users. He holds a PG Diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi (Class of 2022). <br> Outside the newsroom, he spends his time reading biographies, hunting for the perfect coffee beans, or planning his next trip. <br><br> You can find Aman on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aman-gupta-894180214">LinkedIn</a> and on X at <a href="https://x.com/nobugsfound">@nobugsfound</a>, or reach him via email at <a href="aman.gupta@htdigital.in">aman.gupta@htdigital.in</a>.
Jatin Grover

Jatin is based in New Delhi and writes on telecom and technology with a keen interest in policy and regulation. With over five years of reporting experience across Informist Media, Financial Express and now Mint, he has extensively covered the telecom, information technology, electronics and semiconductor sectors.<br><br>A commerce graduate, Jatin's work focuses on tracking industry developments, regulatory changes and policy decisions that shape Indias evolving digital ecosystem. Over the years, he has reported on key trends and shifts across these sectors, bringing clarity to complex policy and business issues.<br><br>Known for his strong news sense, Jatin focuses on breaking stories and delivering in-depth reporting that offers readers an understanding of complex topics, policy decisions and corporate developments. His work often examines the intersection of policy and business, highlighting how regulatory decisions impact industry strategy, pricing, and consumer outcomes.<br><br>He brings a strong domain understanding for Mint and his work is widely picked up by other media firms. With a focus on accuracy and depth, he aims to break down developments into clear, accessible insights for readers, while continuing to track emerging trends shaping the future of Indias telecom and technology sectors.
Venu Srinivasan, the Chairman emeritus of TVS Motor, and the Vice Chairman and trustee to seven trusts of the Tata Group, has quit the Bai Hirabai Charitable Trust (Tata Trust), citing commitments to other businesses, news agency ANI reported on Saturday, April 4. His resignation also comes a day after one of the former trustee questioned his eligibility.

Mehli Mistry, former trustee of three-key trusts of the Tata Group including the Bai Hirabai Trust Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution (BHJTNCI), on Friday, April 3, formally challenged the appointment of Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh in the BHJTNCI.

What did the objection application say? In his objection application, written to the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, Mehli Mistry said Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh were ineligible to qualify for the positions. Mistry also said that the appointment of them blatant violation of a 1923 Trust Deed.

Mistry had argued that, under Clauses 6 and 18, of the said Deed, any such disqualified trustee must be treated as deemed dead.

Also Read | Venu Srinivasan reappointment in doubt as proxy advisors recommend nay vote

In his objection letter to the charity commissioner, Mehli Misry also claimed that Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh had never been of the Parsi Zoroastrian faith, neither did they have permanent residences in Mumbai.

Thus, they are deemed to attract automatic disqualification, he argued, ANI reported.

Mehli Mistry has sought a suo motu inquiry by the States Charity Commissioner and requests the authority to direct all trustees to file affidavits confirming their eligibility.

The objection application said, The Applicant/Objector is pained to bring to the notice of this Hon'ble Authority, that Applicants Nos. 3 and 4 amongst others, ex facie, never met the qualifications to become trustees and are expressly disqualified from acting as trustees. Any trustees who do not meet the qualifications are to be 'deemed to be dead' under Clauses 6 and 18 of the Trust Deed. Applicants Nos. 3 and 4 have never been and cannot be of Parsi Zoroastrian faith. Further, Applicants Nos. 3 and 4 do not have any permanent residence in Mumbai.

Also Read | Mehli Mistry exits Tata Trusts, pens emotional letter for trustees
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lambasted the LDF and UDF on Saturday for allegedly spreading lies regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

He also criticised the opposition parties for labelling movies such as Kerala Story, Kashmir Files and Dhurandhar, "a lie."

Addressing a public meeting in Thiruvalla, Kerala, on Saturday, PM Modi said, The LDF and UDF people have become pro at lying. They said Kerala Files is a lie, they said Kashmir Files is a lie, they said Dhurandhar is a lie.

"These days, they are spreading lies about the FCRA and UCC. Goa has had UCC for decades, but they're spreading lies around it. They also did the same around the CAA. They are in the business of spreading lies," he said.

PM Modi apologises PM Modi apologised while addressing a public gathering in Thiruvalla, Kerala, ahead of the assembly elections this month. He said, I want to apologise to all of you because I can't speak Malayalam, your beautiful language. I had to speak in Hindi.

"But despite this, not a single person moved from here. I know people from the village have come here. Maybe they don't understand my language. But this is the power of your love," PM Modi said on Saturday.

He said, This is my great fortune. I will never forget this debt of yours, I will never forget your love. This is your debt on me, and I will repay this debt by prioritising the development of Keralam and achieving one and a quarter times the development  this is what I promise today.

On Sabarimala temple case PM Modi accused the Left and Congress of "defaming and looting" the Sabarimala temple.

Describing the opposition as corrupt, he questioned the ruling LDF for not handing the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Congress for allegedly trying to project itself as a "fake Hindu."

"The corruption and appeasement politics of the Left and Congress are directly impacting Keralam's culture and faith. First, they defamed the Sabarimala temple. Today, it is being looted by them. There is a clear pattern in the loot at Sabarimala, he said.

Also Read | Sabarimala womens entry flashpoint resurfaces as polls near in Kerala

"They are occurring under LDF rule, but are linked to senior Congress leaders. The LDF has not handed the probe to the CBI, raising serious questions. At the same time, Congress, which has largely stayed away from temple-related issues, is now faking, trying to project itself as pro-Hindu," the PM added.

'Promote radical elements' PM Modi hit out at the Left and the Congress, alleging that they promote "radical elements for the sake of vote banks." He said, "...incidents like that in Munambam are becoming increasingly common in Kerala. "

"There, hundreds of Hindu and Christian families were intimidated, but instead of helping the victims, the Kerala government appears to be standing with the radical forces... The patriotic people of Kerala will never allow this to succeed," PM Modi said.

'Christian community' PM Modi said the Christian community is present in large numbers in the Northeast; except for one state.

"The NDA government is in power in seven states of the Northeast, and we have accomplished what wasn't done there in the last 50-60 years," PM Modi said.

Also Read | Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage kicks off in Sabarimala amid heavy rush

He added, "In Goa, the Christian community is decisive, and there has been a continuous BJP-NDA government. It is touching new heights of development. If an NDA government is formed in Keralam too, Keralam will attain new heights of development."

West Asia conflict Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The war crisis in West Asia has exposed the designs of the Congress and its allied parties."

He alleged that the Congress wants the West Asian countries to consider India as their enemy, that we should make some mistake here, give some statement like that, and trouble befalls Indians living in the Gulf countries, so the Congress is giving statements that anger the Gulf countries.

Also Read | ED raids 21 places in Kerala, TN in Sabarimala gold misappropriation case

"The Congress wants panic to spread, and for it to get a chance to hurl abuses at Modi. I want to tell the people of Congress, LDF, UDF that politics has its place, elections will come and go, but for me, the safety of the lakhs of Keralites there is the priority, and I am committed to that," he said.

He said that it's only because of "our good relations that the governments of the Gulf countries consider all our Indians as their own family and are protecting them..."

'For the first time, a BJP-NDA govt is coming to power in Keralam' PM Modi exuded confidence that for the first time, a BJP-NDA government is coming to power in Keralam.

...I have come here before as well, but this time the winds of change are blowing in a different direction. The biggest transformation is now about to take place in Keralam," he said.
For years, cryptocurrency supporters have argued that it was the future of money. Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), that future is becoming a reality. OpenClaw, an open-source AI assistant program, helped put AI agents on the map when it went viral earlier this year.

AI agents can browse the web, use programs, and make purchases -- all autonomously. Many AI agents have begun transacting on Solana (CRYPTO: SOL), a blockchain known for its lightning-fast transaction speeds and low fees.

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue 

Here is how AI agents could make Solana a must-have cryptocurrency for the future.

Image source: Getty Images.

Solana is an early winner in agentic AI payments

Vibhu Norby is an executive responsible for product strategy and AI adoption at the Solana Foundation. Recently, he estimated that Solana accounts for at least 65% of all agentic on-chain payments made through x402, a popular Coinbase-developed protocol that allows AI agents to make payments autonomously.

AI agents accounted for $31 billion in payment volume on Solana in 2025. Remember, each transaction on Solana burns a small amount of tokens. A more active Solana network burns more tokens, putting a metaphorical thumb on the scales of the supply and-demand equation that influences token prices.

The ceiling could be very high

AI agents don't need to sleep or take breaks. If people can set up AI agents on localized AI models (no paid subscription) and run them around the clock, there's no telling how many AI agents there might be 10 years from now. In March, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong posted on X:

"Very soon there are going to be more AI agents than humans making transactions. They can't open a bank account, but they can own a crypto wallet. Think about it."

Research from Edgar, Dunn & Company projects that the total agentic commerce market, consumer-to-business transactions initiated by AI agents, will grow from an estimated $136 billion last year to $1.7 trillion by 2030. Major payment companies like Visa and Mastercard will fight for market share. Still, it's notable that Solana has captured such a large share of payment volume so quickly.

How should investors approach Solana today?

The broader stock market has been increasingly shaky in recent weeks, and Solana is down a whopping 61% over the past six months. As exciting as Solana's long-term potential may be, cryptocurrencies remain very speculative investments and are prone to gut-wrenching volatility.
Smita Nagarkoti, director, Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), said the disruption is immediate but its full effects will lag. It is not just freight and logistics that have been affected. Even raw materials and shipments are facing delays, and the disruption is immediate. The real shockwaves will be felt over the next two to three months, even if the conflict stops.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.
US-Iran war: It has been more than five weeks since the beginning of the Israel-US-Iran war. The geopolitical tension is yet to de-escalate, especially after Iran's rejection of the 15-point plan suggested by US President Donald Trump. While the US-Israel and Iran are yet to reach any ceasefire terms, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine, and experts believe China may also fancy its chances of annexing Taiwan in the current geopolitical context. Therefore, the defence theme is expected to work in the medium to long-term.

According to market experts, amid sideways-to-negative trends on Dalal Street, defence is one segment expected to perform in the short to medium term. They said that Indian defence companies, developing drones, missiles, and aerospace equipment, are expected to gain amid the buzz around the defence theme. They also said that the Indian government has executed a series of defence deals with Germany, France, the EU, and Israel, which is expected to have a positive impact on the defence theme on Dalal Street.

Triggers for defence stocks Highlighting the positive triggers for the Indian defence stocks, Seema Srivastava, Senior Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities, said that India's defence sector is buzzing with recent deals with Germany, France, the EU, and Israel, boosting the country's defence capabilities. The deals include India's plan to acquire 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from Boeing, as well as a deal with France for 26 Rafale fighter jets. These agreements are expected to drive growth in India's defence sector, with a focus on indigenous production and export opportunities.

Pointing to the US-Iran war, Sandeep Pandey, Co-founder of Basav Capital, said that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have entered the sixth week, and there is no apparent truce. In fact, the Middle East tensions have allowed Russia to go against Ukraine with full force. The market was expecting a roadmap for the ceasefire during Donald Trump's address to the nation, but he failed to provide one.

Amid rising geopolitical tension, I won't be surprised if China starts fulfilling its dreams of annexing Taiwan, said Sandeep Pandey and advised long-term investors to add defence stocks to their portfolio. Pandey said that defence companies that deal in drones, missiles, and aerospace equipment are better placed than their peers.

Defence stocks to buy Regarding stocks to buy amid rising geopolitical tensions, Seema Srivastava of SMC Global Securities said that HAL and BEL are well-positioned to benefit from this growth, given their strong order books and diversified portfolios. HAL's revenue grew 10.7% YoY, with PAT rising 29.6% YoY, driven by robust execution and order book visibility. BEL's revenue surged 23.7% YoY, with PAT up 20.8% YoY, backed by a diversified portfolio across radars, communication systems, and electronic warfare.

Also Read | Buy or sell stocks on 6 April: Sumeet Bagadia recommends three stocks to buy

The SMC Global Securities experts, who is an ICAI-certified CA, said that BDL faces execution challenges and dependence on lumpy orders, making it a riskier bet. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders is also an option for investors looking for exposure to the naval defence sector. India's defence budget is expected to increase by 15.20% to 7.85 lakh crore in FY26-27, benefiting defence stocks. With a strong focus on indigenous production and export opportunities, HAL and BEL are attractive investment options, given their robust order books and diversified portfolios.

Besides defence stocks recommended by Seema Srivastava, Sandeep Pandey of Basav Capital said that investors may look at HAL, GRSE, Data Pattern, Zen Technologies, and MTAR Technologies shares for the medium to long term.
Mayur Bhalerao

Mayur Bhalerao is a markets reporter at Mint with around 12 years of experience across finance and media. His coverage focuses on Indian equities, IPOs and broader market trends, tracking developments across large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap stocks as well as shifts in investor behaviour among retail investors, mutual funds and foreign portfolio investors.<br><br>Mayurs reporting emphasises data-driven analysis of market movements, valuations and sectoral trends. He uses shareholding disclosures, financial filings and market data to explain developments on Dalal Street and examine how global events and domestic policy changesincluding geopolitical tensions, crude oil prices and regulatory decisionsshape Indian equities and investor sentiment.<br><br>He regularly uses financial databases such as the Bloomberg terminal and Capitaline to produce data-intensive stories, analysing company disclosures, ownership patterns and sectoral trends across both Indian and global markets. He also supports colleagues in the newsroom by providing database-driven insights and market data analysis that help strengthen broader market coverage.<br><br>Before joining Mint, Mayur worked at Informist Media Pvt Ltd., a leading financial newswire, where he developed his expertise in financial journalism in a specialised markets newsroom.
Theres a certain predictability to vivos Vseries launches. Every year, the company releases a phone that looks good, takes nice photos, and plays it safe everywhere else.

With the new vivo V70 Elite, the company seems to be nudging this lineup into a more ambitious space. The design is more refined, the cameras more confident, and the battery life surprisingly muscular.

But ambition is a tricky thing. It raises expectations. And after using the V70 Elite for about two weeks, its evident that its a device that feels like its trying to graduate into the midpremium league, but it still carries the uncertainties of its midrange past. This is a phone that gets a lot rightsometimes impressively sobut it also stumbles in ways that shouldnt exist at this price.

Premium polish with inspired brilliance

View full Image View full Image The vivo V70 Elite. ( Courtesy vivo )

Lets get the obvious out of the way: the V70 Elite looks a lot like the iPhone 16 Pro. The flat edges, the camera island, the proportionsthe resemblance is unmistakable. So, while the V70 Elite feels premium, it doesnt feel distinctive. But since its gorgeous, nobody would mind the inspiration.

The matte back is genuinely lovely. It has a velvety texture that resists fingerprints better than most glass slabs, and the aluminium frame feels sturdy without being heavy. The phones compact footprint is refreshing and its also slimmerthe grip in hand is just perfect, especially if like me, youre tired of lugging around large devices and prefer to use phones one-handed without contorting the thumb like a circus performer. And then theres the IP68/IP69 rating enabling safety in water immersion. Its the kind of practical durability that more midpremium phones should offer.

Also Read | BenQ Screenbar Halo 2 review: An desk lighting solution for heavy screen users

The 6.59inch AMOLED panel is one of the V70 Elites strongest assets. It doesnt chase extreme brightness numbers or refresh rates. Instead, it focuses on delivering a comfortable, reliable visual experience. And honestly, that works for me. Its bright enough to cut through Delhis harsh afternoon sun, and the colour tuning thankfully leans natural rather than hypersaturated. Watching videos feels immersive without being overwhelming, and the slim bezels help the phone look more expensive than it is.

Smooth for everyday use, but not built for bragging rights The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a fascinating choice. Its a chip that sits awkwardly between midrange and flagship territory. In daily use browsing on Edge, Outlook, Geminis shenanigans, camera bursts, and the usual doomscrollingthe phone felt fluid. App switching was quick, animations were smooth, and I never felt like I was waiting for the phone to catch up.

But push it harder and the cracks show.

Gaming performance isn't flawless, and you will notice occasional slowdowns and skipped frames, especially in longer sessions. Plus, the phone does warm up enough to remind you that this isnt a performancefirst device.

Also Read | Generative AI promises a new era for smart speakers beyond simple commands

This is where the V70 Elites identity crisis becomes apparent. It wants to be taken seriously as a midpremium phone, but it doesnt quite have the horsepower to compete with some other devices in and around the segment.

If youre upgrading from a twoyearold midranger, youll be impressed. But if youre coming from a premium device in and around the segment, youll notice the difference.

The 6,500mAh battery is the V70 Elites biggest flex. Even with extensive use through the day, Id end the day with about a fifth battery capacity left. Plus, the 90W charging is reasonably fast. The device charges to over 20% in just 15 minutes while a little over an hour charges the phone from zero to 100%.

The evolution of battery tech in the recent pastnot specific to this phonehas eased the battery anxiety many of us used to live with. You stop hunting for charging points at airports or in cafes. You simply use the phone and trust it to last.

Two excellent lenses and one that feels like a compromise vivo has built a reputation for strong cameras, and the V70 Elite mostly lives up to that. The primary and telephoto lenses are genuinely impressive, but the ultrawide feels like it belongs on a cheaper phone.

The 50MP main sensor produces crisp, contrast-y images with a pleasing depth. Colours lean slightly cool, but not in a way that feels artificial. Portraits are particularly impressive: Edge detection is clean, and the background blur feels natural rather than aggressively processed.

Lowlight performance is good but not exceptional. The phone tends to brighten scenes more than necessary. Its competent, but not the kind of lowlight magic vivos Xseries is known for.

The 3X telephoto lens is the unsung hero here. In a segment where many brands still skip telephoto entirely, vivos implementation is genuinely useful. Zoomedin shots retain detail, and the colour science stays consistent with the primary lens.

This is one of the reasons the V70 Elite feels more versatile than its peers. It gives you creative flexibility that many midpremium phones simply dont offer. You get an entire gamut of options and filters and camera modes to play with. In fact, theres almost an excess of options, enough to overwhelm someone who just wants to point and shoot.

The ultrawide is the Achilles heel of this camera setup. Soft edges, distortion, and visible noise in anything less than ideal lighting. In a phone priced above 50,000, this is disappointing.

Video capability is solid, if not classleading. 4K 60fps across lenses is a welcome addition and stabilisation is good enough, but lowlight video still struggles with noise and exposure control.

Modern user experience thats trying a tad too hard OriginOS 6, the companys new proprietary UI layer based on Android 16, is visually appealing and highly customisable. The animations are smooth, the widgets are genuinely useful, and the overall experience feels modern.

Also Read | The subscription squeeze comes for hardware

But its also quite busy and theres too much happening everywhere which could overwhelm casual users. And vivo still cant resist stuffing the phone with preinstalled apps (sure, some of them can be uninstalled). This is one area where vivos ambition feels oddly halfhearted. The company clearly wants to offer a premium software experience, but its still clinging to the habits of its budgetphone past.

Should you buy one? Introducing an Elite variant is vivos attempt at offsetting higher component costs while positioning the V70 Elite as a more premium device. Even though there isnt a significant delta over the V70, and a V70 Pro doesnt exist at the moment.

This takes the V-series into a completely new territory of over- 50,000 premium smartphones: the 8GB+256GB variant is priced at 51,999 while the 12GB+256GB variant is priced at 56,999. The second variant brings it close to vivo's own stellar X200T, among other competitive offerings from Motorola and OnePlus.

Its not perfect. Still, in a market full of specsheet braggarts, the V70 Elites quiet competence is refreshing. Its a phone for someone who values design, battery life, and camera versatility over raw horsepower.
In 2011, Spanish chef Ferran Adria came out with a book on staff meals titled The Family Meal. He drew inspiration from the home-style dishes cooked by his team at the three Michelin star restaurant (closed the same year) El Bulli. Earlier in 1999, in The French Laundry Cookbook, chef Thomas Keller of The French Laundry restaurant in California included a section on the importance of staff meals, which the team eats together before service. Keeping aside the talk of the work culture at Copenhagens Noma restaurant, one of its most talked-about rituals is the staff meal, which the kitchen team takes turns to cook, often dishes from their own countries. Chef Niyati Rao of Mumbais Ekaa restaurant remembers preparing the classic imli chutney for one such family meal during her internship in 2019, and it turned out to be a hit.

Staff meals, or family meals, are considered crucial to build community, adding a moment of pause before the chaos of service takes over the restaurant. They also become a platform to showcase lesser-known regional dishes from a chefs community or hometown, and spark moments of chance innovations that sometimes find their way on to the menu.

Lounge asked some of Indias chefs about staff meal rituals at their restaurants, and the dishes that nourish and keep them together before peak business hours begin.

Also Read | Why we celebrate chefs but ignore the kitchen culture

KOYEL ROY NANDY, CO-HEAD CHEF, SIENNA CALCUTTA On most days, the staff meal is either everyday Bengali food or dishes from the hometowns of different team members. We are a Bengal-forward restaurant so it makes sense to introduce those from other parts of the country to how we eat at our homes. There are designated days for fish or egg curry, often accompanied by seasonal vegetables shukto or macher jhol prepared with winter carrots and cauliflower. Come summer, the menu shifts to panta bhaat, a fermented rice gruel, and aamer tok dal flavoured with raw mango. The team also brings in flavours from their own homes. Chef Joyjit Meitei once carried smoked tilapia from Manipur to make a fiery salad with raja mircha and fish mint leaves. We improvised the dish into tacos made of chaler ruti (rice rotis), and eventually put it on the restaurants menu.

HUSSAIN SHAHZAD, EXECUTIVE CHEF, HUNGER INC. HOSPITALITY What gets cooked for family meals at The Bombay Canteen/O Pedro is guided by a monthly roster that the senior chefs put together. The day starts with regional favourites such as idli, upma, poha, besan cheela, anda bhurji and so on. Lunch is basic but balanced in terms of a dal, sabzi, salad or raita, pickles and papad along with rice and chapati. They may sometimes comprise pav bhaji, Thai curry or even Indian Chinese. Late night supper is usually simple and a little indulgent with fried rice, noodles, frankies, sandwiches or masala pav, the kind of food anyone would reach for at the end of a long day. The team also brings festivals into the kitchen, so there is biryani around Eid and jalebi during Diwali, or even an impromptu chaat spread. A ritual that we encourage is everyone sitting down and eating together rather than eating in isolation or scrolling on a phone.

View full Image View full Image A panta bhaat spread at Sienna Calcutta. ( Ankita Gupta )

REGI MATHEW, CULINARY DIRECTOR & CO-OWNER, KAPPA CHAKKA KANDHARI

Most of our team come from different parts of the country, so food becomes their daily comfort and connection to home. Whether its a commis or a senior chef, everyone participates in the process. Lunch usually follows a cyclic menu with rice, curry and thoran or dry vegetable dish. The team brings their own influences, often through a dish that reminds someone of their mothers cooking. On festival days, there is biryani or parotta with a curry, and always something sweet to round it off. Whats important is that everyone from the kitchen to the management, including me, sit down and share the same meal. Every month the team hosts a puff party, where all of us gather over tea and puffs. It gives everyone a chance to unwind and connect beyond the pressures of service.

MANAV KHANNA, HEAD CHEF, BANNG Family meals often give us a chance to use leftovers or kitchen scraps in the most imaginative ways. This way the team understands how one ingredient can be eaten in different ways. For instance, the stems of morning glory, kale or bok choy, which people usually dont eat, are turned into a Thai-style stir-fry with garlic, chilli, fermented soybean and sauces. Its simple and something youd eat as street food or even at home in Thailand. Another thing we do is take the trimmings of fish or meat, season it with Thai ingredients, wrap in banana leaf and grill it. Even the relishes we make by pounding garlic, shallots, chilli, eggplant or maybe protein trimmings become dips to have along with the meal. During festivals, we make biryani or chicken curry. I think the most exciting part is those small things that we make for everyone to taste and eat together.
On 30 March, Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, gave her assent to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, thereby legitimising a law that has caused widespread concern and protest among members of the queer community.

Tabled by Union social justice and empowerment minister Virendra Kumar on 13 March in the Lok Sabha, the bill was drafted without consultation with the queer community, especially its trans members, whose lives are likely to be most affected by its ramifications. The 2026 law departs from the Supreme Courts judgement in the NALSA case (2014), which allowed for self-determination as the basis of identity, as well as the 2019 Act, which medicalised identity while still granting self-determination.

Under the 2019 Act, a transgender person is one whose gender does not match with the gender assigned to that person at birth and includes transman or trans-woman (whether or not such person has undergone Sex Reassignment Surgery or hormone therapy or laser therapy or such other therapy), person with intersex variations, genderqueer and person having such socio-cultural identities as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta.

The new definition articulated by the 2026 amendment says transgender persons are people having such socio-cultural identities as kinner, hijra, aravani, and jogta, or eunuch, those with intersex variations, and others who have congenital variations compared to the male or female development in their primary sexual characteristics, external genitalia, chromosomal patterns, gonadal development, endogenous hormone production or response or such other medical conditions.

These modifications have caused outrage among the community as well as allies. Reintroducing clinical gatekeeping doesnt just dehumanise individuals; it creates systemic barriers to jobs and safety. We are legislating away dignity, further marginalising the trans community and pushing them back into the shadows, says Bengaluru-based Srini Ramaswamy, inclusion and wellbeing expert and entrepreneur. His views are echoed by a range of others, from different walks of life, who share their hopes, fears and anger with Lounge.

AYESHA SOOD, FILMMAKER, DELHI I happened to be with a bunch of queer lawyers, policymakers and activists when the news of the bill being tabled in Parliament broke. Everyone was shattered by it. Initially, there was a flurry of questions: Where did it come from? What was the motivation behind it? Once we read the text of the bill, we were alarmed and disturbed because the lawmakers didnt seem to have at all understood the ground realities of the trans experience. This bill opens them up to so much abuse, invasion of privacy, and lack of basic rights. Its a scary moment.

When we began researching In Transit (a four-part docuseries directed by Sood and produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti in 2025), we spent over a year-and-a-half with a team of academics, activists, journalists and educators. We set out to first educate ourselves: What are the key issues? What are the mythologies? Where does the law stand on trans rights and gender fluidity?

It soon became clear that in India, public perception of trans identity mostly revolves around the third gendercommunities like hijras and kinnarsand thats where it ends. But the reality is very different and cannot be contained within binaries. So we wanted to present the trans community from outside this third gender category. Talking about identity publicly in India also comes from a space of privilege. Our initial longlist had people who are big on social media and the culture scene. But we wanted to go further and find people who are not so public or from dominant classes and castes.

The fact is trans people are everywhere. You may have family members who are trans but not out yet. Someone sitting next to you on a bus may be trans. If you sit across someone and really try to understand them, the idea of binary, non-binary or queer quickly becomes secondary, especially in India. I wanted my characters to be relatable so that, at a human level, you become open to hearing their stories. Instead, if you talk down to or try to teach your audience, you end up creating a wall.

In the series, we have a character called Aryan, who talks about the barriers between parents and social acceptance. At one point he says, forget your gender for a moment, be vulnerable instead. Tell your friend, parent or lover, whoever it is, that you need them to engage with you as a personthats when the barriers will begin to disappear. When I called cut at the end of this long interview, the entire crew seemed to have been holding their breath. At that moment it felt as though each one of us wanted to call our loved onesto feel a sense of empathy and assurance.

As told to Somak Ghoshal

Also Read | Are there safe spaces for the invisible queer disabled community?

View full Image View full Image Mohul Sharma

MOHUL SHARMA, A PROUD TRANS MAN, NCR As a trans man, when I heard about this bill for the first time, it felt as if someone had suddenly snatched away my dignity and identity. Instead of doing something favourable for the communityhelp us get jobs and better health benefitsthe government has decided that a piece of paper now has the power to define my identity. Why am I expected to take off my clothes and stand before a medical committee so that they can tell me whether I am trans or not?

I fought with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for two years to get my name changed in my school-leaving examination marksheet so that it could appear on my passport and other documents. The government itself issued me a TG card. Are these records no longer valid then? I, for one, am certainly not going to get these documents changed again.

What shocks me even more is that this bill erases the definition of trans men entirely. We are already a minority in the queer community and it was only recently that we were becoming visible. We were slowly coming out to our families, making them aware of and sensitive to trans issues. I myself had spoken to a lot of people about our community because the NALSA judgement of 2014 had given me dignity and recognition. But now, all that work has been diluted. This bill also undermines the notion of a chosen family, which is crucial for queer people like me who dont have parents or choose not to live with them.

Last but not least, the bill also makes the trans community vulnerable to harassment. If someone bullies me, I have to first prove that I am a trans person and even then the offender may escape with a much lighter sentence of two years.

Those who are feeling anxious today, afraid of coming out as trans, to them I want to say this one thing: It took a long fight to get Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code read down by the Supreme Court. Trust the lawyers and activists, they will stand up for youfor all of usagain. One piece of paper cannot decide our identity or dignity.

As told to Somak Ghoshal

View full Image View full Image Zainab Patel

ZAINAB PATEL, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION SPECIALIST AND TRANS RIGHTS ACTIVIST, MUMBAI When I first heard about the bill being tabled in Parliament on 13 March, I thought it must be fake news. But it shook the living daylights out of me once I realised it was true. This bill resets the entire movement for trans rights, placing trans people at par with the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. Instead of helping the marginalised, this draconian bill threatens to change the lives of the members of the queer community without consulting them.

Sadly, so far I have seen a lot of silence in the corporate world about this bill. There was much noise last year when Donald Trump signed the anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) order in the US. At any workplace, identity is a risk variable for the human resources department. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 allowed for self-determination of gender identity, which made it easier to integrate Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) into onboarding.

Under the 2026 amendment, HR may feel pressured to verify identification papers, especially for the sake of legal compliance, and go back to outdated gender binaries. If this happens, it will kill all psychological safety in the workplace.

The hiring pipeline will shrink, especially when there is no incentivisation from the government. Recruiters will steer clear of complex profiles, ERGs will not be able to challenge the documentation process, and insurance agents may start demanding proof beyond self-identification.

Also, the government has not given any direction on how PoSHThe Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal), 2013 Actwill apply. So, in a nutshell, humiliation will become part of the hiring process and workplace culture.

My advice to corporates, at this time, will be to broaden the scope of their internal hiring process to include self-determination as a valid form of gender identity. The government has not stopped companies from extending this definition and every ethical organisation must understand that the gains from DEI initiatives over the years cannot be rolled back.

At this moment, there is so much anxiety floating around regarding the implications of the new law. The least that organisations can do right now is to provide income security to help mitigate the crisis on humanitarian grounds.

As told to Somak Ghoshal

View full Image View full Image Nin Kala

NIN KALA, MODEL & DESIGNER, MUMBAI

As a child, I used to love dressing up as a woman. My parents encouraged it too; they thought their boy was playing pretend. But for me, it meant something else.

Growing up in Dharavi, my understanding of transgender lives was shaped by what I saw around mebeggars, escorts, or performers asking for money on trains I thought that was my future if I chose to be different like them. I didnt know I could be anything more. So I continued acting like a boy. Things changed when I left for college (at age 18). The exposure gave me the vocabulary to articulate what I felt. I started identifying as fem-gay; it was easier for people to understand. But deep down, I knew it wasnt the full truth.

A family tragedy in 2018 became a turning point. I moved out, distancing myself to figure out how I wanted to live. That experience made me realise that no matter who you areman, woman, rich or poorpeople will always talk. I couldnt live my life based on that anymore. I took up odd jobs, slowly building an independent life. Modelling helped; fashion became a language of self-expression.

Seven years ago, on Diwali, I invited my parents over and told them I identified as non-binary. They didnt understand what I meant. They even took me to a doctor to treat me. Theyre still coming to terms with it.

While the proposed law may not directly impact my modelling career, given that the industry is relatively more open, it worries me for a different reason. Im privileged today. I have a trans ID card. My Aadhaar and passport recognise my identity. But there are so many people who dont even know these options exist that they can access food rations, shelter, even scholarships.

When I first heard about the bill, it didnt feel like policy, it felt personal. It felt like once again, someone else was trying to define who I am. It (the bill) puts identity back into the hands of authorities, making something deeply personal subject to validation and scrutiny. It is not just about documentation, it is about being constantly questioned, reduced or invalidated. When your identity is not fully recognised or is made conditional, it affects how you move through professional spaces. It reinforces the idea that our identities are not valid unless approved, that we are not enough as we are. This does real damage, especially to young trans people who are already struggling to accept themselves.

As told to Pooja Singh

View full Image View full Image Nishant Tayde

NISHANT TAYDE, MEMBER OF PUNK BAND INSHALLAH BABES, MUMBAI The proposed bill directly threatens the informal systems of care. For the past couple of years, I along with friends have worked to support a couple of vulnerable members of the community, helping them find alternatives to forced sex work and the often rigid structures of gharanas.

Earlier this year, a friend, a trans woman, passed away. She had escaped from gharana violence and returned home, but her brother abused and beat her for her identity. She was also battling AIDS-precipitated tuberculosis. When she died, her brother blamed it on AIDS. But she wouldnt have died if he had supported her instead of subjecting her to violence. He blamed her AIDS and her friends who were supporting and caring for her.

Under this act, his blame could find legal legitimacy. He could evade responsibility for his sisters death and outsource and clear his conscience in the court of law. If a trans person escapes an unsafe situation at home, they could be forced back under the pretext of being kidnapped.

Another friend, who escaped forced sex work last year, found some refuge. But while she was out on a walk in her neighbourhood, she was traced and kidnapped.... and pushed into sex work again. She somehow managed to escape a second time.

Growing up, a lot of my own gender expressionmy gait, my femme gestureswere policed by remarks. It has been a long journey to unpack the police in my own head, and arrive more completely into myself. All thanks to the loving queer friends in my life and my band.

As told to Pooja Singh

View full Image View full Image Rayyan 'Monkey' Shaikh

RAYYAN 'MONKEY' SHAIKH, FILMMAKER, MUMBAI I grew up in a Muslim family that followed a more conservative practice. There was no space for anything beyond the gender binary. And yet, Islam has a long, complex history of making space for the trans community. My earliest encounter with that identity was shaped by contradiction.

The first time I heard the word hijra, it was in a Bollywood film, used as an insult. Around the same time, I had read a magazine article about trans women who had transitioned through surgery. It confused me. On one hand, there were stories of transformation. On the other hand, I saw hijra being used as an abuse. So I internalised that it was a bad thing to be trans.

For years, I pretended to be straight. Beneath that performance, I struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, something I later understood was linked to depression.

My world began to shift around 2016, when I co-founded a creative agency and started working as a writer-filmmaker. The job brought me into new spaces such as fashion events and creative circles, where I met more people from the queer community. It also gave me the freedom to express myself more openly through clothing.

This was the post-NALSA v. Union of India period (referring to the 2014 Supreme Courts ruling that legally recognised transgender individuals as a third gender). There were conversations everywhere, from Pride marches, media visibility, cultural shifts. Through law, culture, history and lived experience, I could see India beginning to acknowledge us.

By 2021, I felt ready to come out. It felt safe. Most of my family stopped speaking to me. Now with the passing of the bill, that fragile sense of safety has eroded. One of the biggest crises within the community is mental health. And for those of us who also belong to minority communities, it becomes even harder. When the law itself feels uncertain, it doesnt just take away rightsit takes away the sense that you can live without fear.

As told to Pooja Singh

GRACE BANU, SENIOR ANTI-CASTE AND TRANSGENDER ACTIVIST, FOUNDER OF TRANS RIGHTS NOW COLLECTIVE, THOOTHUKUDI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU I have been working for reservation rights for the transgender population for more than 20 years. Our campaign started with Tamil Nadu but has expanded to other parts of India. I find it disheartening that while we continue to fight for our rights, we are faced with bills that question our very identity. Does the bill ask critical questions: What is the kind of everyday living we seek? Do we have equal rights to livelihood? Why are some members of the community forced into sex work? A group of humans wants its basic human rightsto be recognised for their gender identity.

For me, every day is so hard. As an activist, I have gone through caste-based and gender-based discrimination for 20 years, and even earlier since my school days. (In class VIII she began to experience gender dysphoria, leading her family to reject her. She eventually became the first transgender person to be admitted to an engineering college in Tamil Nadu. Banu has since then worked actively on campaigns to give legal process to the trans community, while also starting The Thirunangai Press.)

In 2008, the Tamil Nadu government formed the transgender welfare board, after which I got my trans ID card. It was a good step. But then the government went ahead and formed a screening committee to determine identity. We protested against this move, and this committee was disbanded 2014 onwards. Transgender self-identification was recognised, and ID cards were issued on that basis.

This latest bill is pushing us back by decades. While we have moved ahead to talk about horizontal reservationsor separate reservations for transgenders within categories of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and moremembers of the community still have to prove their identity.

In such a scenario, the role of senior activists such as myself becomes very importantespecially when it comes to giving psychological and emotional support. I want to tell the youngsters not to lose hope. We will fight with means enshrined within the Constitution.

As told to Avantika Bhuyan

View full Image View full Image Aroh Akunth

Also Read | Sandip Roy: One size cannot fit all gender identities

AROH AKUNTH, DALIT QUEER WRITER-ARTIST-CURATOR, FOUNDER OF THE DALIT QUEER PROJECT AND DALIT ART ARCHIVE, GERMANY AND INDIA I was born into a family that was part of the organised Left in India. I would say that was my first political education. Later, I pursued a bachelors degree from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi. Thats where I got involved in student politics. It was a time of flux. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (that criminalised same-sex relationships) was around, and then it was repealed. Older queer people had lived in its shadow far longer than I had. During that time, I entered conversations around caste and queerness and started realising how fraught our movements are.

There always was and continues to be a tension within the queer movement, like many other social movements. We are constantly bunched up as a society even when there is nothing in common apart from sexual/gender identities. When we talk about Dalit queer, there is a certain fashioning of language.

Most people think of Dalit queer only in terms of identity, but it is ideologically intersectional as well. I have taken this understanding to my work in critically examining artistic, urban, queer and anti-caste spaces as sites of exclusion and inequality.

The Dalit Queer Project emerged in 2019 as a living archive of community knowledge and stories accidentally. The purpose was to show that the community doesnt just comprise some caricatured managerial class but goes far beyond it. The project offered legal aid and a resource pool of therapists. Even today, it is one of the few organisations fully embodied by Dalit queer people. It is difficult to sustain initiatives for Dalit and by the Dalit community. I am now 28 years old, and I started this work at 17. It has been a considerable investment of time and energy.

Some years ago, I moved to Germany. I keep coming back to India to care for my family, and am a citizen of the country. Diasporic voices can play a crucial role in holding a mirror to the conscience of the nation. They have certain freedoms and are at a certain distance to evaluate the cultural nuances. It is unfortunate that many of them choose to invest in self-orientalising tropes such as missing chai and mango in pop culture. My practice is trying to figure out how my people could benefit through my writing.

This moment is not very different from many earlier ones. This is not the first time such attempts have been made. Earlier also, there were protests against versions of the Transgender Persons Bill. I was part of a students union in 2018 at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, when a number of queer collectives from various universities and cities had come together to resist. But the question remainshow do you take on something so big at the systemic level? How does one resist the pathologising of bodies? The bigger issue still is the criminalisation of support systems. The bill is touted as something that will prevent serious crimes. But the de facto criminal in all of this seems to be the trans person.

As an Indian national based in the diaspora, I want to be in a more supportive role for people more adversely affected by this bill. I will continue to do that through my writing and critical practice. There is a need for a broader movement, going beyond the expectation from the trans community to organise. If you are a citizen, and you believe in Constitutional rights, then you should care about this bill.
Lindsay Pereiras new novel, Super, revisits the subject of one of the short stories from his previous collection, Songs Our Bodies Sing, published last year. In If You Dont Weaken, two Sikh menboth of them immigrants from Punjabrent a basement of a house belonging to a white couple in Canada. One of these men is in the country on a student visa, but working at the Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons instead of studying, to make ends meet. His roommate is a truck driver who, nearly a decade after his arrival in Canada, has nothing to write home about. The unremitting hopelessness of their situation gets to the reader, until a fresh tragedy, ironically, brings them close to their landlord, who, thus far, had expressed no interest in their lives.

In Super, Pereira seems to offer a kind of prequel to this story. Set between Jalandhar in India and Brampton in Canada, he chronicles the exodus of another young Punjabi man, Sukhpreet, who is seduced by the promise of a good life abroad. He doesnt want his life to end in ruin, as happened to his elder brother, who fell victim to heroin addiction in a state with an outsized drug problem.

Encouraged by his cousin Deepanshu (who rechristens himself Dan in his adopted country) who made a similar journey some years ago, and lured by the rose-tinted dreams peddled by seemingly happy Indian immigrants on Instagram Sukhpreet pawns his familys land to pay for fabricated documents that would secure him admission to a fake college in Canada. Once he gets a student visa, he plans to drop out of his bogus course and find a job, which would eventually make it possible for him to bring his widowed mother to Canada.

Sukhpreets craving for a new life and a fresh start isnt unique by a long shot. Along with Dan, he is one among millions of young men from Punjab with a similar fire in their belly, slogging to pass the IELTS examination to prove their proficiency in English, which would better their chances of getting into a foreign country. If the men are fixated on getting a job abroad by hook or by crook, the women of the state hope to make good marriages in foreign lands if they pass the test. When Sukhpreet meets Harneet, a resident of Jalandhar, for the first time at an aloo tikki stall at the local market, she has already embarked on this path, urged by her parents. Their chance encounter deepens into an unlikely bondand, as it happens, is the only silver lining to the uncertainties of their collective future.

Other than this brief reprieve of sunshine, Super remains a dark cautionary tale, clinically documenting scams and the pitfalls of giving into them, offering not a glimmer of hope. It starts off with a murder, moves into a racist hate crime, and by the time it ends, the reader is left with the premonition of a vicious cycle about to repeat itself. Indeed, it is this almost obvious awareness of the tragic circularity of the immigrant experiencefirst, the temptation to leave home for greener pastures, followed by the inevitable disappointment, and ending with a downfallthat makes Sukhpreets predicament even more heartbreaking.

View full Image View full Image Super: By Lindsay Pereira, HarperCollins India, 232 pages,  699.

This predictable plotline also makes Pereiras task, as a writer of fiction, deeply challenging. A little over halfway into the novel, the contour of the story becomes clearer to the reader with the arrival of Maynard Wilson, an unemployed white Canadian man on the wrong side of 40, subsisting hand to mouth on government benefits, waiting to be served an eviction notice any day. From this point onward, the reader may feel it is only a matter of time before the dots connect and the pieces of the puzzle click into place. And yet, to his credit, Pereira manages to hold us to the story by humanising Wilson through small detailsa day in his life, for example, or a confrontation with a neighbour in the park that leaves him distraught as well as enraged.

Pereira supplies Wilson with a backstory that is detailed enough to pique our curiosity without meandering into distracting flashbacks. He portrays Wilsons vulnerabilities, especially his selfless devotion to his dog, and peels back layers from his consciousness to explain, but never condone, his journey towards bigotry. It is a complex story to narrate, where good and evil collide and coexist, and the inner demon vies with the better angel to spark outrage in the world.

The reader must take their discomfort on board and find a way to anchor their sympathies. For every despicable act he commits, Wilson also offers a counterpoint, often via his inner monologue, which only leaves room for a sense of unmitigated despair in the end.
New Delhi: A government push to divert petrochemical feedstocks for domestic LPG (liquified petroleum gas) supplyin the wake of a cooking gas supply squeeze from the West Asia wartriggered a near-crisis in Indias pharmaceutical sector last month.

The move choked the production of a key solventisopropyl alcohol or IPAused in essential medicines and life-saving drugs, and forced top drugmakers to warn of disruptions to medicine supplies, according to documents reviewed by Mint and three people familiar with the matter.

According to industry stakeholders, the crisis has been averted after the Centre stepped in on 1 April with emergency measures, allowing the reallocation of a certain minimum quantum of critical refinery inputs such as propylene and propane to DFPCL and other suppliers for priority sectors including pharmaceuticals, food and distribution and petrochemicals.

Also Read | Pharma factory audits may go public in a push to call out violators

The supplies for these sectors would be based on allocations by the Centre for High technology under the petroleum ministry, even as the priority on supply of these molecules for LPG production continues.

Further, according to a communication issued to pharmaceutical associations such as Indian Drugs Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and three industry people familiar with the matter, the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals has launched an emergency audit of 11 key chemicals.

The audit would focus on petrochemical and crude oil derivatives used to make essential medicines, including ethanol, acetone, aniline, and para-aminophenolthe essential precursor for manufacturing paracetamolamong others.

Companies have been asked to share current stock levels, indicate how critical each chemical is, and suggest alternative sourcing or substitutes.

This audit is a mirror held up to a structural vulnerability India has known about but not urgently acted onthe near-complete dependence on petrochemical and natural gas feedstocks that run through concentrated geographies, said Hari Kiran Chereddi, managing director & CEO of Hyderabad-headquartered HRV Pharma.

He noted that when 11 chemicals (including solvents) sit at the foundation of antibiotics, analgesics, antifungals, and tablet formulations, any supply disruption isnt a business problem, its a public health event.

However, early signs suggest the situation has stabilised. A spokesperson for Zydus Lifesciences Ltd said while this was an industry-wide concern in early March, the company is now able to source IPA, and its operations are now on track. There is no disruption in the production or supplies of formulations or APIs across any of the manufacturing plants, the spokesperson said in an emailed response to Mints queries.

A spokesperson for Hetero Labs Ltd declined to comment.

Queries emailed to the spokespersons of the PMO, petroleum and natural gas ministry, health and family welfare ministry, Drugs Controller General of India, department of petrochemicals, department of pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Zydus Lifesciences, Aurobindo Pharma, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, and Reliance Industries Ltd remained unanswered till press time.

What the industry told government Through the first half of last month, Indias leading pharmaceutical companies  including Serum Institute of India, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Zydus Lifesciences, Hetero Labs, Aurobindo Pharma, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticalssent urgent representations to the Prime Ministers Office, the petroleum ministry, and to the countrys top IPA supplier, Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL).

Their pleas warned that not exempting will force (them) to shut down India's essential medicine supply chain, will jeopardize the production of life-saving medicines, creating critical and potentially life-threatening shortages for patients, and that IPA is a critical raw material for the manufacturing of essential pharmaceutical formulations, including products that support hospitals, emergency care, and public health requirements.

The crisis was presented by DFPCL on 26 March before a Joint Working Group (JWG) on petrochemicals comprising officials from the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, and the petroleum ministry.

Seventy-five percent of all the IPA consumed in India goes to the pharmaceutical sector for producing essential medicines in the form of bulk drugs, and formulations, the companys representation to the government said, and warned that failing which the pharmaceutical drug formulators producers will have to stop the production of many of the essential medicines.

Raghunath Kelkar, president - industrial chemicals, at DFPCL, said the company had demonstrated to the government that it services 75% of domestic pharmas IPA demand. We have formally committed to the government that, upon the restoration of our feedstock, 100% of our IPA production will be dedicated exclusively to the pharmaceutical sector to prevent a national scarcity of life-saving medicines and ensure health security, he said.

Kelkar noted that DFPCLs plant needs to operate at a minimum 80% capacity to convert propylene into a high-purity solvent that meets strict pharmacopoeia specifications, a grade that cannot be replicated by bulk imports which suffer from contamination and lack of traceability.

The background The crisis traces back to a government mandate to divert petrochemical feedstocks for LPG blending after a domestic cooking gas supply squeeze triggered by the West Asia conflict. This disrupted the supply of propylenea key input for producing isopropyl alcohol (IPA)bringing domestic production of the solvent to a near standstill. The entire requirement of IPA is supplied by domestic producers such as DFPCL and others.

IPA is a critical pharmacopoeia-grade solvent used in the manufacturing of a wide range of essential medicines. It is indispensable for producing drugs listed under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), including treatments for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, infections, and pain management, as well as key antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals.

The disruption is significant not just for Indias $50 billion pharmaceutical marketthe third-largest globally by volumebut also for global supply chains, given that Indian manufacturers account for about 20% of the worlds generic medicines and 60% of its vaccines.

Industry executives said the feedstock diversion led to shutdowns across upstream chemical plants, with cascading effects on downstream drug manufacturing. Jaijit Bhattacharya, president of the Centre for Digital Economy Policy Research, said the halt in propylene and IPA production could make it impossible to manufacture critical drugs such as those used for diabetes and epilepsy.

Also Read | What the weight-loss drug boom means for pharma and you

The impact has also been felt across the broader chemicals ecosystem. Shivarama Narayanan, chief executive officer of Manali Petrochemical Ltd, said the company was forced to declare force majeure in March after its propylene supplies were cut off, disrupting production of propylene glycol, a key ingredient in cough syrups.
After two failed attempts last year in October, Delhi may yet again see another cloud-seeding trial this summer, an official familiar with the matter told news agency PTI. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Delhi Environment Department had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 25, 2025.

According to an NDTV report, IIT Kanpur has sought the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approval to conduct cloud seeding trials. If approved, the cloud seeding trails could happen between April and June, 2026.

Last year, two trials were conducted in the national capital in October. The experiment, however, failed to cause any rain in the city.

IIT Kanpur, in a statement, attributed the failure to low moisture levels in the clouds. The technology institute also mentioned that the observations from the October trials would strengthen planning for future operations and help them identify the ideal conditions.

While rainfall could not be triggered yesterday because moisture levels were around 15 to 20 per cent, the trial delivered valuable insights," it said.

As part of the trial last year, each time, eight chemical flares containing silver iodide and iodised salt and rock salt were released into the clouds, to trigger rainfall in the capital city and settle pollutants.

After the experiments, the Delhi government had released a report, claiming that the trails for cloud seeding helped reduce particulate matter at targeted locations.

To conduct summer 2026 trials, IIT Kanpur has approached the DGCA for a renewed permission for another trial.

IIT Kanpur is going through the findings and studies that they got from the last two trials, following which a further trial might be planned this summer, though the final time will be decided by IIT Kanpur. The final findings will be shared with the government at a later stage by the institution, the official said.

The Economic Survey of Delhi 2025-26, released on March 23, also mentioned that more cloud-seeding trials will be conducted in consultation with the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The trials have been envisioned as part of a short-term emergency measure for artificial rainfall generation to disperse and reduce ambient air pollution levels, the survey said.
Coinbase has become the latest crypto firm to receive conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a national trust banking charter, the company announced on Thursday.

But the publicly traded company said in a statement that it wasnt planning on becoming a bank in the traditional sense.

Coinbase is not becoming a commercial bank, Americas biggest crypto exchange said. We will not be taking retail deposits. We will not be engaging in fractional reserve banking.

Coinbase joins a long list of digital asset firms pushing further into the traditional finance space. The charter will allow Coinbase to serve as a crypto custodian on a federal basis, managing assets for larger entities.

Joining the club

A number of top crypto companies have received conditional approval, including Ripple, Circle, Crypto.com, and Paxos.

Donald Trump-backed decentralised finance platform, World Liberty Financial, has applied for the charter, with hopes of getting institutions on board with using its native stablecoin, USD1.

The idea with the charter is that crypto companies will be able to hold client assets and handle trade settlement within a federally regulated structure.

Conditional approval means that Coinbase is positioned to build the next chapter of finance with the regulatory confidence that our partners, customers, and the broader market need, added Coinbase.

Beef with banks

Not everyone is happy with crypto companies getting conditional approval.

The banking lobby in December urged the OCC to reject Coinbases application for a national trust bank charter on the grounds that the exchange has demonstrably flawed risk and control functions and operates under governance that prevents independent oversight.

And the American Banking Association US largest banking lobby in February urged the OCC to slow its review of crypto companies charter applications.

Banks are worried that crypto-native companies are muscling in on their turf. One of the biggest gripes from traditional banks comes down to stablecoins: Companies like Coinbase want to pay users rewards for holding the digital tokens; banks have said this is unfair and could lead them to lose their deposit base.
As the United States, Israel-Iran war continues unabated, without any let up from any side, its ripple effects have now reached the world-renowned Bikaner's namkeen industry as a large portion of exports, that go to Gilf countries and Europe, have slowed down. The manufacturers now fear that the economic instability caused by the US-Iran war in West Asia may increase the costs of the products.

Rajasthan's Bikaner namkeen industry is facing significant challenges with disruption in shipping routes and increased freight costs. According to the PTI, the manufacturers are facing delays in delivery of their products due to the disruptions, significantly increasing their costs.

Bikaner namkeen industry is famous for famous for manufacturing products like bhujia, papad and sev, among others.

Exporters now say that the war has led to container shortages, which has not only impacted exports, but imports are also getting affected.

Ashish Agarwal, a namkeen trader associated with the Bhikharam group, told PTI that escalating input and logistics costs are hurting the industry.

He said, Freight charges have increased sharply due to the war, and raw material prices are also rising. The cost of edible oil has gone up by around 20 per cent in the last one month, which is directly impacting production.

How the war has impacted namkeen industry? Speaking of the impact of the war, exporters said container movement has slowed significantly. They said the shipments that used to take 30 days, now take up to 60 days or longer to reach their export destination.

Rajesh Jindal, an exporter, said both incoming and outgoing consignments are facing delays, increasing financial pressure on traders.

"Goods coming in and going out are both getting delayed, and costs have increased substantially. Demand for Bikaneri snacks and spices remains strong in Arab countries, but supply chain disruptions are causing losses," he said.

Apart from exports, import of key raw materials, such as palm oil and soybean, has also been affected, traders said. Not just longer routes, but rising petroleum prices have also increased the packaging costs by 30-40 per cent.

Shipments from Bikaner are routed through sea to many countries, such as Iran, Iraq, Oman, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, as well as European nations, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

Traders warned that if the situation persists, it could have a significant impact on the city's export-driven economy, with businesses already grappling with rising costs and delayed payments.
A person has been taken into custody after Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's gunman and driver were allegedly attacked by a five-member group at Wandoor here, police said on Saturday.

According to Wandoor Police, a case has been registered, and one person is currently in custody.

Police said the case was registered based on a complaint lodged by Tharoor's gunman, Ratheesh K P.

As per the FIR, the incident occurred at Chellithode near Thiruvali in Wandoor at around 7.30 pm on Friday.

Police officials said the incident took place when there was a roadblock at the Chelithode bridge as Tharoor was on his way to attend an election campaign event of Congress leader A P Anilkumar.

According to the FIR, the accused, who were travelling in two vehicles, blocked the MP's vehicle.

When the gunman attempted to clear the obstruction, he and the driver were allegedly attacked, the FIR said.

Police said the road was narrow and the gunman had only asked the vehicle ahead to move faster to ensure smooth passage for the MP's convoy.

One person was taken into custody late Friday night, and the remaining four accused have been identified and will be apprehended soon, police added.

Meanwhile, Tharoor posted on the 'X' handle that he was untouched in the incident.

Tharoor said that he is truly touched by all the messages and calls expressing concern about the untoward incident last night when his security guard was attacked.
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
Activist Anjali Damania has claimed that Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and rape-accused godman Ashok Kharat exchanged 17 phone calls during a previous undisclosed timeframe.

Speaking to a Marathi news channel on Friday, Damania added that several BJP and NCP figures also communicated with the self-styled spiritual leader before his arrest last month.

In response, Shinde-led Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant argued that simply making a phone call does not constitute a criminal offense.

Damania stated that she obtained Kharats Call Detail Records (CDR) via WhatsApp from an anonymous source.

"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.

According to Damania, NCP leader Rupali Chakankar spoke with Kharat more than anyone except his wife.

The activist alleged there were 177 calls between them, totaling 33,727 seconds.

Following the exposure of this association, Chakankar resigned as chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. While she served on the trust of Kharats Mirgaon temple, she maintained she was unaware of any alleged illegal behavior.

Furthermore, Damania alleged that BJP leader Chandrakant Patil and NCPs Sunil Tatkare each had eight calls with Kharat, while BJP minister Ashish Shelar had one.

Senior BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule countered these claims, asserting that meeting or calling someone is not inherently wrong, as criminal liability requires actual complicity in a 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," Samant told reporters.

Damania also noted that Kharat received international calls from locations like Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Christmas Island, and the US Virgin Islands.

She has reportedly sent the CDR data to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, DGP Sadanand Date, and SIT head Tejaswi Satpute, who is currently investigating Kharat.

Also Read | CBI probe into Ajit Pawar plane crash? Maha CM Fadnavis speaks to Amit Shah

The godman was detained in March after a woman alleged he raped her repeatedly for three years; he now faces eight FIRs. Following his arrest, images of Kharat with top politicians like Shinde and Chakankar circulated widely.

Notably, Shinde visited Kharats temple in 2022 while serving as Chief Minister.

Kharat opened over 130 accounts in two cooperative credit societies in Maharashtra under different names and carried out transactions worth nearly 63 crore in the past few years, reported PTI citing a police official.
Green Sanvi, India-flagged large gas carrier carrying approximately 46,650 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cargo, has crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely, official sources said were quoted as saying by ANI. The development comes following reports that an Iranian crude cargo heading to India was diverted to China due to payment issues.

Earlier on March 28, a similar shipment of LPG cargo had arrived i Vadinar Terminal of DPA Kandla in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The shipment carried 47,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas.

The vessel, MT Jag Vasant, is set to transfer its cargo to another ship at anchorage through a Ship-to-Ship (STS) operation. Sources have told the news agency that the Indian Navy warships were on standby to provide support to the merchant vessels.

The Petroleum Ministry has, meanwhile, clarified that the LPG vessel Sea Bird, carrying around 44 TMT Iranian LPG, berthed at Mangalore on Thursday, April 2.

It is reiterated that India's crude oil requirements remain fully secured for the coming months. On LPG too, some claims being made are incorrect as LPG vessel Sea Bird carrying around 44 TMT Iranian LPG berthed at Mangalore, India on April 2 and is currently discharging, the X post read.

The Strait of Hormuz has been blocked for business ever since the war between the US-Israel and Iran broke out on February 28, triggering the fears of shortage. Amid a maritime blockade, the Centre has since been in talks with the Iranian authorities to allow Indian vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Also Read | Iran warns UNSC against provocative action on Strait of Hormuz

Earlier, the Shipping Ministry informed that there were 18 vessels and around 485 seafarers in the Persian Gulf.

Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mukesh Mangal, said that all Indian vessels and crew currently in the Persian Gulf are being closely monitored. "All seafarers in the Persian Gulf remain safe," he added, speaking at a joint inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in the Gulf region

Eighteen Indian vessels with around 485 seafarers are in the region. Over 964 seafarers have been repatriated so far, while ports across India continue to operate normally, Mukesh Mangal informed.

Also Read | Seventh Indian LPG tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran war

Speaking of port operations, Mangal said, We are maintaining continuous coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and other stakeholders in the maritime sector.

The West Asia crisis began on February 28 with US-Israel strikes on Iran, and subsequent Iranian retaliation engulfed the region in the conflict, affecting global fuel supplies. Since the beginning of the West Asia conflict, as many as 5,98,000 passengers have returned to India.
Petrol, diesel price today, 4 April: Petrol rate today, as well as diesel rate today, remained unchanged despite significant fluctuations in the global oil market amid the US-Iran war in the Middle East.

The government has indicated that it is likely to keep the prices of petrol and diesel steady for the time being despite the global supply crisis, as oil marketing companies continue to take a hit to absorb any sudden price changes for the customers. The Centre had earlier announced significant cuts in special additional excise duty on petrol and diesel to provide more cushion to OMCs.

Check petrol and diesel prices in your city today.

Also Read | Petrol pumps run on thin credit as oil companies tighten purse strings

Petrol price in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, other cities on 4 April Petrol price in Delhi: Petrol price in Delhi was standing at 94.77 per litre

Petrol price in Mumbai: Petrol price in Mumbai was standing at 103.54 per litre

Petrol price in Kolkata: Petrol price in Kolkata was standing at 105.41 per litre

Petrol price in Chennai: Petrol price in Chennai was standing at 100.80 per litre

Petrol price in Hyderabad: Petrol price in Hyderabad was standing at 107.50 per litre

Petrol price in Bengaluru: Petrol price in Bengaluru was standing at 102.96 per litre

Petrol price in Pune: Petrol price in Pune was standing at 103.82 per litre

Petrol price in Lucknow: Petrol price in Lucknow was standing at 94.97 per litre

Petrol price in Jaipur: Petrol price in Jaipur was standing at 104.72 per litre

Petrol price in Ahmedabad: Petrol price in Ahmedabad was standing at 94.84 per litre

Petrol price in Patna: Petrol price in Patna was standing at 105.54 per litre

Petrol price in Chandigarh: Petrol price in Chandigarh was standing at 94.30 per litre

Also Read | Govt ramps up induction stoves, petchems to offset oil shocks

Also Read | Amid Hormuz crisis, Russia proposes boosting oil and gas supplies to India

Diesel price in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, other cities on 4 April Diesel price in Delhi: Diesel price in Delhi was standing at 87.67 per litre

Diesel price in Mumbai: Diesel price in Mumbai was standing at 90.03 per litre

Diesel price in Kolkata: Diesel price in Kolkata was standing at 92.02 per litre

Diesel price in Chennai: Diesel price in Chennai was standing at 92.61 per litre

Diesel price in Hyderabad: Diesel price in Hyderabad was standing at 95.70 per litre

Diesel price in Bengaluru: Diesel price in Bengaluru was standing at 90.99 per litre

Diesel price in Pune: Diesel price in Pune was standing at 90.74 per litre.

Diesel price in Lucknow: Diesel price in Lucknow was standing at 88.50 per litre

Diesel price in Jaipur: Diesel price in Jaipur was standing at 90.18 per litre

Diesel price in Ahmedabad: Diesel price in Ahmedabad was standing at 90.17 per litre

Diesel price in Patna: Diesel price in Patna was standing at 91.84 per litre

Diesel price in Chandigarh: Diesel price in Chandigarh was standing at 82.45 per litre.

OMCs incurring significant losses Indian OMCs are incurring massive losses on fuel sales as global crude oil prices surge amid the ongoing US-Iran war in the Middle East even as retail fuel prices remain unchanged, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Thursday.

Addressing reporters at an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry, said that OMCs are facing under-recoveries of about 24 per litre on petrol and 104 per litre on diesel.
A seventh Indian LPG tanker, Green Sanvi, successfully crossed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Friday, providing some relief to India's energy supply chain amid growing concerns over shortages, Times of India reported.

So far, six tankers carrying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) have crossed the key shipping route since hostilities between the US and Iran escalated, leading to an effective closure of the Strait.

LPG tankers including Shivalik, Nanda Devi, Jag Vasant, Pine Gas, BW Elm and BW Tyr, have crossed the critical route. All these transits have taken place under close coordination with Iranian authorities, Indian Express reported.

Now 17 more LPG vessels remain stranded in the west of the Strait, including two Green Asha and Jag Vikram, which are also expected to head towards India soon, the news report said, citing people aware of the development.

Meanwhile, three other LPG carriers are currently drifting northeast of Abu Musa Island in the Persian Gulf, as they are following instructions from the Indian Navy, and also awaiting orders for transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

How much LPG is Green Sanvi carrying? The tanker Green Sanvi moved east of the Strait on Friday evening, navigating through a corridor within Iranian territorial waters. It was carrying around 44,000 tonnes of LPG, roughly equivalent to half a day of Indias pre-conflict consumption, according to a report by the Indian Express.

Also Read | Govt steps in after LPG diversion triggers near-crisis in pharma supply chain

Also Read | IndianOil advises against panic booking of LPG cylinders amid global tensions

Demand has since moderated though supply constraints persist, triggered by the ongoing geopolitical tensions. India imports nearly 60% of its LPG and half of its natural gas needs, with countries in Middle East supplying a major share of these fuels. Now, with up to 90% of LPG imports disrupted, the pressure has become real and immediate for the nation.

Tankers that are sailing through the route are adopting precautionary measures, such as reporting their identity and nationality to avoid misidentification. Following the footsteps of other Indian vessels, Green Sanvi also avoided the central shipping lane and instead transited via a longer route between Irans Larak and Qeshm islands, according to the report.

Non-hostile nations can transit through the Strait: Iran Meanwhile, Iran has announced that non-hostile nations, including India, may continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz, provided certain rules are followed, according to a statement released to the International Maritime Organization.

Ships must comply with safety protocols and coordinate with Iranian authorities. At the same time, ships linked to the United States and its allies continue to face restrictions, media reports said.
Priyamvada C

Priyamvada is a Mumbai-based business journalist at Mint. She writes about the public and private markets with a key focus on venture capital, private equity, M&As and private credit. Her coverage also spans startups and emerging businesses.<br><br>Over the last two years, she has uncovered some of the largest deals and interviewed important decision-makers from Indias investment ecosystem. She likes to dabble across different formats like long forms and explainers. Her work has been consistently displayed on the publication's deals page, and she has also written multiple front-page stories.<br><br>Prior to joining Mint in 2024, she worked out of Reuters Bengaluru bureau where she extensively covered the travel, transportation, and logistics industries. Across both her stints, Priyamvada has displayed rigour for breaking news and analyzing interesting data-driven trends. She holds a postgraduate diploma from the Asian College of Journalism's Bloomberg programme. In her free time, she enjoys reading books and trying out different cuisines. She is keen to delve deeper into the various sectors she covers and is always up for a chat. You can reach out to her at priyamvada.c@livemint.com.
Sudeshna Ghoshal

Sudeshna Ghoshal is a Content Producer for Livemint, where she decodes international affairs, US politics, besides covering general news. With nearly two years in the newsroom, she has covered a plethora of topics ranging from developments around trade deals, elections, nuances in geopolitical shifts to fine prints of Union Budgets. A fellow of the US Consulate Generals Business Communication cohort, she has also reported on airline launches, and national affairs. As a person who thinks out of the box, she aims to blend her creativity with how stories are told.<br><br> Born and raised in Kolkata, Sudeshnas academic journey has taken her across multiple cities in India, and she is now based out of Delhi. She studied English Literature and holds a postgraduate diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She also has a keen interest in foreign languages and cultures of different nations.<br><br> When the news cycle slows down, you will find her experimenting with either music or food, or dabbling with paints. She posts at sudeshna02_ and can also be reached out on LinkedIn.
What could a pilot, who crash-landed in the enemy country amid a war, face? As the news about Iran attacking two American fighter jets hit the headlines, Retired US Brigadier General Houston Cantwell spoke about survival strategies adopted when a pilot crash-lands in the enemy country alive.

What we know about the American fighter jets downed in Iran? In a rare assault against the US, Iran reportedly shot down two American military aircraft on Friday  F15-E Strike Eagle fighter jet and A-10 attack aircraft.

Following the attack, the two countries raced each other on Saturday to recover a crew member of the first US fighter jet to go down inside Iran since the start of the war, AFP reported.

According to US media, the United States special forces had rescued one of the two crew members of the F-15 warplane, 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, AFP reported.

This was a rare event in the US' history. The last time a US fighter jet was shot down in combat was over 20 years ago, when an A-10 Thunderbolt II was downed during the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, a former F-16 fighter pilot.

A pilot's survival guide Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, a former Air Force pilot and a rescuer, told AFP what it takes to hide, survive and extract someone behind enemy lines. Cantwell logged 400 hours of combat flight experience, including missions over Iraq and Afghanistan.

"You're like, 'Oh my God, I was in a fighter jet two minutes ago, flying 500 miles an hour, and a missile just exploded, literally 15 feet from your head,'" Cantwell, who is now at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, told AFP.

He said a pilot's training  known as survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE)  would likely kick in before he or she parachutes 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," Cantwell was quoted as saying.

The former airman explained that parachuting to the ground risks foot, ankle, and leg injuries.

"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?"

Aviators then figure out where they are, whether it is behind enemy lines, where they can hide, and how they can communicate.

How to increase the odds of a safe rescue "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.

"It gives you tremendous peace of mind, knowing that, you know, they're going to do everything they can to come get you," Cantwell said. "At the same time, they're not going to come on a suicide mission," he added.

That's where the missing crew-member can increase the odds of a safe rescue.

"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.

Cantwell said he also carried a pistol when he flew.

Rescue plan Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell told AFP that there is always a CSAR plan before any operations are conducted and once the missing aviator is located, a rescue plan is formulated in real time inside the helicopters.

"Those gunners are spotting and looking for threats, the pilots are looking for a place to land, we're reaching out to that downed aviator," he said.

On the ground, they ensure the pilot is actually the person they are searching for, and a threat-versus-medical-needs assessment is done.

In their minds, retired master sergeant Scott Fales said: "What kind of immediate threat are we in? How much time do we have to get this person out? What kind of injuries do they have? And then we'll make up our mind on the type, amount of treatment that's needed on the scene -- or do we just grab and go depending on the threat?"

With a fellow soldier still unaccounted for in southwest Iran, Fales said he's "very hopeful" the aviator will be located.

"I'm hoping that friendly people have found him and are hiding him," he said. "Or he's still evading."
On March 5, Dubais crypto regulator issued a cease-and-desist order against cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin, including its entities Peken Global Limited, Phoenixfin, MEK Global, and KuCoin Exchange EU GmbH.

The regulator warned that the company may be providing crypto services to Dubai residents without the necessary regulatory approvals and misrepresenting its licensing status.

Even a month hasn't passed since then, and now a U.S. court has taken action against the KuCoin operator.

Related: Dubai issues cease-and-desist notice to crypto exchange

U.S. court permanently bars KuCoin operator

On March 30, the District Court for the Southern District of New York approved a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) consent order that permanently bars Peken Global Limited from letting U.S. users use its platform unless it registers as a foreign board of trade.

The order also asked the company to pay a civil penalty of $500,000.

It was in March 2024 that the federal regulator sued Peken, along with three other KuCoin entities, MEK Global, PhoenixFin, and Flashdot, for running an unlicensed crypto derivatives exchange and not putting in place an effective customer identification program.

In January last year, Peken pleaded guilty to the count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and agreed to pay more than $297 million in penalties.

Peken then agreed that KuCoin will exit the U.S. market for at least the next two years.

Trending on TheStreet Roundtable:

However, the latest court order turns the 2-year withdrawal into a permanent ban. But it also dismissed remaining claims against MEK Global, PhoenixFin, and Flashdot.

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a global crypto trading exchange that offers spot and derivatives trading, staking, and lending services.

Between September 2017 and March 2024, it served approximately 1.5 million registered users in the U.S. and earned approximately $184.5 million in fees from them, as per the DoJ.

TheStreet Roundtable reached out to KuCoin for a comment and had not received a response by the time of publication.

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Apr 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the MARKETS section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Why do investors chase the past? Ray Dalio, the American billionaire and founder of one of the world's largest hedge funds, Bridgewater Associates, addressed a very common psychological trap in investing: 'recency bias' the tendency to assume that current trends will continue simply because theyve been happening lately  through a simple quote:

The biggest mistake investors make is to believe that what happened in the recent past is likely to persist

Today, we delve into this famous quote by Raymond Thomas Dalio, a.k.a, Ray Dalio.

About Ray Dalio Ray Dalio was born in 1949, became interested in markets as a teenager, studied finance at C.W. Post earned his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1973, and founded Bridgewater Associates in 1975 from his two-bedroom apartment in New York.

Over the next four decades, he grew Bridgewater into a major global investing institution and served at different times as CEO, CIO, and chairman.

In recent years, he has stepped back from day-to-day leadershipleaving the CEO role in 2017, the CIO role in 2020, and the chairman role at the end of 2021and is now focused largely on mentoring and sharing his principles through books and educational work.

Meaning of the Quote

The biggest mistake investors make is to believe that what happened in the recent past is likely to persist.  Ray Dalio

Meaning of the Quote Dalios quote is really a warning against recency biasthe habit of mistaking what has just worked for what will keep working.

In investing, that bias is expensive because markets are forward-looking: by the time an asset class, sector, or narrative looks obviously successful, much of the upside may already be reflected in its price.

Dalios broader investing philosophy is built around understanding cycles, regime shifts, and cause-and-effect relationships rather than extrapolating from the last few quarters.

In business terms, the quote argues for disciplined skepticism. It tells leaders and investors not to confuse momentum with inevitability.

A hot trend can continue, but it can also become crowded, overpriced, or structurally fragile.

Dalios own frameworkshaped by decades of macro investingpushes people to ask a harder question than What just won? It asks, What is priced in already, and what happens if the environment changes?

That is why the quote matters for leaders as much as for portfolio managers. Companies make the same mistake when they assume a recent product win, distribution advantage, or consumer trend will simply roll forward unchanged. Dalios point is bigger than markets: recent success can be informative, but it is a poor substitute for structural thinking.

Why this quote resonates The quote feels especially relevant in todays investing landscape because the market has been shaped by a narrow group of recent winners and by intense enthusiasm around AI.

S&P Global reported that by mid-2025, the 10 largest companies in the S&P 500 represented almost 40% of the index, a level of concentration not seen since the mid-1960s, and explicitly linked that concentration to rapid investment in disruptive technologies.

Stanfords 2025 AI Index, meanwhile, found that US private AI investment reached $109.1 billion in 2024 and that 78% of organizations reported using AI, up from 55% the year before.

That combination creates exactly the environment Dalio is warning about: strong recent winners, persuasive narratives, and a temptation to believe the latest market leadership will continue indefinitely.

A concrete example is investor behavior itself. Morningstars 2025 Mind the Gap research estimated that the average dollar invested in US mutual funds and ETFs earned 7.0% annually over the decade ended Dec. 31, 2024, versus 8.2% for the funds themselvesa gap driven in part by mistimed buying and selling, especially in more volatile categories.

In plain terms, many investors still chase what already ran.

Another perspective

Pain + Reflection = Progress.  Ray Dalio

This second quote complements the first by explaining how to avoid the mistake of extrapolating from the recent past. The primary quote diagnoses the error: investors get trapped by recent performance.

The second quote offers the correction: reflect deeply, especially after discomfort, instead of reacting impulsively. In Dalios framework, progress comes not from confidence alone, but from learning when reality contradicts your assumptions.

Together, the two quotes create a rounded leadership lesson. One says, Do not be fooled by momentum.

The other says, Use discomfort as a cue to think better. That is a powerful combination for investors and executives alike: resist the crowd, then examine your own reasoning hard enough to improve it.

How you can implement this  6 actionable tips 1. Review your last three big investment or business decisions and write down whether each was based on fresh analysis or simply on what had worked recently.

2. Set a cooling-off rule that forces you to wait 24 hours before buying into any asset, sector, or idea after a surge of news or price momentum.

3. Diversify intentionally by checking whether your portfolio or strategy is quietly overexposed to the same narrative in different forms.

4. Ask one hard question before every major decision: What has to remain true for this recent trend to keep working?

5. Track valuation and concentration, not just performance, so you notice when success is making an asset more expensive rather than more attractive.

6. Run one monthly disconfirming evidence session in which you look only for data that challenges your current highest-conviction belief.

Final thought

The investors chief problemand even his worst enemyis likely to be himself.  Benjamin Graham, The Intelligent Investor

That line sharpens Dalios message beautifully. Dalio warns against projecting the recent past forward; Graham reminds us why that error happens so oftenbecause investors struggle to master their own emotions, habits, and narratives. The deeper lesson is that good investing is not just about reading markets well. It is about reading yourself honestly enough not to confuse excitement with judgment.

References:

1. Bridgewater Associates, Our Founder  Dalios background, Bridgewaters founding in 1975, and his transition out of CEO, CIO, and chairman roles.

2. Simon & Schuster, Principles  official publisher page for Principles: Life & Work.

3. Bridgewater Associates, The All Weather Story  Dalios emphasis on learning from shocks and not trusting a single lifetime of experience.

4. Principles.com, Pain + Reflection = Progress and related principles pages.

5. S&P Global, In the shadows of giants  2025 market concentration data for the S&P 500s top 10 companies.

6. Stanford HAI, 2025 AI Index Report  AI investment and adoption data.

7. Morningstar, Mind the Gap / Investors Still Need to Mind the Gap  investor return gap and evidence of performance-chasing behavior.

8. Quote-source note: Dalios primary quote is widely circulated in secondary collections, but I could not verify the earliest primary-source origin
US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, urging the country to make a deal or open up the Strait of Hormuz.

In a latest post on TRUTH social media, Trump reminded the Islamic Republic about the warning he had issued ten days ago. Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT, he said.

Trump threatened Iran that time is running out.

He added, 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD! President DONALD J. TRUMP

On March 27, Trump stated that he is extending the pause on strikes targeting Iran's energy infrastructure for an additional 10 days, until Monday, April 6, 2026, as part of the ongoing diplomatic talks between the two sides.

He had claimed that the announcement comes as per a "request" from the Iranian Government.

Trump's comments on social media on March 27 read: As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time."

Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well. Thank you for your attention to this matter!, he had said.

This was a continuation of Trump's warning to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump had earlier instructed the US Department of War to delay any military action against Iranian power plants and energy sites for five days, citing ongoing diplomatic engagements with Tehran amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Prior to this, he had issued a warning to Tehran, giving it 48 hours to open the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz or face potential strikes on its energy facilities.

His latest 48-hour ultimatum is a reminder of his 10-day deadline given to Tehran on March 27.

US-Iran war The war between the US, Israel and Iran erupted more than a month ago with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, triggering a retaliation that has spread the conflict throughout the Middle East and convulsed the global economy -- particularly due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for oil and gas.

Tehran said on Friday it had shot down an F-15 warplane and US media reported United States special forces had rescued one of its two crew members, with the other still missing.

Also Read | Iran warns UNSC against provocative action on Strait of Hormuz

Iran's military also said it downed a US A-10 ground attack aircraft in the Gulf, with US media saying the pilot of that plane was rescued.

The US military pressed ahead Saturday in a frantic search for a missing pilot over a remote area in Iran, a day after the Islamic Republic shot down a US warplane and promised a reward for whoever turns in the pilot.

Meanwhile, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran said that an airstrike hit near its Bushehr nuclear facility, killing a security guard and damaging a support building.
Search for the missing crew member of a US fighter jet that went down over southwestern Iran entered its second day on Saturday, mentioned a report by NBC News, as Iranian officials pushed back against reports that the US crew member had been captured.

One pilot from the two-seat F-15E Strike Eagle shot down on Friday has already been rescued. However, the second crew member is still missing, mentioned the report  citing a US official.

On Saturday, Iranian authorities along with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) denied reports that the missing pilot had been found or detained - as per Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency.

F-15E fighter jet shot down by Iran Downing of the US fighter jet marks the first time in the month-long conflict with Iran that the US has lost a fighter jet, raising speculation of a dramatic escalation in the conflict between US-Israel and Iran.

Reports on Friday stated that Israel is helping the US with search and rescue operation of the missing crew member.

Earlier, the Iranian regime had urged people living in the area to look for the crew members as it shared pictures of a downed fighter jet on state television screens.

Iranian officials reportedly issued a public plea for locals to find the American crew member, offering a reward equivalent to $60,000, mentioned NBC's report  citing official and semi-official Iranian news organizations.

Aircraft for rescue mission also attacked Iranian firepower also struck a US aircraft dispatched to support the search and rescue mission.

The aircraft  a single-seat A-10 Thunderbolt, also known as the Warthog  crashed in Kuwaiti airspace after its pilot safely ejected, a US official told NBC News.

US military helicopters were also hit by Iranian firepower, but no crew members were injured in the attack.

Israel-US-Iran conflict Israel, US' conflict with Iran is now over a month long. Iran launched a wave of retaliatory strikes on Saturday, 28 February following Israel, US' joint attacks on the Islamic Republic. Explosions were reported across Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Dubai  among other key Gulf hubs  which are also home to US military bases.

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, urging the country to make a deal or open up the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian embassy in Pakistan has responded to an American mother, searching for her missing pilot son day after a United States fighter jet was reportedly shot down by Iran on its mountaineous territory. The embassy told the woman that her son would be safer in Iranian custody and suggesting he was more at risk under Donald Trumps care.

The woman, in a post on X, said, Please keep the two F-15 pilots who were shot down in your prayers tonight. One of my sons is a fighter pilot, and I still havent heard any news from him or his unit. My heart is heavy with worry. Please pray for all the pilots and their families.

The Iranian embassy in Pakistan replied to the post, saying: Be sure your sons are more in danger with DJ Trump than in custody in Iran. Pray he's kept captive by Iran than found by US rescue teams!

As Muslim and civilised Iranians, We know how to treat captives in custody with dignity and respect, the embassy said further.

Another Iranian embassy responded to the post and said, In Iran, long before what so-called useless humanitarian laws were written, the rights of POWs had already been defined.

We do not treat POWs like your savage allies, the Zionists. We have an Iranian civilization. We do not live like in the Stone Age, like America, it said.

US fighter jet shot down The F-15E Strike Eagle was one of the fighter jets that were attacked on Friday, April 3. While one service member was rescued, search for another was going on.

It was also the first time the United States lost aircraft in Iranian territory during the war, now in its sixth week.

As the search continues, the Islamic Republic urged its civilians to look for the enemy pilot and promised a reward for whoever turns him in.

Iran's military also said it downed a US A-10 ground attack aircraft in the Gulf on the same day the F-15 was shot down. The pilot of the A-10 aircraft was rescued.

According to the reports, the A-10 Warthog went down near the Strait of Hormuz which has been blocked for business since the beginning of the war, the New York Times said, citing US officials.

Also Read | Iran denies involvement in attack on US Embassy in Riyadh

Donald Trump was briefed about both the incidents.

In an interview, the US president said the events would not impact negotiations with Iran. No, not at all. No, its war, Trump said, according to the report.

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.

As many as 5,000 people have been killed in the US-Israel and Iran conflict which started on February 28. Just over 1,300 people have been killed in Lebanon, where Israel is fighting a parallel war against Iran-allied Hezbollah.
(Bloomberg) -- Iran downed a US F-15E fighter jet and the US has rescued one of the two-person crew, according to a US official.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to detail sensitive matters, said a search-and-rescue operation is underway for the second crew member.

The first known combat loss of a US fighter jet would mark a significant escalation in the five-week war that already has triggered a global energy crisis.

President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident, the White House said Friday. US Central Command did not respond to an earlier request for comment on the downed jet.

Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency carried a report Friday that claimed Iran had shot down a highly advanced American fighter jet.

Iranian state media have made prior claims of shooting down American aircraft that were denied by the US. The Pentagons Central Command on Thursday called false an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claim that it had downed an enemy fighter jet over an island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Irans IRGC has made the same false claim at least half a dozen times, Central Command said in a social media post.

Iran targeted more sites in Arab Gulf states into Friday, hours after Trump issued fresh threats against Iranian infrastructure to pressure Tehran to start peace negotiations. The US president posted a video of a bridge collapse to social media on Thursday, warning there would be Much more to follow! if Iran doesnt negotiate a deal.

Iran remained defiant, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying strikes on civilian structures will not compel Iranians to surrender. Theres little sign that the country will relent on US demands to re-open the Strait of Hormuz and halt attacks, instead offering their own terms for a deal.

--With assistance from Courtney Subramanian.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Russia, on Saturday, declared that it will not seek permission from other countries to supply its oil, stressing that such decisions are a matter of national sovereignty. The comments were posted via the official X account of the Russian Embassy in South Africa, which quoted Dmitry Birichevsky, Director of the Department for Economic Cooperation at Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Birichevsky, said that Russia does NOT intend to seek permission from other countries to SUPPLY its oil.

Oil supply issues are a matter of national sovereignty, such statements from other states are met with bewilderment," read the post on X (formerly Twitter).

US' 30-day waiver for India Russia's comments come days after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would allow a 30-day waiver for Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea, offering temporary relief to global supply concerns.

US' waiver for India came amid volatile energy markets triggered by supply disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

A notification by Office Of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of Treasury issued that time said the relaxation was allowed for Russian-origin crude oil loaded on vessels on or before 12.01 AM eastern standard time (10.31 AM Indian Standard Time), 5 March 2026.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump  while revoking 25% additional tariff on India  had said that a US government panel will monitor whether India resumes import of Russian oil, with the tariff liable to be reimposed if such purchases restart.

Oil rallied Thursday after Trump vowed an escalation in the conflict against Iran over the coming weeks  which could disrupt energy flows through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Israel-US-Iran war Iran launched a wave of retaliatory strikes after US, Israel jointly attacked the Islamic Republic on Saturday, 28 February. Explosions were heard across Abu Dhabi, Dubai  among other key Gulf hubs  which are also home to US military bases.

Iran reportedly attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz  a key sea route through which India gets 85-90% of its LPG imports from West Asian nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Described by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) as one of the worlds most important oil chokepoints, the strait handles about 20 million barrels of oil per day  roughly one-fifth of global consumption  and around one-fifth of global LNG trade, mainly from Qatar.
Five finance ministers from the European Union have called for a tax on windfall profits of energy companies as fuel prices surge due to the ongoing war between the US, Israel and Iran, according to a joint letter sent to the European Commission and seen by Reuters on Saturday.

A windfall tax is a higher, temporary tax imposed by governments on specific companies or sectors that experience unexpectedly large profits due to unforeseen, external events.

The finance ministers of Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Austria made the call in a letter dated Friday, stating that such a measure would be a signal that "we stand united and are able to take action".

"It would also send a clear message that those who profit from the consequences of the war must do their part to ease the burden on the general public," the ministers wrote.

Energy prices shoot up amid Middle East war Oil and gas prices have spiked since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, triggering widespread concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies. The conflict also led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass.

These disruptions created a price shock similar to the energy crisis faced by Europe after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, even though EU countries are now getting more energy from renewable sources, Reuters said in a news report.

In Friday's letter, which was addressed to EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, the ministers pointed to a similar emergency tax in 2022 to address high energy prices.

"Given the current market distortions and fiscal constraints, the European Commission should swiftly develop a similar EU-wide contribution instrument grounded on a solid legal basis," they wrote.

However, the letter did not have any details on what level of windfall tax the ministers were proposing, or on which companies it should be applicable.

EU may revive energy crisis measures  what do they include? The bloc's energy chief said on Tuesday that it was considering reviving energy crisis measures which were used during Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, including proposals to curb grid tariffs and taxes on electricity.

The EU introduced a suite of emergency policies in 2022, after Russia suspended gas deliveries. They imposed an EU-wide cap on gas prices, a tax on energy companies' windfall profits, and targets to curb gas demand.

Also Read | Seventh Indian LPG tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran war

Europe heavily relies on imports for its fuel requirements, leaving it particularly exposed to the volatile global energy prices due to the Middle East conflict. European gas rates have surged more than 70% since the US-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28. The war has now entered its fifth week.
The Trump administration has cancelled the green cards or visas of at least four Iranian nationals linked to the current or former Iranian government, with two of them detained by immigration authorities and facing deportation, according to AP.

The latest action came this week after Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined they were no longer eligible for permanent residency or entry into the United States. It follows a move late last year in which visas of several diplomats and staff at Irans UN mission were also revoked.

In a statement on Saturday, the State Department said the niece and grand-niece of former Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qassem Soleimani were arrested by immigration agents late Friday after their green cards were withdrawn.
Anthropic has announced a big change for all Claude users, allowing all its users to access the Microsoft 365 connector. Notably, the feature was earlier available only to Claude Team and Enterprise users, but with the new update, even free users can get Claude to access their Microsoft apps.

What is Claude's Microsoft 365 connector? The Microsoft 365 connector allows users to connect Claude to access, search, and analyse data on their Microsoft apps like Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams.

Rather than requiring users to manually upload files, the Microsoft 365 integration allows Claude to directly access recent emails, meeting transcripts, and stored documents, allowing the AI to gain real-time context from a user's Microsoft 365 ecosystem to help with reasoning and everyday tasks.

Also Read | Meta builds new AI hardware divison, hires hires veteran engineer to lead it

What can Claude connector do with Microsoft 365 services? Anthropic says that its connector currently provides read-only access to Microsoft 365 services. This allows users to perform the following tasks in the Microsoft apps:

SharePoint & OneDrive: Search and read documents, pages, and specific folders.

Outlook: Search emails using sender or date filters, and read email metadata or entire threads.

Calendar: Search upcoming calendar events and find available meeting times.

Teams: Search through Teams chat messages, channel conversations, and meeting transcripts.

However, Anthropic says the connector currently does not have any write capabilities for now. This means that Claude cannot send emails, schedule meetings, create documents, or post messages on your behalf.

How to set up your Microsoft 365 connector The setup process varies depending on your specific Claude subscription plan. However, Anthropic says all users must authenticate using a Microsoft 365 account tied to a Microsoft Entra tenant.

The AI startup currently does not have support for personal accounts for the Microsoft 365 connector.

For Free, Pro, and Max users: Anthropic says in its support page that a Microsoft Entra Global Administrator for your organisation must complete a one-time consent process to allow the connection.

Once consent is granted, users can connect their accounts directly through their individual Claude settings under the Connectors menu.

Also Read | AI Tool of the Week: This Google tool cuts content costs for brands

For Team and Enterprise plans: Anthropic mandates that Workspace Owners must first enable the integration by navigating to Organisation settings > Connectors > Browse connectors and selecting Add "Microsoft 365."

After this, a Microsoft Entra Global Administrator must complete authentication and grant consent on behalf of the entire organisation.
Mark Zuckerberg-led Meta is assembling a new hardware team and is hiring a veteran engineer to lead the effort. According to a report by Business Insider, the new effort is part of Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL), the high-profile AI division the company launched last year under the leadership of former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang.

Meta looking beyond smart glasses for AI devices: Meta has already made a name for itself with smart glasses and virtual reality headsets, which are made via its Reality Labs division. But the new report suggests that there will be a new hardware team under MSL, which is an indication of the company exploring new categories of AI devices.

Also Read | Perplexity AI accused of secretly routing sensitive user data to Meta and Google

Reportedly, the effort has not been announced yet, but some Reality Labs employees have transitioned to MSL to prototype the new division's software using Reality Labs hardware. The two divisions are said to be currently working closely together on the initiative.

Meta brings veteran engineer to lead the new team: Meta is reportedly hiring Rui Xu to lead the hardware division at MSL. Xu previously headed hardware at Dreamer, an AI agent startup that Meta acqui-hired last month.

Prior to his role at Dreamer, Xu served as the chief operating officer of the robotics startup K-Scale and worked on smart devices at ByteDance, where he led a lab that shipped millions of units in China. Xu has also worked in management roles at Xiaomi, Lenovo, and Tencent.

The report notes that Nat Friedman, who leads the products and applied research division at MSL, had previously invested in K-Scale through his AI Grant program.

The news of Meta's AI division working on hardware devices comes at a time when companies like OpenAI are already rushing to build their own AI-native devices. The ChatGPT maker had acquired former Apple designer Jony Ive's hardware startup IO and is working with the veteran to bring ChatGPT-powered devices as soon as next year.

Meanwhile, Apple is also said to be working on its own AI-powered personal device, which could be coming as early as next year. The device is said to be an AI Pin, which could roughly be the size of an AirTag with a thin, flat, circular disc shape and feature two cameras, three microphones to pick up sound, and a speaker to play audio.

Also Read | AI Tool of the Week: This Google tool cuts content costs for brands

Alexandr Wang on AI devices: MSL chief Wang, in a podcast with YouTuber Varun Mayya earlier this year, had hinted at the possibility of Meta developing an AI-powered device that could be much more personal than current devices.

I think you're going to want your personal agent to be on a constellation of peripherals in the future, and you're going to we're going to expand beyond the phone into a world where you're going to want your personal agent to be with you in a bunch of different ways, Wang said on the podcast.
Under the projects Gold Paper, DT Marks DEFI LLC  the Trump familys designated revenue vehicle  receives 75% of net revenues generated by the DeFi platform, while the legal wrapper around that entity specifically protects the Trump family from operational liability. The distinction matters because it creates a one-way financial relationship: profit flows to the Trumps, risk does not.

The mechanics of World Liberty Financials compensation structure are what drive the ethics concerns, not the politics surrounding them.

Political exposure: House Democrats Anti-Crypto Corruption Week scrutiny is escalating, with the November 24 report naming obstruction of justice, foreign influence, and self-dealing as core allegations.

Banking expansion: On January 9, 2026, WLFI applied to the OCC for a national trust bank charter under World Liberty Trust Company, with Zach Witkoff listed as proposed president.

Token performance: WLFI tokens are down 50% from all-time highs; Trump and Melania memecoins have collapsed 91% and 99% respectively.

Foreign money: Justin Sun invested $75 million in WLFI tokens before his SEC fraud case was dropped; UAE-based Aqua 1 Foundation wired $100 million in stablecoins with unclear origins.

Scale of extraction: The Trump family has collected at least $890 million in revenues and holds WLF tokens valued at $3.8 billion, with no evidence of personal capital investment.

Revenue structure: 75% of WLFI net revenues flow to DT Marks DEFI LLC, a Trump family-linked entity, with no personal liability attached.

The conflict-of-interest mechanism is direct and unambiguous. Donald Trump simultaneously controls crypto policy from the White House and holds a dominant financial stake in a DeFi project whose commercial value depends on the regulatory environment he shapes. That is not a perception problem  it is a structural one.

House Democrats published a staff report on November 24 describing WLFI as the centerpiece of what it calls presidential self-dealing on an unprecedented scale, with Representative Jamie Raskin stating that Trump has turned the Oval Office into the worlds most corrupt crypto startup operation.

World Liberty Financial (WLFI) crypto is structured to funnel 75% of net revenues to DT Marks DEFI LLC, a Delaware entity tied directly to Donald Trump and his family, while insulating them from any legal or financial liability for the projects operations.

Story Continues

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and other watchdog organizations have flagged this arrangement as without precedent in the relationship between a sitting president and an active commercial enterprise.

The Trump family has extracted at least $890 million in revenues from WLFI while holding tokens currently valued at approximately $3.8 billion  with no documented personal capital investment at inception. That is not a founders equity stake built through risk-taking. It is a revenue claim backed by name recognition and political positioning.

WLFI Total Value Locked / Source: Tokenterminal

The foreign investment dimension compounds the structural problem significantly. Justin Sun, charged by the SEC for fraud and market manipulation, invested $75 million in WLFI tokens. His multibillion-dollar SEC case was subsequently dropped.

The UAE-based Aqua 1 Foundation, linked by analysts to entities with ties to Chinas state-owned CNPC, wired $100 million in stablecoins to the project in summer 2025  with Reuters reporting that the origins and expectations attached to that transfer remain opaque. A 60 Minutes report on November 17, 2025 further connected a $2 billion Binance-MGX deal settled in WLFIs USD1 stablecoin to Binance founder Changpeng Zhaos Trump pardon.

Crypto insiders have described WLFI as a mechanism for global influence-buying dressed as a DeFi project. Some institutional players, approached with what sources describe as mutual investment pitches, declined after concluding the arrangement crossed ethical lines.

The absence of institutional whales in WLFIs order books  with retail participants dominating token purchases  suggests sophisticated capital has reached a similar conclusion.

Discover: The Best Crypto to Buy Right Now

Can a President Profit From Crypto Policy? The Conflict WLFI Cant Shake

Trumps administration has moved aggressively on crypto-friendly policy reform since January 2025, and each legislative win that benefits the broader industry also directly benefits World Liberty Financial.

The GENIUS Act, which Trump endorsed to establish a stablecoin regulatory framework, creates legitimacy infrastructure for USD1  WLFIs own stablecoin  at exactly the moment the project needed it.

The FIT21 regulatory framework, which restructures SEC and CFTC jurisdiction over crypto assets, would materially ease the compliance burden on DeFi platforms like WLFI.

24h7d30d1yAll time

The SECs dramatically softened enforcement posture under the Trump administration is not a coincidence critics are willing to overlook, particularly given the Sun case. A president whose family holds $3.8 billion in tokens tied to a DeFi project has quantifiable financial incentives to reduce regulatory friction on DeFi.

The White House maintains that Trumps assets are held in a trust managed by his children and that no conflicts exist. That framing is deliberate: a trust managed by the presidents children, in a project co-founded by those same children, is not a meaningful separation under any conventional ethics standard.

The evolving legal frameworks for DeFi entities make WLFIs structural opacity harder to dismiss as a technicality. WLFIs January 2026 OCC application for a national trust bank charter  listing Zach Witkoff as proposed president  would, if approved, extend the projects reach into federally regulated banking infrastructure. The political and financial interests at stake are not abstract. They are denominated in billions and written into legislation.

Discover: The Best Crypto Presales Live Right Now

Read original story World Liberty Financial Under Ethics Fire: Can WLFI Crypto Survive Corruption Allegations? by Ahmed Balaha at Cryptonews.com
Greater Houston Partnership report shows city's economy is growing faster than other nations on average. ANDREY DENISYUK/Getty Images

A new report from the Greater Houston Partnership shows the region's GDP hit $758.3 billion in 2024the first time Houston has surpassed three-quarters of a trillion dollars in economic output.

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And it's not just the size that stands out.

"Houston's economy is not just growing faster than the nation on average," the report said. "It is also growing faster than nearly all its peer metros."

Over the past two years, Houston's economy expanded by 10.6 percent; one of the fastest growth rates among the country's largest metro areas, according to the report. That momentum has continued into more recent data. Metro Houston added 17,500 jobs in 2025, according to revised figures from the Texas Workforce Commission, an increase from earlier estimates and a sign the region's growth was stronger than initially reported.

That kind of growth has pushed Houston into a new tier.

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The region is now the sixth-largest metro economy in the U.S., moving ahead of Washington, D.C., and joining a small group of cities producing more than three-quarters of a trillion dollars in annual output.

But the way Houston is growing is just as notable. Manufacturing is the region's largest economic driver, accounting for $126.9 billion in output and 16.7 percent of Houston's GDP. That's more than four times the share tied directly to oil and gas extraction.

The report also highlights how much Houston's economy has shifted over time, with oil and gas' share of GDP falling to 3.8 percent even as total output has increased. As Chron previously reported, the city's energy sector has continued to evolve even as the region diversifies.

At the same time, Houston remains deeply connected to the global economy.

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"Nearly one-quarter of Houston's total economic output was exported to foreign markets. No other metro comes close," the report explained. "Houston exports roughly four times the share of its economic output as its nearest large peers, Dallas and Chicago."

And despite its industrial backbone, Houston workers are among the most productive in the country. That growth has placed new demands on the region's workforce, with industries like construction and manufacturing facing ongoing labor challenges. In 2024, for example, output per worker exceeded $220,000; nearly 19 percent higher than the national average.

"Houstonians bring deep human capital to the job, from skilled trades to advanced degrees, reinforced by a strong work ethic long associated with the area," the report concluded. "When skilled workers are matched with substantial capital and local know-how, productivity rises."

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Pictured is the South Texas Food Bank in Laredo. Courtesy/South Texas Food Bank

The South Texas Food Bank partnered with Medina Electric Cooperative Inc. for its annual Power Up the Pantry food drive, aimed at supporting rural communities across the region and reported its total in donations Friday.

The effort resulted in more than 1,000 pounds of food collected this week, including nonperishable staples such as pasta and peanut butter.

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The drive, which began in February, included collection sites in Hondo, Bruni and Rio Grande City. Additional contributions came from cities such as Dilley and Uvalde, expanding the reach of the effort.

Organizers spent several weeks collecting donations, encouraging residents to contribute essential pantry items to support families in need.
Trucks cross the border in Laredo, Texas into Nuevo Laredo, Mexico via the World Trade Bridge on Aug. 4, 2023. Zach Davis/Laredo Morning Times Ryder truck in New York City, United States of America on July 13th, 2024. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Autonomous trucks are running daily freight routes out of Laredo along the I-35 corridor as part of a pilot program announced by International Motors and logistics company Ryder.

The pilot places factory-built autonomous trucks into active freight operations, allowing them to evaluate performance in real-world conditions instead of controlled testing environments.

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The roughly 600-mile route between Laredo and Temple follows one of the busiest trade corridors in Texas and serves as a key artery for cross-border commerce. That corridor feeds directly into Port Laredo, the nations top-ranked port for total trade.

Laredo, the nations busiest inland port, handles hundreds of billions of dollars in trade each year, much of it moving north along Interstate 35. That volume and consistency have made the region a focal point for logistics investment and testing.

Those conditions  high traffic, established infrastructure and long, predictable routes  make corridors like Laredo to Temple a practical testing ground for autonomous trucking systems.

Within that environment, trucks on the route handle about 92% of the driving using a system powered by artificial intelligence, cameras, radar and lidar sensors, with autonomous driving software developed by PlusAI.

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A human safety driver remains in the cab at all times to monitor the vehicle and take control if needed.

Operating an autonomous vehicle in an active logistics network allows us to validate the technology where it matters most  on a real lane, moving real freight, for a real customer, said Seth deVlugt, senior director of RyderVentures and new product strategy at Ryder.

Unlike earlier testing models, however, the trucks operate using existing Ryder facilities without dedicated autonomous terminals and focus on point-to-point freight movement between established locations rather than closed-loop or isolated test routes.

Were focused on integrating autonomous technology into existing operations without adding complexity, said James Cooper, head of Autonomous Solutions at International.

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He said the system itself is built into the trucks at the factory rather than added later and can be updated over time through software, allowing performance and capabilities to improve as more data is collected.

That approach aligns with the efforts focus on long-haul, hub-to-hub highway driving  where conditions are more consistent than in city traffic  a model International Motors and Ryder describe as one of the most practical early uses for autonomous systems.

So far, early results from the program show all deliveries arriving on time, along with improved fuel efficiency and pre-trip inspections averaging under 30 minutes, according to International Motors and Ryder.

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The president and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Don Moul, has notified the board of his intent to retire, Local 3 has learned.

His retirement will be effective on Wednesday, July 1, a TVA spokesman tells us over email.

President Trump recommends $500K pay cap for all TVA employees President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum requesting that the Tennessee Valley Authorit

The news comes just weeks after President Trump recommended a $500k pay cap for all TVA employees.

Mouls base salary is $1.2 million, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), but there were performance-based incentives that made it even higher.

Director Mitch Graves says the board appreciates his service to employees and the people of the Tennessee Valley:

Under his leadership, TVA has had strong operational and financial performance delivering reliable, affordable, American energy that helps communities across our seven states prosper.

Moul was appointed by the board of directors in April 2025 and had previously served as TVAs executive vice president and chief operating officer.

During his tenure, TVA and ENTRA1 reached an agreement to collaborate and develop plans to provide TVA with up to 6 gigawatts of new nuclear power generation from small modular reactors.

Were working to learn more about this story.
NASA releases stunning first images of Earth taken by the Artemis II astronauts
The Clonfin Commemoration has long served as a significant point of interest for historical visitors, particularly with its recent milestonethe 105th anniversary commemoration of the famous ambush that took place at the memorial site between Granard and Ballinalee.

This years ceremony held special significance as it also marked the launch of a new website, www.clonfinambush.ie, designed to enhance the experience for those keen on exploring this pivotal event in Irish history.

Launching the website, committee Chairperson Ciaran Mac Eoin stated, the new website aims to engage individuals from further afield, facilitating a more interactive experience for those interested in the events surrounding the ambush.

The website provides a background to the events that led to the ambush, a detailed account of the ambush itself and crucial information that allows visitors to enrich their understanding of the struggles and triumphs faced by those involved.

READ NEXT: PICTURES | Over 700 Longford pupils showcase groundbreaking STEAM projects

The Clonfin memorial site currently features informative signage, detailing the ambush, presenting a timeline of historical events between 1913 and 1923 and including an overview of the structure of the Longford Brigade and Company from 1919.

However, as valuable as these physical markers are, they are limited in the content they can provide.

Feedback from visitors to the site over the years, signals a desire for deeper insights into the historical events depicted, prompting the committee to explore innovative ways to improve the visitor experience.

In conjunction with Longford County Council and Create Interactive website design company, they began looking at the challenges they faced and what they wanted to achieve.

READ NEXT: Longford commemoration in Ardagh cemetery to mark 110th anniversary of 1916 Easter Rising

They recognised that print and stationary media often struggles to engage younger audiences and casual visitors.

They decided to make history come alive, they needed a multi-sensory experience.

Secondly, historical groups serve a wide demographicfrom tech-savvy students to older residents who may not be digital natives.

They considered user experience that work across all devices, ensuring the history is accessible to everyone, regardless of their technological proficiency.
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Dive Brief:

Payments volume on Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover consumer and commercial cards issued in the U.S. rose 6.4% to $11.46 trillion last year over 2024, according to the industry research firm Nilson Report. The volume includes credit, debit and prepaid cards.

The volumes for just credit cards issued in the U.S. by those card companies climbed a lesser 6.1% last year over 2024 to $6.51 trillion, according to data compiled and presented in the Nilson Reports February issue. Visa captured the largest market share overall, and for the credit and debit segments.

There's a surprising amount of new transactions as Visa and Mastercard really work to expand the merchant acceptance side of the business, Nilson Report publisher and owner David Robertson said in an interview last month. In partnership with those aggregators like Stripe, Square, etc., etc., were making it easier for smaller businesses to get into the market.

Dive Insight:

The Nilson Report data shows that card issuers and networks continue to thrive in the marketplace despite digital innovations that have threatened to slow their growth. The volume increase last year was bigger than the 5.9% jump in 2024, compared to 2023, when the activity rose to $10.77 trillion.

While upstart digital rivals like Stripe and Blocks Square also provide services to help merchants process payments, and digital wallets offered by PayPal and Blocks Cash App give consumers new tools, they all frequently still tap traditional credit or debit cards. Part of what those new digital companies are accomplishing is smoothing the way to let smaller businesses process payments.

With more of those smaller merchants processing card payments, it allows all of us to make more transactions, Robertson said. That rising tide is carrying all boats.

San Francisco-based Visa dominated the market last year, as it has in the past, handling 31% of debit transactions on U.S. issued cards, and 30% of credit transactions, according to the Nilson Report. Purchase, New York-based Mastercard ranked second, with a 14% credit card market share and 12% debit card market share.

Visa made decisions in the past to pick certain financial institutions as card issuing partners and then to work with them to grow the business, Robertson explained. One of those bank partners is JPMorgan Chase, the biggest bank in the U.S. Visa also forged deals with retailers, including Costco Wholesale, and arranged exclusive sponsorships, like sponsoring the Winter Olympics in Milan this year, to build its position in the market, he noted.
Employees at multinational medical devices and health care company Abbott have raised over 36,000 for Cians Kennels.

The charity works with children undergoing medical treatment, facilitating access to family pets or therapy animals, providing comfort during challenging times.

Several fundraising events took place including bake sales, raffles and team challenges. In June, ten Abbott employees completed a plane pull at the Baldonnel Aerodrome in Dublin. This event included a one-kilometre run, team puzzles, a jeep pull and the plane pull.

The funds will help to transport family pets to and from hospital campuses, strengthen volunteer operations and expand outreach to more families across Ireland.

Conor Murphy, Site Director at Abbotts diagnostics business in Longford, said: At Abbott, were deeply committed to the communities in which we operate, and were proud to see the positive impact Cians Kennels has on families in Longford and across Ireland. The compassion shown by our employees in supporting Cians Kennels has been truly uplifting.

READ NEXT: PICTURES | Over 700 Longford pupils showcase groundbreaking STEAM projects

Evelyn Neary, Co-Founder and Parent of the late Cian Neary, Cians Kennels said: "We sincerely thank Abbott employees and management for their generous support of our work over the past two years.

"Their commitment, energy and passion in fundraising and raising awareness helps us to deliver services that bring comfort to children in hospital, making a real difference to their lives.

"Through this support, Abbott employees are contributing to a wider community effort to ensure that seriously ill children can benefit from time with their own family dog or a therapy dog.

"Academic research has shown that these servicesnow available at CHI at Crumlin and the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingarhave a profoundly positive impact on children in these hospitals."

Margaret Kelleher, General Manager, Mullingar Hospital, said: said: On behalf of Mullingar Hospital, thank you to Cians Kennels for the huge difference they are making to the lives of the children who are patients at the hospital.

READ NEXT: Longford commemoration in Ardagh cemetery to mark 110th anniversary of 1916 Easter Rising

Every Friday afternoon we have a buzz in the corridors, with patients enjoying time with their family pets or therapy dogs.

Some patients are in the hospital for several weeks or months at a time, and this service gives them hope, joy, and contributes significantly to their wellbeing.

Were grateful to Cians Kennels, their sponsors and to Abbott for the positive impact theyre having on some of our youngest patients.

"Every Friday afternoon we have a buzz in the corridors, with patients enjoying time with their family pets or therapy dogs.

"Some patients are in the hospital for several weeks or months at a time, and this service gives them hope, joy, and contributes significantly to their wellbeing.

"Were grateful to Cians Kennels, their sponsors and to Abbott for the positive impact theyre having on some of our youngest patients.


The renewed Lebanon war between Israel and Hezbollah that began on March 2 is now over a month old, with little change in the overall picture or disposition of the main actors. However, Israeli officials have reframed initial publicly stated goals for the conflict away from an imminent disarmament of Hezbollah, signaling a more prolonged approach. Simultaneously, political disagreements over the conflict and Hezbollahs status have arisen in Lebanon while Hezbollah has escalated its attacks against Israel and rhetoric.

The Israeli military continues to control the tempo of the fighting. Israeli operations against Hezbollah remain more intense and expansive than the September to November 2024 phase of the war, but have noticeably transitioned from an initially ferocious retaliatory campaign to a sustained war of attrition. Israeli war aims remain the same. However, the apparent means of achieving them have crystallized into narrower objectives of establishing a security zone in southern Lebanon and continuing to attack Hezbollahs assets and personnel, while pressing the Lebanese government to disarm the group.

Lebanon, meanwhile, remains unable to implement any of the decisions it has taken against Hezbollah or its Iranian patron, including a March 2 ban on Hezbollahs military activities and a directive to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to disarm the group. Hezbollah continues to fight in defiance of Beiruts orders. Amidst this impasse, the international community, including the United States, has shown little practical interest in ending the conflict in Lebanon.

Israel shifts its immediate war goals but remains committed to Hezbollahs disarmament

Israels overall objective during this phase of the Lebanon war remains achieving Hezbollahs disarmament. At face value, this appears more expansive than the Israeli goal from October 8, 2023, until the ceasefire that went into effect on November 27, 2024. Then, Israel merely wanted Hezbollah to end its attacks in support of Gaza and withdraw from the Southern Litani Area, which would allow northern Israeli residents to return home without the threat of rocket fire.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir articulated this goal at the outset of the renewed fighting, saying Israel would not relent from disarming Hezbollah. Several senior Israeli officials echoed the sentiment since then. However, Zamir later clarified that he envisioned achieving this aim through a prolonged process. Perhaps reflecting this assessment, on April 3, the IDF reframed its objectives more narrowly, saying militarily disarming Hezbollah was unrealistic because such an endeavor would require occupying all of Lebanon, which surpasses Israels means.

Hezbollahs political and operational nerve center sits in Beiruts southern suburbs, and it maintains military assets and training sites from the town of Beqaa up to the town of Hermel. The IDF lacks the manpower to invade these strongholds and hold them until Hezbollah is disarmed. The Israeli militarys roughly 635,000 active and reserve personnel include a far smaller combat force.

Israel would have to occupy hostile, unpacified terrain over extended lines while simultaneously pushing north through south Lebanon, up the coast toward Dahiyeh, and along Lebanons northeastern border with Syriaall while remaining undermanned and overcommitted across other vital active fronts, and prepared for additional theaters to ignite. Airpower alone cannot disarm Hezbollah. Israels sustained aerial campaign over the past 15 months hindered, but didnt halt, Hezbollahs comprehensive regeneration.

The IDF is instead planning to soon present the Israeli government with a proposal to establish a security zone in south Lebanon about 23 kilometers from the Blue Line, Israels de facto frontier line with Lebanon. Per the plan, no Israeli outposts will be built in the area. Lebanese civilians would be evacuated from the zone to prevent friction between the locals and IDF troops.

The campaign, however, is expected to persisteven past a ceasefire with Iranduring which the IDF aims to ensure Hezbollah operatives do not return to locales within the security zone. In fact, as far as can be told from open source materials, the IDF has already begun pushing into south Lebanon to establish this zone, in some cases seizing the second line of Lebanese frontier villages approximately 6 kilometers from the border.



A map showing the latest IDF, Hezbollah, LAF, and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) positions in south Lebanon (Google Maps, created/annotated by David Daoud and Ron Nuriely Kimel):



Israeli officials have repeatedly spoken about establishing such a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. It remains unclear, however, whether the IDF still intends to reach the Litani River along both the southern Lebanese coast and the interior before falling back to this smaller strip of territory.

The political echelon, meanwhile, remains committed to achieving the maximalist goalbut, ultimately, through Lebanese efforts. Politically, Israel still wants a Lebanon where Hezbollah is disarmed or at least is no longer a cross-border threat, and continues to call on Beirut to move toward such an outcome.

Lebanon struggles to assert its sovereignty

Domestic disunity continues to hamper Lebanese efforts to implement the governments decisions to disarm Hezbollah and other attempts to assert sovereignty. Domestic fractures are, according to a recent Reuters report, nearing breaking points along sectarian and political lines. Displaced Shiites have encountered hostility from other Lebanese, with local authorities vetting the arrivals for links to Hezbollah and the presence of the groups operatives, for fear they may attract Israeli targeting.

On March 24, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi declared Irans ambassador-designate to Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Shibani, persona non grata and ordered his departure from Lebanon by March 29. The move was symbolic, as the ministry said it would not impact Beiruts relations with Tehran, and Shibani had yet to formally assume his ambassadorial role. Nevertheless, Iran has refused to comply, with assistance from influential Lebanese actorsnamely, Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is also the leader of Amal, opposed the decision and asked Shibani to remain in Lebanon. The two parties have also created a narrative casting doubt on the legitimacy of the move, characterizing it, despite contrary reports, as a politically motivated personal move by Raggi that was not coordinated with the Lebanese president or Council of Ministers.

Shiite opposition to Raggis decision regarding Shibani has also included Minister for Administrative Reform Fadi Makki, an ostensible political independent and an appointee of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Makki, unlike his Amal and Hezbollah counterparts, has continued to attend cabinet sessions, despite Berris requests. However, he has nevertheless expressed his opposition to the decisionechoing the Amal/Hezbollah line that it is unnecessarily divisive at a time of existential crisis.

As of April 2, 1,345 Lebanese have been killed and over 4,000 have been injured during the renewed conflict. An estimated 1.2 million have been displaced. Neither the Lebanese Health Ministry nor Hezbollah has provided an official count of the groups fallen fighters. However, the IDF claimed to have killed 700 Hezbollah operatives so far, while unnamed sources familiar with Hezbollahs count told Reuters the groups casualties stood at 400.

Hezbollah continues fighting

Hezbollah remains defiant on the battlefield and in the political sphere.

The group continues to launch attacks into Israel that have escalated in volume. By March 31, Reuters reported that Hezbollah had launched 5,000 projectiles at Israel since the conflict restartedattacks that have also become more deadly. At least eight Israeli soldiers have been killed in the renewed war so far, with five severely injured and three lightly injured on April 3. On March 24, a Hezbollah rocket attack near Mahanaim Junction in northern Israel killed a 27-year-old woman. A March 26 Hezbollah rocket attack on Nahariya in northern Israel killed one man and wounded 14 people.

At least four waves of attacks have been coordinated with attacks by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against Israel, per IRGC claims. Additionally, on April 3, IDF troops discovered a cache of Hezbollah first-person view (FPV) drones. Hezbollahs use of these weapons would make its battlefield threat cheaper, more precise, and harder to suppress/intercept than rockets, especially against armor and exposed troop positions. The discovery dovetails with reports that the groups regeneration efforts during the ceasefire focused on drone procurement and production, precisely because of these factors.

Hezbollah has shown no intention of halting its attacks. In his most recent statements, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem continued to frame the groups decision to attack Israel as an act of self-defense on behalf of Lebanon. He also insisted that diplomacy has failed, and Israel and the United States pose an existential threat to Lebanon. Qassem argued that, therefore, only resistancenot disarmament or concessionscan protect the country.

Hezbollah also continues to reject the governments March 2 decision proscribing the groups military activities. Wafic Safa, Hezbollahs former liaison official with Lebanese security agencies, and who the latest reports indicate is the assistant chairman of Hezbollahs Political Council, called the decision a grave mistake.

Safa insisted that Hezbollah would never be disarmed, not during the battle, not before it, not after it, and said that in the post-war phase, the group would prioritize the governments reversal of its March 2 decision. This government will recant, he said, just as Fouad Sinioras government before, an implicit reference to Hezbollahs use of force on May 7, 2008, in response to Beiruts decision to dismantle the groups telecommunications system. Safa also said that Hezbollah may have to regain its prestige by force, suggesting the group could engage in possible coercion against the Lebanese state or its opponents if anti-Hezbollah decisions are not reversed.

Global resignation over the Lebanon conflict

The international community has not offered any new off-ramps from the conflict in recent weeks. The French diplomatic track remains theoretically active, but only passively. Meanwhile, the United States has continued to decline to act as a mediator between Jerusalem and Beirut. Some reports suggested Washingtons new approach may be to bypass the Lebanese entirely, with one report indicating the US had encouraged Syria to consider helping disarm Hezbollah in eastern Lebanon. US Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack later denied this report.

David Daoud is Senior Fellow at at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies where he focuses on Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon affairs.
An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron launches for a training sortie Feb. 25, 2020, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. (Airman 1st Class Jessi Monte, US Air Force photo)

Iran reportedly shot down a US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle on April 3, marking the first confirmed loss of a manned American fighter jet inside Iranian territory since the start of Operation Epic Fury nearly five weeks ago.

According to US officials who spoke to CBS News, the aircraft was struck by Iranian fire while operating over Iran. Both crew members ejected safely after it was struck by Iranian fire. American special operations forces successfully rescued one of the airmen. The second crew member remains missing, with both US and Iranian forces searching the area. Israel is also assisting US intelligence on locating the second missing pilot, Axios reported.

In a related incident, Iran struck a US Blackhawk helicopter involved in the search-and-rescue efforts for the second pilot, but the aircraft was able to safely exit Iranian territory and land without further incident, Newsmax reported. A US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthog was also damaged by Iranian fire and went down on April 3, marking the second American aircraft loss on the same day, according to The New York Times. Reports indicate that the A-10 was also part of the search-and-rescue mission when it was hit. The pilot ejected over the Persian Gulf and was successfully recovered.

Iranian state media aired footage detailing that a bounty was placed on capturing one of the downed F-15E fighters crew alive. The BBC reported the figure at roughly 60,000 US dollars.

The losses of the F-15E and A-10 mark the first manned US aircraft downed by Iran since the war began on February 28, 2026. Three US F-15Es were previously shot down by a Kuwaiti Air Force F/A-18 fighter in a friendly fire incident on March 1, 2026, but all six crew members survived.

Iran is reported to have shot down 11 to 13 MQ-9 Reaper drones over Iran and the Persian Gulf since the conflict. Also, a US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker was lost after colliding with an airplane over Iraq, killing all six crewmen.

The US military lost scores of manned aircraft due to enemy fire during the wars in Iraq (20032011) and Afghanistan (20012021); however, the downing of manned fighters and bombers is rare. The most significant shootdowns took place as large numbers of US troops were being transported on Chinook helicopters.

On November 2, 2003, 16 US soldiers were killed when Iraqi insurgents shot down a US Army CH-47 Chinook using an SA-7 surface-to-air missile near Fallujah, Iraq. On June 28, 2005, eight Navy SEALs and eight Army Night Stalkers aircraft crew members were killed when the Taliban shot down their MH-47 Chinook in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. On August 6, 2011, 17 Navy SEALs, five Naval Special Warfare (NSW) support personnel, 8 helicopter crew members, and 8 Afghan personnel were killed when the Taliban shot down their CH-47 Chinook in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Both helicopters in Afghanistan were downed using rocket-propelled grenades.

Joe Truzman is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian militant groups and Hezbollah. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.
MOSCOW, April 3 (Reuters) - A problem with payment systems sowed chaos on Friday for some Russian shoppers, forcing the turnstiles on the Moscow metro to allow people to enter without payment and even forcing a regional zoo to ask visitors to use cash.

The cause of the payment system problem was not immediately clear but shoppers and retailers said that they experienced problems with Sberbank, the country's biggest bank, and with payments with QR codes.

The central bank did not reply to a request for comment. Sberbank said problems had been resolved but gave no details on what caused the problems.

Shops and petrol stations asked customers for cash for about an hour on Friday, citing a problem with payment systems, Reuters reporters said.

The Moscow metro turnstiles let people enter for free at one point, TASS reported. A zoo in Belgorod said card payment systems were down, and asked visitors to pay cash.

Moscow and the surrounding region has a population of 22 million people.

(Reporting Elena Fabrichnaya; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
The Caseville Community Food Pantry will host its monthly drive-thru food pantry from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Caseville Public School, 6609 Vine St. Mark Birdsall/Huron Daily Tribune

Volunteers will host more than a half-dozen pop-up food pantries in the Thumb during April, including three in Huron County.

On Saturday, April 11, a drive-thru food pantry will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. at Pigeon River Mennonite Church, 7120 Geiger Road, in Pigeon.

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Another free food giveaway will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. at the fire hall in Port Hope, 425 N. Lakeshore Road, on Thursday, April 16.

The Caseville Community Food Pantry will host its monthly drive-thru food pantry from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Caseville Public School, 6609 Vine St.

Tuscola County

A drive-thru food giveaway is scheduled for Monday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Vassar Eagles, 651 State Road.

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In Kingston, the Wesleyan Church at 3248 Washington St. will host a drive-thru pantry on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Sanilac County

A drive-thru food pantry will take place at the transportation building, 110 Campbell Road in Sandusky, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8.

The Valiant Church in Croswell, 5242 N. Black River Road, will host a drive-thru food giveaway from noon to 2 p.m.

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On Thursday, April 23, a drive-thru food pantry is scheduled for 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Kohler in Brown City, 8477 Burnside Road.

Marlette First Church, 3155 Main St., will host a food giveaway from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 20.

Those attending a drive-thru food pantry should make sure their vehicle trunks are cleaned out and open when they arrive. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Supplies are limited. The giveaways are free and open to all.

Organizers and civic groups have held more than 300 food giveaways and distributed more than 2 million pounds of food in the Upper Thumb since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

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Check out the mobile food pantry calendar for a full list of pop-up pantries at www.fbem.org.

Huron County food pantries

Bad Axe

Free Methodist Church, 165 Pigeon Road, 989-269-8664. First Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

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First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Woodworth St., 989-269-7671. Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Hubert Catholic Church, 311 Whitelam St., 989-269-7729. (Need referral from casework, school, veteran, etc.)

Huron County Baby Pantry, (former George E. Greene Elementary School building), 309 N. Outer Drive. 989-658-8625. Second and fourth Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Positive Alternatives, 132 E. Huron Ave., 989-269-6760. Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Bay Port

Bay Port Community Food Pantry, 755 Orr St., call Carol at 989-670-2003 (Call ahead).

Community of Christ, monthly on the morning of the third Wednesday, call Kathy at 989-453-2850.

Caseville

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Caseville Community Food Pantry, 6495 Main St., call Wendy at 248-656-2180. Emergency food, pop-up pantry once a month, except for January and February.

Methodist Church, call Amy at 989-670-8031 for an appointment time. Serving Caseville, Caseville Township, Lake Township residents.

Elkton

St. Paul Methodist Church Food Pantry, 150 Main St., 989-375-4113. First and third Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

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Harbor Beach

Harbor Beach/Port Hope Ministerial Association Food Pantry, 253 S. First St., 989-479-6053. First and third Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m., second and fourth Saturday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Serves Harbor Beach, Port Hope, Forestville, Parisville, Ruth and Minden City.

Kinde

First Presbyterian Church, 4956 Diem St., 989-874-4636. Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

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Pigeon

Pigeon Ecumenical Food Pantry, First United Methodist Church, 7102 E. Michigan Ave., 989-453-2475. Open house second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call for an appointment time from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Port Austin

Port Austin Food Pantry, United Protestant Church, 8625 Arch St., 989-738-5322. Monday from 3 to 5 p.m., closet in front 24/7.

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Port Hope

AMVETS Post No. 115 Food Pantry, 8011 Rubicon Road, 989-428-4520. Every Friday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. when theres Bingo, occasional pop-up pantries.

Sebewaing and Unionville

Trinity United Methodist Church, 513 Washington St., Sebewaing, 989-883-3350. Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-in assistance for residents of Unionville and Sebewaing, Blessing Box available at the entrance, 24/7.

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Ubly

Knights of Columbus Food Pantry at Good Shepherd Parish, 4470 N. Washington St., 989-658-8824. Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open to all.

Thumb Blessing Boxes

Established in 2020, Thumb Blessing Boxes provide discreet access to nonperishable food, cleaning products and hygiene supplies. The boxes are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round and are located in several communities throughout Huron and Tuscola counties.

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For a list of all Thumb Blessing Boxes in Huron County and the greater Thumb, visit the programs website https://thumbblessingboxes.org/.

Need help right away?

Residents in need of immediate food assistance can also:

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Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help  Michigan 2-1-1 for confidential referrals to local food programs and support services.
By Akbar Novruz

Three years ago, the idea of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia building a common regional home seemed a noble wish - admirable in concept, impossibly remote in practice. Indeed, the concept of the South Caucasus House in the context of the visionary ideas of prominent Azerbaijani writer and philosopher Mirza Fatali Akhundov streching back to the 19th century, when referring to the historical attempt to establish the short-lived South Caucasus Sejm in 1917, which ceased to exist within months since its establishment, and finally the declaration issued in 1996 by Heydar Aliyev and Eduard Shevardnadze, that gestured toward a common regional destiny. Conceivably, the concept had a habit of coming back like a boomerang defeated by politics.

In the past two years, the South Caucasus has undergone changes that no analyst had reliably forecast. Indeed, the peace accord signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the White House in August 2025, marking the end of the conflict, which had been going on for more than thirty years, was unprecedented in every possible way, as it represented the first time that there were positive relations between the three states in the region since their gaining independence after the dissolution of the USSR. Georgia and Azerbaijan have always had close and good relations. Now, it is time for the third vertex of that triangle, Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, to change from hostile to positive dynamics, albeit rather fragile.

Since the lifting of Azerbaijan's transit restrictions in late 2025, Russian grain and Azerbaijani fuel have been arriving in Armenia via Azerbaijani railways, over 10,000 tons of oil products and more than 22,000 tons of grain since January 2026 alone. They are the infrastructure of economic peace. It was done not by statesmen and their declarations but by logistics directors and railway operators who were previously unable to do it.

Georgia hosted a trilateral deputy foreign minister-level conference between Armenia and Azerbaijan in April 2025 - a process intended to let the three South Caucasus countries assume their role as a "trilateral agency" for the very first time. Although no startling announcements were made in the Tbilisi talks, the fact remains that such talks have taken place. Just two or three years ago, this would have been almost unattainable, yet impossible, in previous years. Gradually, the region is beginning to learn how to express itself without a third partys intervention.

This new arrangement was just one more example that shows how the states of the South Caucasus are changing their foreign policy approaches and trying to make themselves independent as decision makers within the region.

One might wonder what is meant by "one more example."

Well, back in October 2023, the prime ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia had once met in Georgia. During this meeting, former Prime Minister Garibashvili emphasized that Georgia, as an impartial mediator and a friend to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, is committed to fostering peace in the region. Notably, this statement was made just one month after the anti-terrorist measures taken in Karabakh in 2023.

Given its strategic importance, the "Caucasus House" concept has the potential to evolve into an organization focused on the security and cooperation of the peoples of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the North Caucasus.

Long road to this moment

1917 - South Caucasus Sejm established, the first attempt at a common regional parliament. Dissolved within months, partly due to irreconcilable positions on Armenia's role.

1996 - Heydar Aliyev and Eduard Shevardnadze sign a joint declaration in Tbilisi - the first practical step toward the "Common Caucasian House." Armenia's ongoing occupation of Azerbaijani territories stalls implementation.

2023 - Azerbaijan restores sovereignty over Karabakh. The final military chapter closes; the diplomatic one begins.

April 2025 - Georgia hosts the first trilateral meeting of Armenian, Azerbaijani, and Georgian deputy foreign ministers, a new format for direct regional dialogue without external mediation.

August 2025 - Armenia and Azerbaijan sign an initial peace agreement at the White House. For the first time in independent history, all three South Caucasus states are simultaneously in positive bilateral relations.

Since January 2026 - Azerbaijani fuel and Russian grain have been arriving in Armenia via Azerbaijani railways. The Iran war underscores the strategic logic of regional solidarity.

The situation in Iran has now tilted the equation in such a way that it was unlikely to be achieved by diplomacy alone. While the South Caucasus finds itself right above a region embroiled in conflict, whose effects have seen drone flights across the border into Azerbaijan, refugees crossing over to Armenia, and disruption of the energy flows relied upon by all three states for their economic needs. This is more than just an issue that exists in theory.

In such a situation, the South Caucasus House is no longer just an idea of solidarity within the region; it becomes a means of survival. An entity acting like a single organism, which can share transport networks, have diversified sources of energy, and keep corridors open, is much better positioned to handle the waves of disturbance coming from its southern neighbours than three nations, with conflicting agendas, sitting right across the border from a war. This survival instinct has already manifested itself in Azerbaijan by becoming a humanitarian corridor for Iran, permitting the transport of Russian assistance, and at the same time developing stronger economic relations with Armenia.

All of this can be undone. Georgias politics have yet to become settled matters. An Armenian parliamentary election is due to take place in June 2026, when the fate of the entire peace process will be truly on the line. No formal agreement has yet been concluded by Azerbaijan and Armenia. Russia, for the first time in more than two decades, has relinquished its mediating role in the region, and it has done so reluctantly. We kind of saw this in the recent Pashinyan-Putin talks. For its part, Iran, whose access to both Armenia and the Caucasus has been hindered by this new configuration, has made no secret of its displeasure.

However, something else has now happened which cannot easily be undone. For the very first time, Baku, Tbilisi, and Yerevan are speaking the same language to each other without relying on Moscow, Brussels, or Washington acting as intermediaries. In essence, that is what the "South Caucasus House" project has always been about from its earliest days - the people of the South Caucasus deciding to solve their problems together, accepting their interdependence, and constructing their security architecture without the assistance of any outside power. While it would certainly have been a visionary concept throughout much of the last century, there may finally be an occasion for its realization. This approach will help dispel the perception of isolation among the countries of the region. Since the South Caucasus is often described in geopolitics as a conflict zone, called the "Balkans of the Caucasus," implementing this idea could serve as a model for security and cooperation recognized by the international community. Additionally, it could foster a positive image among neighboring countries. Importantly, this does not imply forming a unified state like the South Caucasus Sejm, but rather enabling the three nations and their peoples to coexist peacefully and securely.
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.
Former Gladwin County Sheriff's deputy Rachael Guild is suing the department for discrimination. Courtesy

Gladwin Countys first African American deputy is now at the center of dueling lawsuits, alleging racism while the sheriffs office claims she violated her contract.

The sheriffs office filed a civil suit March 6 against former deputy Rachael Guild, seeking $3,800 to recover police academy training costs.

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Guild responded Tuesday with her own lawsuit against the department, seeking $75,000.

Their lawsuit was filed before we filed ours, said Guilds attorney, Amia Jackson of The Mastromarco Firm, who is representing her in U.S. District Court of Eastern United States. We didnt file in retaliation.

Guilds accusations include being referred to as Ray Ray"  a derogatory term often affiliated with poverty and criminality, and hearing officers say Guild needed to wear glowsticks so they could see her.

According to the lawsuit, one deputy said it and the others all laughed.

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Its just a bunch of good ol' boys type things, Jackson said. With no (concern) to whos feeling uncomfortable.

According to Gladwin Countys lawsuit, the county paid about $8,500 for Guild's training. Prorating it for the 27 months she worked as a deputy, the county estimates Guilds breach is $3,800.

Guild started at the sheriffs office in May 2023 and resigned in July 2025. While there, Jackson said Guild experienced harsh writeups that are now hindering her from finding new employment.

According to a February 2025 writeup regarding a patrol car crash, former Gladwin County Undersheriff Ray Hartwell said Guild was texting and listening to music on her cell phone when she crashed.

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Hartwell also claimed that Guild was dishonest to a superior about what caused the crash and she failed to make rational and competent decisions. The reprimand further cites Guild didnt update her license, failed to log out her taser at the beginning of her shift and didnt turn on her body camera.

Guild was suspended for three days without pay and couldnt use her cellphone outside of deputy business once returning to work. She also was re-assigned to the day shift.

Jackson said meanwhile, some deputies used racial insults and made comments about Guild's deep complexion but faced no reprimands.

Gladwin County Sheriff Mike Shea posted a letter on social media Wednesday saying he was surprised to see he and his department were being sued.

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In addition, he said the county wants its money back for sending Guild to the academy.

"The former deputy in question entered into a five-year employment contract, Shea said in Wednesdays letter.

Shea said the taxpayers footed Guilds academy training; thus, she was required to work for the county for five years. She worked for 27 months. He said she owes the balance of the cost of her training.

The sheriff wrote that he sent the letter requiring repayment and it prompted racial accusations eight months after Guild left.

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"I take these public allegations very seriously," Shea said. "They are not consistent with my character and do not reflect the standards of our department."
At least 100 protesters marched on Huron Avenue in front of the Huron County Courthouse in downtown Bad Axe on Saturday as part of the national No Kings Day of Action demonstration. Mark Birdsall/Huron Daily Tribune (Tribune Staff Photo)

If you ever want to get really depressed about the direction humanity is headed, just take a couple of minutes and read the comments on a newspapers Facebook page.

Trust me, I know. Part of my job as editor of the Tribune is to read through the comments on our stories. I try to do it toward the end of the day when I can, because I know Im going to be super discouraged and wonder what the point of actually being a journalist is after reading the ignorant, misinformed, immature and appalling responses to the things we post.

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I think its important to remember that when you comment on a post from a business, or a person, that there are real people on the other end of that message. You may think theyre not reading them, but I promise you, someone is.

On Saturday, the Huron County Democratic Party participated in a nationwide No Kings protest, one of several that have been held to protest Trumps presidency. For the sake of this column, I dont care what you think about the protests or our current president. What I care about is the way people were acting in the comments on both our preview story and our follow-up coverage.

Lets just say if we banned everyone who was irrationally combative in our comments, nearly every single person who commented would have been banned from our page. There were so many comments I couldnt get through them all.

And absolutely none of them were productive.

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What I dont understand is why, if a person disagrees with something, they feel its necessary to immediately comment on it? What happened to ignoring it and moving on? Personally, I dont support the No Kings protests, because I dont think they accomplish anything. But I also dont support tearing them or the people who participate in them apart either. Because as Americans, we all have the right to protest whatever we want, and we all have the right to ignore people who are protesting things we believe in.

Walking around chanting and carrying signs doesnt hurt anybody. As long as the protest is peaceful, who cares? Leave it alone.

When someone believes in something you dont believe in, it doesnt make them stupid. It doesnt require you to call them names. An argument is not necessary. Debate is one thing, but its not debate that I witness in our comments on a daily basis. Its a bunch of adults who should know better acting like children who have no self-control.

You should all be ashamed.

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Why is there so much hate? I know who youre going to blame. If youre a believer in MAGA, youre going to blame the Democrats. Liberals are going to blame the Republicans. You might blame the news media, because depending on whatever your belief is, the media is biased against it (its not).

All of that is wrong. Its us. All of us. We are the ones to blame. Were the ones who are buying into this garbage and we are the ones who are treating others poorly. The politicians? Theyre playing a character. They dont believe half of what theyre telling you. Theyre just doing what they can do to divide us and make us hate each other, because that benefits them.

Stop it. Its time to go back to loving thy neighbor, even when we dont agree with them.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Iran shooting down two American military aircraft marks an exceedingly rare assault for the U.S. that has not happened in more than 20 years and shows the Islamic Republics continued ability to hit back despite President Donald Trump asserting it has been completely decimated.

The attacks came five weeks after U.S. and Israeli strikes first pounded Iran, with Trump saying earlier this week that Tehran's ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed."

Iran shot down a U.S. F15-E Strike Eagle fighter jet Friday, with one service member getting rescued and the search still underway for a second, U.S. officials say. Iranian state media also said a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed after being hit by Iranian defense forces.

The last time a U.S. fighter jet was shot down in combat was an A-10 Thunderbolt II during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, a former F-16 fighter pilot.

But, he said, thats because the U.S. had largely been fighting insurgents who didnt have the same anti-aircraft capabilities. The fact that there have not been more fighter jets lost in Iran, Cantwell said, is a testament to the capabilities of U.S. forces.

"The fact that this hasnt happened until now is an absolute miracle, said Cantwell, who served four combat tours and is now a senior resident fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. Were flying combat missions here, they are being shot at every day.

Shoulder-fired missile likely used, experts say

U.S. Central Command said in a statement Wednesday that American forces have flown more than 13,000 missions in the Iran war while striking more than 12,300 targets.

After more than a month of punishing U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, a degraded Iranian military nonetheless remains a stubborn foe. Its steady stream of strikes against Israel and Gulf Arab neighbors have been causing regional upheaval and global economic shock.

When it comes to American dominance over Iran's airspace, theres still a distinction between air superiority and air supremacy, said Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran program senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank.

A disabled air defense system is not a destroyed air defense system, he said. We shouldnt be shocked that theyre still fighting.

American planes have been flying missions at lower altitudes, which makes them more vulnerable to Iran's missiles, Taleblu said. Its possible that Iran fired at the F-15 with a surface-to-air missile, but it's more likely that a portable, shoulder-fired missile was used, he said. Those are much harder to detect and reflect how Iran is weak but still lethal.

This is a regime that is fighting for its life, he said.

Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel and a senior defense adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, agreed that a shoulder-fired missile was likely used against the fighter jet.

Nonetheless, the American air war against Iran has been a tremendous success so far, he said.

To put things in perspective, he said the loss rate for American warplanes flying over Germany during World War II was 3% at one point, which would equal about 350 warplanes in the U.S. war against Iran.

But then theres the political side  you have a American public that is accustomed to fighting bloodless wars, Cancian said. Then a large part of the country doesnt support the war. So to them, any loss is unacceptable.

Pilots are trained on what to do if their plane is hit

The last U.S. jet shot down in combat was struck by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile over Baghdad on April 8, 2003. The pilot safely ejected and was rescued, according to the Air Force.

In high-threat environments like missions over Iran, Cantwell, the retired general, said an aviator's blood pressure goes up and they become highly alert to incoming missiles. Those are typically either infrared- or radar-guided missiles, he said, requiring different evasive tactics.

If they are hit and need to eject from their aircraft, they are trained on what to do next, he said.

Pilots learn to check for wounds after a violent ejection and the shock of a missile explosion and, most crucially, how they are going to communicate their location so rescuers can find them.

At the same time, he said, the enemy is likely working to intercept the communications or even spoof the location.

Helicopters are more at risk than other aircraft

The planes that went down Friday were not the first crewed American aircraft to be lost overall in Iran.

A military helicopter and airplane exploded in 1980 during an aborted mission to rescue several dozen American hostages at the U.S. embassy in Tehran, according to the Air Force Historical Support Division.

After a series of setbacks, including severe dust storms and mechanical failures, the mission was called off. As the aircraft took off, the rotor blades of one of the RH-53 helicopters collided with an EC-130 aircraft full of fuel and both exploded, killing eight.

More U.S. helicopters have been shot down in recent decades, including a MH-47 Army Chinook helicopter that was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Afghanistan in 2005, killing 16. Helicopters are more dangerous because the lower and the slower, the more susceptible you are, Cantwell said.

Thats why those who went out on this week's rescue missions, likely in helicopters, he said, did such a brave and honorable act.

___

Bedayn reported from Denver.
Most Vietnam veterans have fascinating stories about their time in the war, whether theyre tinged with trauma, courage, hope and sadness.

But for Marine Corps veteran Frank E. Cius Jr., his story is one of captivity and torture, spending over six years stripped of his freedom as a prisoner of war (POW).

Cius spoke of his time in Vietnam during an event to honor National Vietnam War Veterans Day in Buffalo, New York, on Sunday, according to WIVB.com. Cius, who grew up in Buffalo, enlisted in the Marine Corps in the late 1960s and was assigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

The young soldier knew his life would change when he received orders for Vietnam, but had no idea what was truly in store for him.

Most of the guys in my squadron who came over with me were from our local area, Cius told a group of veterans at Buffalo Naval Park.

Like so many other POWs, Ciuss will to survive kept him going, even through the darkest days.

Frank Cius in the Marine Corps. (Facebook)

Enemy Attack, Captivity

Cius will always recall June 3, 1967.

Thats the day the helicopter mission he was on did not proceed as planned.

On the return mission in, we lost three choppers, Cius said. Now the mission turns into a rescue.

Flying over Laos, his units CH46A helicopter was hit by a barrage of bullets from enemy forces.

We took the heaviest fire I have ever encountered in my entire life, Cius, serving as a door gunner, recalled.

The chopper spun out of control, hover-rotated in the sky, before crashing down in a place Cius and his crew wanted no part of.

We crashed into the jungle, I thought, Cius said. It was the village of the VC.

The Viet Cong. A group of guerrilla fighters that aided the North Vietnamese Army and other communist forces in South Vietnam. After the aircraft hit the ground, all hell broke loose.

They were not expecting a helicopter to land in the middle of their village, and what happened was everyone was shooting, and getting hit, and hurt, Cius said. I caught one too.

Wounded from the firefight and injured by the crash, Cius somehow avoided capture for a day and a half before his luck ran out. VC troops captured him on June 5, 1967, sending him to the notorious Hanoi Hilton in North Vietnam.

Ciuss tiny cell and the four walls that enclosed it would be his home for the next 2,100 days before being released on March 5, 1973, during Operation Homecoming.

Its nice to share what Ive been through with other people, Cius told reporters after his speech.

Medically retiring from the Marine Corps as a staff sergeant in 1978, Cius received both the Prisoner of War and Bronze Star medals for his acts of valor.

Courtney Speckman (LinkedIn)

Connecting With Other Vietnam Veterans

Ciuss story was one of several shared by Vietnam veterans at Buffalo Naval Park, commemorating National Vietnam Veterans War Day. It was also an opportunity to honor the thousands of soldiers killed in action during the war.

Buffalo Naval Park volunteer Terry McGuire, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, said Ciuss experience resonated with many of the veterans present on Sunday.

What was special about that is how he could relate to the veterans of that era and honor them because weve had well over 58,000 that were killed in action, McGuire said.

Vietnam Veterans Day also serves as a time to consider all the veterans from that era struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the many who died by suicide years after the war.

Courtney Speckman, director of programs and community engagement with Buffalo Naval Park, said its important for the nation to honor Vietnam veterans, a declining population.

An annual observance to remember them ensures that this day is marked even as Vietnam veterans are getting older and were losing more and more Vietnam veterans every day, every year, Speckman said. Its important for them to know that we do recognize their sacrifice and their service.
This month, dozens of veterans ranging in age from their 70s to over 100 will travel to Washington, D.C., on all-expenses-paid trips to visit the memorials built in their honor. Many will be visiting the nation's capital for the first time ever.

Wish of a Lifetime from AARP, a charitable affiliate of the nation's largest nonprofit for older Americans, is sending the veterans through two programs: Voyage of Valor and Journey of Heroes. Together, the veterans represent every branch of the U.S. military and span from World War II to the Vietnam War era.

"These two programs are unique in that they are coordinated group trips," Tom Wagenlander, vice president and executive director of Wish of a Lifetime, told Military.com. "Almost all of our other wishes are individualized."

Wish of a Lifetime was founded in 2008 and has granted nearly 3,000 wishes to adults 65 and older across all 50 states, about half of them for veterans or military family members. The organization became a charitable affiliate of AARP in 2021, giving it access to a nationwide network of state offices that help identify and support veterans in local communities.

Two Programs, One Mission

Voyage of Valor, sponsored by the Collette Foundation and run in collaboration with AARP Wyoming, takes place April 6-10 next week and is sending 15 Vietnam-era veterans from across Wyoming to D.C.

Journey of Heroes, a partnership with the Vital Life Foundation, runs April 27-30 and draws veterans from the Pacific Northwest across various eras of service, including two World War II veterans.

While in the nation's capital, participants will visit the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Women in Military Service Memorial, and the FDR and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials, among other historic sites.

Paul Perez with fellow soldiers during his deployment with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1967. (Wish of a Lifetime from AARP)

Both programs have evolved beyond four-day trips into months-long experiences that begin with community events and luncheons in the veterans' hometowns, culminate in the journey to D.C., and extend well after the veterans return. Several veterans from last year's Voyage of Valor have returned to help with the 2026 cohort, attending send-offs and rallying local organizations to support the program.

"Voyage of Valor really tries to meet the needs of Vietnam-era veterans specifically," Wagenlander said. "We've found some benefits to restricting things by geography. It creates a greater sense of community."

This is the second straight year Voyage of Valor has featured Wyoming veterans. Wagenlander said the partnership grew out of AARP Wyoming's deep ties to local veteran communities.

"They are so entrenched and ingrained in the local community that they were able to pretty quickly get us a list of dozens of veterans who would want to go on this experience," Wagenlander said. "None of this would be possible without their assistance."

'I Am Very Proud to Have Served'

Among the Wyoming veterans heading to D.C. is Paul Perez, 79, of Rock Springs. Perez was drafted into the Army in 1967 and deployed to Vietnam with the 4th Infantry Division, based at Pleiku. He spent three and a half months in combat before a rocket struck his foxhole during the Battle of Dak To, killing his best friend, James Whitmore.

Perez was injured in the blast, awarded the Purple Heart, and spent two months recovering in a hospital before finishing his service in Korea. After returning home, he built a career in Wyoming, owning several businesses, including an oil tool company and a trucking service.

Paul Perez during his service with the 4th Infantry Division. Perez was drafted in 1967 and wounded during the Battle of Dak To in Vietnam. (Wish of a Lifetime from AARP)

He said eight men from Rock Springs did not make it home from Vietnam, and he wants to find their names at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

"It's gonna be very honorable to see that," Perez said. "I am very proud to have served in the military and blessed I made it out alive."

On the Journey of Heroes trip later this month, 102-year-old Bert Hoeflich of Portland, Oregon, will make his first visit to the war memorials. Hoeflich joined the Navy while attending medical school at Baylor University in 1943 and served through the end of World War II.

Bert Hoeflich during his Navy service. Hoeflich served in World War II and was called back in 1947 as a medical officer aboard a destroyer minesweeper. (Wish of a Lifetime from AARP)

He was called back in 1947 and spent two years as a squadron medical officer aboard a destroyer minesweeper before being discharged at the naval hospital in Bremerton, Washington. From there, he launched a medical career that included 40 years of private pediatric practice in Eugene, Oregon.

"I'm proud that I served," Hoeflich said. "I had two brothers older than I was, and both were in situations where they saw a lot of difficulties. During my time, I actually enjoyed both of my periods of service."

A Welcome Home Decades in the Making

The trips feature moments designed to bridge generational divides. During Voyage of Valor, students from the REACH Homeschool Group will meet with veterans and present handwritten letters of gratitude after studying their biographies beforehand.

"This is what is most frequently cited as the highlight by our veterans," Wagenlander said. "The students just kind of run out, and they go and try to find their vet to personally hand the letter. You just have to create the space, and then they fill it with love and appreciation."

The Voyage of Valor will end with a public welcome home rally on April 11 at the Lincoln Theater in Cheyenne, where residents will greet the returning veterans. For many Vietnam-era veterans, that moment carries particular weight. Perez recalled that the last thing an officer told him before he was discharged in California was to change into civilian clothes.

"Such a disgrace," he said. "It wasnt right."

Paul Perez, 79, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, is among 15 Vietnam-era veterans heading to Washington, D.C., through Wish of a Lifetime from AARP's Voyage of Valor program this month. (Voyage of Valor)

Wagenlander recalled a veteran from last year's trip who went to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial expecting closure but came away with something different.

"He said, 'I thought I would get a measure of closure. I didn't get that because I realized I had never given myself the space to actually grieve,'" Wagenlander said. "And a lot of the veterans also said getting off the bus in Cheyenne to a few hundred volunteers was the overdue welcome home 40 to 50 years later."

For Perez, the trip is a chance to honor the men from Rock Springs who never came home.

"My heart goes out to the families, all of the ones that had children in the Vietnam War," Perez said. "It's just an honor for me to have been in the service, an honor that I survived what I did."

Bert Hoeflich, 102, of Portland, Oregon, will visit the nation's war memorials for the first time through Wish of a Lifetime from AARP's Journey of Heroes program later this month. (Wish of a Lifetime from AARP)

Hoeflich, who has visited Washington before but never the memorials, is looking forward to the trip later this month.

"I have never seen any of the memorials of World War II, Vietnam, any of the new ones," Hoeflich said. "I feel quite happy to be able to see them all and what my country has accomplished."

Veterans or family members interested in learning more can visit wishofalifetime.org. Those who wish to show support can also sign the Wall of Valor or contribute to the Voyage of Valor fund. Nominations for future wishes, including individualized experiences beyond the D.C. trips, are accepted on the organization's website.
At the outset of the war with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the conflict could be resolved within a matter of weeks. On March 31, he revised that timeline, saying it could end in two-to-three more weeks.

That shift matters. It reflects both an effort to keep the war short and the reality that the conflict has already extended beyond its initial expectations. The war itself began on Feb. 28.

That means the current timeline describes an ongoing campaign that has already lasted more than a month and is now expected to continue for several more weeks.

It is still too early to call the conflict a short war in any definitive sense. What it does show is how the United States tries to fight wars that it intends to keep short. The emphasis is not on mass mobilization or large-scale ground offensives; rather, it is on speed, concentration of force, and immediate operational effects.

From the beginning the campaign has relied on a dense mix of air and naval power. Pentagon fact sheets on Operation Epic Fury list B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers; F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, and F-35 fighters; EA-18G electronic attack aircraft; airborne warning and control aircraft; RC-135 reconnaissance platforms; MQ-9 drones; refueling tankers; aircraft carriers; destroyers; and cargo aircraft.

That combination reflects a deliberate model. It is designed to generate rapid military effects before a conflict expands politically or geographically.

What the Campaign Is Trying to Do First

Rather than seize territory, the early phase of the war has focused on degrading systems. According to Pentagon materials, U.S. strikes have targeted Iranian command and control centers, air defenses, ballistic missile sites, naval assets and communications infrastructure.

This approach follows a familiar pattern. Air defenses are suppressed in order to open access. Missile infrastructure is targeted to reduce immediate threats.

President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)

Naval capabilities are degraded to protect shipping lanes. Command networks are disrupted to limit coordination.

Only after those systems are weakened can sustained strike operations continue with lower risk. That sequence explains why modern conflicts often begin with intensive air and missile campaigns rather than ground maneuvers.

Why These Wars Still Require Large Forces

The absence of a ground invasion does not mean the war is small. The same Pentagon materials list refueling tankers, cargo aircraft, missile defense systems and naval support assets as core components of the campaign.

Those systems make the pace of operations possible. Tankers allow strike aircraft to remain on station. Cargo aircraft sustain munitions and equipment flows. Missile defense systems such as Patriot and THAAD protect bases and infrastructure that the campaign relies upon for success.

The United States has also continued deploying additional forces to the region even as officials describe the conflict as nearing completion.

That combination reflects how these wars are structured. They rely on concentrated capability rather than prolonged buildup.

The Vulnerability Behind the Speed

This model depends on a network of supporting systems that must function continuously. Refueling aircraft, forward bases and logistics hubs are not optional; they are the backbone of the campaign.

When those systems are disrupted, the entire operation becomes more fragile. US Central Command has acknowledged incidents affecting key assets, including the loss of a KC-135 refueling aircraft, while regional bases have faced repeated threats.

That vulnerability is inherent in high-tempo operations. Speed requires density, and density creates targets.

A Limited War That Can Still Expand

Even when the U.S. attempts to keep a conflict contained, the battlefield can widen.

Reporting from the Associated Press indicates Iran-backed Houthi forces have entered the conflict and threatened shipping routes, including chokepoints critical to global trade. Gas prices have exceeded $4 per gallon in many pockets of the United States, for example.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) fires a Tomahawk land attack missile during Operation Epic Fury, Mar. 21, 2026. U.S. Navy Photo. Source: DVIDS.

That development illustrates a recurring problem. A war can remain limited in its stated objectives while expanding geographically through allied and proxy actors.

CENTCOM has also issued warnings to civilians to avoid ports used by Iranian forces, highlighting the overlap between military and commercial infrastructure in a maritime conflict.

This blurring of boundaries makes containment difficult even when the initial strategy is narrow.

What This Conflict Actually Shows

The Iran war does not yet prove that short wars are easy or reliable, but it does show how the United States tries to structure them.

The model emphasizes precision strikes, rapid tempo, and limited stated objectives. It avoids immediate large-scale ground operations and instead relies on airpower, naval forces, intelligence systems and logistics networks to produce quick results.

Whether that approach succeeds depends on factors that extend beyond the opening phase of the campaign. Adversary responses, regional dynamics and operational friction can all extend a conflict beyond its intended scope.

For now, the conflict reflects an effort to compress military action into a narrow timeframe.
From the stocks 2026 high of $356.39, its shares have lost 22% of their value. Volatility is up, and the trend is down; the Barchart Technical Opinion is a 56% Sell rating.

The average put/call volume ratio in the past five days of trading is 3.41, a very bearish indicator. The average in the first five days of January was 0.61, a very bullish one.

However, the volume has picked up. In January, there were just four days with a volume of 10,000 or more. In March, there were 12, with seven over 20,000. The highest day in the first three months of 2026 was March 4 at 52,772, a couple of days after the start of the Iran war.

The call in question had a volume of 2,000, 7.69 times the open interest. Thats about 12% of its 30-day average of 16,584. RCL doesnt generate massive options volume.

As I mentioned in the introduction, it had one unusually active option in the final trading day of a shortened holiday week. Its shown above. Truthfully, it had two. However, the second expired on Thursday; I dont include options expiring within seven days.

In Thursdays options trading, the cruise operator had one unusually active option. The May 15 $290 call sets up nicely for a Long Strangle. Heres why.

However, as companies go, Royal Caribbean is a well-managed organization that will be able to navigate (no pun intended) the near-term economic uncertainty.

Stocks continue to struggle to find direction. One company closely following rising oil prices is Royal Caribbean (RCL), the worlds largest cruise operator by market cap. While it hedges a significant amount of its fuel costs, rising oil prices will add significantly to its operating expenses.

Fortunately, the major indices recovered a decent amount of their losses by midday, as news reports suggested that Iran is working with Oman to develop a protocol to monitor traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, the economic data released on the day before Good Friday was better than expected.

The CBOE Volatility Index, or VIX for short, jumped up to 27.89 early in Thursday trading, as traders fretted about the future price of oil after President Trumps address to the nation Wednesday evening did little to calm the nerves of investors.

Story Continues

The long strangle thrives on increased volatility.

The Long Strangle Strategy

The long strangle strategy expects the share price to move significantly higher or lower due to increased volatility. It involves buying a call option (in this case, the $290 strike) and a put option at a lower strike price.

Here are the potential put options based on Thursday's trading.

At first glance, you might think the $270 put is the optimal choice for two reasons:

1) The chance of making money on the long strangle is 40.3%, and

2) The maximum loss probability is 13.8% -- the net debit of $37.60, or the cost of both options -- the lowest of the six put options.

However, I like the idea of balancing the cost outlay with the probability of profit. With that in mind, you might consider the $250 put, where the net debit is $31.40, 16.4% less than the $270 put, while the profit probability is only 4.2 percentage points less.

As you can see from the profit/loss graph above, the net debit of $31.40 is 11.29% of the share price. Thats a little above my 10% target, but not greatly so.

Now, the maximum profit is unlimited, as the share price can go to infinity or go to zero. For example, if President Trump says tomorrow that the Iranians are opening the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices will fall, and RCL stock will rise, given its reliance on fuel (6.4% of 2025 revenue) for its business.

So, the breakeven is $321.40 [$290 call + $31.40 net debit] on the upside and $218.60 [$250 put - $31.40 net debit] on the downside. In the past year, RCL stock has traded above the upside breakeven on three occasions: July 2025, August 2025, and February 2026, and below the downside breakeven once in April 2025.

The expected move of $38.68 in either direction is not expected to take the price outside the upside or downside breakeven by May 15.

That said, a positive announcement in the Middle East would likely push the stock well above the $38.68 estimate. In contrast, the equivalent downside move would likely only occur if it became evident that the Strait of Hormuz wouldnt clear for many months or even years.

The Bottom Line on RCL Stock

In early March, about a week into the Iran war, I suggested to readers that they consider a Dynamic Collar. The dynamic collar combines a Covered Call with a Married Put.

In this particular scenario, you own the stock, sell an April 17 $340 call for income, and buy a June 18 $290 put for downside protection. The share price at the time was $287.00.

The cost of the married put was $318.30, including $31.30 for the put and $287 per share. The premium on the covered call was $2.65. The cost of the put, as I write this, is $36.60, while the premium on the call is also less, with three trades between $1.57 and $1.78.

The dynamic collar is often used if youve owned the stock for a long time and want to maintain ownership while generating some additional gains from the premium while protecting the downside. With over two months until the June 18 expiration, it still has a chance to be profitable.

But I digress.

The long strangle, unlike the dynamic collar, which is a bullish bet, is directional. While I like to think it will soon be trading in the $350s again, the shares gained nearly 1,000% between July 2022 and Aug. 29, 2025, when it hit an all-time high of $366.50. They were bound for a correction, with or without a war playing a role in the decline.

The use of leverage with this strategy -- 11.29% of the share price -- is a reasonable bet on a big move in either direction in the next six weeks.

Long-term, I remain an RCL bull.

On the date of publication, Will Ashworth did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
PM Modi to launch BJPs West Bengal Assembly poll campaign from Cooch Behar on April 5

The BJP leader said PM Modis address is likely to set the tone for the partys campaign narrative, emphasising a "fear-free" environment and restoration of public trust in institutions.

PTI April 04, 2026 / 23:12 IST























This will be PM Modis first election rally in the state Modi to launch BJP's West Bengal poll campaign in Cooch Behar

PM to outline vision for a developed, fear-free West Bengal

West Bengal polls in two phases on April 23 and 29 Did our AI summary help?
Abhishek Bachchan opens up on his chill guy roles, says he chooses films that resonate, not just to be No. 1

Abhishek Bachchan says he gravitates toward roles that resonate with him rather than chasing stardom. He prefers characters who achieve things quietly without making a show of it.

Gayatri Rani April 03, 2026 / 23:30 IST























Abhishek Bachchan talks about his roles Abhishek Bachchan chooses roles true to his personality

He values choosing films that inspire him, not just for fame

His "chill guy" roles reflect his authentic on-screen energy Did our AI summary help?
Blake Lively says she is 'grateful' for court dismissing her sexual harassment allegations against Justin Baldoni: "Will never stop doing my part in fighting to expose..."

Blake Lively reacts after a federal judge dismisses most claims against Justin Baldoni, while allowing key allegations to proceed to trial scheduled for May 18.









The development comes after a significant ruling on Thursday, where 10 out of the 13 claims in Blakes lawsuit were dismissed. Judge tosses most of Blake Livelys claims against Baldoni

Three claims head to New York civil trial on May 18

Blake says she's grateful and ready to tell her story at trial Did our AI summary help?
Dacoit trailer: Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur promise a dark story of love, betrayal, and revenge

The trailer of Dacoit, starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur, teases an intense story of love turning into betrayal and revenge. Packed with action, emotional drama, and a gripping transformation, the film is set to release on April 10.









Dacoit trailer is here Dacoit trailer released, film hits screens April 10

Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur star in action-packed romance

Anurag Kashyap debuts in Telugu cinema as a cop Did our AI summary help?
Filmmaker Rohit Shetty jokes about his life after firing incident: 'Action and comedy chal rahi hai

Rohit Shetty reacted to the recent firing incident outside his home with humor, saying his life now mirrors the action and comedy of his films. The director shared a witty post on social media, lightening the tense situation after the attack.

Gayatri Rani April 04, 2026 / 21:29 IST























Rohit Shetty takes a dig at his life Gunshots fired outside Rohit Shetty's Juhu home on Feb 1, 2026

Shetty jokes about life imitating his action-comedy films

Golmaal 5 shooting begins, Akshay Kumar joins the cast Did our AI summary help?
Kaptaan S1 Review: Saqib Saleem powers a sharp and engaging thriller

Kaptaan is an engaging crime thriller that keeps you hooked with its steady pace and strong performances. It has a few flaws, but the gripping story and raw setting make it an easy and worthwhile watch.









Kaptaan is now streaming Kaptaan is a fast-paced crime thriller set in Jwalabad.

Saqib Saleem stars as a tough cop battling mafia gangs.

Twisty, well-acted series with a gritty atmosphere Did our AI summary help?
The complaint states that D.R. Horton built approximately 95 single-family homes in Stonewood Creek and used Uponor as its pipe supplier. The 16 claimant households purchased their homes between 2018 and 2023.

Other residents described what it's like living with plumbing they can't trust. Rosemary Pastula called the situation a "time bomb," telling the outlet she's a "nervous wreck all the time" wondering when the next failure will hit. Yazmin Roman said the leaks have upended her family's routine  she told Atlanta News First she doesn't want to leave the house for fear of coming home to a disaster. Roman said she's spent approximately $5,000 out of pocket, with total repair estimates exceeding $50,000.

"I'm realistic that as a homeowner, there's going to be repairs, but nothing to this extent," Ardis told Atlanta News First. "They have the responsibility to provide me with a livable home."

Homeowner Matthew Ardis told the outlet he stopped counting leaks "somewhere in the teens" and that the inside of his home now resembles "Swiss cheese" from repeated patch jobs. Ardis said he's spent close to $30,000 out of pocket, with total damages exceeding $100,000 .

The homeowners allege the pipes started failing roughly four years after move-in, according to the complaint.

The Dec. 22, 2025 complaint was filed with the American Arbitration Association on behalf of 16 households in the Stonewood Creek subdivision in Dallas, Georgia. Each home was built by D.R. Horton and plumbed with cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes made by Uponor Inc. (2), a plumbing products company now part of Swiss industrial conglomerate Georg Fischer.

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But the Georgia complaint may be part of a broader pattern: PEX pipe failure claims have surfaced in D.R. Horton homes across multiple states, and the company that supplied the pipes is facing a growing wave of litigation nationwide.

More than a dozen Georgia homeowners have filed an arbitration complaint against D.R. Horton (NYSE:DHI), accusing the country's largest homebuilder by volume (1) of selling them homes fitted with plumbing they say has cracked, leaked and caused extensive water damage, according to an investigation by Atlanta News First.

Story Continues

The filing attributes the pipe failures to micro-cracks and pinholes that allow water to escape and damage the surrounding structure.

The claimants say D.R. Horton has repaired or replaced pipes in other homes in the subdivision but has not done the same for their 16 households. They also allege the builder declined to notify all homeowners that their plumbing may be defective, according to Atlanta News First (3).

All of the failures occurred within both the homes' 10-year D.R. Horton limited warranty and 25-year Uponor express warranty, the complaint states.

"They made a promise to these homeowners in the form of a warranty, and they're now not living up to that promise," attorney Chuck Douglas, who represents one of the claimants, told the outlet.

D.R. Horton did not respond to Atlanta News First's multiple requests for comment. Uponor declined an interview but provided a written statement saying independent experts found no systemic issue with its PEX pipe and that the company has been "working toward fair and appropriate resolutions."

Read More: 5 essential money moves to make once youve saved $50,000

A pattern across multiple states

The Georgia case isn't an isolated incident. D.R. Horton homes and PEX pipe failures have crossed paths before  and the builder's footprint is massive. The company operates in 126 markets across 36 states and closed 84,863 homes in its fiscal year ended September 2025, according to its SEC filing (4).

In San Antonio, D.R. Horton said in a 2016 KSAT-TV investigation that roughly 1,000 homes in Bexar County had experienced PEX-related leaks, blaming pipes from a specific manufacturer installed between 2008 and 2012, according to KSAT (5). Homeowners there reported a similar cycle of repeated bursts and incremental repairs.

The manufacturer was later identified through litigation as NIBCO, Inc. A $7.65 million class action settlement covered D.R. Horton-built homes in 19 Alabama cities and 12 Texas cities, according to the official settlement site (6).

There's also a broader settlement. A $43.5 million nationwide NIBCO PEX settlement covered additional homes across the country, though it excluded the Alabama and Texas properties already addressed by the smaller deal, according to the settlement administrator (7).

In a related Alabama Supreme Court case, NIBCO argued that faulty installation by D.R. Horton's plumbing subcontractor  not a manufacturing defect  caused the failures. The homeowners blamed NIBCO's product. The court found the claims were "closely intertwined" and declined to resolve the dispute on summary judgment, according to the opinion (8).

More recently, multiple proposed class actions have been filed against Uponor in federal courts in California and Minnesota. The lawsuits allege its AquaPEX piping, manufactured between approximately 2010 and 2021, is prone to oxidation-related cracking and can fail within three to 10 years, according to plaintiffs' attorneys (9). That's well short of the 50- to 100-year lifespan Uponor has marketed. Uponor has disputed these claims and is seeking to compel individual arbitration in some of the cases, according to Audet & Partners (10).

And in February 2026, a new class action  Harmon v. Uponor Inc.  was filed in Minnesota federal court by Berger Montague on behalf of homeowners in Texas, Arizona and Georgia, alleging AquaPEX pipes suffer from premature oxidative degradation. One plaintiff reported six separate leaks since July 2025, according to Law.com (11). The fact that Georgia homeowners are named in this filing makes it directly relevant to the Stonewood Creek situation.

How to check your home's pipes

If you own a home built by a national builder in the last 15 years, it's worth taking a few minutes to check what's running through your walls. PEX pipes are flexible plastic tubing  often white, red or blue  with the manufacturer's name and product details printed directly on the pipe in a repeating text string. Look under sinks, near water heaters or in unfinished basements for "Uponor," "AquaPEX" or the older brand name "Wirsbo."

If your pipes aren't easily visible, your home inspection report may list the manufacturer. You can also contact your builder's warranty department or have a licensed plumber identify it.

For homeowners already dealing with recurring leaks, document everything  photos, receipts, dates. File a formal warranty claim in writing.

It's also worth consulting a construction defect or consumer protection attorney, particularly since new-home contracts often include arbitration clauses with specific deadlines for filing claims. Check whether your home or state is covered by an existing class action or settlement  the official NIBCO settlement site at pexsystemsettlement.com and ClassAction.org's Uponor tracker are good starting points.

It's also worth reviewing your homeowners insurance policy. Standard policies typically cover sudden and accidental water damage but may exclude damage from long-term leaks or maintenance failures. If your insurer denies a claim, that denial letter can still be useful evidence in a warranty or legal dispute.

You May Also Like

Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first  clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

D.R. Horton (1); Uponor (2); Atlanta News First (3); SEC (4); KSAT (5); Alabama Texas PEX Settlement (6); NIBCO PEX System Settlement (7); FindLaw (8); Birka-White Law Offices (9); Audet & Partners (10); Law.com (11)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Siyad said in his statement that the complainant had not made any accusations during the making of the film or contacted the ICC at that time.
Mrunal Thakur on saying yes to Dacoit: Youll see a different shade of love

Mrunal Thakur opens up about choosing Dacoit, calling it a love story with anger and revenge, as the action-packed film gears up for its April 10 release.









At the trailer release ceremony, Mrunal narrated the reason behind joining the film, mentioning how this story tells an unconventional and complex version of love story. Dacoit trailer reveals a mix of love, revenge, and action.

Mrunal Thakur calls the film an unconventional love story.

Dacoit releases worldwide on April 10 in Telugu and Hindi. Did our AI summary help?
According to officials, the rapper will not be allowed to perform songs that promote alcohol, drugs, or the use of weapons during the concert.
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur talks about being the third Indian at the Berlin International Film Festival jury; says, 'I felt very honoured' - Exclusive interview

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur became only the third Indian after Satyajit Ray and Aamir Khan to serve on the International Jury at the Berlin International Film Festival. His selection highlights Indias growing global cinematic presence and his impactful work in film preservation through the Film Heritage Foundation.









Shivendra Singh Dungarpur talks about India's achievement at Berlin Film Festival
Himalaya Foods lenders approve extension of One Time Settlement till September

According to the company, out of the final settlement of Rs 43 crore, half of that, which is Rs 21.50 crore, has already been deposited.

PTI April 04, 2026 / 19:21 IST














Mehli Mistry moves charity commissioner over Tata-linked trust board composition

The petition, reviewed by Moneycontrol, raises a broader question over the legal validity of the present board of the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Tata Navsari Charitable Institution, and not just the non-renewal of Mistrys term.









Tata Group Mehli Mistry challenges trustee eligibility at Tata-linked trust

Petition: board actions invalid due to ineligible trustees

Mistry seeks records review, possible administrator appointment Did our AI summary help?
Spain, four other European Union nations call for tax on energy firms' windfall profits

The request was made in a letter addressed to EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra and signed by Cuerpo along with the finance ministers of Austria, Germany, Italy and Portugal, he said in a post on X.

AFP April 04, 2026 / 16:26 IST














Tata Steel gets Rs 1,755 crore notice for excess mining from Jharkhand mining office

Tata Steel said the demand lacks justification and substantive basis.
345 Tamil Nadu fishermen stranded in Iran arrive in Chennai

Stranded without work when the war began, the fishermen had been sending video messages to family members urging the government to rescue them.

PTI April 04, 2026 / 22:29 IST























More than 1,000 fishermen from Tamil Nadu had been working in Iran on contract. (Representative photo) 345 Tamil Nadu fishermen stranded in Iran returned to Chennai

BJP and Central Government coordinated the repatriation effort

Fishermen received food, clothing, and transport on arrival Did our AI summary help?
Assam polls: CM Himanta promises two free LPG cylinders during Bihu, Durga Puja

In March, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota had said local refineries have the capacity to meet only about 30 per cent of the state's LPG demand, indicating a possible shortage of cooking fuel in the coming days in the wake of the war in West Asia.

PTI April 04, 2026 / 20:46 IST























Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Given the stock's recent lackluster performance, investors clearly don't have much faith in Boeing (NYSE: BA) right now. But the analyst community isn't dissuaded. Most of them still consider the aircraft maker's stock a strong buy, with a consensus price target of $275.30. That's more than 32% above the stock's current price.

Even most analysts would likely agree, however, that this company's reputation has been more than a little tainted of late, leaving its stock inordinately vulnerable to even the slightest hint of trouble.

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 

To this end, here are four things that must happen if Boeing shares are going to have any shot at reaching that target anytime soon.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Boeing's part in the Artemis' mission(s) to the moon must work flawlessly

A bunch of different aerospace companies are supplying components for the craft that will take mankind back to the moon for the first time since 1972. Boeing's part is the 212-foot rocket itself, which is arguably the most critical and highest-profile piece of the puzzle. Although space exploration is only a tiny part of the company's total business, failure on this front could easily rekindle worries that Boeing's design and fabrication capabilities have become unreliable.

2. Boeing's order backlog must continue growing

While orders for future deliveries of Boeing-made aircraft understandably started slumping in 2019 after a couple of tragic crashes of its then-new 737 MAX passenger jets (followed by the economic and travel disruption stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic), many are surprised to learn that the company's order backlog began growing again in 2022. Indeed, despite plenty of pessimistic rhetoric of late, this backlog reached another new record as of the end of last year.

Data source: Boeing Co. Chart by author.

Orders aren't outright guaranteed business -- airlines can and do cancel their plans to purchase aircraft. Boeing's backlog has been a pretty reliable indication of the company's revenue trajectory, though. If it's rising, investors can feel reasonably confident about the future.

3. Profit margins must continue widening

Obviously, all investment-worthy companies should grow their bottom lines over time; Boeing is no exception. Doing so will be monumentally important for this particular company, though, as it will indicate that it's restored internal operating efficiency that's been missing for some time. As an example, not building its 737 MAX jets in their intended construction sequence is adding to their total production cost.
BJP releases fifth list of candidates for West Bengal polls

So far, BJP has fielded candidates in 292 of the 294 assembly constituencies in the West Bengal Legislature.









The elections in Bengal will see a tough contest between the TMC and the BJP.
BJP writes to West Bengal EC chief seeking removal of 'compromised and partisan police officers'

The BJP alleged that in view of the upcoming elections, the conduct of three police officers was in violation of the Model Code of Conduct.









West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and 29. BJP urges removal of three police officers before Bengal polls

BJP alleges officers violated Model Code of Conduct for TMC

BJP alleges police welfare group coerces staff ballot papers Did our AI summary help?
Blast near Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh backed by Pakistan's ISI, says DGP

The DGP said five persons involved in the incident have been arrested and two perpetrators involved in the attack have been identified.









An explosion outside the office of the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh damaged a scooter parked outside the building. Five suspects arrested in Punjab BJP office grenade attack case

Attack module tied to Pakistan ISI, handlers in EU nations

Grenade recovered; hunt on for main accused Did our AI summary help?
Centre rejects Iran crude diversion to China rumours; says no payment hurdles, oil supply secure

The Ministry also stated that Indian refiners have already secured their crude oil requirements, including supplies from Iran, despite disruptions in the Middle East amid the ongoing Iran war.









The ministry mentioned that such changes are common in the global oil trade. India denies Iranian crude shipment diverted to China

No payment issues for Iranian crude imports, says ministry

India's energy supplies remain secure despite global tensions Did our AI summary help?
Centre should view states as coordinates, not subordinates: Justice Nagarathna

Justice Nagarathna said federalism was "not only about autonomy" but also "distinct centres of power, each capable of acting as a counterweight to the others. It ensures that governance is not a matter of unilateral command, but of negotiation and coordination".

PTI April 04, 2026 / 20:08 IST























Supreme Court judge Justice B.V. Nagarathna (PTI image) Justice Nagarathna urges Centre to treat states as co-equals

Seek coordination over party politics in Centre-state ties

Federalism ensures negotiation, not unilateral command Did our AI summary help?
Delhi govt mandates LPG supply to businesses only if they apply for PNG connection

In areas where PNG infrastructure is not yet in place, consumers will be required to submit an application expressing their intent to switch to PNG once it becomes available.

PTI April 04, 2026 / 15:53 IST























(Representative image) Delhi requires PNG applications for commercial LPG in network areas

OMCs must verify documents and share intent records with IGL

Businesses needing LPG with PNG can apply for special approval Did our AI summary help?
Fake tubes, real danger: How toothpaste filled with low-grade chemicals put millions at risk in Delhi

The tubes appeared genuine, complete with Sensodyne branding. But, they were filled with low-grade chemicals, blue bleaching agents and locally sourced fluoride mixtures.









Thousands of fake tubes, raw paste & machinery were seized during the Crime Branch raid. (Courtesy: X | @CrimeBranchDP)
Families of AI171 crash victims seek release of black box data, write to PM Modi

Around 30 bereaved families from across Gujarat met in Ahmedabad on Saturday and wrote a letter to the prime minister, requesting the release of the CVR and 'black box' (Flight Data Recorder) data to uncover the truth behind the calamity.

PTI April 04, 2026 / 22:30 IST























Wreckage of Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plane, outside Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International, where it crashed nearby after takeoff, in Ahmedabad (File image) Families press PM to release Air India crash black box data

Families seek truth behind AI 171 crash that killed 260 people

Victims' families struggle with Air India belongings portal Did our AI summary help?
Indian tanker 'Jag Vasant', owned by Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd, after clearing the Strait of Hormuz, is seen anchored at the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) discharge terminal, in Mumbai, on April 1. (PTI Photo)
Iran hails ties with India and Gujarat as Green Sanvi crosses Hormuz: 'Cherished place in shared history...'

Tehran has maintained that the waterway remains open to friendly nations," including India, Russia, China and Pakistan.
Apple (AAPL) just crossed a milestone few tech companies ever see, hitting its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2026, five decades after Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak turned a garage project into one of Wall Streets most-watched stocks.

Over that span, a hypothetical 100-share allocation at Apples IPO price in 1980 would now be worth more than $5.5 million, showing the power of its long-term return story in the public markets.

More News from Barchart

Yet as the birthday candles are being lit, AAPLs recent tape tells a more complicated story, with the stock down 6% year-to-date (YTD), leaving it behind both the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) and the broader technology sector over various time frames.

At the same time, Apple is no longer the undisputed market-cap king, having given up ground to Nvidia (NVDA) after its mid-single-digit pullback so far in 2026, even as investors debate whether its AI and services pivot can drive the next phase of growth.

With Apple turning 50 amid sector rotation, AI-fueled enthusiasm elsewhere in Big Tech, and clear signs of relative underperformance in its own chart, is AAPL at this anniversary moment a tired slice of overbaked mega-cap tech or a still-sweet piece of stock-market cake worth going back for? Lets find out.

How Apples Numbers Stack Up

Apple may have turned 50, but its business model still leans on the same mix of hardware, software, and services that has defined it for decades. From the iPhone to its fast-growing Services segment, Apple still runs as an ecosystem company that monetizes devices and daily habits of more than a billion users worldwide.

Over the past 52 weeks, AAPL has gained 14.17%, which shows steady investor confidence, but it is down 5.75% over the past three months.

www.barchart.com

At a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 30.23 times, compared with the industry average of 21.41 times, Apple trades at a clear premium.

The numbers help explain why. With a market capitalization approaching $3.75 trillion and annual sales of $416.2 billion, Apple delivered first-quarter revenue of $143.8 billion, up 16% year-over-year (YOY), and earnings per share of $2.84, beating estimates and lifting net income to $42.1 billion.
ISRO eyes next launch in May; Artemis-II will be a success, says Chairman V Narayanan

On the Integrated Air Drop Test-2 (IADT-2) connected to the Gaganyaan mission, Narayanan said work is progressing as planned, though no specific date has been confirmed.

PTI April 04, 2026 / 21:23 IST























File image shows ISRO successfully accomplishing first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for end to end demonstration of parachute based deceleration system for Gaganyaan missions. ISRO plans multiple launches starting in May this financial year

Gaganyaan astronaut training ongoing, no launch date confirmed

Report on PSLV-C62 failure expected soon from committee Did our AI summary help?
Lok Sabha seats won't be reduced in South India, says PM Modi

Addressing an NDA Assembly election rally in Kerala's Thiruvalla, PM Modi said the Parliament session has been extended to April 1618 to pass amendments to the law ensuring 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.

PTI April 04, 2026 / 20:16 IST























Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a public meeting ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, in Thiruvalla, Kerala. (Courtesy: PTI photo)
Loot at Sabarimala occurring under LDF rule but linked to senior Congress leaders: PM Modi in Kerala

PM Modi attended a public meeting in Thiruvalla and took part in roadshow in Thiruvananthapuram.

PTI April 04, 2026 / 17:50 IST























Prime Minister Narendra Modi adddreses a rally in Kerala's Tiruvalla on Saturday. (Credit: PTI) PM Modi held rallies in Kerala for NDA election campaign

He criticized LDF and UDF, promising BJP-led development

Modi pledged investigation into Sabarimala temple corruption Did our AI summary help?
Mamata Banerjee orders probe after drone spotted near her helicopter in Malda district

The TMC supremo had concluded a public rally in Malatipur in Malda district and was going to board the helicopter to go to Gazole for election campaigning when the pilot noticed a drone flying near the aircraft.









Mamata Banerjee's engagement in Malda district increased on Saturday. Drone sighted near Mamata Banerjees chopper in Malda

Police investigating drone operator after safety concerns raised

Banerjee's helicopter later reached Gazole safely for campaigning Did our AI summary help?
NIA visits Malda SP, BDO office to probe 'confinement' of judicial officers

35 people have been taken into custody so far in connection with the hostage-like situation.









Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the BJP for fueling the turmoil, claiming that external elements were brought in to trigger disturbances. NIA raided Malda offices after judicial officers held hostage

35 people arrested in Malda hostage case, security increased

CM Banerjee accused BJP of provoking unrest ahead of state polls Did our AI summary help?
One dead, several feared trapped after four-storey building collapses in MP

Four people have been rescued so far, of whom one has been declared dead.









Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force deployed at the site. (Credit: ANI)
Owaisi slams Centre over UCC Bill in Gujarat: 'You're imposing Hindu Succession Act on Muslims'

Owaisi said that the government is violating the constitutional acts that guarantee the freedom to practice the Islamic religion and imposing the Hindu Succession Act on Muslims.

ANI April 04, 2026 / 19:42 IST























Asaduddin Owaisi (File image) Owaisi slams Gujarat UCC Bill for violating Muslim laws

He claims Hindu Succession Act is being imposed on Muslims

Gujarat UCC Bill aims to ensure equal rights for women Did our AI summary help?
Shashi Tharoor's convoy blocked in Malappuram, security staffer assaulted; three detained ahead of Kerala polls

Police said a non-bailable case has been filed against one of the accused, identified as Ummara, a resident of Kalikavu.
West Bengal elections: EC set to deploy 2.4 lakh CAPF personnel, 500 companies to stay back after results

This marks the highest-ever deployment in a single state during elections.
Who is Rini Sampath? Tamil Nadu-born first South Asian woman in race to become Washington DC Mayor

Her campaign confirmed that more than 4,500 people signed her petition to qualify for the ballot.
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Apple Inc. celebrates 50 years of innovation, culture-shaping products, and unprecedented financial growth.

From Garage Beginnings to Global Tech Powerhouse

In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak turned a garage in California into the birthplace of Apple.

Wozniak had designed a computer circuit board for hobbyists and Jobs saw an opportunity to sell it commercially.

Apple Computer Inc. was officially incorporated the following year, setting the stage for decades of innovation.

Don't Miss:

To mark its 50th anniversary, Apple has refreshed its homepage with a special animation showcasing some of its most iconic products.

Celebrating Innovation with Iconic Products

The sketch-style video features the original Mac, iMac, iPod, App Store, Apple Watch, iPhone 17 Pro, Vision Pro and more in a creative, illustrative design.

The homepage states, "50 Years of Thinking Different At 50 years, it's only natural to look back. But Apple has always looked forward, building tools and delivering experiences that enrich people's lives. As we celebrate how far we've come, we're inspired by where we'll go  together."

A Financial Legacy That Matches Its Tech Impact

Apple's growth has been staggering. The company now has a market capitalization of $3.73 trillion.

Its IPO on Dec. 12, 1980, was priced at $22 per share. A $1,000 investment at that time would today be worth approximately $2,537,900.

Trending: This Startup Thinks It Can Reinvent the Wheel  Literally

Looking Forward Amid AI Competition

Despite its achievements, Apple faces pressure to remain a technology leader as rivals like Alphabet Inc. and Microsoft Corp invest billions in artificial intelligence.

The company, however, remains focused on delivering integrated hardware, software and services to maintain its edge.

Apple Stock Performance And Analyst Outlook

Year-to-date, Apple shares are down 6.35%, while in the past 12 months, it has gained 13.71%. In the past five years, Apples shares have been up by 106.33%, according to Benzinga Pro.

Apple currently has a consensus price target of $299.91, based on the ratings of 29 analysts. The three latest analyst ratings set the average price target at $338.33, implying a potential upside of 32.89% for Apple.

Read Next:
Sunetra Pawar calls Uddhav Thackeray to seek support for Baramati bypoll, likely to file nomination on April 6

As per the NCP sources, Sunetra Pawar is scheduled to file her nomination papers on April 6.

PTI April 04, 2026 / 22:27 IST























Sunetra Pawar (File image) Sunetra Pawar seeks Uddhav Thackerays backing in Baramati

NCP urges all parties to keep Baramati bypoll unopposed

Congress plans to contest Baramati bypoll despite NCP appeal Did our AI summary help?
'Big campaign against UAE': British flight attendant arrested in Dubai over airport safety warnings

A 25-year-old British flight attendant was arrested in Dubai after sharing photos of a damaged airport and warning colleagues on WhatsApp about safety risks following recent explosions.









Experts warn posting UAE safety issues can have serious consequences. (Image credit: Reuters) UK flight attendant held in Dubai over safety warning

She faces up to two years in jail under UAE cybercrime laws

Clash over free speech and national security intensifies Did our AI summary help?
'People have no idea': Engineer highlights how Google protects families after employee death

Amid a wave of layoffs across tech companies, an X user explains how Google provides generous death benefits to employees families, even for new hires









The post highlighted Googles death benefits. (Image credit: Reuters) Oracle laid off up to 30,000 employees in a single email.

Google's death benefits for employees go viral on X.

Google gives spouse pay, stock, and child support after death Did our AI summary help?
UP thief swallows silver bracelet mid-arrest, police recover it after unusual medical procedure

A thief in Bareilly, UP, swallowed a stolen silver bracelet during his arrest in a desperate bid to destroy evidence. Police admitted him to hospital, where doctors monitored him closely for two days before recovering the bracelet without any surgery.
NASA asteroid flyby April 4: Two airplane-sized asteroids to pass close to Earth safely

NASA confirms two airplane-sized asteroids will safely pass Earth on April 4, 2026. No collision risk exists. Comet MAPS will also approach the Sun, monitored by SOHO spacecraft.









Two airplane-sized asteroids zoom past Earth on April 4. (Image: Canva) Two airplane-sized asteroids to safely fly by Earth in April 2026.

NASA confirms no collision risk from 2023 DZ2 and 2026 FG5.

Comet MAPS will approach the Sun on April 4, monitored by SOHO Did our AI summary help?
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Infinix Note 60 Pro India launch date revealed, teased to come with a rear matrix display

Infinix has confirmed that its Note 60 Pro smartphone will launch in India in the coming days. The device is confirmed to come with an innovative rear lighting display and a triple rear camera unit.









Infinix Note 60 Pro Infinix Note 60 Pro launches in India on April 13

Phone features Active Matrix Display and triple rear cameras

Available on Flipkart with Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor Did our AI summary help?

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Meta layoffs 2026: Instagram-maker cuts hundreds of jobs as AI push accelerates

Meta has announced fresh layoffs impacting around 200 employees in California, adding to earlier job cuts this year as the company increases spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure and hiring.

Sarthak Singh April 04, 2026 / 13:08 IST























Meta Meta lays off 200 employees in California amid restructuring

AI investments drive Meta's operational changes in 2026

Some laid-off staff offered alternative roles within Meta Did our AI summary help?

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Samsung Galaxy A27 5G spotted on Geekbench, likely to be powered by Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 SoC, 6GB RAM

Samsungs upcoming Galaxy A27 5G has now been spotted in the Geekbench online database. The listing suggests that the phone may use the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset with 6GB RAM.









A27 Samsung Galaxy A27 5G appears on Geekbench with SD 6 Gen 3

Device may launch soon in global markets

Expected specs include 6GB RAM and Android 16 Did our AI summary help?

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Toby, a 62-year-old self-employed plumber in Phoenix, Arizona, thought owning multiple rental homes would secure his retirement.

Now hes approaching retirement with no 401(k) savings, poor health and $79,000 debt and hes worried about his long-term future.

Toby called into The Ramsey Show (1) for advice on how to improve his situation, telling co-hosts Jade Warshaw and Ken Coleman that hed recently got an offer from a debt consolidation company and was wondering if he should take it.

Is it a bad idea? he asked.

Must Read

Co-hosts Jade Warshaw and Ken Coleman said debt consolidation was definitely a bad idea.

Toby said his current situation traces back to the 2008 financial crisis. After watching his retirement investments plunge, he pulled out what remained and used it to buy rental properties.

I turned in my retirement when it dropped so much in 2008, he said. I got upset that they took all that money. I lost a lot. So, I took the rest of it, paid the fees and bought these houses.

When Warshaw and Coleman learned more about his rental properties, they both proposed the same solution.

This is a no-brainer to me, Warshaw said.

A portfolio of houses  but no retirement account

Toby is one of millions of Americans whose household wealth is tied up in real estate, according to the Pew Research Center (2).

And while theyre house rich, many are retirement poor, according to the Federal Reserves Survey of Consumer Finances (3).

Tobys properties are all fully paid off and producing $3,450 a month in gross rental income before expenses:

A home rented to a family with five children for about $1,100 a month, which he estimates could sell for around $170,000.

Another rental house that brings in about $1,350 a month that he guesses could also sell for roughly $170,000.

A small rental unit on his own property, bringing in about $1,000 a month.

Toby also still runs his own plumbing business and expects to begin collecting about $2,000 per month in Social Security benefits soon.

Despite these income streams, his $79,000 debt balance and lack of retirement savings concerned the hosts.

You got no retirement, Coleman told him. So, you need to sell at least one of these houses and clear up the debt.
Air strikes on Mahshahr petrochemical zone wound at least five, officials say

Airstrikes targeted Mahshahr and Bandar Imam facilities, causing injuries and damage to critical energy infrastructure, Iranian officials say.









USIsraeli strikes hit Irans Khuzestan petrochemical hub, five wounded (File image)
Artemis II reaches halfway mark on journey to the moon, NASA shares update

Meanwhile, NASA also released the first stunning images of Earth captured by the crew of Artemis II as they journey toward the Moon.
Chinese engineer shared trick to shoot F35 fighters just days before Irans strike

A viral Chinese tutorial outlines how Iran could use low-cost systems to strike US F-35 jets, highlighting a growing trend of civilians sharing military expertise online.









China viral video shows how to target F35, days before Iran claims hit
The Dubai Media Office said fragments from an intercepted projectile struck the facade of a building in the busy waterfront neighbourhood, describing the incident as minor.
'End is near': Iranian hacker group Handala leaks identities of Israels intelligence Unit 9900 officers

Iranian hacker group Handala releases personal details of 50 Israeli Unit 9900 officers, calling it the end is near and warning of future cyber retaliation.
'Eyes, eardrums could rupture': US Army's new grenade sets ground for combat shift as lethality takes new shape with shock waves

Troops can deploy it into enclosed spaces, where the resulting shock wave can incapacitate anyone inside, regardless of cover.
Failing NYT: Trump slams newspaper over NATO mistake

Trump slammed The New York Times over a NATO naming error after the paper issued a correction to its headline misidentifying the alliance.









Failing NYT: Trump slams newspaper over NATO mistake
Great Satan: US arrests Qasem Soleimanis niece and grandniece after Rubio revokes their green cards

US authorities have arrested Qasem Soleimanis niece and grand-niece after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their green cards over ties to Irans regime.









US detains Qasem Soleimanis niece after Rubio revokes her green card
Missing US pilot in Iran: What happened the last time personnel were captured?

After a series of aerial confrontations between Iran and the US, Tehran shot down a US F-15E fighter jet, marking the first confirmed loss of an American aircraft inside Iranian territory.









Many US fighter jets have been deployed in the war with Iran. (Representative photo) Iran downs US F-15E; one crew rescued, one still missing

Iran offers rewards for capturing the missing US crew member

A race is on between US and Iran to find the missing airman Did our AI summary help?
Hormuz tracker: Weekly transits reach highest since war began

A total of 13 ships have crossed since Friday morning, with 10 exiting the Persian Gulf and three entering from the open seas, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.









Strait of Hormuz (Courtesy: Bloomberg)
For Boeing, the current timing is painful.

The plane maker is finally starting to put together something that is missing for a while now, momentum. Korean Air said on March 26 that it plans to buy 103 Boeing aircraft through 2039 in a deal valued at about $36.2 billion based on Boeings 2025 list prices.

For a business that has spent years dealing with safety issues, delivery problems, and a bad reputation, that was a big deal coming from a major airline customer.

The positive news continues beyond this point. Europes top aviation regulator said relations with the Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing are improving, which is big news after the 737 MAX crisis fractured trust between regulators.

The FAA also gave Boeing a useful product win when it certified higher maximum takeoff weights for the 787-9 and 787-10. This meant that airlines could carry more cargo or fly longer routes.

That does not mean Boeing is now in the clear.

After that, the war in Iran changed things. Boeing is now facing a new threat that doesn't come from one of its factories. It starts with airlines under pressure from rising fuel costs, shorter shipping routes, and new supply chain uncertainty. That's a bad turn for a company that is still trying to turn demand into a cleaner recovery.

We are again trustful partners, EASA chief Florian Guillermet said of ties with the FAA.

Boeing's recent progress was never going to fix all of its old problems.

Earlier this month, the company said that wiring problems could cause delays in the delivery of some 737 MAX jets in the first quarter. Later, Reuters reported that Boeing was fixing up to25 MAX aircraft that had not yet been delivered.

Boeing, on the other hand, kept making 42 planes a month, which helped make it seem like this latest problem was serious without turning into another full-blown public spiral.

Boeing was finally getting the kind of news it needed

The Korean Air order is worth more than just a headline number. It included 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s and eight 777-8 freighters, meaning Boeing won plaudits thanks to the very programs most need customers to keep believing in.

That is why the order was more than just a sales win. It reminded me that Boeing's biggest problem is still not demand. It's execution.

The tone from Europe was also important. Guillermet said that the FAA was now doing its job and that Boeing was handling the criticism well. That kind of language from regulators is not background noise for Boeing. It gets to the heart of whether the company is moving away from the stage where every problem is a vote on its whole culture and management style.
The downing of the aircraft has raised fresh questions about the situation on the ground and in the air. (File photo)
Indian vessel, others bypass Iran route via new Hormuz corridor: Report

The ships entered Omani waters near Ras Al Khaimah and moved past the Musandam Peninsula, before reappearing in open waters roughly 350 km off Muscat.









Iran began targeting commercial shipping with missiles and drones shortly after U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, affecting a route that handles nearly one-fifth of global energy flows. Ships use new Oman-based route to bypass Iranian-controlled lanes

At least four large vessels avoided Iranian oversight in Hormuz

Iran to charge tolls, clearance fees in its waters Did our AI summary help?
Iran never refused Pakistan talks, seeks conclusive end to war: Araghchi

Iran says it never refused Pakistan talks, stressing focus on conclusive and lasting terms to end the war.









Irans FM calls for conclusive and lasting terms to end war
Iran releases images of downed US CH-47 Chinook, visuals show extensive damage | See pics

The downed jet has been identified as part of the 494th Fighter Squadron, based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.
Iran snubs US talks, Pakistan-led ceasefire push collapses: Report

Iran has conveyed to mediators that it is unwilling to meet US officials in Islamabad in the coming days, the report said, adding that it also considers the US proposals unacceptable.









Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Iran rejects US demands, stalls Pakistan-led ceasefire talks

Turkey and Egypt seek new venues for US-Iran negotiations

Iran denies Trump's claim about wanting a ceasefire Did our AI summary help?
Bab el-Mandeb is a narrow strait located between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea in East Africa.
Multiple US-Israeli strikes hit Iran cement plant, Iraq border trade terminal

US-Israeli strikes hit multiple sites across Iran, killing several people while damaging industrial facilities and areas near a nuclear plant, Iranian media report.









US-Israeli strikes hit Iran cement plant, Iraq border terminal (File image )
Pak's Khawaja Asif warns India: 'Next conflict wont stay within 200-250 km, we will strike them inside their homes'

His remarks came after defence minister Rajnath Singh said any "misadventure" from India's neighbour, Pakistan, in the current situation would invite an "unprecedented and decisive" action









Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif Pak defence minister threatens deep strikes in India

India warns of unprecedented response to any new Pakistan misstep

Operation Sindoor hit nine terror targets inside Pakistan Did our AI summary help?
Projectile hits near Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant; IAEA confirms no spike in radiation

Earlier this week, Trump warned Iran of potential strikes on its infrastructure, including bridges and electric power plants and said that US military "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran".









An overview of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in southern Iran. (Courtesy: AFP file photo)
Russia evacuates 198 staff from Irans Bushehr nuclear plant after fatal incident

Rosatom evacuated 198 employees from Bushehr nuclear plant following a staff death and damage from projectile impact, amid ongoing Iran conflict.

Reuters April 04, 2026 / 20:13 IST























Russia evacuates 198 more staff from Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant, agencies report
Defense spending is climbing as global tensions push governments to rebuild stockpiles, while commercial air travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. Yet one aerospace giant keeps delivering headline-grabbing contracts while its shares trade as if the good news never landed.

Boeing (BA) just announced a major Pentagon deal to triple production of a key Patriot missile component, and it played a central role in NASAs latest moonshot milestone. So why has the stock given back ground this year? Heres the data that separates the wins from the worries for everyday investors.

More News from Barchart

www.barchart.com

The Wins Are Stacking Up Fast

Boeings defense and space units delivered two clear victories in recent weeks. On April 1, the company and the Defense Department signed a seven-year framework agreement to triple production of PAC-3 seekers for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles, ramping output from roughly 650 units per year to 2,000. Boeings Huntsville, Alabama, facility has already received more than $200 million in capacity investments since 2024. The stock jumped as much as 5.6% on the news.

At the same time, Boeings Space Launch System core stagebuilt in partnership with NASAplayed a starring role in Artemis II, the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. Boeing engineers monitored the critical eight minutes after liftoff from the Mission Control Center at Kennedy Space Center. These contracts add to earlier 2026 defense wins, including multi-billion-dollar orders for F-15 fighters and Apache support, showing the industrial base is finally scaling.

Quality Control Woes Have Kept the Stock Grounded

The commercial airplane side tells a different story. In March, technicians discovered chafed wiring insulation on undelivered 737 MAX aircraft, forcing rework and delaying shipments. The Federal Aviation Administration responded with tighter oversight, capping production rates until Boeing proves consistent quality. Similar issues have cropped up on the 787 Dreamliner, echoing problems that have dogged the company since the 2019 MAX crisis and the 2024 door-plug incident.

The result? Boeing shares hit a 2026 low near $189 in mid-March and sit roughly 5% lower year-to-date (YTD), even after the Patriot pop. Over the past 12 months, the stock has gained about 22%, but that recovery feels fragile when every production hiccup makes headlines.
Shake-up to show action is not a bad thing: Trump eyes cabinet reshuffle amid war pressure

Trump is weighing a cabinet reshuffle as the Iran war fuels political pressure, with allies pushing changes to reset messaging and leadership.









Trump eyes cabinet reshuffle as Iran war hits approval ratings
Ship in Azov Sea in Russia hit by Ukraine; 5 dead, 19 injured in drone attack

The overnight attack on the city killed one person and injured four others, the governor said.









(Image courtesy: Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration) Drone debris hit a cargo ship in Azov Sea, fire contained

Russian drone strike killed 5, injured 19 in Nikopol market

Ukraine shot down or suppressed 260 out of 286 Russian drones Did our AI summary help?
Sons safer in Iran custody than under Trump: Iran tells US pilots mother

Iran tells a US pilots mother her sons are more in danger with Trump than in Iranian custody after jet downing.









Iran tells US pilots mother her sons face greater risk under Trump than in custody
Did our AI summary help?
US A-10 Warthog crashes near Strait of Hormuz, pilot rescued: Report

The incident involved an A-10 Warthog operating near the Strait of Hormuz, though officials have not disclosed the exact cause or location of the crash.









A-10-warthog A-10 Warthog crashed near Strait of Hormuz, pilot rescued

F-15E shot down over Iran, one crew member rescued, one missing

Iran says it hit US rescue aircraft; US offers no confirmation Did our AI summary help?
US deploys bulk of stealthy long-range missile for Iran war

Along with the shorter-range JASSM  which has a range of about 250 miles, about two-thirds of US stockpiles have been committed to the Iran war









A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber takes off from RAF Fairford in Fairford, UK, on March 19. US commits most JASSM-ER missiles to Iran campaign

Only 425 JASSM-ERs remain for global use after transfers

US, Israel cripple much of Irans air defenses in strikes Did our AI summary help?
US, Iran scramble to locate missing pilot after American fighter jet downed in Iranian airspace

Tehran said its air defences destroyed an F-15 fighter operating in Iranian airspace, while U.S. media reported that one of the two crew members had been rescued by American special forces, with the second still unaccounted for.









Iranian state television also said that anyone capturing a U.S. crew member alive would receive a valuable reward, underscoring the high stakes of the search effort. US fighter jet shot down in Iran, one crew member still missing

Iran offers reward for capturing US aircrew alive

Strait of Hormuz closure stokes global energy supply fears Did our AI summary help?
US senator Lindsey Graham backs Trump's 48-hour Iran ultimatum, warns of 'massive military operation'

"A massive military operation awaits Iran if they choose poorly," Graham threatened, hours after speaking directly with the President.









U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) with President Trump in the background (AFP image/File) Senator Graham backs Trump's ultimatum to Iran on Hormuz Strait

Trump gives Iran 48 hours to open Strait or face military action

Conflict disrupts Hormuz, impacting global energy markets Did our AI summary help?
What is CSAR: Inside US military's riskiest rescue mission

CSAR is a specialised military operation to locate, support, and recover personnel who are isolated or in distress during war or in hostile/combat zones.









AI generated image for representation only (Courtesy: Google Gemini)
ArcelorMittal S.A. (NYSE:MT) earns a place on our list of the 8 best nickel stocks to buy according to analysts.

Broader Analyst Sentiment Bullish on ArcelorMittal (MT) Despite Recent Downgrade

A photo of Vizsla Silver's mining site. Photo from Vizsla Silver website

With 55% of covering analysts bullish and 28.38% upside based on the $63.70 consensus price target, analyst sentiment remains broadly bullish on ArcelorMittal S.A. (NYSE:MT) as of March 28, 2026. However, the recent discussion surrounding the company has focused more on whether macro and regional issues could limit gains than on value.

When JPMorgan analyst Dominic OKane reduced ArcelorMittal S.A. (NYSE:MT) from Overweight to Underweight on March 9, 2026, and lowered the price target from EUR 53.50 to EUR 40, that caution was most visible.

The investment bank adopted a more pessimistic base case for copper and iron ore, claiming that Middle East developments presented risks that were not sufficiently reflected in European metals and mining equities.

KeyBanc later started coverage on the stock with a Sector Weight rating on March 25, 2026. Stronger pricing in North America and Brazil, partially offset by higher mining freight costs and a more challenging European cost backdrop, led the investment bank to increase its 2026 EBITDA projection from $8.65 billion to $8.66 billion. Meanwhile, management expects $4.50 billion to $5.00 billion in capital expenditures in 2026.

ArcelorMittal S.A. (NYSE:MT) is an integrated steel and mining business with operations in the United States, Europe, and across the world. The company uses zinc, tin, and aluminum as base metals for coating, nickel for making stainless or special steels, and aluminum for deoxidizing liquid steel.

While we acknowledge the potential of MT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
What the downing of a US fighter jet in Iran reveals about the war

Loss of an F-15E and a second crash highlight risks to US air operations despite claims of air superiority.
Why the Pope and the US defence secretary are clashing over religion and war

Hegseths call for prayers for military victory contrasts sharply with Pope Leo XIVs message on peace.









Pete Hegseth
For Trump, the proposal appears to be about more than just adding prison capacity.
Knock Out Energy crew members at work. Hawkins Capital is acquiring Knock Out Energy, expanding their offering of oil and gas field services. Courtesy Knock Out Energy

Hawkins Capital USA is expanding its holdings in the Permian Basin and Barnett Shale.

Hawkins Capital, part of Hawkins Lease Service, has acquired Knock Out Energy LLC, which provides integrated oil and gas field services, specializing in operator/gauges, compressor mechanics, instrumentation and electrical work, cathodic protection and specialized support for producers in the Barnett Shale and Permian Basin.

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Will Hawkins, who will serve as president of both Hawkins Lease and Knock Out Energy, said his company had worked with Bodie Beaman, Knock Outs business development and safety manager, in the past.

To put a workforce together and grow in a very competitive environment is impressive, he said of Knock Out.

Knock Out has grown to more than 80 employees and operates a fleet of 80 vehicles, providing operator/gauges, compressor mechanics, instrumentation and electrical services, cathodic protection and specialized solutions.

The two companies put together a deal quickly, he added. It gives Hawkins a long-desired brick-and-mortar presence in the Permian Basin, and Hawkins can help Knock Out grow its services, he said.

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Hawkins experience will provide valuable leverage, Beaman said, and will allow Knock Out to expand.

Were doing a job in Oregon and will start one in South Carolina so we will be coast-to-coast, Beaman said.

Bart Bartman, managing partner, sales and leader along with Beaman and Jeff Garner, said the company prides itself on taking care of its employees and customers.

We spend a lot of time making sure everyone is taken care of, he said.

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That philosophy is part of what attracted the company to Hawkins.

The people that make up the company are the reason we bought it, Hawkins said.

He added that the two will continue to operate as separate, independent companies.

Beaman and Bartman said they are excited about the opportunities associating with Hawkins will bring to Knock Out Energy.

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We got to a certain level on our own. We see nothing but good, Beaman said.
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) _ Gabriel Betancourt _ the father of a Colombian presidential candidate who is being held hostage by leftist rebels _ has died at age 84.

Betancourt, a former education minister whose daughter Ingrid was abducted on Feb. 23 and hasn't been heard from since, died early Saturday of respiratory problems, said government spokesman Luis Eduardo Ramos.

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Ingrid Betancourt's mother, Nancy Pulecio, beseeched members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, to free the 40-year-old presidential candidate before the funeral, scheduled for Monday.

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Ingrid Betancourt had criticized rebel connections to the drug trade before she was kidnapped by FARC rebels.

They were trying to reach a town inside the rebels' former safe haven rescinded when the government ended peace talks with the rebel army on Feb. 20. Rebels kidnap hundreds of people every year in Colombia, which is in the throes of a 38-year civil conflict.

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Amid ongoing military airstrikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, key economic and energy facilities in the countrys southwestern Khuzestan province have come under attack, further escalating tensions in the region, AzerNEWS reports.

According to local authorities, multiple petrochemical facilities in Mahshahr districtincluding the Fajr, Rejal, and Amir Kabir complexeswere struck by missile fire. Valiollah Hayati, deputy governor of Khuzestan province, stated that at least three missiles hit the sites, triggering several explosions.

At least five people were reported injured in the attacks, while casualties could rise as emergency responders continue operations. Firefighters and rescue teams have been deployed to contain the damage.

In a separate incident on the same day, the Shalamcheh border trade terminal in the Khorramshahr district was also targeted. Officials confirmed that the facility sustained significant damage, though no immediate reports of casualties were released.

The strikes come as part of a broader military campaign launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel against Iran. The White House has justified the operation as a response to missile and nuclear threats originating from the Islamic Republic.

The conflict has already resulted in significant losses at the highest levels of Irans leadership. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several other senior figures have reportedly been killed in the strikes.

In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced a large-scale retaliatory operation against Israel. Iran has also launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeting U.S. military assets across the region, including bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.

The escalating conflict is placing critical regional infrastructure at risk, particularly in the energy and maritime sectors. Security tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified, driving a sharp rise in global oil prices.

Iran continues to assert control over the strategic waterway, reportedly allowing only selected vessels to pass, further heightening concerns over global energy supply disruptions.
Yet, Carnival cut its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $2.21, absorbing more than $500 million in adverse fuel price impacts versus prior assumptions. The core problem is structural: Carnival doesn't hedge fuel costs, leaving it fully exposed to commodity swings. CEO Josh Weinstein acknowledged the dynamic directly, stating, "This performance supported an increase to our full year operational outlook of nearly $150 million, helping to mitigate the impact of higher fuel prices."

Carnival's most recent quarter showed the tension in sharp relief. The company reported adjusted EPS of $0.20 against a consensus estimate of $0.1836, a solid beat, and nearly 85% of 2026 capacity is already booked at historically high constant-currency prices. Customer deposits reached nearly $8 billion, up roughly 10% year-over-year. The demand picture is genuinely exceptional.

WTI crude oil rose above $111 per barrel today, surging from $71.13 on March 2. That kind of spike in a month's time creates an immediate earnings problem for cruise operators, particularly those without hedging programs in place.

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 selling pressure reflects a sector-wide reckoning: cruise demand has rarely looked stronger, yet fuel costs are overwhelming the positive booking story in the near term. Today's declines extend a rough stretch for both names, with both CCL and NCLH shares down 16% year-to-date. Pre-holiday position rebalancing appears to be amplifying the move.

Carnival Corporation ( NYSE:CCL ) stock retreated 4% in Thursday's session, trading below $26 after opening at $26.58. Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line ( NYSE:NCLH ) stock also sank 4%, changing hands at less than $19. Both moves come on the last trading session before Good Friday, when the markets close for the holiday.

A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here .

WTI crude oil spiked above $111 per barrel from $71.13 in March, creating immediate earnings pressure on cruise operators without fuel hedging programs as the sector tries to reconcile strong booking demand against challenging fuel cost headwinds.

Carnival reported $0.20 adjusted EPS beating estimates and 85% of 2026 capacity booked at record prices but cut full-year EPS guidance to $2.21 after absorbing $500M+ in fuel cost impacts, while Norwegian faces execution gaps and expanded Caribbean capacity that isnt absorbing at expected prices.

Story Continues

Carnival is responding with efficiency measures rather than consumer surcharges. Fuel consumption per available lower berth day fell 4.7%, and the company is adjusting itineraries by visiting fewer but closer ports while developing private destinations like Celebration Key. These are smart long-term moves, but they don't fully offset a $500 million-plus headwind in the near term. You can go here to read more about the pressures weighing on cruise stocks.

Norwegian Cruise Line Faces a Separate Set of Headwinds

Norwegian Cruise Line's decline today is part of a steeper trend. NCLH shares are down 15% over the past month and have lost 4% over the past year, a stark contrast to Carnival's 28% one-year gain. Certainly, Norwegian is dealing with problems that go beyond fuel prices.

New CEO John Chidsey, who took the helm in February 2026, has been candid about Norwegian Cruise Line's execution gaps. In his first earnings commentary, he stated "execution and cross-functional alignment have fallen short" and pointed to Caribbean deployment missteps that are pressuring early 2026 bookings. Norwegian Cruise Line expanded Caribbean capacity by 40% year-over-year, and that supply isn't being absorbed at the prices management originally anticipated.

The company guided for flat net yields in constant currency for 2026, with Q1 net yields expected to decline 1.6%. Norwegian Cruise Line's full-year adjusted EPS guidance stands at $2.38, but analysts have lowered their estimates, reflecting skepticism about the recovery timeline. Activist investor Elliott Investment Management's involvement adds governance pressure to an already complex turnaround story.

Royal Caribbean Holds a Competitive Advantage

Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) stock is down 2% today but has held up well overall, having gained 30% over the past 12 months. A contributing factor, no doubt, is that Royal Caribbean has hedged around 60% of its fuel needs for 2026, insulating its margins from the crude oil spike that is hammering Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Royal Caribbean also reported roughly two-thirds of 2026 capacity already booked at record rates and guided for full-year adjusted EPS of $17.70 to $18.10. That combination of hedged fuel costs and record bookings gives it a meaningful buffer that neither Carnival nor Norwegian currently enjoys.

What to Watch

Watch for whether Carnival shares can hold above the $25 level into today's close, the last session before the four-day holiday weekend. Any further deterioration in WTI crude oil prices heading into next week would likely keep pressure on cruise stocks when the markets reopen next week.

For Norwegian Cruise Line shares, the more important near-term signal will be Q1 2026 results, where management's acknowledgment of execution missteps will face its first real data test. Carnival's $2.5 billion share buyback program, which commences after its April 17 shareholder meetings, could provide a technical floor for CCL shares if oil stabilizes.

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 historic Bishop Hill Steeple Building, built in 1854, will play host April 11 to events that are part of the Bishop Hill community's Spring Fling. EJ Rodriquez/Getty Images

The community of Bishop Hill will welcome spring on April 11 by hosting a Spring Fling.

The day will include discounts at various stores, museums and restaurants in the community, according to Todd DeDecker, administrator for Bishop Hill Heritage Association.

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Those who collect signatures from at least six businesses or museums during Spring Fling will be entered in a drawing for a gift basket from Colony Store.

Colony School will play host to a This n That Rummage Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale will benefit Bishop Hill Old Settlers Associations building maintenance project of the year.

The Vasa Archives will have an opening reception from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for its new exhibit, Heritage and Community: The Vasa Order of America, New Jersey District Six. The exhibit explores the history and contributions of the Vasa Order, a Swedish-American fraternal organization dedicated to preserving Swedish heritage.

The first Bishop Hill Art Invitational, hosted by Bishop Hill Arts Council, also will open April 11 at the Steeple Building Museum. Works by both high school and adult artists in a variety of styles will remain on display through May 1. Admission is free.

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The annual Bishop Hill Book Fair will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bishop Hill Creative Commons. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Crossroads Cultural Connections, a nonprofit organization dedicated to economic vitality in Henry and surrounding counties through community arts.

Barry Grove will present a free, one-hour program on Colonial America at 1 p.m. at the Steeple Building Museum. It will cover Colonial American life in the original 13 colonies before the Revolutionary War.

The day will wrap up with a concert by country musician Rye Davis at Bishop Hill Creative Commons. A potluck and social hour will begin at 6 p.m. with the concert at 7 p.m.

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Bishop Hill was founded in 1846 by Swedish immigrants seeking to establish a utopian community based on their religious beliefs. It was not easy and, by 1861, the colony officially had been dissolved. Today, the colonys surviving buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places and the Bishop Hill community embraces and preserves its Swedish-American heritage.
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It is recommended you contact the group in advance to verify meeting details. Any changes in meeting schedules can be emailed to JJCsocial@myjournalcourier.com.



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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

217-370-4002

Jacksonville locations:

 First Baptist Church, 1701 Mound Ave. Wheelchair-accessible.

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 Club HOW, 638 S. Church St.

 Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, 104 Finley St. (enter through the back)

Monday

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW.

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 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Bowen Group.

 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW.

Tuesday

 Open discussion, noon at Club HOW.

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 VIRGINIA: Closed discussion, 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Main and Washington streets.

 ROODHOUSE: Closed discussion, 12-step/12 traditions, 8 p.m. at Grace Center, 114 W. Palm St.

Wednesday

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW.

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 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW.

Thursday

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW.

 SASS (Strong and Sober Sisters) open womens meeting, 6:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf.

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 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. Newcomers Group.

Friday

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW. TGIF Group.

 Closed discussion, 5:15 p.m., Big Book Study at Club HOW.

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 VIRGINIA: Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 401 E. Broadway Ave.

Saturday

 Open meeting, noon at Club HOW.

 Open speaker, 8 p.m. at Club HOW.

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Sunday

 Closed discussion, 10 a.m. at Club HOW. (Second Sunday is open)

 SPRINGFIELD: AA for Women, 10 a.m. at Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St.

 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. 12 & 12 Group.

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AL-ANON

Meetings are nonsmoking and open to anyone. The only requirement is that there be a problem of alcohol with a loved one or friend. 217-370-1038.

Wednesday

 Al-Anon, 7-8 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 331 E. State St. (use Morgan Street entrance).

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NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

All meetings are nonsmoking. Not affiliated with any religious organization.

Jacksonville location:

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 Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, 104 Finley St. (enter through back door). 217-883-1975.

Monday

 Open discussion group, 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf.

Wednesday

 Open discussion group, 8 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf.

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Friday

 Open discussion group, 7:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf.



OTHER MEETINGS

Monday

 Living Grace support group, 6 p.m., GO Church, 767 S. West St. The group uses both biblican and neuroscientific insights and tools to help reduce stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. 952-693-6841 or jamiemgish@gmail.com.

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 Hope Lives On support group for mothers who have lost children to suicide, 7 p.m., Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, 155 W. Morton Ave.

 Addicts Victorious, 7-8 p.m. at Faith Tabernacle, 571 Sandusky St. Use side entrance to church hall.

 PITTSFIELD: Addicts Victorious, 7-8 p.m. in the basement of Subway in Pittsfield. 1-800-323-1388.



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Tuesday

 Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary, 7 a.m. Rudis Grill, 1913 W. Morton Ave. 217-243-6895.

 Dementia Caregiver support group, 2-3 p.m., free virtual event. Call 800-272-3900 to register, which is required. Hosted by the Springfield office of the Alzheimers Association Illinois.

 American Legion Post 279, 7 p.m. at 903 W. Superior Ave.

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Wednesday

 Breastfeeding support group, 6 p.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Meeting Room 2.

 ROODHOUSE: Women with Hearts of Love (WWHOL), 6-7 p.m. at House of Restoration, 208 W. Franklin St. 217-602-1670.

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Thursday

 Grief support group, 10 a.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.

 Jacksonville Area Chess Club, 6-9 p.m. at Jacksonville Public Library. 217-370-0882.

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 St. Johns UCC Grief Group, 7 p.m., St. Johns UCC, 216 North St., Brighton. Free | Support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

 Jacksonville Kiwanis Club, noon at Hamiltons.

 WHITE HALL: Addicts Victorious, teens 5:30-6:30 p.m.; adults 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of New Life Church, 626 Curtis St.



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Friday

 Jacksonville Rotary Club, noon at Hamiltons.

 PITTSFIELD: Addicts Victorious, 6 p.m. at Assembly of God, 575 Piper St. 800-323-1388.



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Saturday
"The Woodchipper" Courtesy of Jacksonville Public Library "Days of Love and Rage" Courtesy of Jacksonville Public Library "Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally" Courtesy of Jacksonville Public Library "We Fell Apart" Courtesy of Jacksonville Public Library

Whats new at Jacksonville Public Library:

Adult Fiction  Graphic Novel

The Woodchipper by Joe Ollmann: Everybody's just doing their best, trying to get through the day  why is disaster always lurking around the corner? Joe Ollmann, cartoonist of the groundbreaking Governor General Award finalist Fictional Father, returns with a suite of stories focused on his trademark nervous-wreck characters caught in a series of escalating personal disasters. What happens when a bookstore clerk gets trapped in the bathroom at work during Christmas? Or when a longtime city worker sees his hapless young colleague almost get chewed up in the titular wood chipper? In Ollmann's world, nobody can catch a break.

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Adult Nonfiction

Days of Love and Rage: A Story of Ordinary People Forging a Revolution by Anand Gopal: In 2011 in a northern Syrian city, a small group of men and women began a movement that overthrew a brutal dictatorship. For the next 18 months, many of the citizens of Manbij carried out one of the most remarkable experiments in democracy in modern times. Days of Love and Rage details the powerfully intimate narratives of the men and women who led this struggle, and who experienced the highs of camaraderie and the lows of betrayal. Among them: a pair of best friends torn apart by political polarization, a mother who stands up to male dominance, and a worker who risks everything for the dream of equality.

CD

Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally by Harry Styles: After conquering the globe with 2022's instant classic, Harry's House, Harry Styles chose to spread his creative wings with his 2026 follow-up, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. That approach yielded an album that focuses more on vibe than massive radio singles  though, fear not, there still are a couple of those standouts  and the results should be well received by a certain type of listener. Styles mentioned in interviews that LCD Soundsystem was an influence, as was Radiohead, whom he caught in concert while in Berlin. Those touchstones can be heard throughout, as well as notes of Postal Service (the digital heartbeats of "Aperture" and "Carla's Song") and even Tame Impala (the driving groove of "Ready, Steady, Go!" and the funky "Dance No More"). Being the vibe that it is, Kiss All the Time isn't simply music for that sushi restaurant but rather a solid soundtrack to a very cool evening with Styles as the party's genial host with the most.

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Young Adult Fiction

We Fell Apart by E. Lockhart: When Matilda receives a sudden invitation from Kingsley Cello  the estranged father she's never met  she travels to his seaside home, Hidden Beach, hoping for connection and self-discovery. Instead, she encounters her lost brother Meer, troubled ex-actor Brock, and the guarded Tatum, all hiding painful secrets. With Kingsley missing, Matilda must unravel the dark mysteries of Hidden Beach, where lies and blood ties blur beneath the surface.

Did you know?

Come to the library at 11 a.m. Thursday to learn about the amazing services The Job Center has to offer from career specialist Jeni Sprinkle. From job boards and resume building to job applications, The Job Center has many resources for people seeking employment.

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Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard was committed to the Illinois State Hospital mental asylum in 1860 and kept under lock and key for three years, all the while protesting her sanity. While her husband, Theophilus, insisted to everyone  that she was, in fact, insane, Elizabeth was able to obtain her release. But her battle did not stop there. Join storyteller Laura Keyes at the library at 6 p.m. April 15 as she embodies Elizabeth Packard. Admission is free.
Truancy referrals to the regional office of education dropped in 2024-25 after years of increases, with Morgan County and the region both reporting declines. Abu Hanifah/Getty Images

The amount of referrals for intervention in cases of truant or chronically truant students has decreased for the first time after at least three years of increases.

While school districts are the primary organizations that communicate with families of their students, the Regional Office of Education  which oversees schools in Adams, Brown, Cass, Morgan, Pike and Scott counties  said it saw a decrease last year.

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The district office can be asked to step in when a student is truant, meaning they are missing school without a known or excused absence.

Amanda Isringhausen, director of at-risk interventions for Regional Office of Education District 1, said since she became the director during the 2021-22 school year, she has seen an increasing number of referrals each year, until last year.

In Morgan County, there were 717 students referred to the regional office for truancy intervention during the 2024-25 school year. Isringhausen said there was a significant drop from 2023-24, when 913 students were referred within Morgan County.

In the 2021-22 school year, 778 students were referred for truancy. There were 794 referrals in 2022-23.

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"We can't say what has caused the decrease," Isringhausen said.

Across the all counties served by the regional office, there were 1,445 referrals made during the 2021-22 school year, 1,684 during the 2022-23 school year, 1,746 during the 2023-24 school year, and 1,386 during the 2024-25 school year.

Regional Superintendent Jill Reis said the program does not just look at truancy, instead looking at overall family dynamics to understand where the root issues are.

"Attendance doesn't live in a vacuum," Reis said. "It can be a symptom of a larger issue."

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Districts could refer a student to the regional office when the student meets certain criteria, at which point the office can begin working with families to find solutions.

"Students ages 6-17 can be referred to truancy by their school, when they receive the minimum of six unexcused absences, and the school has attempted at least three supportive interventions," Isringhausen said. "Some examples of supportive interventions by the school include: phone calls and personalized letters to parents, providing incentives for good or improved attendance, intentional connections to school staff and peers, and home visits."

Prior to the 2025-26 school year, the requirement for referral was four unexcused absences.

Isringhausen said the primary goal is to get the students and families help so they are able to get to school, whether through counseling, connections to community programs or building positive relationships within the school environment for the student.

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The process of a referral begins with the district asking the regional office to step in. From there, the regional office contacts the family and informs them of the truancy referral.

"Typically, we are encouraging communication with the school at each future absence and advising they provide valid excuses when necessary," Isringhausen said.

The student's attendance is monitored for improvement. If improvement isn't made after 30 days, the regional office provides a second notice of truancy and begins further discussions and offers support.

After another 30 days, another check takes place and if there is no improvement, the final notice is sent to parents stating that improvements must be made; otherwise, legal consequences could be imposed.

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"We follow up on any previous referrals or if new information is provided, we discuss community-based resources, again trying to remove any barriers to their attendance," Isringhausen said.

The next step is a truancy hearing with the school, parents, student and regional office and they tailor a plan that works on education and attendance goals.

The final step, if no improvements are made at any of the previous interventions, is potential legal referral where parents and students can both face legal consequences, including fines, jail time, community service or court-ordered participation in recommended programs.

Isringhausen said the overall goal is to get students to school and they rarely have to have cases referred for legal consequences. She said on average, they have between five to 10 referrals for legal interventions a year across the counties the regional office serves.

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Students can also be placed in alternative environments, such as Lafayette Academy, which provides supports and can help students catch up to where they should be, Reis said.

The trend of decreased referrals last year follows the same overall decline in chronic truancy reported by the Illinois State Board of Education using its State Report Card data.

During the 2024-25 school year, roughly 19.8% of Illinois students were chronically truant from school, meaning they missed 5% or more of school days a year without a valid excuse, according to the Illinois Report Card.

Isringhausen said the need to attend school isn't just academic.

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"Yes, there are academic concerns, but there are also social concerns," Isringhausen said. "If they are not there, they aren't building positive relationships with other students, with the building staff. We want schools to build an encouraging environment and if they have one adult they feel comfortable going to, they are more likely to attend."

Reis said the goal is to prevent unexcused absences and help provide the needed supports so every student can be successful.
Bridges of Faith: The spiritual roots of unity

According to the book "Bridges of Faith: A Muslim American's Journey Through Faith, Finance, and the Fight for Humanity's Future," Islam and Christianity both trace their origins to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and share reverence for divine messengers, emphasizing monotheism, moral living, compassion and justice. The Quran acknowledges Christians and Jews as recipients of divine guidance, fostering mutual respect.

Jesus is honored in Islam as a prophet (mentioned 25 times in the Quran) and in Christianity as the Son of God. Mary (Maryam) is also venerated in both traditions, illustrating deep theological connections.

Governments, globalists and corrupt institutions manipulate religious differences to maintain control, fueling sectarian conflicts while pushing harmful agendas like toxic vaccines, food shortages and digital surveillance.

Muslims and Christians face the same enemies  centralized power structures, Big Pharma and financial elites. Grassroots movements (anti-GMO, organic farming, vaccine resistance) reveal shared battles against oppression.

The Quran and Bible both call for unity and understanding. By engaging in interfaith dialogue, rejecting fear narratives and fostering self-reliant communities, believers can dismantle divisions and reclaim spiritual liberation.

In a world increasingly fragmented by artificial divisions  political, racial and religious  it is essential to recognize the profound spiritual connections that bind humanity together. At the heart of Islam and Christianity lies a shared lineage, a common reverence for divine messengers and a call to live in harmony with existence  as elaborated in the book "Bridges of Faith: A Muslim American's Journey Through Faith, Finance, and the Fight for Humanity's Future."

Both faiths trace their origins to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), a figure revered in both traditions for his unwavering faith and submission to God. This shared heritage is not merely historical; it is a living testament to the interconnectedness of our spiritual journeys.

The Quran and the Bible, though distinct in their revelations, echo many of the same truths. Both emphasize monotheism  the belief in one all-powerful, merciful God  and uphold the sanctity of moral living, compassion and justice.

The Quran acknowledges the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) as recipients of divine guidance, urging mutual respect and dialogue rather than hostility. Similarly, Jesus, revered in Islam as a prophet and in Christianity as the Son of God, stands as a bridge between the two faiths.

The Quran mentions Jesus 25 times, honoring his miraculous birth, his teachings and his role as a messenger of God. Mary, his mother, is similarly venerated in Islam  with an entire chapter (Surah Maryam) dedicated to her piety and devotion.

Muslims and Christians are being played by the globalists

Yet, despite these deep connections, external forces  governments, globalists and corrupt institutions  work tirelessly to sow division. They manipulate narratives, stoke fear and exploit religious differences to maintain control. The same elites who push toxic vaccines, engineered food shortages and digital surveillance also fuel sectarian conflicts, ensuring that Muslims and Christians remain at odds rather than uniting against their common oppressors.

Consider the manufactured conflicts in the Middle East, where geopolitical agendas pit believers against each other. The suffering in Gaza, the exploitation of religious tensions for war profiteering and the deliberate erosion of moral values all serve a singular purpose: to keep humanity divided and distracted. Meanwhile, the true enemies  centralized power structures, Big Pharma and the financial elites  operate unchecked.

But there is hope: Muslims and Christians across the world are awakening to these manipulations. Farmers resisting GMO monopolies, families embracing organic permaculture and communities rejecting vaccine mandates are all part of a broader movement toward self-sufficiency and spiritual autonomy. These shared struggles reveal that our battles are not against each other, but against the systems that seek to enslave us.

How our faiths call us to build bridges instead of walls

The Quran teaches that God created humanity in diverse nations and tribes so that we may know one another (Surah 49:13), not so that we may fight. Jesus preached love for one's neighbor (Mark 12:31), even the stranger.

These are not conflicting messages but complementary calls to unity. When we recognize that our faiths are being weaponized against us, we can reclaim their true essence: a path to liberation, not division.

The path forward lies in education, dialogue and grassroots solidarity. By reading each other's scriptures, engaging in interfaith service, and resisting the narratives of fear, we dismantle the illusions of separation. The globalists fear nothing more than unified communities  self-reliant, spiritually grounded and unyielding in their demand for truth.

As we stand at a crossroads  facing economic collapse, medical tyranny and environmental destruction  the choice is clear: Will we remain divided by the lies of those in power, or will we embrace our shared spiritual heritage and build a future rooted in justice, freedom, and divine truth?

The answer lies not in the halls of power, but in the hearts of believers who choose unity over division, faith over fear and love over manipulation. The time for bridges is now. Let us walk them together.

Grab a copy of "Bridges of Faith: A Muslim American's Journey Through Faith, Finance, and the Fight for Humanity's Future" via this link. Discover this book and other good reads at Books.BrightLearn.AI, with thousands of books and counting  all available to freely download, read and share. The decentralized BrightLearn.AI engine also lets readers create their own books, empowering them to share insights and truths with the world.

Watch Aamar explaining why Muslims and Christians must unite to defeat the Antichrist in this live interview with the Health Ranger Mike Adams.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

BrightLearn.ai

Books.BrightLearn.ai

Brighteon.com
Newly released federal records detail a coordinated communications strategy by officials in the administration of former President Joe Biden aimed at countering what they described as COVID-19 misinformation during the height of the pandemic. The materials, obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests by the watchdog group Protect the Publics Trust, include a collection of documents outlining messaging plans, media preparation, and engagement with technology companies in 2021 as the Delta variant spread across the United States, according to a report by Newsmax [1].

The documents, released in early 2026, focus heavily on the role of thenU.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and preparations for public appearances, including interviews and speeches designed to address vaccine hesitancy and public skepticism. The findings contribute to an ongoing examination of the federal government's involvement in shaping public discourse during the public health emergency.

The Core of the Strategy: Surgeon General's Role

The released records show extensive internal preparations for Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's public communications throughout 2021. The strategy included planned media interviews, speeches, and public health messaging campaigns focused on increasing confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and public health policies during the Delta variant surge [1].

According to the documents, the efforts were part of a broader federal push to manage public perception. This aligns with other reports detailing substantial government expenditures on pro-vaccine messaging. A 2025 report by the Republican-led House Energy and Commerce Committee stated the Biden-Harris Administration spent nearly $1 billion promoting COVID-era messaging [2]. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also distributed hundreds of millions in grants to create "culturally tailored" pro-vaccine materials and train messengers in communities of color, according to a report by Children's Health Defense [3].

Engagement with Technology Companies

Records indicate the strategy included plans for engagement with social media and technology firms with the stated goal of countering what officials termed 'misinformation' on online platforms [1]. This aspect of the strategy has drawn significant scrutiny regarding the line between public health guidance and content moderation.

Multiple subsequent reports and legal findings have substantiated these efforts. In a letter, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that senior Biden administration officials pressured Facebook to censor content related to COVID-19 during the pandemic [4]. Furthermore, newly unredacted emails released by Representative Jim Jordan revealed that the White House demanded the removal of narratives and memes contradicting the government's COVID-19 message [5]. A project run by Stanford University, known as the Virality Project, served as a 'dry run' for coordinated efforts between government, academia, and social media companies to control political messaging around the pandemic, according to journalist Matt Taibbi's analysis of the 'Twitter Files' [6].

Historical Context: Public Health Messaging Under Scrutiny

The pandemic era saw an unprecedented scale of government involvement in public communications. While previous administrations have engaged in public health messaging, the level of coordination and direct engagement with private platforms revealed in these documents is notable [1]. This strategy followed intense debates over the definition and handling of 'misinformation.'

Critics argue the government's approach often conflated dissenting scientific opinion with malicious falsehoods. For instance, internal emails revealed that senior Biden administration health officials privately grappled with research suggesting recovery from COVID-19 infection provided stronger protection than vaccination alone, even as the federal government prepared sweeping vaccine mandates [7]. The strategy also involved significant financial investment. According to a report by the U.S. House of Representatives, the Department of Health and Human Services hired a public relations firm for a nearly $1 billion propaganda campaign designed to increase COVID vaccine uptake [8].

The Implications for Free Speech and Public Discourse

The revealed strategy touches directly on ongoing debates about free speech and permissible government influence. Critics contend such coordination blurred the lines between guidance and censorship, arguing it represented a systemic effort to silence alternative viewpoints. The consent decree signed by the Trump administration and plaintiffs in Missouri v. Biden in March 2026 formally ended litigation with a court-enforceable admission that the federal government pressured social media platforms to silence protected speech [9].

Supporters of the administration's actions contended they were a necessary response to a public health crisis filled with potentially dangerous false claims. However, legal challenges have persisted. A civil rights group sued the U.S. surgeon general and the HHS secretary, alleging the government violated the First Amendment by directing Twitter to censor individuals for spreading COVID 'misinformation' [10]. The debate extends beyond COVID-19, as the World Health Organization has proposed recommendations for 'social listening surveillance systems' to address what it describes as an 'infodemic' [11], raising concerns about the future of global speech governance.

Conclusion: A Revealing Look at Pandemic Governance

The documents offer a detailed look at internal pandemic communication planning within the Biden administration. Their release contributes to the ongoing, post-2024 election examination of government actions during COVID-19, a period now under renewed congressional scrutiny with Republicans holding majorities in both the House and Senate.

The strategy's legacy continues to influence current debates on public health, information, and free speech. As noted in the book 'The Censorship of Second Opinions,' the shift toward dictated medicine and government-managed information represents a dangerous proposition, where honesty and transparency are supplanted by coordinated messaging [12]. The fallout from these policies has fueled a profound public distrust, as reflected in polling that shows a significant portion of the population believes COVID vaccines have caused serious side effects and deaths [13].

References
Memberships drive Costco's business.

The most important item we sell is the membership card, Costco CEO Ron Vachris told Fortune.

Costco also makes much of its profit from selling memberships, since it sells most of its merchandise at very low margins.

Members keep coming back because they know Costco will pass savings on to them, creating a model where membership income helps fund low prices and those low prices drive renewals, according to The Motley Fool.

"Shoppers pay an annual fee to join, and in fiscal 2025 (year ended Aug. 31, 2025), these fees generated $5.3 billion in revenue. And since the costs of running this membership are minimal, nearly all of that goes straight to the bottom line," The Motley Fool's Lawrence Nga wrote.

The warehouse club has seen its membership revenue rise, partially because of its Sept. 1 membership fee hike, and partly by adding new members.

Its renewal rate, however, fell, and that's tied to a feature many members don't know about  "set it and forget it" auto-renewal.

A quick look at Costco's membership numbers

"We reported membership fee income of $1.355 billion, an increase of $162 million or 13.6% year-over-year," CFO Gary Millerchip said during the warehouse club's second-quarter earnings call. "The September 2024 U.S. and Canada membership fee increase accounted for about one-third of our membership income growth."

Numbers would have been strong even without the increase from $60 to $65 for Gold memberships and $120 to $130 for Executive memberships.

"Excluding the membership fee increase and FX, membership income grew 7.5% year-over-year. This was driven by continued growth in our membership base and upgrades to executive memberships," he added.

At Q2 end, Costco had 40.4 million paid executive memberships , up 9.5% versus last year.

The chain ended the quarter with 82.1 million total paid members , up 4.8% versus last year, and 147.2 million cardholders, up 4.7% year over year.

In terms of renewal rates, at Q2 end, Costco's U.S. and Canada renewal rate was 92.1%, down 0.1% from last quarter, and the worldwide rate came in at 89.7%, unchanged from last quarter.

"The slight decline in the U.S. and Canada renewal rate was due to the factors we have discussed in prior quarters and reflects new online members growing as a percentage of our total base and renewing at a slightly lower rate than warehouse sign-ups," he shared.

That's partially an auto-renewal problem because the chain's growing number of members who join online don't opt into auto-renewal at the same rate as members who sign up in a warehouse. This has explained the chain's slightly lower renewal rates.
Iran Expands Cyber Campaign Against U.S. and Israel With Multi-Tiered Digital Attacks

Iran is escalating its cyber operations against the United States and Israel, deploying a layered network of digital actors to conduct espionage, disrupt infrastructure, and influence public perception, according to a report by the Financial Times [1]. Cybersecurity analysts describe the effort as a coordinated campaign involving three distinct tiers: elite units linked to Irans military and intelligence, state-aligned proxies, and hacktivist groups. The campaign employs layered attacks targeting government, critical infrastructure, and private sector entities [2]. Officials from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Israeli National Cyber Directorate confirmed a significant escalation in Iranian cyber operations following the commencement of military hostilities in late February 2026. This activity coincides with ongoing regional tensions and follows recent diplomatic announcements from Tehran and Washington.

Scope and Targets of the Escalated Campaign

Officials from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed a multi-vector approach targeting a wide range of sectors [3]. Targets include energy grid operators, financial institutions, and telecommunications networks in both countries [4]. A joint advisory from Five Eyes intelligence alliance attributed the campaign to Iranian state actors [14]. The Israeli National Cyber Directorate reported attempts to breach water treatment and transportation systems. Since the war began last month, hackers supporting Iran have launched thousands of cyberattacks on companies and organizations in both the U.S. and Israel. The attacks have also extended to networks in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and other Gulf states. Iranian-linked hackers have claimed responsibility for breaching the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel, publicly releasing photographs and emails [5].

Tactics and Attribution

Analysts cite use of advanced persistent threat (APT) groups linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [6]. Methods include spear-phishing, supply chain compromises, and deployment of new malware strains [14]. An Iran-linked hacker group known as Handala claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on U.S. medical tech company Stryker, causing a global network disruption [7]. The hacking group Handala shared a statement saying the attack was 'in retaliation for the brutal attack on the Minab school and in response to ongoing cyber assaults against the infrastructure of the Axis of Resistance' [8]. Pro-Iran hacktivist groups are also claiming responsibility for disruptive cyberattacks against major U.S. targets, including Microsoft 365 services and websites affiliated with President Donald Trump [9]. This campaign, active since early February, signals a dangerous new phase where cyber and kinetic operations are converging [10].

Political Context and Timing

The cyber escalation follows recent public statements by U.S. and Iranian political figures regarding ceasefire proposals. In a Truth Social post on April 1, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump praised Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian while revealing a ceasefire proposal [11]. A U.S. Defense Department spokesperson stated the timing suggests a correlation with diplomatic maneuvers. An Israeli security official said the attacks represent a 'persistent and adaptable' threat vector [17]. The United States set up its Cyber Command in 2009, kicking off a global arms race in cyberspace, according to a book on cyber warfare [12]. Such actions have caused the situation to quickly escalate out of control, the book states, noting that in recent years, advanced cyberattack tools and loophole information are purchased on the black market [12].

Official Statements and Responses

A CISA representative advised all critical infrastructure operators to review their defensive postures immediately [13]. The Israeli government confirmed it had activated enhanced cyber defense protocols across key sectors [17]. Private cybersecurity firms have begun issuing detailed technical indicators of compromise to clients [14]. Fitch Ratings warned that hacktivists, state-sponsored groups and lone wolf actors could use cyber to target critical infrastructure and U.S. public entities in reaction to the war [4]. The FBI confirmed it had 'identified and addressed suspicious activities on FBI networks' and deployed its full technical resources in response to a suspected cybersecurity incident involving a sensitive internal network used for surveillance warrants [15]. Without better cyber defenses, government agencies and corporations will continue to be hacked, according to a cybersecurity article [16].

Conclusion: Assessing the Cyber Threat Landscape

Security analysts describe the campaign as one of the most coordinated Iranian cyber offensives observed [1]. Officials emphasize that the multi-tiered nature complicates traditional defensive measures [17]. The situation remains fluid, with continued monitoring by international cybersecurity agencies [18]. Iran's structured cyber strategy, leveraging state and private actors, prioritizes psychological manipulation alongside technical attacks [17]. The ongoing conflict underscores how digital warfare is now ingrained in modern military engagements, with cyber operations supporting kinetic strikes from the outset [19]. As the Middle East teeters on the edge of a broader conflagration, the daily headlines focusing on missiles and drones miss the deeper story of integrated, multi-domain warfare [20].

References
A damaged artery at a dangerous time: Largest U.S. gas pipeline takes damage

Just as American motorists began bracing for $4 gallon gasoline, the nations largest fuel artery suffered a blunt-force blow. On March 31, a third party well drilling crew in Paulding County, Georgia, struck Colonial Pipelines Line 1, forcing an emergency shutdown of the system that moves 1.5 million barrels of gasoline daily from Houston to the East Coast. While repairs concluded within 48 hours, the incident raises an uncomfortable question: Are these mechanical mishaps merely industrial accidents, or is the U.S. energy grid experiencing a quiet dress rehearsal for something far more deliberate? At a moment when the Iran war has already spiked crude prices and strained global supply chains, any disruption to Colonials spine threatens to tighten fuel supplies further, punishing consumers who are already skeptical of official assurances that everything remains under control.

Key points:

Colonial Pipelines Line 1, the largest gasoline pipeline in the U.S., was damaged by a well drilling crew in Georgia on March 31.

The pipeline delivers 1.5 million barrels per day from Houston to Greensboro, North Carolina, with distribution reaching New York Harbor.

Repairs finished April 1, but the outage coincided with U.S. average gasoline prices crossing $4 per gallon on March 30.

A Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, experienced an explosion last week at a 47,000 barrel per day unit, though operations have since restarted.

The timing of these two energy infrastructure failures, amid active sabotage of energy assets in Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East, invites scrutiny.

Largest gasoline pipeline is struck

Colonial Pipeline is no ordinary piece of infrastructure. It is the circulatory system for motor fuel across the southeastern and eastern United States. Line 1 specifically carries roughly 1.5 million barrels of gasoline each day from Houstons refining hub to storage tanks in Greensboro, North Carolina. From there, the fuel is distributed locally or shipped to markets all the way up to the New York Harbor. The damage occurred March 31 in Paulding County, Georgia, approximately 40 miles northwest of Atlanta. Colonial acknowledged the strike in a brief statement obtained by Zero Hedge: Line 1 is out of service while our team coordinates response and repair efforts. By April 1, repairs were complete, and the line resumed operations.

But the speed of the fix does not erase the vulnerability. Early last year, the same Line 1 shut for about five days after a leak in Paulding County. That event carried limited market impact because it happened in January, a period of low gasoline demand. Late March and early April are different animals. Spring driving season begins to ramp up, and inventories are leaner. When the Iran war pushed U.S. average gasoline prices above $4 per gallon on March 30, the political and economic sensitivity of any supply interruption became razor sharp.

A pattern of accidents or something else?

One week before the pipeline strike, the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, experienced an explosion at its 47,000 barrel per day Unit 243 diesel hydrotreater. That facility processes 380,000 barrels of crude daily. The blast forced a temporary shutdown. Valero has since restarted operations, and the company described the event as an industrial accident. Yet when a refinery explodes and a major pipeline is struck by drilling crews within a seven day window, the coincidence strains credibility.

There's a global pattern here, worth mentioning. Energy infrastructure across Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East is being destroyed with regularity. Drones, sabotage teams and alleged accidental strikes have knocked out refineries, pumping stations and storage depots. The United States has not been immune to physical attacks on energy systems. The 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware shutdown caused panic buying and regional shortages. That was a cyber event. This is physical damage from a third party drill crew. But the question lingers: Why was a well drilling crew operating directly atop a major fuel artery without precise location data? Why now, when gasoline prices are already a political liability and the Iran war has introduced fresh volatility?

Colonial stated that the remainder of its pipeline system stayed operational. Zero Hedge noted that any prolonged shutdown risked further tightening fuel supplies at the $4 per gallon threshold. For context, the national average had not crossed that mark in more than three years. The Iran war has pushed crude oil prices higher, and Irans threats to close the Strait of Hormuz have injected a fear premium into every barrel traded globally.

Greater implications emerge when citizens ask whether the U.S. energy grid is being stress-tested by hostile actors. No evidence of sabotage has been presented publicly. But the pattern of a refinery explosion followed by a pipeline strike, at a moment of geopolitical chaos, demands skepticism.

Sources include:

100PercentFedUp.com

PGJOnline.com

Zerohedge.com
Shroud of Turin DNA study deepens mystery: New findings suggest complex history

A metagenomic analysis revealed DNA from multiple human, animal, plant and microbial sources embedded in the Shroud, suggesting extensive exposure across different regions. Notably, 38.7% of human DNA matched lineages from India, hinting at possible trade connections or an Indian origin for the linen.

The study detected mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from Western Eurasia and the Near East, supporting historical movement of the cloth. However, researchers cautioned that multiple human contacts complicate identifying any original DNA tied to Jesus.

DNA from domestic animals (cats, dogs, horses) and crops like corn and peanutsnot native to the biblical Middle Eastsuggests later medieval European exposure, raising questions about the Shroud's timeline.

Bacteria linked to human skin, salt-loving archaea and fungi were found, likely due to centuries of handling and storage in varying climates.

While 1988 radiocarbon dating placed the Shroud in the 13th14th century, believers argue contamination may have skewed results. The new DNA study does not confirm or deny divine origins, leaving the Shroud's mystery intact.

For centuries, the Shroud of Turin has captivated believers and skeptics alike. It has been hailed by some as the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, and at the same time dismissed by others as an elaborate medieval forgery.

Now, a groundbreaking DNA analysis has added another layer of intrigue to the enigmatic relic, revealing traces of multiple human, animal and plant originsraising fresh questions about its true history. A team of researchers from the University of Padova, led by geneticist Gianni Barcaccia, conducted a metagenomic analysis of DNA extracted from 12 samples collected from the Shroud in 1978.

Their findings, published as a preprint in bioRxiv, reveal a staggering diversity of genetic materialhuman, animal, plant and microbialembedded in the ancient linen. "Our findings highlight its preservation conditions and environmental interactions, offering valuable perspectives into the identified genetic variants, which originated from multiple biological sources," the researchers wrote.

Among the most striking discoveries was the presence of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages, including some common in Western Eurasia and others prevalent in the Near East. Notably, about 38.7% of the human DNA matched lineages from India, suggesting historical trade connections or even a possible origin of the linen itself in the Indus Valley.

"The DNA traces found on the Shroud of Turin suggest the potentially extensive exposure of the cloth in the Mediterranean region and the possibility that the yarn was produced in India," the study noted.

However, Anders Gotherstrom, a geneticist at Stockholm University unaffiliated with the study, cautioned against jumping to conclusions. "I still see no reason to doubt that the shroud is French and from the 13th-14th century," he told New Scientist.

Beyond human DNA, the study identified traces of domestic animalscats, dogs, chickens, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, deer and rabbitsas well as fish and insects. These findings align with the theory that the Shroud traveled extensively, accumulating genetic material from different regions.

The plant DNA added another twist: Traces of carrots, wheat, corn, bananas and peanuts were detectedcrops not native to the Middle East during biblical times. This raises questions about whether the cloth was exposed to later agricultural influences, possibly during medieval European trade.

Microbial analysis further complicated the picture. The Shroud bore bacteria linked to human skin (Cutibacterium, Staphylococcus) as well as salt-loving archaea and fungi, likely due to centuries of handling and storage in varying climates.

A divine mystery or a medieval masterpiece?

The Shroud of Turin first appeared in historical records in 1354 France, and its authenticity has been fiercely contested ever since. A 1988 radiocarbon dating placed its origin between 1260 and 1390, casting doubt on its connection to Jesus. Yet, believers argue that contamination or repairs could have skewed those results.

The new DNA study does not settle the debate. "The occurrence of an unusually high number of human heteroplasmies and the coexistence of different mtDNA variants confirm that the Shroud came into contact with multiple individuals, thereby challenging the possibility of identifying the original DNA of the Shroud," the researchers concluded.

BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that the Shroud of Turin is one of the most enigmatic and debated religious artifacts in history, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. This 14-foot-long linen cloth bears the faint, front-and-back image of a crucified man with wounds consistent with biblical accounts of Christ's crucifixion, including puncture marks at the wrists and feet, a spear wound to the side, and lacerations consistent with scourging.

Some researchers propose that the Shroud's image was not formed by an actual body, but by artistic methods. Last year, Brazilian 3D designer Cicero Moraes suggested that the imprint matches a low-relief statue, implying medieval artisans may have created it as a devotional object.

Yet for those who venerate the Shroud, its mystery remains sacred. Raymond Rogers, a chemist who studied the cloth, once argued that its unique propertiessuch as the inexplicable depth and detail of the imagedefy conventional explanations. As the researchers noted, "The overall DNA results suggest a diverse mosaic of genetic traces."

The latest DNA analysis underscores the Shroud's complex journey through history, touched by countless hands, cultures and environments. While science may never definitively prove or disprove its divine origins, the relic continues to inspire faith, skepticism and fascinationa testament to its enduring power as one of Christianity's most debated artifacts.

Watch this video about scientific evidence proving that the Shroud of Turin is indeed Jesus' burial cloth.

This video is from the Raymond7779 channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NYPost.com

TheSun.co.uk

GreekReporter.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Surge in Meteor Sightings During 2026s First Quarter Prompts Scientific Review

Introduction

A significant increase in reports of brilliant meteors, known as fireballs, in the first three months of 2026 has prompted a formal scientific review. The American Meteor Society (AMS), a nonprofit that has tracked such events for over a century, stated the surge "warrants serious investigation." [1] According to the organization's preliminary data, the first quarter of 2026 has seen more fireball reports than the same period in any year since its modern records began in 2011. [1]

Officials said the data shows a pattern that requires deeper analysis to determine if the increase represents a genuine change in the near-Earth environment or is attributable to other factors, such as increased public reporting. [1] The society has recorded 2,046 fireball events globally so far this year, including 38 major events witnessed by more than 50 people, which is more than the last two years combined. [1]

Increased Fireball Reports in Early 2026 Prompt Scientific Scrutiny

The AMS reported that the first quarter of 2026 has produced what appears to be a significant surge in large fireball events. [1] The data, drawn from the AMS database going back to 2011, shows a notable increase compared to historical baselines. [1] In 2025, only 15 fireballs were witnessed by more than 50 people in the first three months, whereas 2026 has seen 38 such events. [1]

Nearly a thousand more fireballs have been spotted in this year's first three months than were detected a decade ago, when only 1,175 were seen in 2016. [1] The society said the recent uptick of space rocks ripping through the atmosphere cannot be definitively explained by local meteor showers or other predictable natural events in space. [1] This has led to internal questions about whether Earth is passing through an unusually dense region of solar system debris.

Data Indicates Uptick in Major Events, Sonic Booms

March 2026 has stood out for an unusual number of high-visibility events, according to AMS data. The month featured far more fireballs seen by over 50 and 100 people, events lasting longer than four seconds, and meteors producing loud sonic booms  audible shockwaves created when an object travels through the atmosphere faster than the speed of sound. [1] Sonic booms occur when a meteor shoots through the atmosphere at speeds over 25,000 mph. [1]

One prominent example was a fireball over Germany on March 8 that was reported by 3,229 people. [1] Several other widely visible events had hundreds of witnesses each during the month. [1] The society noted that these bright streaks of light are created when space rocks burn up in Earth's atmosphere and can be potentially dangerous if a large enough piece reaches the ground. [1] Recent reported fireballs include widespread sightings over the United States, in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas and California, and in other countries such as Australia and Turkey. [1]

Officials Dismiss Extraterrestrial Theories, Cite Natural Origins

In a statement addressing public speculation, AMS researchers said their analysis shows "no evidence of anomalous trajectory behavior, controlled flight, or non-natural composition" for the fireballs. [1] The society stated, "These are rocks from the inner solar system." [1] The organization has pushed back on claims that anything besides harmless asteroid fragments has entered Earth's atmosphere this year. [1]

Researchers revealed that recovered meteorite specimens, like those from Ohio and Germany, are common achondritic HED types. [1] Achondritic HEDs refer to a special group of meteorites.

Achondritic means these are stony meteorites without small round grains, called chondrules, that most common meteorites have. They formed from melted and cooled rock, like volcanic rocks on Earth. [1]

HED stands for HowarditeEucriteDiogenite. These are three closely related types of achondrites that all came from the same large asteroid, Vesta, which sits in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. [1] The society added there was no current threat from this surge in meteorite impacts and that none posed a danger beyond localized effects. [1]

Witness Accounts and a Notable Impact Stir Public Discussion

Despite official explanations, some public speculation about non-natural origins persists. Witnesses across Red Oak, Texas, captured moments on March 17 when an orange fireball streaking through the night sky appeared to turn back up into the air instead of crashing to Earth. [1]

One person posted online after seeing the event, "Not your typical burn-up trajectory. UFO or space rock? You decide." [1]

On March 21, a meteorite fragment damaged the roof of a home in Houston, Texas. [1] The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the three-foot-long rock that weighed over a ton prior to colliding with Sherrie James' house was traveling at 35,000 mph before most of it burned up in the atmosphere. [1]

A tiny chunk survived and struck the woman's home with such force that it ripped through the ceiling of her daughter's bedroom, ricocheted off the floor, and hit the ceiling again before landing on an empty bed. [1] Such events, while rare, underscore the tangible, if localized, risks from such atmospheric entries.

Researchers Note AI's Role in Reporting, Not Event Frequency

The AMS report suggested that artificial intelligence chatbots may be directing more witnesses to its reporting site, potentially increasing the number of reports per individual event. [1] When people see a bright fireball, witnesses often ask ChatGPT, Siri, Grok or Google's AI "I just saw a fireball - where do I report it?" and the AI directs them straight to the AMS website. [1] This can cause each big event to get more reports than it would have in the past. [1]

However, officials stated that AI likely only explains the higher number of witnesses per event, not the actual increase in loud sonic booms or the meteorites striking Earth. [1] The physical evidence of impacts and audible phenomena suggests a natural surge in space debris intersecting Earth's orbit, a phenomenon documented in historical records of comet and asteroid debris streams. [2][3] The last time there were more than 2,000 fireballs seen in Earth's atmosphere before the start of April was 2021. [1]

Conclusion

The AMS continues to analyze data from the first quarter of 2026 to determine the cause of the observed increase. While the role of AI in amplifying public reporting is acknowledged, the concurrent rise in physically measurable events  sonic booms and impacts  points to a genuine, if unexplained, uptick in meteoroid activity. [1] The society maintains that all evidence points to natural, asteroidal origins, specifically debris from bodies like Vesta in the asteroid belt. [1]

As analysis continues, researchers urge the public to report sightings through official channels to improve data collection. The incident in Houston serves as a reminder that while the threat of a catastrophic impact remains extremely low, even small fragments from these natural spaceborne objects can have real-world consequences. [1] The ongoing investigation highlights the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of Earth's cosmic neighborhood.

References
NASAs Artemis II mission marks historic return to lunar exploration

Artemis II marks NASA's first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17 (1972), launching aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. The mission includes astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover (first Black astronaut to the Moon), Christina Koch (first woman) and Canadian Jeremy Hansen (first non-American).

The 10-day mission will perform a lunar flyby (without landing) to test spacecraft systems, manual piloting, and lunar gravity capturekey steps toward future crewed Moon landings.

The crew will surpass Apollo 13's distance record (248,655 miles from Earth) and test deep-space radiation effects, essential for future Mars missions.

Artemis II paves the way for Artemis III (2027, lunar lander tests) and Artemis IV (2028, first crewed Moon landing since 1972), aiming for a sustainable lunar presence by 2035.

Orion will re-enter Earth's atmosphere at 30 times the speed of sound, splashing down off San Diego on April 10, where Navy teams will retrieve the crew.

For the first time in over half a century, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched astronauts toward the Moon, reigniting humanity's ambitions for deep-space exploration. The Artemis II mission, carrying a crew of four, lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, April 1, marking the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972.

BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that the Artemis II mission represents a critical milestone in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to establish a permanent human presence on the moon by 2035. Originally scheduled for February 2026, Artemis II will be the first crewed mission of the program, following the uncrewed Artemis I test flight. The mission will involve a lunar flyby, marking the first time astronauts have traveled to the moon since 1972.

The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket propelled the Orion capsule into space after overcoming minor technical delays, including a brief telemetry issue and an anomalous temperature reading on the Launch Abort System. Despite these hiccups, NASA proceeded with the launch.

Artemis II Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson sent off the crew with an inspiring message: "On this historic mission, you take with you the heart of this Artemis team, the daring spirit of the American people and our partners across the globe, and the hopes and dreams of a new generation. Good luck. God speed, Artemis II. Let's go."

Breaking records and barriers

The 10-day mission will see astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian Jeremy Hansen circling the Moon before returning to Earth. Unlike Apollo missions, Artemis II will not land on the lunar surface but instead test critical systems ahead of future crewed landings.

The crew is expected to surpass Apollo 13's record of 248,655 miles (400,171 km) from Earth, becoming the farthest humans have ever traveled. Additionally, this mission marks several historic firsts:

Victor Glover will be the first Black astronaut to journey to the Moon.

Christina Koch will be the first woman to make the trip.

Jeremy Hansen will be the first non-American to fly on a lunar mission.

At 50 years old, mission commander Reid Wiseman will be the oldest astronaut to venture so far into space.

Artemis II serves as a crucial test for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2028 and establish a sustainable lunar presence. As Professor Joe Carson from the College of Charleston explained: "This would be testing the flight path to actually get to the moon, making sure it can support humans. And it would be testing that actually the moon captures the spacecraft in its gravity. It's also a new demonstration of the Orion spacecraft."

The astronauts will conduct manual piloting tests near Earth before their lunar flyby, where they will document the Moon's surface while briefly losing contact with NASA as they pass behind it.

A stepping stone to greater goals

Artemis II is just the beginning. NASA plans Artemis III (2027) to test lunar lander docking procedures and Artemis IV (2028) for the first crewed Moon landing since 1972. As NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated: "Artemis II is the opening act. We're going into the golden age of science and discovery right now."

The mission also includes critical health and safety studies, examining how deep-space radiation, microgravity and isolation affect astronautsknowledge essential for future Mars missions.

Glover, who grew up in Pomona Valley, trained as a test pilot in Edwards Air Force Base and China Lake, California. NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center also played a key role in testing the Launch Abort System and will monitor the capsule's heat shield during reentrya crucial test after unexpected damage in an uncrewed 2022 mission.

After looping around the Moon, Orion will begin its four-day return, hitting Earth's atmosphere at 30 times the speed of soundpotentially the fastest crewed reentry in history. The capsule is expected to splash down off San Diego on April 10, where Navy divers and medical teams will recover the crew.

For many, Artemis II rekindles memories of the Apollo era. As Storm Team 2's Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler recalled: "I remember growing up as a kid, and we would roll the TV into our classroom and watch the launches of those heading to the moon to walk on the moon. These folks are going to go not to the moon, but beyond the moon."

With this mission, NASA is not just revisiting the past. It's paving the way for humanity's future in deep space.

Watch Bart Sibrel's commentary about whether Artemis II moon mission will boost the credibility of NASA's questionable moon landings.

This video is from the Kla.TV - English channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

CountOn2.com

MSN.com

Edition.CNN.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
China and Pakistan propose ceasefire plan for Iran, push to reopen Strait of Hormuz

China and Pakistan unveiled a five-point peace plan to de-escalate tensions in Iran and restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint. The plan includes an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilian infrastructure and resumption of peace talks under international law.

The Strait of Hormuz handles 20% of global petroleum trade, making it a vital lifeline for energy markets. Iran controls access, raising fears of economic instability if the strait closesleading to potential false flag operations blamed on Tehran.

China, heavily dependent on Gulf oil, seeks stability to avoid disruptions. Pakistan, sharing a volatile border with Iran, acts as a neutral mediator between the U.S. and Iran.

The initiative signals a shift in Middle East geopolitics, with China stepping into a traditionally U.S.-dominated sphere. Iran hints at rejecting U.S. influence, favoring negotiations led by non-Western powers like China and Pakistan.

The proposal could either reduce hostilities or face rejection if the U.S. resists a multipolar diplomatic solution. The fate of global energy markets hinges on whether Iran de-escalates and Washington accepts the plan.

In a significant diplomatic move, China and Pakistan jointly proposed a five-point peace initiative on Tuesday aimed at ending hostilities in Iran and restoring normal navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The plan, unveiled after high-level talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Beijing, calls for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilian infrastructure and the swift resumption of peace negotiations under international law.

The initiative comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region, where a U.S.-led military campaign against Iran has disrupted global shipping routes and raised fears of prolonged conflict. With China being Iran's largest trade partner and Pakistan serving as a key mediator between Washington and Tehran, the proposal signals a potential shift in diplomatic dynamicsone that could challenge U.S. dominance in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

A strategic lifeline at risk

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage between Iran and Oman, serves as the world's most critical oil transit chokepoint, handling roughly 20% of global petroleum trade. BrightU.AI's Enoch notes. Any prolonged closure could trigger energy shortages and economic instability worldwide. Iran's control over the strait has made it a flashpoint in the conflict, with recent U.S. threats to target Iranian oil facilities if Tehran refuses to reopen the waterway.

China, heavily reliant on Gulf oil imports, has a vested interest in preventing further disruptions. Pakistan, meanwhile, shares a volatile 900-kilometer border with Iran and has positioned itself as a neutral broker. Their joint proposal emphasizes safeguarding civilian ships, protecting nuclear facilities, and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches war-torn regionsa framework that could appeal to war-weary Gulf states.

Diplomatic balancing act

While U.S. President Donald Trump declined to comment directly on the proposal, he told Axios that negotiations with Iran were "going well." Analysts suggest Washington may tacitly support the initiative, given Pakistan's role as a mediator and China's economic leverage over Tehran.

"Dialogue and diplomacy are the only feasible ways to resolve conflicts," the joint statement read. "All sides should commit to resolving disputes through peaceful means."

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Dar described the plan as "balanced," adding that it was crafted during bilateral talks with China. Beijing, for its part, praised Islamabad's mediation efforts, with Wang stating, "China is willing to work with Pakistan to overcome difficulties and open the window for peace talks."

Broader implications

The proposal marks a rare instance of China stepping into a Middle Eastern conflict traditionally dominated by U.S. influence. If successful, it could bolster Beijing's role as a global peacemaker while undermining Washington's unilateral approach to Iran. The timing is also notable: Trump is scheduled to visit China in May, raising speculation about whether the U.S. will endorse the plan or push for alternative terms.

Meanwhile, regional players like Saudi Arabia and Turkeyboth of whom attended recent talks hosted by Pakistanhave signaled cautious optimism. An unnamed Iranian official told Asharq al-Awsat that "the era of American involvement in this region is drawing to a close," suggesting Tehran may be open to negotiations brokered by non-Western powers.

As global powers jockey for influence in the Gulf, the China-Pakistan peace initiative offers a potential off-ramp from escalating hostilities. Whether it gains traction depends on Irans willingness to de-escalate and Washington's readiness to accept a multipolar diplomatic solution. For now, the fate of the Strait of Hormuzand the stability of global energy marketshangs in the balance.

Watch the video below that talks about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

This video is from the HammerHardy channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Axios.com

Reuters.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Idaho enacts strict transgender bathroom laws as states push back against radical gender agenda

Idaho's SB 1100 and HB 752 mandate that individuals use facilities matching their biological sex, defending women's privacy against activists exploiting gender identity policies, with escalating penalties for violations.

A Trump-appointed federal judge upheld Idaho's law, rejecting activist demands for "gender identity" access, reinforcing that transgenderism is not a legally protected class under current Supreme Court precedent.

The movement is a politicized construct, lacking biological basis, weaponized to dismantle objective reality, silence dissent and erode women's rights under the guise of "inclusivity."

Idaho joins 19+ states fighting gender ideology in public spaces, with Florida, Kansas and Utah imposing stricter penalties, signaling a nationwide rejection of activist-driven policies.

This isn't just about bathrooms; it's a defense of Western civilization against radical agendas seeking to enforce delusion, suppress truth and sacrifice women's safety for political correctness.

In a decisive move to protect women's rights and privacy, Idaho has enacted one of the toughest transgender bathroom laws in the U.S., signaling a growing nationwide rejection of radical gender ideology. House Bill 752, passed with a veto-proof majority, mandates that individuals use restrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities corresponding to their biological sexnot their self-declared "gender identity." The law applies not only to government buildings but also to private businesses, closing a loophole that activists have long exploited to force compliance with their agenda. Violators face misdemeanor charges for a first offense, escalating to felonies with potential jail time for repeat offenders.

This legislation arrives as a necessary safeguard against the dangerous consequences of allowing biological malesmany of whom have no legitimate diagnosis of gender dysphoriainto women's private spaces. Earlier this year, a horrific case emerged in which a 5-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a boy who identified as female in a school restroom. Such incidents are not isolated; they are the inevitable result of policies that prioritize political correctness over basic safety. The transgender movement, far from being a civil rights cause, has proven itself to be a political insurgency aimed at dismantling objective reality and eroding the foundational rights of women and children.

The transgender movement: A weaponized ideology

Contrary to activist claims, transgenderism is not an innate identity but a socially constructed trend, often pushed by leftist teachers, media and corporations onto impressionable children. Gender dysphoriaa rare psychological conditionhas been hijacked by activists who conflate it with broader LGBTQ+ issues, despite having no scientific basis for doing so. The notion that gender is fluid and separate from biological sex is pure ideology, unsupported by empirical evidence. In objective medical and scientific circles, transgender identification is recognized as a psychological phenomenon, not a biological reality.

The movement's true purpose is not equality but societal deconstruction. By forcing the public to deny biological reality, activists seek to replace objective truth with subjective perception, creating a moral wasteland where logic and reason are discarded. This agenda has infiltrated schools, corporations and government institutions, where dissenters are silenced or punished. But states like Idaho are now fighting backand winning.

A growing national backlash

Idaho joins at least 19 other states that have enacted laws restricting transgender access to sex-segregated facilities. Florida, Kansas and Utah have gone further, criminalizing violations in certain cases. But Idaho's law stands out for its sweeping application to private businesses, ensuring that corporate activism cannot override common-sense protections for women and girls. The bill includes reasonable exceptionssuch as emergency responders or parents assisting young childrenbut leaves no room for activist exploitation.

Critics, primarily on the far left, will inevitably decry these measures as "discriminatory" or an overreach into private property rights. Yet history has shown that when activists are granted concessions, they demand more. The bathroom debate is not merely about restroom access; it is about whether society will uphold fundamental boundaries that protect women's dignity, safety and right to privacy.

Why zero tolerance is the only solution

Activists argue that transgender individuals pose no threatbut reality tells a different story. From sexual assaults in women's prisons to harassment in locker rooms, the risks are undeniable. The transgender movement has weaponized victimhood to silence opposition, portraying any resistance as "bigotry." But the truth is clear: Men do not belong in women's spaces, regardless of how they identify.

Idaho's law sets a crucial precedent. By imposing felony penalties for repeat offenses, it ensures that activists cannot simply ignore the rules without consequence. This firm stance is necessary because activists have repeatedly demonstrated that they will exploit any leniency to push their agenda further. The days of polite debate are overthe only language these ideologues understand is legal enforcement.

The fight for civilization's future

At its core, this battle is about preserving the foundations of Western society. The transgender movement is not seeking toleranceit demands total submission. It insists that women must surrender their rights, that children must be indoctrinated and that objective reality must be rejected. Thankfully, states like Idaho are refusing to comply.

The tide is turning. After a decade of relentless activism, Americans are waking up to the dangers of gender ideology. With more states enacting protective laws, the transgender agenda is in retreat. The message is clear: Women's rights will not be sacrificed for the sake of political correctness. The future of civilization depends on it.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Idaho's strict transgender bathroom law represents a necessary pushback against the radical gender agenda that seeks to dismantle biological reality and indoctrinate children into irreversible medical harm. This movement aligns with the broader globalist depopulation strategy, using LGBTQ propaganda to destabilize families, erase God-given identities and accelerate societal collapsemaking state-level resistance critical for preserving truth and freedom.

Major companies are dumping DEI policies. Watch this video.

This video is from The Highwire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
U.S. Alerts Goldman Sachs in Paris Following Iranian Group Threat, Heightening Security Concerns

Introduction

French authorities placed the Paris headquarters of Goldman Sachs under police surveillance on Wednesday night, April 1, following a specific threat warning issued by U.S. authorities.

According to reports, the warning stated that an Iranian group was threatening to attack U.S. bank buildings in the French capital with explosive devices [1]. The alert prompted a security operation at the bank's offices at 85 Avenue Marceau and led to staff at major U.S. financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, being advised to work remotely [2]. This incident occurred five days after French police thwarted a suspected bomb plot targeting the Paris headquarters of Bank of America (BofA) indicating a worsening threat environment for U.S. financial interests in Europe [3].

A source close to the matter stated that the threat was described as involving explosive devices [2]. The Paris prosecutor's office later confirmed that no suspicious elements were found following the surveillance operation [2]. The series of events highlights the expanding battlefield of geopolitical tensions, where financial institutions and technology firms are increasingly treated as targets, moving beyond traditional military or diplomatic sites [4].

U.S. Issues Alert for Goldman Sachs Paris Headquarters Following Bomb Threat

The security alert was triggered when a security guard at the American bank received a call from his head of security in London around 1:30 a.m., according to information reported by Le Parisien [2]. The security chief informed the guard that she had received an email from U.S. authorities advising an extension of vigilance at the bank due to the threat [2]. This direct communication from U.S. officials to private corporate security personnel underscores the level of concern and the coordination between government and financial entities in response to perceived terror risks.

In response to the alert, police conducted surveillance operations at the Goldman Sachs building. By Thursday morning, April 2, the Paris prosecutor's office stated that the operation had concluded with no suspicious elements found at the scene [2].

Concurrently, staff at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup in Paris were reportedly shifting to remote work amid the elevated threat level, a measure reflecting the heightened state of alert for U.S. banks with Paris offices [5]. The incident follows a pattern where centralized financial institutions become focal points during international conflicts, a dynamic critiqued by analysts who argue that such concentration of economic power increases systemic vulnerability [6].

Incident Details and Security Response

The specific threat was communicated via an email from U.S. authorities to bank security personnel, which detailed that a pro-Iranian group was threatening to use explosive devices against U.S. bank buildings in Paris [7]. A French police source confirmed that Goldman Sachs in London received this warning [8]. Following this, police took up positions outside the bank's headquarters to conduct surveillance and ensure security [7].

The Paris prosecutor's office, which oversees terrorism investigations, stated that after the operation, no suspicious elements were found at the Goldman Sachs location [2]. This response is part of a broader security posture adopted after a similar incident the previous week.

The foiled plot at BofA's headquarters led French anti-terrorism prosecutors to open an investigation and place four suspects under investigation, with possible links to Iran [9]. These security protocols, while designed for public safety, also illustrate the extensive resources deployed to protect centralized financial hubs, which some critics argue creates a fortress mentality around institutions often implicated in global economic disparities [10].

Broader Context of Threats Against U.S. Institutions

The arrest of three suspects linked to the foiled plot at BofA's Paris headquarters last week marked a significant escalation. French investigators have reportedly tied the incident to broader tensions stemming from the U.S.-Iran conflict in the Middle East [2]. This connection suggests that geopolitical strife is increasingly manifesting as direct threats against civilian and corporate infrastructure far from the conflict's epicenter.

Separately, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued threats against U.S. companies with operations across the Middle East. The IRGC stated, "From now on, for every assassination, an American company will be destroyed," and listed technology firms including Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft and Google as potential targets [4].

This expansion of targeting reflects a strategy where economic and technological assets are leveraged as instruments of asymmetric conflict. The integrity of such corporate networks is perpetually at risk, as evidenced by historical cyber breaches where state-sponsored actors have deeply compromised U.S. telecommunications and data systems [11].

Escalating Tensions and Spillover Risks

The Iranian group's threat represents an expansion of targeting beyond traditional military or diplomatic sites to include major financial institutions. This shift increases the potential for global spillover from regional conflicts, creating risks for international business operations and market stability [2]. The inclusion of U.S. technology firms like Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft and Google in the IRGC's warning statements further broadens the scope of entities considered part of the confrontation [4].

The potential for broader conflict was referenced in recent official statements. U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the night of the Goldman Sachs alert, signaling another two to three weeks of military operations against Iran [2]. Such statements raise the odds of retaliatory or proxy threats against U.S. interests abroad, contributing to elevated homeland risk. This environment of heightened alert and military engagement underscores the fragility of global systems that depend on centralized institutions, from banking to big tech, which can become flashpoints in international disputes [12].

Conclusion

The police surveillance at Goldman Sachs's Paris headquarters and the preceding foiled attack at BofA highlight a tangible escalation in security threats against U.S. financial institutions in Europe, linked to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. While immediate threats were investigated and declared clear, the incidents have prompted significant operational changes, including remote work mandates and heightened police protection.

These events occur within a complex geopolitical landscape where economic and technological assets are increasingly viewed as legitimate targets. The situation underscores the interconnected risks faced by centralized global institutions during periods of international tension.

For individuals seeking news analysis outside mainstream corporate media narratives, platforms like BrightNews.ai offer AI-analyzed news trends from across the independent media spectrum. As threats evolve, the reliance on and vulnerability of large, centralized systems  whether financial, governmental or technological  remain a critical point of discussion for advocates of decentralization and personal preparedness.

References
U.S. secures strategic cobalt mine in Congo amid fierce competition with China

Virtus Minerals, backed by former military leaders, acquired Congo's Chemaf Resources, a major cobalt producer, in a $30M deal with $700M+ pledged investmentscountering China's dominance in global supply chains.

The deal follows years of U.S. efforts (under Trump and Biden) to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled cobalt (75% of global supply). A previous $920M sale to China's Norinco was blocked by Congolese authorities.

Chemaf's Mutoshi mine has faced scandals, including child labor, unsafe conditions, and corruption. Virtus inherits $1B in debt and must invest $250300M in upgrades, partnering with India's inexperienced Lloyds Metals.

The acquisition aligns with a U.S.-brokered "minerals-for-security" deal between Congo and Rwanda, criticized as a pretext for resource extraction. Hunter Biden's past cobalt dealings add political controversy.

While the U.S. frames this as a national security win, critics warn Congo remains a pawn in U.S.-China rivalry, with little guarantee of improved labor conditions or economic benefits for Congolese citizens.

In a high-stakes geopolitical maneuver, United States firm Virtus Minerals has acquired Chemaf Resources, one of the Democratic Republic of Congo's largest cobalt producers, marking a significant victory in Washington's efforts to counter China's dominance in critical mineral supply chains.

The $30 million deal, backed by over $700 million in pledged investments, ensures American access to cobalta metal essential for electric vehicle batteries, defense systems and consumer electronicswhile raising concerns over Congo's exploitation in the global scramble for resources.

According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, cobalt has emerged as one of the most critical minerals globally due to its indispensable role in advanced technologies, renewable energy systems and national defense applications. This strategic metal is essential for lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, laptops and grid-scale energy storagekey components of the global transition toward electrification and decarbonization. However, geopolitical vulnerabilities, environmental concerns and supply chain monopolies underscore why cobalt is more than just a commodity; it is a linchpin of economic and national security.

A deal years in the making

The acquisition culminates a years-long push by both the Trump and Biden administrations to secure cobalt supplies outside Chinese control. Congo produces nearly 75% of the worlds cobalt, but Chinese firms have long dominated its mining sector. Last year, Chemaf nearly sold to Norin Mining, a subsidiary of China's state-owned defense conglomerate Norinco, for $920 million. That deal collapsed after Congolese authorities withheld approval, paving the way for Virtus.

"We are grateful for the support of both governments, and particularly Presidents [Donald] Trump and [Felix] Tshisekedi for their shared vision of a stronger U.S.-DRC relationship," said Phil Braun, Virtus CEO and former Green Beret. His firm, founded in 2022 with ex-Naval officer Andrew Powch, positions the deal as a national security imperative, redirecting Chemaf's output5% of global cobalt supplyto U.S. and allied buyers.

Controversial history and lingering risks

Chemaf's Mutoshi mine has faced repeated scandals, including child labor, bribery and deadly informal mining operations. A 2018 Wall Street Journal investigation documented miners descending into hand-dug shafts without helmets or safety gear, drowning in flooded tunnels, and being buried alive. Though reforms were attempted, unsafe conditions persist.

Virtus inherits $1 billion in debt, including a $600 million loan from commodity trader Trafigura, and must invest an additional $250$300 million to upgrade infrastructure. Its operating partner, India's Lloyds Metals, lacks cobalt experience but insists upgrades will finish by early 2026. Skepticism remains.

"It would be very irresponsible for Western companies to continue to wait until we have a peaceful country," said Guy Robert Lukama, former head of Congo's state miner Gecamines. "We are not Sweden, and we'll never be Sweden."

Geopolitical chess game

The deal follows a U.S.-brokered "minerals-for-security" pact between Congo and Rwanda, ostensibly to stabilize eastern Congo's conflict but criticized as a pretext for resource extraction. Meanwhile, Hunter Biden's past involvement in a cobalt mine sale to China has drawn scrutiny, given former President Joe Biden's push for EV adoptiona policy reliant on Congolese cobalt.

Joseph Cihunda, a law professor at the University of Kinshasa, warns Congo risks becoming a pawn. "Even in Congolese public opinion, they do not want such a confrontation," he said.

The acquisition underscores the fierce U.S.-China rivalry over critical minerals, with Washington leveraging diplomatic and financial muscle to reclaim supply chains. Yet Congo's corruption, labor abuses and debt traps persistraising ethical questions about whether this deal benefits Congolese citizens or merely shifts exploitation from Chinese to Western hands.

As Virtus races to revive Chemaf's operations, the world watches whether American-backed mining can deliver on promises of stabilityor if Congo's minerals will remain a battleground for global powers.

Watch the video below about the Congo cobalt mines that exploit children.

This video is from the TruthAndFreedom1 channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

MSN.com

Kitco.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Delta Air Lines Inc signed a deal with Amazon.com Incs Leo to bring low-Earth orbit satellite Wi-Fi to 500 aircraft starting in 2028. The deal snubs SpaceXs Starlink as the rocket company reportedly moves toward filing what could be the largest IPO ever.

Why Amazon Over Starlink

Delta chose Amazon Leo because of its existing relationship with Amazon Web Services, which already powers the airlines internal systems. The service promises download speeds up to 1 gbps per aircraft and will be free for all SkyMiles members.

The catch is Amazons Leo has roughly 200 satellites in orbit. Starlink has over 10,000 and more than 10 million paying subscribers.

Don't Miss:

Amazon has been testing its service with businesses and is months away from starting commercial service. The service will begin in small regions and expand as the satellite constellation grows.

United Airlines Holdings Inc has committed to Starlink across its entire fleet by the end of 2027. Southwest Airlines Co signed on last month. Alaska and Hawaiian are already live. American Airlines Group Inc is reportedly still deciding, with a decision expected within weeks.

Delta is betting Amazon catches up. Right now, Musk is winning the airline connectivity race by a wide margin.

What It Means For The SpaceX IPO

Starlink is the revenue engine behind SpaceXs upcoming public offering. That cash flow matters more than usual because the xAI unit folded into SpaceX is reportedly hemorrhaging money, according to Axios.

Musk confirmed in December that a 2026 IPO was accurate but has since denied specific reports about which brokerages would be excluded, calling rumors about Robinhood Markets Inc being shut out false. He reportedly plans to reserve up to 30% of shares for retail investors, triple the typical allocation.

Trending: What If Tires Didn't Need Air  Or Replacing? This Startup Says It's Possible

Polymarket traders give a 52% chance SpaceX will be valued between $1.5 and $2 trillion after the IPO, with a 24% chance it lands between $2 and $2.5 trillion and just 10% odds it comes in below $1.5 trillion.

The chance of Musk becoming a trillionaire this year is at 70%, hugely dependent on the success of the upcoming IPO.

One airline choosing Bezos doesnt dent the $1.75 trillion thesis. But if American follows Delta to Amazon Leo, prediction market traders may start repricing Starlinks competitive moat heading into the biggest debut in Wall Street history.
Actor Adivi Sesh shared a personal anecdote about impulsively crossing from the US into Canada with no money to pursue his first love. He described the challenging yet interesting six-month episode from his youth. Speaking at an event for his film "Dacoit," Sesh also analyzed the Telugu film industry's unique strength. He attributed its powerful emotional core to being funded by passionate individual producers rather than corporate entities.

Actor Adivi Sesh reveals a wild six-month journey chasing love across a border and explains the emotional core of Telugu cinema.

Mumbai, April 4 Actor Adivi Sesh revealed how he once crossed the US-Canada border while pursuing his first love, further describing it as a six-month phase from his early life.

The actor, who was speaking at an event for his upcoming film "Dacoit," where he was present with director Anurag Kashyap and co-actor Mrunal Thakur.



Addressing the media present, he said, "Let me say this again publicly. In my first love story, I was in the US. I went to Canada to chase the girl."



He added, "I didn't have money in my pocket. I ran to the border of the country. I asked people there if there were any Indians so that I could find a place to sleep in someone's house. It was a very interesting six-month episode in my life."



Talking about "Dacoit," the movie along with Adhivesh, also stars Anurag Kashyap and Mrunal Thakur.



Adivi Sesh has also been associated with projects such as "Bombay Shovel Club" and "The Field," amongst others.



The actor who has been an actor mainly down south, had earlier spoken about the strength of Telugu cinema.



He had shared that unlike other film industries of India, Telugu cinema has a strong emotional core because it isn't still ruled by the corporates.



When asked what separates Telugu cinema from other industries of India, he told IANS, "I think emotional ownership. And I'll tell you what I mean by that. Telugu cinema till date is still produced by individual producers. Someone might have mortgaged a house and he's come to produce a film, someone sold a piece of land, and he's come to produce a film."



He added, "Someone did well for himself in real estate or she's a doctor and she's come to produce a film. Whatever it may be. These are the people who are producing even our INR 300, 400, 500 crore films".





- IANS
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh publicly credited Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for ensuring the revival of the Visakhapatnam steel plant, which was facing shutdown. Lokesh stated that Kumaraswamy honored his commitment to protect the plant, which is now on a path to recovery and profitability. He also linked Kumaraswamy's efforts to a new major green steel facility being established in Anakapalli. Lokesh highlighted the long-standing political relationship between their families, dating back to the United Front government.

Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh thanks Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for preventing the closure of Vizag Steel Plant and bringing new investment.

Raichur, April 4 Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology and Human Resource Development Nara Lokesh on Saturday credited Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy with ensuring the revival of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited at Visakhapatnam, which was facing the threat of closure or privatisation.

Addressing a large gathering in Raichur, Lokesh said the Vizag Steel Plant holds deep emotional significance for the people of Andhra Pradesh, often reflected in the sentiment: "Vizag Steel is the right of the people of Andhra."

He noted that due to policy decisions of the previous state government in Andhra Pradesh, the plant had reached a critical stage and was at risk of being shut down or privatised.

Lokesh stated that after assuming office as Union Steel Minister, Kumaraswamy had assured that the plant would be protected. 

"He honoured his commitment. Today, the plant is back on the path of recovery and moving towards profitability," he said.

Recalling the sequence of events, Lokesh mentioned that he had consistently urged Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat to take up the matter with Kumaraswamy in New Delhi. During one such interaction, he was connected by phone with the Union Minister, who made a direct appeal to save the plant.

"In response, Kumaraswamy assured me, 'Brother, please be at ease. Leave the matter to me.' He stood by his word and ensured that the Vizag Steel Plant was safeguarded. For this, the people of Andhra Pradesh remain deeply grateful to him," Lokesh stated.

He further highlighted that recently, the foundation stone was laid for one of India's largest green steel manufacturing facilities at Anakapalli in Andhra Pradesh, being established through a collaboration. 

He credited Kumaraswamy's efforts as a key factor in bringing this major investment to the state.

Speaking on the longstanding relationship between their families, Lokesh said the association dates back over three decades. 

He recalled that during the United Front government at the Centre, his father, N. Chandrababu Naidu, played a key role, while H.D. Deve Gowda served as Prime Minister.

"Today, as Kumaraswamy serves as a Union Minister, I feel fortunate to stand alongside him on this platform," Lokesh said, expressing his gratitude.

- IANS
The Dispur assembly seat in Assam is set for a dramatic three-cornered contest in the 2026 elections. Former Congress MP and minister Pradyut Bordoloi will fight as the BJP candidate against Jayant Kumar Das, a veteran BJP leader expelled from the party who is now running as an independent rebel. The Congress has fielded Mira Borthakur Goswami, making it a high-stakes battle for the key Guwahati constituency. The race has become a litmus test for defection politics, pitting a prominent "turncoat" against a disgruntled party loyalist.

Former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi contests as BJP candidate against expelled BJP veteran Jayant Kumar Das in a dramatic three-cornered fight for Assam's Dispur seat.

Dispur, April 4 The battle for Dispur, the seat of power in Assam, has taken a dramatic turn for the 2026 Assembly elections. In a high-stakes irony, the constituency is set to witness a fight between a former Congress heavyweight now wearing saffron and a veteran BJP loyalist fighting as a rebel independent.

Former Congress leader Pradyut Bordoloi is now set to contest the seat as a BJP candidate, facing a direct challenge from ex-BJP veteran Jayant Kumar Das. Despite being a "newcomer" to the party, he has been given the ticket to leverage his administrative experience and appeal to a broader base.

Das, who was recently expelled from the BJP for six years, is now campaigning as an independent candidate, setting the stage for an intense "rebel versus turncoat" showdown. After being denied a ticket to accommodate Bordoloi, he resigned from the party. He claims the BJP has become a "version of the Congress" and is running on a platform of "original ideology."

Former BJP leader Jayant Kumar Das previously launched a vitriolic attack on the party leadership for fielding former Congress leader and former Nagaon MP, Pradyut Bordoloi, from the Dispur seat in Guwahati.

Das alleged that he had been under tremendous pressure from a "nexus" of former Congress leaders who have since joined the BJP. He further stated that he felt a sense of relief after he left the party.

However, despite his resignation, Das maintained that he continues to align with the BJP's core ideology. He framed his current candidacy not as an act of defiance against the party itself, but as a continued fight against Congress.

Meanwhile, Mira Borthakur Goswami is contesting on a Congress ticket, turning the battle for Guwahati's Dispur seat into a high-stakes, three-cornered contest.

The high-profile constituency of Dispur, the capital of Assam and a key locality within the Guwahati metropolitan area, has emerged as a stronghold for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Dispur is a semi-urban, high-profile seat with a diverse electorate including government employees, urban professionals, and a significant indigenous population in its peripheral areas.

Once a Congress stronghold under leaders like Akon Bora, the seat shifted decisively to the BJP in 2016. In 2021, the BJP's Atul Bora won with a massive margin of over 1.3 lakh votes.

In a move that surprised many, the BJP dropped its sitting MLA, Atul Bora, to field Pradyut Bordoloi, a former Congress MP who recently defected to the BJP citing "humiliation" within his old party.

The constituency has a total population of 327,750, comprising 157,734 males and 170,016 females.

Former Congress veteran Pradyut Bordoloi served as a Cabinet Minister in the Assam State Government from 2001 to 2015, overseeing key portfolios such as Industry & Commerce, Public Enterprises, and Power. Between 2001 and 2016, he consistently contested the Margherita assembly seat. In the 2011 elections, he secured a decisive victory with 57,615 votes, defeating the BJP's Kamakhya Tasa. However, in 2016, he lost the seat to BJP candidate Bhaskar Sharma, who secured 76,365 votes to Bordoloi's 53,621.

Later, he contested the Nagaon seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and secured a victory with 788,850 votes, defeating the BJP candidate, Suresh Borah.

However, Bordoloi resigned from the Congress party and joined the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia on March 18, 2026.

Pradyut Bordoloi has accused the party leadership of sidelining him, which led to the end of his lifelong association with the Congress party amid allegations of internal mistreatment.

He clarified that the resignation stemmed from "multiple issues" as opposed to a singular ticket allocation for the Assam Assembly elections.

"For me, getting a ticket was not a question of life and death. There were multiple issues. What was important for me was to hold my head high. The Congress party has given me a lot," he told the media.

"I want to make it very clear that I am in my second term in Lok Sabha, and there are another three years to go. I could have accepted the humiliation if I wanted to remain as an MP. But I decided to leave and work," he added.

The Dispur race has become a litmus test for "insider vs. outsider" politics within the ruling party. Jayanta Kumar Das carries significant support among the BJP's core ground workers (Karyakartas) who are disgruntled by the "para-dropping" of a former Congress rival. His goal is to split the traditional BJP vote.

Pradyut Bordoloi is campaigning on the "Double Engine" growth model, backed heavily by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He aims to prove that his individual political weight, combined with the BJP's machinery, can override local dissent.

Interestingly, the tension hasn't stopped the "rebel" and the "turncoat" from being seen sharing a hug on the campaign trail, signalling that while the political fight is fierce, the personal ties in Assam's tight-knit political circles remain intact.

As the voting date nears, the question for Dispur is simple: Will the capital favour the party's choice or the party's rebel?

- ANI
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has assured citizens of a stable and adequate supply of domestic and commercial LPG, urging people not to panic or crowd distribution centers. Official data shows cylinder deliveries are exceeding daily bookings, with the average delivery time now under 4.4 days. The government has established a control room and is coordinating police raids to curb illegal hoarding and black marketing. The CM reiterated that booked cylinders will be delivered to homes, making visits to agencies unnecessary.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta says LPG supply is stable, delivery times improving, and action is being taken against hoarding. Public urged not to crowd agencies.

New Delhi, April 4 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday reassured citizens that the supply of both domestic and commercial LPG in the capital is stable and urged them to avoid crowding gas agencies.

She emphasised that there is no shortage of LPG - or any other fuel - in the national capital, and urged people not to be misled by rumours.

Sharing the latest data, the Chief Minister said that on April 3, a total of 1,11,504 LPG bookings were recorded across Delhi. In contrast, the three oil marketing companies together delivered 1,26,379 cylinders - well above the number of bookings.

This clearly indicates that pending demand is being rapidly cleared and that the supply chain is functioning efficiently and without disruption, she said.

As a result, the average delivery time for domestic LPG cylinders in Delhi has now reduced to 4.37 days, ensuring timely, reliable doorstep service for consumers, she said.

To curb black marketing and hoarding, the government has established a dedicated control room (011-23379836 and 8383824659) that continuously monitors the situation and acts swiftly on complaints, according to a statement.

Based on credible, verified inputs, several cases were referred to the Delhi Police control room, after which coordinated action was taken.

Police teams conducted 22 raids across multiple locations in the city. During one such operation in North Rohini, an FIR was registered and six illegally stored LPG cylinders were seized, it said.

The Chief Minister underscored that the government remains fully vigilant and continues to take strict action against any unlawful activities.

She advised residents not to crowd gas agencies or LPG godowns, stressing that once a cylinder is booked, it will be delivered directly to homes within the stipulated timeframe. Visiting distribution centres is unnecessary and only adds to avoidable inconvenience.

Reiterating the government's commitment, the Chief Minister said Delhi is fully geared to ensure seamless and uninterrupted LPG supply.

- IANS
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is aiming for a historic third consecutive term from his home constituency of Dharmadam in Kannur. The 2026 election is shaping up as a fierce three-cornered contest, with the UDF and NDA coordinating a "dual front" strategy to erode the Left's massive lead. While Dharmadam remains a storied Left fortress, the opposition is highlighting local grievances and leveraging the BJP's recent electoral gains in the state. The final margin of victory is seen as a crucial bellwether for the Left's political strength and the CM's personal standing.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan eyes a historic third win from Dharmadam as UDF and NDA mount a fierce two-front challenge in the 2026 assembly polls.

Kannur, April 4 In the heart of Kannur, the political spotlight burns brightest on Dharmadam as Kerala prepares for the polls.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is eyeing a historic third consecutive term from his home turf. While the constituency is a storied fortress for the Left, the 2026 race is shaping up to be more than just a victory lap, both from the United Democratic Front led by Congress, and BJP led National Democratic Alliance.

The UDF have fielded VP Abdul Rasheed against the Chief Minister, whereas on the other hand, K Ranjith is contesting on the BJP's ticket.

For Pinarayi Vijayan, Dharmadam isn't just a seat; it's a statement of power. Having won comfortably in 2016 and 2021, the CM is banking o the completion of major bypasses and local development projects.

Moreover, Kannur remains the soul of the CPIM, and a win here reinforces the party's "invincibility" narrative, while also showcasing Kerala as a modern, tech-forward state.

The opposition isn't letting the CM walk over the finish line without a fight. This year, the challenge is characterised by a "Dual Front" strategy designed to chip away at the LDF's massive lead.

UDF, banking on anti-incumbency, is highlighting local grievances, youth unemployment, and allegations of administrative overreach, while the NDA (BJP-led) is pushing the "Centre vs State" development narrative and targeting the minority-majority voting dynamics.

The main political contest in Kerala has always remained between the Left Democratic Front and UDF, wherein both have returned to power one after another in elections; however, the trend was broken in 2021, when LDF was voted to power once again. However, this time, with a three-way fight, the NDA have their prospects high with the recent successes of winning their first ever Lok Sabha seat in the name of Thrissur in 2024, whereas on the other hand, the party was able to secure victory in the Thiruvananthapuram local body polls.

The Left Democratic Front, which is led by Communist Party of India (Marxist) include other key parties, including Kerala Congress (M), Rashtriya Janata Dal and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). On the other hand, the UDF bloc consists of the Indian National Congress, Kerala Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League.

The National Democratic Alliance, led by Bharatiya Janata Party, also feature few relevant state parties, including the Twenty 20 Party, Bharath Dharma Jana Sena and Kerala Kamaraj Congress.

This isn't just about one seat in the 140-member Assembly. The optics of the margin are everything. In 2021, Vijayan won by over 50,000 votes. The UDF's primary goal is to significantly slash this lead to signal a "waning wave."

As one of the most prominent Marxist leaders in India, Vijayan's performance is tracked by national observers as a bellwether for the Left's survival and evolution.

The constituency has historically been a flashpoint for political volatility; all eyes are on the Election Commission to ensure a peaceful polling process.

According to the Election Commission of India, in Dharmadam, there are a total of 1,84,844 electors, out of which 85,665 are male voters, while the other 99,179 are female.

During the 2021 elections, Vijayan ended up securing 95,522 (59.8%) votes, whereas United Democratic Front candidate C Raghunathan received 28.4% of the total votes polled.

On the other hand, in 2016, the Kerala CM, who contested from the seat for the first time, secured a victory by a margin of 30,905 votes from UDF's Mambaram Divakaran. Vijayan on end received 87,329 votes, whereas a total of 50,424 electors voted for Divakaran.

While Dharmadam remains a "Red Fort," the coordinated push from both the UDF and NDA aims to turn this stronghold into a hard-fought battleground. For Pinarayi Vijayan, a hat-trick is the goal, but the weight of that victory will depend on how well he fends off the two-sided assault.

Vijayan is a well-known stalwart in Kerala politics, who has earlier been a member of the assembly from Kuthuparamba thrice, and Payyannur once.

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
The Election Commission of India has approved 4,660 auxiliary polling stations for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls, bringing the total number of booths to 85,379. This move, along with the shifting of 321 stations, aims to enhance voter convenience in areas with over 1200 voters. The ECI is deploying a record 2,400 companies of central and state armed forces to ensure free, fair, and violence-free polling across the two phases. A significant security contingent will remain post-poll to guard strong rooms and prevent violence, following issues in previous elections.

ECI boosts Bengal polls with 4,660 auxiliary booths and a record 2,400 security companies to ensure free, fair, and violence-free voting.

Kolkata, April 4 In view of the forthcoming West Bengal Assembly polls, the Election Commission of India on Saturday approved the creation of 4,660 auxiliary polling stations in areas where the number of voters has exceeded 1200.

ECI has also approved the shifting of 321 polling stations for the convenience of the voters.

With the setting of the 4,660 auxiliary polling stations, the number of polling stations, including auxiliary ones, will be 85,379 for the forthcoming two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal later this month.

The ECI's secretary, Sujeet Kumar Mishra, has already sent a communique to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, communicating about the permission to set up these auxiliary booths as well as the shifting of some polling stations.

In the communique, the ECI secretary also stated that in case of a change in polling stations, it should be ensured without fail that all the voters of that polling station housed in that location be informed individually by the authorities concerned.

"Wide publicity regarding the setting up of auxiliary polling stations and shifting of polling stations might be given in the respective polling station areas, and the recognised political parties are informed," read the communique, a copy of which is available with IANS.

The two-phase assembly polls in West Bengal are scheduled to be held on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, polling will be held for 152 Assembly constituencies, while in the second phase, the remaining 142 Assembly constituencies will go to the polls.

The vote counting will be taken up on May 4.

The ECI this time is determined to ensure absolutely free and fair and violence-free polling in West Bengal and hence has decided to deploy a record number of 2,400 companies combining personnel from central armed police forces (CAPF), India Reserve Battalion (IRB), and personnel from other state armed police forces for the polls.

Already, 480 companies are in West Bengal as part of the advance deployment.

After the completion of polling in the second phase on April 29, 200 companies of CAPF will be retained in West Bengal for security arrangements of EVMs/strong rooms and counting centres, and remain deployed till the completion of counting in the state.

At the same time, 500 companies of CAPFs will continue to remain deployed in the state till further order, for law and order duties and to prevent instances of post-poll violence, which was rampant in West Bengal both after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

As per the notification, the remaining 1,700 companies of personnel from CAPF, IRB, and armed police forces from other states will be de-inducted after completion of polling on April 29 and move back to their respective locations.

- IANS
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has asserted that a significant political shift is occurring in Kerala, with the public ready for change after ten years of perceived developmental stagnation. He claims the lack of employment is forcing the state's youth to seek jobs abroad, driving the demand for new leadership. Shivakumar expressed confidence that the Congress-led UDF will secure a massive victory in the upcoming Assembly elections, citing their previous wins in parliamentary and local body polls. He credited the party's "Five Indira Guarantees" manifesto and the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge for inspiring this anticipated change.

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar claims a "big mass change" is underway in Kerala, citing voter demand for development and jobs ahead of the Assembly polls.

Kannur, April 5 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday claimed that a "big mass change" is underway in Kerala, asserting that the people are ready to vote for development after a decade of stagnation under the current government.

Speaking to ANI, Shivakumar stated that the people wanted a change in kerala as the youth of the state are being forced to seek employment abroad due to a lack of employment."I am very happy, there is a big mass change in Kerala. I could see the people; people wanted a change in Kerala. In the last ten years, they could not see any development. All the youths are on the streets without employment. Today, this state has to develop. All of them are going all over the world for employment," Shivakumar said.The Karnataka Deputy CM highlighted that the voters had already signalled this shift in previous elections and would replicate the result in the upcoming Assembly polls."Without development, no state can progress. That is why people wanted a change. In Parliament, they have given a massive victory; in local bodies, they have given a massive victory, and in the Assembly also, they will give a massive victory for the change, for the development of these people," he added.Shivakumar expressed confidence in the Congress party's leadership and the "Five Indira Guarantees" included in the UDF manifesto, which he claimed would transform the lives of the common man."I am confident Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge have given five Indira guarantees which will change the lives of the common man. I thank all the people of Kerala for supporting us," the Congress leader stated.

Shivakumar also held a roadshow at Vayanthode Junction in Mattannur, Kannur.

Meanwhile, 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
BJP candidate Harshad Parmar filed his nomination for the Umreth Assembly by-election in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of four-term MLA Govind Parmar, whose son Harshad is now the BJP's candidate. CM Patel paid tribute to the late leader and assured that development works in the constituency would be completed on priority. The election is scheduled for April 23, with the Congress fielding candidate Bhrugurajsinh Chauhan.

BJP candidate Harshad Parmar files nomination for Umreth Assembly by-election in presence of Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel. Polling on April 23.

Anand, April 4 The Bharatiya Janata Party's candidate for the Umreth Assembly by-election, Harshad Parmar, filed his nomination on Saturday in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

The nomination was filed after a large public meeting in Umreth addressed by Patel, followed by a rally involving party workers and supporters, during which the Chief Minister greeted citizens.

In his address, Patel paid tribute to former MLA Govind Parmar, whose death necessitated the by-election, and said his "affectionate nature, humility and long political career of public service will always be remembered not only by this region but by the entire Gujarat".

He described the loss as significant and said the BJP had entrusted Harshad Parmar with the responsibility of continuing the work carried out by the late leader and his father, who had reached out to people at all levels.

Highlighting the party's leadership at the national level, Patel said, "Amid global instability caused by wars, the peace and stability prevailing in India are rooted in the strong and reliable leadership of the Prime Minister."

He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "defined a new paradigm of development by caring for the last and the smallest person" and said that "public trust in BJP is strengthening day by day, based on the firm and visionary leadership" of the Prime Minister.

Patel also assured that development works initiated in the Umreth constituency, as well as those under planning, would be completed on priority by the state government.

He appealed to voters to participate in large numbers on polling day and "ensure a massive victory for the BJP candidate to further accelerate the journey of development".

Several state ministers, MPs, MLAs and party office-bearers were present at the event, along with a large number of citizens.

The Umreth by-election in Anand district is scheduled for April 23 and was necessitated by the death of Govind Parmar, a four-term MLA who passed away on March 6 after a brief illness.

The BJP has nominated his son, Harshad Parmar, who has previously held local organisational roles, while the Congress has fielded Bhrugurajsinh Chauhan.

The constituency, one of Gujarat's 182 Assembly seats, has been held by the BJP since 2017 and remains politically significant in central Gujarat.

- IANS
Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Chandigarh Police, has solved the Chandigarh grenade attack case, arresting five individuals and identifying the two main perpetrators. Preliminary investigations reveal the terror module had backing from Pakistan's ISI, with foreign-based handlers operating from Portugal and Germany. The police have recovered a grenade and another cache, effectively foiling a major conspiracy aimed at disrupting regional peace. Operations are continuing to apprehend the remaining absconding accused.

Punjab Police arrests 5, identifies foreign handlers in Portugal & Germany, and foils major terror conspiracy linked to Pakistan's ISI in Chandigarh grenade case.

Chandigarh, April 4 In a significant breakthrough, the Counter-Intelligence wing of Punjab Police, in coordination with Chandigarh Police, has solved the Chandigarh grenade attack case and arrested five individuals involved in the incident.

The two main perpetrators behind the attack were also identified. According to the official, they have recovered one grenade along with another cache, and operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining absconding accused.

Adressing the press conference on the Chandigarh grenade attack case, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said, "The Counter Intelligence wing of Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Chandigarh Police, solved the Chandigarh grenade attack case on 1st April. Five people involved in the incident have been arrested, and the two perpetrators involved in the attack have been identified. One grenade and another cache have been recovered so far."

The Punjab DGP said that the police teams are still conducting operations to nab the absconding accused.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the terror module had backing from Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, with handlers based abroad in Portugal and Germany.

"Foreign-based handlers in Portugal & Germany have been identified. Multiple cutouts and sub-modules were used. This operation has effectively foiled a major terror conspiracy aimed at disrupting peace and harmony in the region. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the main accused involved in the case," Punjab DGP added.

The module reportedly operated through multiple cutouts and sub-modules to carry out its plans.

The Punjab Police reiterated its commitment to maintaining the safety, security, and communal harmony of the region.

- ANI
A report details China's strategy to position itself as a strategic alternative in the Middle East by capitalizing on regional instability and doubts about US bases. Beijing is expanding its military footprint and strengthening alliances, notably with Iran, to counter American influence. This approach uses economic cooperation and infrastructure investment to avoid direct confrontation while securing vital energy supplies. Ultimately, China aims to embroil the US in prolonged regional conflicts to shift Washington's focus away from the Asia-Pacific.

Report reveals China's "encirclement" strategy in the Middle East, using economic ties and military bases to weaken US influence and secure energy.

Sofia, April 4 China is exploiting the security vacuum in the Middle East to position itself as a "strategic alternative", amid growing doubts in Beijing over the viability of US bases in the region following repeated attacks on American and Israeli interests, a recent report has highlighted.

According to a report in Bulgaria-based 'Modern Diplomacy', Beijing has adopted an "encirclement of the encirclement" strategy, expanding its military bases and strengthening regional alliances to counter the US efforts to contain China.

"China views US military bases in the Gulf and the Middle East as instruments of hegemony and monitors their impact on energy security. It adopts a civil-military integration strategy to quietly increase its influence, leveraging infrastructure and ports while avoiding direct confrontation. This strategy focuses on economic and technological cooperation to advance its interests in the region," the report detailed.

"Consequently, China seeks to expand its military influence by establishing bases, such as those in Djibouti and Cambodia, to counter the US presence in the Indo-Pacific. Despite the US having 800 bases compared to China's limited expansion, Beijing employs a blockade-building strategy to secure its trade routes and build a global military capability. The most prominent features of the military transformation (Chinese versus American) lie in China's expansion strategy," it added.

The report stressed that China is leveraging the Iran-US conflict to advance a "siege-siege strategy", extending economic and military support to Tehran under their 25-year strategic partnership agreement.

This undermines US isolation efforts and draws Washington into a prolonged regional conflict.

"Beijing aims to transform the Middle East into a war of attrition that weakens US influence, capitalising on its need for the region's energy resources and Iran's geostrategic location. The Chinese siege-siege strategy relies on indirect tactics, including supporting Iran (which supplies 20 per cent of China's oil) to challenge Washington, avoiding direct military intervention, and investing in infrastructure. This circumvents US sanctions, effectively encircling Washington," it mentioned.

By seeking to keep the US engaged in the conflict with the Middle East, the report said, Beijing seeks to shift Washington's focus away from the Asia-Pacific region and enable China to expand its global influence.

"This also helps expand Chinese influence, as China adopts the Belt and Road Initiative to connect countries within its economic sphere of influence, using the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS group as tools to support Iran politically. China aims to achieve several strategic objectives in its confrontation with Washington, including exhausting Washington by embroiling the US in Middle Eastern conflicts while simultaneously safeguarding its energy interests by securing oil flows through long-term partnerships with Iran," it emphasised.

- IANS
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Cheap Stocks Under $10 to Buy in April. Nomad Foods Limited is among the best cheap stocks to invest in.

TheFly reported on March 30 that Deutsche Bank revised its rating on NOMD, lowering it from Buy to Hold and cutting the price target from $15 to $10. The analyst cited rising costs for oil- and energy-related inputs due to the Iran conflict, coupled with potential weakening in European consumer demand. Limited pricing flexibility and the risk of customers switching to lower-cost alternatives were highlighted as key concerns. These factors prompted the reassessment of the companys near-term growth prospects and influenced the decision to reduce both the rating and the valuation guidance.

Separately, earlier on March 11, Nomad Foods Limited (NYSE:NOMD) announced the launch of its second Future Foods Lab initiative, the Culinary Creativity Challenge. The program seeks practical innovations that make cooking enjoyable and effortless at home, including inventive frozen meals with global flavors, customizable sauces and bases, bite-sized portions, and kitchen solutions that simplify meal preparation.

Deutsche Bank Lowers Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD) Outlook as European Consumer Demand Softens

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted an on-site inspection of the under-construction Danapur-Bihta Elevated Road project, reviewing its progress and quality. He directed officials and engineers to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeline without any compromise on construction standards. The 25-kilometre corridor, costing over Rs 1,969 crore, is a major four-lane project expected to be finished by September 2026. Once operational, it will ease severe traffic congestion, connect key areas including the upcoming Bihta airport, and improve access to institutions like IIT and NIT Patna.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar inspected the Danapur-Bihta Elevated Corridor, stressing timely completion and quality for the Rs 1,969 crore project.

Patna, April 4 Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday conducted an on-site inspection of the under-construction Danapur-Bihta Elevated Road project in Patna, reviewing progress and issuing directions to officials.

During his visit near Kanhauli village, the Chief Minister assessed the pace and quality of the ongoing work and instructed engineers and company officials to ensure timely completion while maintaining high construction standards. He stressed that any compromise on quality would not be tolerated.



Senior officials, including Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Secretaries to the Chief Minister Kumar Ravi and Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, Patna District Magistrate Dr Tyagarajan S.M., and representatives of the executing agency briefed him on the current status of the project.



After reviewing the updates, Nitish Kumar directed the team to expedite execution and complete the project within the stipulated timeline.



The Danapur-Bihta Elevated Corridor, being constructed on NH-922, is a major four-lane project spanning approximately 25 kilometres and aims to strengthen connectivity to the upcoming Bihta airport.



With an estimated cost of over Rs 1,969 crore, the project is expected to be completed by September 2026. Notably, the corridor includes a 14.5-km-long flyover, which is among the longest elevated stretches in eastern India.



Once completed, the project is expected to ease traffic congestion and support regional development. The Chief Minister said the corridor will benefit lakhs of commuters by significantly reducing congestion between Danapur and Bihta, one of Patna's busiest stretches, and cutting travel time.



The elevated road will connect Danapur Railway Station, Shiwala Chowk, and Bihta airport, and improve access to key institutions such as IIT Patna and NIT Patna. It will also strengthen connectivity towards Koilwar and western Bihar, and support future infrastructure growth, including the proposed Bihta civil enclave.



The project is expected to enhance urban mobility in Patna and surrounding areas, while improving long-distance connectivity towards Delhi and other regions.





- IANS
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will defend his Jalukbari assembly seat, which he has represented since 2001, in the 2026 state polls. He faces a challenge from Congress candidate Bidisha Neog and independent Dipika Das in the reshaped constituency. Sarma won the seat decisively in 2021 with over 78% of the vote and a massive victory margin. The contest is framed as a battle between Sarma's long incumbency and Neog's fresh grassroots approach.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma faces Congress's Bidisha Neog in Jalukbari, a constituency he has held for 25 years, in the 2026 assembly elections.

Kamrup, April 4 Jalukbari Assembly constituency in Kamrup district is set for a high-stakes contest as Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will seek re-election in the upcoming State Assembly elections.

In the upcoming Assembly polls, CM Sarma will face Congress candidate Bidisha Neog and independent candidate Dipika Das.

Jalukbari has been under the stronghold of Himanta Biswa Sarma for nearly 25 years. Representing the seat since 2001 after defeating Asom Gana Parishad leader Bhrigu Kumar Phukan, Sarma has built a formidable base in the region.

With 2,10,624 voters and 247 polling stations, the constituency, reshaped after the 2023 delimitation, represents a mix of urban and semi-urban demographics, making it a crucial battleground.

In the 2021 Assam Assembly elections, Chief Minister Sarma won with 1,30,762 votes, securing 78.4 per cent of the total votes. He defeated Congress candidate Romen Chandra Borthakur, who received 28,851 votes (17.3 per cent). Independent candidates Hemanta Kumar Sut, Naba Kumar Nath and Moinul Hoque got 4,838, 1,218, and 1,141 votes, respectively. Sarma's victory margin stood at 1,01,911 votes.

In the 2021 elections, the BJP secured 60 seats with a 33.21 per cent vote share, while the Congress won 29 seats, garnering 29.67 per cent of the votes.

Chief Minister Sarma, 57, holds a doctorate and has declared assets of over Rs 35 lakh. Congress candidate Bidisha Neog, 34, a graduate, also declared assets of around Rs 34.6 lakh, while independent candidate Dipika Das, 44, a postgraduate, has assets worth Rs 5.2 lakh.

The 2026 election is emerging as a showdown between experience and new energy. On one hand is Himanta Biswa Sarma, a seasoned leader with a 25-year political track record; on the other is Bidisha Neog, a newcomer aiming to create a fresh narrative through grassroots engagement and clear ideological positioning.

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 will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP is contesting the elections in alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People's Front (BPF).

The NDA will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to return to power by defeating the ruling alliance.

- ANI
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described Ujjain as a "living laboratory" of Indian knowledge, blending science, culture, and spirituality. He spoke at the 'Mahakala: The Master of Time' international conference, urging a view beyond the purely religious lens of such sites. The event, also attended by Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, saw the inauguration of the Ujjain Science Centre and key development projects. These initiatives are part of preparations for the upcoming Simhastha-2028 in the historic city.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan describes Ujjain as a hub integrating science, culture, and spirituality at the Mahakal conference.

Ujjain, April 4 Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday described Ujjain-Avantika as a city that embodies the essence of Indian civilisation, blending science, culture, literature, and spirituality. He made the remarks while addressing the International Conference "Mahakala: The Master of Time", which was also attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

Speaking at the event, Pradhan said, "We are all present in Ujjain-Avantika, the city of one civilisation. In India, whatever spiritual sites, temples, or places of tradition we see today, we generally view them from a religious perspective. When we go to those places, study them deeply, read their history, and review their civilisation and character, we get to know that all these centres, be they Ujjain, Kashi, Kanchi, or Puri Dham, are living laboratories based on the Indian knowledge tradition, encompassing science, art, culture, literature, and spirituality."

He added, "Someone before me said, 'Science is incomplete without spirituality.' Ujjain, where Mahakal resides, is a unique place in our Indian tradition, with a scientific and cultural background."

Pradhan emphasised that understanding India's spiritual centres requires looking beyond the purely religious lens. "When we study these places, we realise that they are not just centres of worship but repositories of knowledge where astronomy, architecture, literature, and cultural practices flourished," he said.

He further highlighted Ujjain's historical significance as a hub of Indian science and learning. "All these centres are examples of India's rich civilisational knowledge, demonstrating how science, culture, and spirituality have been integrated in our tradition," he said.

Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated an international conference titled 'Mahakal: The Master of Time' at the Planetarium Complex in Ujjain.

CM Yadav and Union Minister Pradhan also inaugurated the Ujjain Science Centre and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects, including "Samrat Vikramaditya: The Heritage" project and 4-lane Ujjain Bypass as part of preparation for the upcoming Simhastha-2028.

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar thanked Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen from Iran through Armenia. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed over 1,200 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran, with 996 moving to Armenia and 204 to Azerbaijan for transit back to India. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated the government is closely coordinating with missions and local authorities to ensure safe returns. Since the West Asia crisis began in late February, approximately 624,000 passengers have traveled from the region to India.

EAM Jaishankar thanks Armenia for helping evacuate over 1200 Indians from Iran. MEA coordinates safe return amid West Asia conflict.

New Delhi, April 4 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday expressed gratitude towards Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen from Iran amid the conflict in West Asia.

"Thank FM Ararat Mirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar wrote on X.

Armenia has been facilitating the evacuation of Indian nationals in Iran.

On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that more than 1,200 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran, out of which 996 moved to Armenia.

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 1200 Indian nationals have been evacuated, 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.

Over 6 lakh passengers have returned to India amid the developing security situation in West Asia.

Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, 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."

The West Asia crisis began on February 28 with US-Israel strikes on Iran, and subsequent Iranian retaliation engulfed the region in the conflict, affecting the airspace in the Gulf region.

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the IIM Raipur convocation, urging the graduating class to lead India's development as a 'Viksit Bharat'. He highlighted that they enter a world shaped by the pandemic, conflicts, and climate change, which have altered global dynamics. The minister expressed optimism about India's trajectory, crediting inclusive growth, digital adoption, and a resilient economy. He advised graduates to combine national capability building with a deep understanding of global affairs, prioritizing core interests with an "India First" compass.

EAM Jaishankar addresses IIM Raipur convocation, urging graduates to steer India towards prosperity amid global conflicts, pandemics, and climate change.

Raipur, April 4 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday urged the graduating class of IIM Raipur to embrace their role in building a developed India, even as the world grapples with unprecedented challenges such as pandemics, conflicts, and climate change.

Addressing the 15th Annual Convocation Ceremony as chief guest, Jaishankar congratulated the Class of 2026, describing the occasion as both a celebration of personal achievement and a moment for deeper reflection on the broader environment shaping their future.

"You belong to a generation destined to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat," he told the graduates. "You are beneficiaries of a solid decade of progress, with unprecedented access to technology, information, and globalisation that has deeply connected India to the world. Your skills will steer the nation towards greater prosperity."

The minister, however, cautioned that the graduates are entering a period of rapid and structural change. He highlighted three major challenges of the decade -- the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and accelerating climate change -- each of which has profoundly altered daily life, work patterns, and global interconnectedness.

"Conflicts now impact even distant societies, while extreme climate events and habitat loss pose serious short- and long-term threats," he noted.

EAM Jaishankar pointed to deeper shifts in the global order, with changing power dynamics and rapid advances in technology, energy, military capabilities, and connectivity fuelling competition. "Everything today is being leveraged, if not weaponised," he observed, leading nations and businesses to focus on hedging, de-risking, and diversification.

Despite these anxieties, the minister expressed strong optimism about India's trajectory. "The prospects for young Indians today are far brighter than before. There is an optimism in our society that is missing in many parts of the world," he said.

He credited the past decade of progress, India's position among the top five economies, and its resilience in handling multiple global shocks. EAM Jaishankar emphasised that more inclusive growth, decisive leadership, and the enthusiastic adoption of digital tools - combined with a strong 'can-do' spirit among the youth and awareness of India's heritage -- have created a strong foundation.

"Technology and tradition are reinforcing each other," he said.

He stressed the growing importance of building national capabilities, particularly in food, health, energy, and national security, under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. While acknowledging the need for trusted partnerships in certain areas, he asserted that robust domestic capacities remain the most effective way to de-risk and create leverage.

The minister highlighted progress in ease of doing business, infrastructure development across highways, railways, ports, and airports, and the nurturing of skills, entrepreneurship, and startups.

He encouraged graduates to develop a deep understanding of global affairs, cultures, and complexities, noting that diplomacy and business are increasingly intertwined.

Drawing parallels between diplomacy and management, EAM Jaishankar outlined key traits for success, including good preparation, sound judgement, clear goals, negotiating skills, and the ability to prioritise core national interests with "India First" as the guiding compass.

In his parting advice, he urged the young managers to remain competitive, committed to continuous learning, and focused on building strong relationships and ethical values.

"Life is all about relationships and friendships -- build, maintain, and nurture them," he said.

Concluding with warm wishes, EAM Jaishankar told the graduates: "I wish you all the very best in life's journey ahead, knowing that you will travel confidently, with high ambition and strong commitment."

- IANS
The Election Commission of India has suspended four Kolkata Police personnel for a law and order incident that occurred on April 2 in Alipore. The incident took place when BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari filed his nomination in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The suspended officers include a Deputy Commissioner and other senior officials from the Alipore Police Station. This action highlights the EC's strict stance on maintaining order during the ongoing West Bengal assembly elections.

Election Commission suspends 4 Kolkata Police personnel for law & order issue during Suvendu Adhikari's nomination filing with Amit Shah present.

Kolkata, April 4 The Election Commission of India on Saturday suspended and initiated disciplinary action against four Kolkata Police personnel in connection with a law and order issue infront of the Survey Building in Alipore on April 2, when BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari filed his nomination in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The suspended officers are Siddhartha Dutta, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DC-II), South Division, Kolkata Police; Priyankar Chakraborty, Officer in Charge (OC), Alipore Police Station; Chandi Charan Banerjee, Additional Officer in Charge (Addl. OC), Alipore Police Station; Saurabh Chatterjee, Sergeant, Alipore Police Station.

"The Commission has agreed to the proposal and directs that the aforementioned Police Officers, be suspended and disciplinary proceedings be initiated against them immediately. The directions of the Commission to be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report in this regard be sent by 11:00 AM on 05.04.2026. Further, you are requested to furnish a proposal to fill up the resultant vacant posts of DC-II, South Division, Kolkata Police; OC, Alipore and Addl. OC, Alipore to the Commission,urgently," the release read.

Earlier, BJP candidate from Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, Suvendu Adhikari, filed his nomination for the West Bengal elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya were seen accompanying Adhikari during the process.

Suvendu Adhikari is contesting the two-phase West Bengal assembly polls on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket from Bhabanipur and Nandigram constituencies.

This time, the West Bengal elections will see a face-off between Adhikari and Trinamool Congress Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the Bhabanipur seat, while Adhikari will also try to retain Nandigram.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lost the Nandigram seat in the 2021 assembly elections against Adhikari, but later secured victory in the Bhabanipur by-election against Priyanka Tibrewal.

The polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

In the last assembly election in the state, held in eight phases in 2021, 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
Iran's armed forces headquarters has issued a severe warning, threatening devastating strikes against American and Israeli assets as well as the infrastructure of nations hosting US bases. This escalation is a direct response to recent threats from US President Donald Trump targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure. The Iranian military spokesperson stated that retaliatory operations would focus on critical economic and energy centers across the region. Host countries were given an ultimatum to force the withdrawal of US forces to avoid being harmed.

Iran's military threatens devastating strikes on US/Israeli assets and regional host nations' infrastructure if Trump's threats are executed.

Tehran, April 4 The central headquarters of the Iranian armed forces has issued a stark warning to the United States and its regional partners following recent threats made by President Donald Trump, state broadcaster Press TV reported.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, released a statement early on Saturday threatening devastating strikes against American and Israeli assets. The warning specifically extended to the infrastructure of nations that continue to host US military bases, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions.

This military posturing is a direct response to President Trump's recent assertions that the US would continue targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure, including bridges, power plants, and energy facilities. According to Press TV, the Iranian military command has warned that any execution of these threats will be met with overwhelming force by the Islamic Republic's armed forces.

"In response to the US President's inflammatory rhetoric and his repeated threats regarding the destruction of bridges, power plants, and Iran's electricity and energy infrastructure, we warn once again," the spokesperson asserted.

The Iranian military further cautioned that its retaliatory operations would go beyond military assets. The spokesperson noted that the armed forces would target "more important and extensive sectors of their capital, as well as those of the host countries and allies of the US and the Zionist regime."

As per the statement, these potential strikes would focus on fuel, energy, and economic centres, as well as power plants across the region and the occupied territories. Press TV reported that the promised response would be "more severe and crushing than ever before."

Addressing the regional nations that provide facilities for American forces, the Iranian command delivered a clear ultimatum. "The countries hosting US military bases in the region must force the Americans to withdraw from their territory if they do not wish to be harmed," the spokesperson stated.

The current conflict follows the launch of an unprovoked and illegal war by the US-Israeli coalition on 28 February. Press TV highlighted that the initial offensive targeted the country's top civilian and military leadership, resulting in the death of the former Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The Iranian military command maintained that the withdrawal of foreign forces is now the only way for host nations to avoid being caught in the crossfire of the ongoing war, Press TV reported.

- ANI
Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev states the rerouting of an Iranian crude shipment is a normal function of free market dynamics, influenced by pricing and logistics. He expresses deep skepticism about the UN Security Council's ability to act, citing fundamental structural divisions among permanent members. Sachdev highlights the Strait of Hormuz as a critical global chokepoint, emphasizing that diplomacy is the only viable path forward. He also warns that recent US actions against Iranian infrastructure could provoke a dangerous cycle of retaliation.

Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev says mid-voyage rerouting of Iranian oil reflects market forces, calls UN "at an impasse" on security issues.

New Delhi, April 4 Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev said the mid-voyage rerouting of an Iranian crude shipment, which was supposedly destined for India, reflects evolving market dynamics rather than any unusual development, describing it as a case of the "free market playing out."

In an interview with ANI on Friday, Sachdev said, "I don't see it as anything surprising; it's probably right now free market playing out." He explained that multiple factors could be influencing such decisions, including competitive pricing and logistical requirements.

"There are many buyers as well as sellers; sellers want to sell quickly. Iran knows it has a 30-day window to sell its oil at sea, Russia knows it has a 30-day waiver," he said, adding that rerouting could also stem from better offers or documentation requirements by Indian importers like Nayara Energy.

On Iran's warning to the United Nations Security Council, Sachdev expressed scepticism about the global body's effectiveness. "Fundamentally, there is nothing that the United Nations can do; it does not have the structural elements," he said, pointing to divisions among permanent members. "Everything goes up to the UN Security Council, you have Russia and China, America and others, any proposal will not be able to bridge the gap," he added, calling the UN "at an impasse" and stating it "cannot deliver anything other than statements and expressions of concern."

Highlighting India's concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, Sachdev said the situation remains critical for global energy security and maritime safety. "The Strait of Hormuz is a matter of huge concern for everyone. We have been impacted not only economically but in terms of the lives of our mariners," he said, noting that diplomatic efforts remain the only viable path forward. "Military force is ruled out; what remains is dialogue and diplomacy, which India has always been promoting."

On rising tensions between the United States and Iran, Sachdev warned of further escalation. "It will invite a tit-for-tat response," he said, referring to reported strikes on infrastructure. "What the United States is doing now is systematically attacking and damaging physical infrastructure, which is a war crime by the way, so that when they decide to stop, at the end of it Iran is hugely weakened," he said, adding that such actions could provoke retaliation targeting power grids and desalination plants across Gulf countries. He also pointed to competing narratives around recent incidents, saying, "Lots of dirty games are also going on."

- ANI
Rumors of a severe LPG shortage have caused panic and long queues at refueling stations in Raichur, Karnataka, largely fueled by private outlet closures and global supply chain disruptions. The state and central governments have issued strong assurances of adequate stock, directed oil companies to ramp up sales, and warned against black marketing and price hikes. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to the Union Petroleum Minister highlighting a critical disparity between supply and demand for commercial LPG, forcing some businesses to shut down. The central government is also engaging with global partners to safeguard energy security and has announced a financial relief package for exporters affected by the West Asia crisis.

Rumors of an LPG shortage cause panic in Raichur, Karnataka. Government assures adequate stock, warns against black marketing, and addresses supply chain concerns.

Raichur, April 4 Thousands of autorickshaw drivers in Raichur and surrounding districts have been forced into gruelling, hours-long wait times at refuelling stations this week as rumours of a severe LPG shortage sweep through Northern Karnataka.

The panic, largely fueled by the closure of several private outlets and global supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis, has seen "serpentine" queues stretching past city landmarks.

While the state government and major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like IndianOil have assured the public of adequate stock and scaled-up distribution, the disparity between government-fixed rates and hiked private prices continues to trigger protests among the driver community, whose daily livelihoods hang in the balance.

The Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister, K.H. Muniyappa, has reiterated that there is no "actual" shortage for domestic or public transport needs. The government directed IndianOil to ramp up daily sales (currently at 59.53 Metric Tonnes per day). It warned private distributors against black marketing and unauthorised price hikes, as well as, established district-level monitoring committees to conduct raids on hoarding sites.

The Government of India on Saturday issued a strong assurance to the public, confirming the adequate availability of petrol, diesel, LPG, and PNG across the country.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Indian Oil Corp clarified that its five kg Free Trade Liquefied Petroleum Gas (FTL) cylinders are supplied continuously by the oil marketing companies to migrant labourers and adequate arrangements have been made to maintain steady availability and added that there is no disruption in supplies, the government-owned company said.

Hindustan Petroleum Corp said that it delivered a record 14,10,000 cylinders under its LPG segment from its 55 bottling plants and also supplied 27,800 free trade LPC cylinders in the 5 kg segment and 1,500 cylinders in the 2 kg segment.

Earlier, in March, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, seeking urgent intervention to tackle the severe shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru, which has disrupted supply and livelihoods across the state.

In a post on X, CM Siddaramaiah wrote, the state is currently receiving just 1,000 cylinders per day against a demand of around 50,000, forcing businesses and hotels to halt operations despite government measures to prioritise supply for essential sectors.

"I have written to the Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri seeking urgent intervention to address the severe shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru, which is impacting supply and livelihoods across Karnataka," Karnataka CM said.

He added, "The State Government has already taken steps to regulate and prioritise supply for essential sectors. However, with demand at around 50,000 cylinders and supply limited to just 1,000 per day, the situation remains critical - forcing businesses and hotels to shut down. I have requested immediate allocation support to ensure adequate availability of commercial and auto LPG for Karnataka."

Meanwhile, India is actively engaging with global partners to safeguard its energy security and the safety of Indian nationals in the Gulf as tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt trade and logistics.

In view of the disruptive situations, the Central government has also announced a financial relief package of Rs 497 crores aimed at helping exporters affected by disruptions in West Asia.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the ongoing situation has posed challenges for countries across the world.

"It has been a testing time for not just us, but for the entire global community. Our leaders have been in touch with their counterparts," Jaiswal said.

India is continuing to coordinate with stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies and the safety of its citizens in the Gulf region, he added.

At the second meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), which monitors the evolving situation in West Asia and suggest proactive measures for its minimum impact on India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that in view of the "uncertain situation", the Defence Minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality.

He stressed the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict.

- ANI
Former US F-15E pilot Ryan Bodenheimer analyzed India's tactics during Operation Sindoor, specifically praising the use of the X-GUARD towed decoy system on Rafale jets. He explained that the system, linked to the Rafale's SPECTRA suite, emits signals to appear as a larger target, misleading enemy radar-guided missiles. Combined with jettisoning external fuel tanks, this created a chaotic radar picture, leading Pakistan to believe it scored hits on aircraft. Bodenheimer described this integrated use of technology and tactics as a strategically significant "4D chess move" that sows confusion in the adversary's command.

Former US combat pilot Ryan Bodenheimer calls India's use of X-GUARD towed decoys on Rafale jets a "4D chess" genius move during Operation Sindoor.

Boise, April 4 Former US F-15E combat pilot and host of the Max Afterburner YouTube channel, Ryan Bodenheimer, praised India's "use of" advanced decoy systems on Dassault Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor, calling it a "genius move" while assessing claims made during the aerial engagement.

In an interview with ANI, Bodenheimer highlighted a fascinating shift in modern air combat: the "4D chess" isn't just about the pilot's manoeuvres, but how they manage the electronic and visual signature of the aircraft.

Bodenheimer addressed Pakistan's claims of shooting down Indian aircraft, saying initial visuals were misleading. "There were a lot of pictures coming out which were claimed to be downed or false. And then looking closer, it was actually just the drop tanks," he said.

The X-GUARD is an advanced towed decoy system integrated into the Rafale's SPECTRA electronic warfare suite. Unlike traditional flares or chaff that are fired and left behind, a towed decoy like X-GUARD is a small fibre-optic-linked device reeled out behind the jet.

It emits signals that make it appear as a "larger, juicier" target to incoming radar-guided missiles than the jet itself.

Explaining the tactic, he noted, "That's a tactic that fighter pilots use. You use that fuel, and then when you're about to get into a potential dogfight or even just a really intense beyond visual range fight, you punch those tanks off."

Bodenheimer highlighted India's reliance on advanced technology, particularly the X-GUARD decoy system. "I could see what you guys were doing. You were relying a lot on advanced technology. I think it's called X-Shield. The decoys, right? X-Shield, to me, looks like a very capable platform," he said.

By deploying these, Indian pilots forced Pakistani air defence and interceptors to lock onto decoys. When combined with the "punching" of drop tanks, it created a chaotic radar environment where the enemy likely thought they were scoring hits on aircraft when they were actually just hitting expendable hardware.

He added, "So I think it was really, you know, it was a very 4D chess move for India to have these systems on the Rafales. And the Rafale also has an ASA radar. I mean, it's a very capable fighter."

He further described the deployment as strategically significant. "So, the fact that the X-Shield was employed, I think, was a genius move by India. India is really smart when it comes to those decoys," he added.

Bodenheimer pointed about intentional ambiguity is key. In high-stakes operations like Operation Sindoor, letting the adversary believe they've scored a hit (based on visual debris like fuel tanks or destroyed decoys) serves two purposes: It stops the enemy from firing a second, more accurate missile, and creates a "guessing game" for the opposing command, making them hesitant to trust their own sensor data in future engagements.

"I know Pakistan thought they shot down a lot of the fighters, and they put up a good fight. Let's be honest," he said, while noting that battlefield ambiguity.

"I also like how the fog of war, you don't want to give away what happened, but you also want to maybe make the other side think they did get some hits," he said, adding that India's communication strategy "puts some guessing in the mind of Pakistan."

Bodenheimer also underscored the human cost of conflict, stating, "War is terrible, and I wish we didn't have to have it, but sometimes it's the last option. It should be the 50th or 100th option if we can."

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.

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
Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) ranks among the oversold European stocks to buy. On March 3, TD Cowen maintained its Hold rating on Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) but reduced its price target to $88. TD Cowen reduced its organic operating profit growth estimate to flat and its organic sales forecast to -2.7% for the fiscal year 2026.

Morgan Stanley Cuts Target on Diageo (DEO) as Growth Pressures Persist

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) announced a cut in its annual sales projection and dividend, citing sluggish demand in the US market. The company reported a significant fall in U.S. alcohol sales for the six months ended December 31, mostly affecting its famous tequila brands Don Julio and Casamigos.

Moreover, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) has faced headwinds in North America and China, overshadowing sales gains in Europe and Latin America. Despite these regional challenges, the company has maintained its cash production target of GBP 3 billion for the fiscal year 2026.

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The Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation has announced a Rs 500 discount for consumers applying for new domestic PNG connections by June 30. The discount will be credited to the consumer's bill after installation in areas with existing pipeline infrastructure. Officials stated the move is to encourage wider adoption and ensure a regular gas supply, with sufficient stocks of essential commodities available across the state. The process has been simplified, reducing connection installation time from 45 days to just seven days.

Get Rs 500 off new domestic PNG connections in Gujarat by June 30. Initiative aims to ensure smooth gas supply and wider consumer access.

Surat, April 4 Customers applying for new domestic piped natural gas connections by June 30 will receive a discount of Rs 500, Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Managing Director Avantika Singh Aulakh said during a review meeting in Surat on Saturday.

The discount will be available in areas with existing gas pipeline infrastructure, and the amount will be credited to the consumer's bill after the connection is installed.

Aulakh said the measure is aimed at encouraging wider adoption of PNG connections and ensuring easier access to a regular gas supply.

The announcement was made at a meeting held at the District Seva Sadan, where officials reviewed the availability and distribution of petrol, diesel, gas, fertiliser and other essential commodities in Surat district.

The meeting was attended by district and municipal officials, as well as representatives of oil and gas distribution companies.

Aulakh said there are currently 15.20 lakh domestic PNG connections in Surat city and added that "the government is in continuous coordination with oil and gas companies to ensure that consumers do not face any difficulty in receiving regular gas supply."

She further maintained, "Sufficient stock of essential commodities including gas, petrol, diesel and fertiliser is currently available across the state, and arrangements have been made to maintain adequate supplies in the future."

Referring to the international situation, Aulakh said, "Considering the prevailing war situation in the Middle East, the district administration and municipal officials are working with coordination and teamwork to ensure that essential commodities are supplied smoothly to the public," adding that distribution in Surat district is continuing without disruption.

She also appreciated the coordinated efforts of the authorities.

Aulakh noted that the Central Government has issued guidelines prioritising PNG connections and emphasised the need for their swift implementation in the state.

"Priority is being given to residential users as well as educational institutions and hospitals," she said.

Officials informed that in Surat district, a total of 1,805 applications for commercial PNG connections have been approved, including those from 39 hospitals and 16 railway canteens.

Gas supply arrangements are also being made for industrial units and their canteens or mess facilities, as required, while priority is being given to community kitchens, Samras hostels, and hospitals.

District Supply Officer Darshan Shah said that all dealers of HPCL, BPCL, and IOCL have started supplying 5 kg and 3 kg gas cylinders.

He added that the process for PNG pipeline connections has been simplified, reducing the installation time from 45 days to seven days.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public rally in Thiruvalla, Kerala, generated highly enthusiastic reactions from attendees, many of whom were seeing him in person for the first time. A former CPI member stated she now supports Modi because he "cares about the people," while a Gen Z attendee praised the government's work on youth representation. Multiple women expressed pride in his speech on women's reservation and credited government schemes for their self-reliance. Local leaders interpreted the massive, dedicated turnout as a sign of potential historic political change in the state.

Attendees at PM Modi's Thiruvalla rally express overwhelming support, with former CPI member and Gen Z voters praising his leadership and schemes.

Thiruvalla, April 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Thiruvalla on Saturday. He began his speech with the slogans "Jai Keralam! Jai Vikasita Keralam!"

Reactions from people attending the rally have since poured in. Audience reaction has reflected enthusiasm and support.



A woman who attended the rally told IANS that she saw the Prime Minister in person for the first time in her life. She said she had previously held a position in the Communist Party of India (CPI) but did not like the programmes of the party.



She added that Prime Minister Modi cares about the people of the country, which is why she now supports him.



Another woman also said that she saw the Prime Minister for the first time. She claimed that many misconceptions spread by the LDF and the UDF were cleared through PM Modi's speech.



She expressed happiness after attending the rally and said that, as part of Gen Z, she believes the Modi government has done commendable work to ensure youth representation and that beneficial schemes are reaching them.



A man at the rally said he could not fully express his emotions, adding that it was a matter of great pride for a small worker like him to support such an ideal leader. He said he dedicates his entire life to the Prime Minister.



Addressing the gathering earlier, PM Modi said that people's trust in the NDA and the strong support from women in Kerala are clearly visible across the state. He noted that although he had visited earlier, the current atmosphere is different and indicates change, adding that Kerala is ready for a historic transformation.



A local leader said that the massive turnout at the rally in Kerala reflects a strong possibility of significant political change in the state after the upcoming Assembly elections. He added that not a single party worker moved from their place until PM Narendra Modi finished his speech, highlighting the crowd's dedication and enthusiasm.



Another woman who attended the rally expressed immense happiness at seeing the Prime Minister in person and said she hopes the NDA forms the government in Kerala.



A third woman said she felt proud hearing PM Modi speak about women's reservation in Parliament and state assemblies. She added that she has become self-reliant and employed due to government schemes and praised the Prime Minister with deep admiration. "PM Modi is like a god himself," she added.





- IANS
Actress Huma Qureshi calls her brother Saqib Saleem's new series 'Kaptaan' a "banger" after a special family screening. Details inside.

Mumbai, April 4 Actress Huma Qureshi is all praise for her brother Saqib Saleem's latest outing "Kaptaan", calling it a "banger" as she cheered him on with enthusiasm.

Taking to her Instagram stories, Huma shared a few glimpses from the screening at home, which was attended by their friends and family.



She wrote the caption as, "It's Kaptaan time at the Qureshi household. Saqib Saleem killed it Kaptaan. What a banger," expressing her excitement and pride for her brother's performance.



Saqib too had shared an emotional note about the film's screening night, describing it as "truly special." The actor revealed that the evening was made memorable by the presence of his friends, family, and the film's cast and crew, all coming together under one roof.



He wrote: "Last night was truly special. I had the most wonderful evening surrounded by my friends, family, and everyone who came to watch Kaptaan. Having all my loved ones under one roof, along with the incredible cast and crew I had the privilege of working with, felt surreal."



He added that the most meaningful part of the night was having his parents by his side, whom he called his "real-life Kaptaans." Saqib said seeing their proud smiles and feeling their unwavering support made the moment feel complete.



"But the most special part of the night was having my real-life Kaptaans, my parents, right there by my side. Seeing their proud smiles, feeling their love and support in that moment, made everything feel complete."



The actor described the experience as emotional and overwhelming, filled with immense happiness that words could hardly capture.



"It was emotional, overwhelming, and filled with so much happiness that words truly fall short. Grateful and thankful to God for everything. Kaptaan is now all yours to watch. And also bday was brought in early . Thanks Danish n Ridhima."



Talking about "Kaptaan", the series is set against the charged backdrop of Jwalabad, this gritty crime saga dives into a world where crime has evolved into structured cartels, and power is no longer claimed through chaos alone, but control.



The series also stars Siddharth Nigam, Kavita Kaushik, Varun Badola, Anjumm Shharma, Aarif Zakaria, Poojaa Gor, Vikram Kochhar, and Anushka Kaushik in pivotal roles.





- IANS
EAM S Jaishankar addresses IIM Raipur convocation, highlighting India's resilience and the need for strategic hedging in a turbulent world.

Raipur, April 4 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday praised the progress of the Indian Institute of Management Raipur after attending its 15th Annual Convocation Ceremony in Chhattisgarh.

Speaking with the media, after the event, Jaishankar said, "The program went well. We visited IIM Raipur and saw the tremendous progress it has made. They have now made a name for themselves."



He also highlighted his interaction with students during the ceremony. "We also met the students who had come for the convocation. So, it went well," he added.



Earlier, addressing the 15th Annual Convocation Ceremony of IIM Raipur, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar noted that India has "solidly come through" the turbulent global environment amid the West Asian conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, "managing domestic and external challenges successfully."



Jaishankar called for "hedging, de-risking and diversifying" to secure India's interests as he noted that the resources can be used as leverage amid shifting power structures across the globe.



Jaishankar said, "The turbulence in the world currently is also structural in many ways. The global order is changing before our very eyes with visible shifts in the relative power and influence of countries. The politics of some societies find it difficult to come to terms with these changes. New developments in technology, in energy, military capabilities, in connectivity and in resources have encouraged risk-taking in an increasingly competitive environment. Everything today is being leveraged, if not actually weaponised. The world is then confronted with the prospect of securing itself in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable environment. This has necessitated hedging, de-risk and diversifying. Whether this is a business choice or a foreign policy."



"There is an optimism in our society that is lacking in many other parts of the world. Now you could ask, why is that? The last 10 years have been much better, giving rise to the confidence that the next 10 and those beyond will also be. We are, after all, now among the top five economies. No one can dispute that the multiple global shocks that have recently tested our resilience, and that India has come through that solidly. We have managed both domestic and external challenges fairly successfully," he added.



He emphasised building national capabilities to realise the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, while lauding "inclusive growth, representative politics, and decisive leadership" by the Centre.



He said, "More inclusive growth, representative politics, and decisive leadership have created a new foundation from which we can all now harbour higher aspirations. We have not only embraced the digital revolution enthusiastically, but actually purposefully applied it to our lives. Even many developed societies have not done so. Maybe it is also the awakening of a can-do spirit."





- ANI
India has expressed gratitude to Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of its nationals from Iran amid escalating tensions in West Asia. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar thanked Armenia's government for helping Indian fishermen transit through the country to return home. Separately, India acknowledged Azerbaijan's assistance, with 204 citizens having crossed from Iran into Azerbaijan via land border. These operations highlight India's diplomatic coordination with regional partners to ensure the safe return of its citizens.

India thanks Armenia and Azerbaijan for helping evacuate hundreds of Indian citizens from Iran amid West Asia conflict. Read about the coordinated diplomatic efforts.

New Delhi, April 4 India on Saturday expressed gratitude to Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of its nationals from Iran, as efforts continue to bring back citizens amid the intensifying conflict in West Asia.

The evacuation of Indian fishermen through Armenia marks another step in New Delhi's ongoing mission to ensure the safe return of its citizens from the region.

"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India", External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X.

Amid the escalating conflict situation, hundreds of Indian citizens have been evacuated from Iran into neighbouring Armenia in recent days. India has been coordinating closely with regional governments to ensure safe transit routes for its nationals.

Earlier this week, India also thanked Azerbaijan for assisting in the evacuation process. During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 204 Indian nationals have successfully crossed into Azerbaijan from Iran via the land border. He added that while several evacuees have already returned to India, others are expected to arrive over the coming days.

"Azerbaijan... 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; others will be returning in the course of the next few days or so," he said.

India had earlier acknowledged Armenia's assistance in evacuation efforts. On March 16, EAM Jaishankar thanked the Armenian government and its people for facilitating the safe evacuation of over 550 Indian nationals from Iran, appreciating their continued support during challenging circumstances.

The ongoing evacuation operations highlight India's diplomatic outreach and coordination with multiple countries to safeguard its citizens amid rising tensions in West Asia.

- IANS
The United States, India, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand have concluded the intensive 20-day Sea Dragon 2026 anti-submarine warfare exercise at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The drills focused on tracking and neutralizing undersea threats to enhance interoperability and shared maritime domain awareness among the partner nations. Participants conducted structured tracking drills using the MK-30 training target and a live exercise hunting an active Navy submarine near Saipan. The annual exercise underscores the deepening defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the collective focus on safeguarding critical sea lanes.

US, India, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand wrap up 20-day Sea Dragon anti-submarine warfare drills in Guam, boosting regional maritime coordination.

Washington, April 4 The United States and India joined Japan, Australia and New Zealand in a 20-day antisubmarine warfare exercise in Guam, boosting coordination among Indo-Pacific partners, officials said.

Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 concluded at Andersen Air Force Base on March 28 after 20 days of intensive training focused on tracking and neutralising undersea threats in a complex operational environment, a media release said.

Hosted by Commander, Task Force 72, the exercise featured US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside aircraft from the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Officials said the drills were designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen shared maritime domain awareness among the five participating nations. The exercise built on previous editions to improve the ability to conduct coordinated antisubmarine warfare operations in a dynamic and contested environment.

"What we do in Sea Dragon builds more than skill - it establishes team across nations. The shared experience empowers us to fight together more effectively," said Navy Lt. Paolo Aguilar, assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron 4.

The training programme included structured tracking drills using a mobile antisubmarine warfare training target known as the MK-30. Participants also carried out a live antisubmarine warfare exercise in which crews hunted for an active Navy submarine operating in the area.

This year's operations were conducted in the vicinity of Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, where forces employed recoverable exercise torpedoes, demonstrating an expansion of operational capabilities among the participating nations.

The exercise retained a competitive component, with each nation's performance assessed and graded in realistic scenarios. Japan's Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron 3 won the Dragon Belt award, which had been held last year by the Royal Australian Air Force.

Exercises like Sea Dragon highlight the strength of US partnerships and alliances, officials said, emphasising the role of such drills in maintaining regional stability.

"They show that together we're stronger, more capable and ready to deter any aggressor in the Indo-Pacific," said Navy Lt. Caitlin Tucker, a pilot with Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron 45.

Sea Dragon, held annually since 2019, has emerged as a key platform for enhancing coordination among maritime forces operating in the Indo-Pacific. The participation of India alongside US allies reflects a steady deepening of defence cooperation in the region.

In recent years, India has expanded its engagement in multilateral naval exercises as part of broader efforts to strengthen maritime security partnerships and safeguard critical sea lanes. The Indo-Pacific remains central to global trade flows and strategic competition, with increasing focus on undersea capabilities and surveillance.

- IANS
The Indian High Commissioner to Cyprus met with President Nikos Christodoulides to review preparations for the Cypriot leader's upcoming visit to India in May 2026. Discussions centered on advancing the bilateral Joint Action Plan, with a focus on sectors like trade, defense, and renewable energy. Both sides emphasized the strategic importance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) for regional connectivity and stability. The talks build on momentum from Prime Minister Modi's 2025 visit and a subsequent foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi.

Indian envoy meets Cyprus President to finalize 2026 visit plans, discussing trade, defense, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Nicosia, April 4 Indian High Commissioner to Cyprus Manish on Saturday called on Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, reviewing the preparations for the President's visit to India in May, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the Indian Embassy in Cyprus, the two sides discussed the key deliverables under the India-Cyprus Joint Action Plan, with a focus on deepening cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, innovation, and connectivity, building on the momentum generated during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Cyprus in June 2025.

"Both sides also discussed progress in other priority sectors such as defence and security, renewable energy, digital transformation, fintech, and maritime cooperation, while also emphasising the importance of strengthening people-to-people linkages through academic and cultural initiatives," the Indian Embassy posted on X.

Last year in October, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and his Cyprus counterpart Constantinos Kombos reviewed the India-Cyprus Joint Action Plan 2025-2029 during their meeting in New Delhi.

"Delighted to welcome FM Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus today in New Delhi. We reviewed the India-Cyprus Joint Action Plan 2025-2029, agreed to by leaders during PM Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus in June 2025. Our discussions also covered the global geopolitical situation, developments in our respective regions and our cooperation in multilateral fora. As Cyprus takes over the European Union presidency in 2026, we are confident that India-EU ties will further strengthen," EAM Jaishankar posted on X, following the meeting.

Earlier in June 2025, during his visit to Cyprus, PM Modi invited the Cyprus President to India.

The Prime Minister also held wide-ranging discussions with President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, exploring avenues to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, security, and technology.

Both leaders underscored the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor( IMEC) as a transformative, multi-nodal initiative that fosters peace, economic integration, and sustainable development.

Viewing IMEC as a catalyst for constructive regional cooperation, they reiterated their shared commitment to promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East and emphasised the importance of fostering deeper engagement and corridors of interconnection from the Indian subcontinent through the wider Middle East to Europe.

- IANS
Rajasthan Royals' Shimron Hetmyer discusses his mindset shift to No. 3, learning from close losses, and his role in mentoring young talent for IPL 2026.

Ahmedabad, April 4 On the eve of Rajasthan Royals' clash against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer struck a positive and reflective tone, expressing confidence, excitement, and a clear sense of purpose heading into the new season.

"Winning the first game always helps, and everyone is in good spirits," Hetmyer said, highlighting the importance of early momentum in a long tournament.



Looking ahead to another campaign with the Rajasthan Royals, the left-hander did not attempt to hide his enthusiasm. "I am excited. Coming into the tournament, I've been hitting a few balls as well for the last couple of months, so I'm really excited to get started," he remarked, indicating he feels well-prepared after time spent working on his game.



A notable talking point this season is Hetmyer's potential shift up the batting order. Reflecting on the adjustment to batting at No. 3, he acknowledged the tactical and mental changes required. "Just a change of mindset. Batting at 3 makes a different challenge than batting at 5 or 6. Betting at 3 to ball just moves above a little bit, a lot more than it does at 5 or 6, just about doing the basics, keeping in your shape and staying in your shape for as long as possible as well," he explained.



Hetmyer also addressed lessons from last season, particularly in tight chases where the Royals fell just short. His takeaway was simple yet emphatic. "One, get across the line! That's the first one," he said, before elaborating on his personal approach.



"Number 2 is...Really to...For me personally I like to finish a game earlier than later, a little bit sooner rather than later so I just try as much as possible, once I get into that situation, I try to finish it as early as I possibly can and if not, if it's still gets down the last over, try to get as small amount as possible in the last one."



The conversation also turned to the team's young talent, including rising prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Hetmyer emphasised a hands-off, supportive approach to mentoring emerging players.



"There's not much to save someone like that, to be fair. It's always good to have youth on your side, so it's just for him to do the same things that he has been doing," he said.



He added that the youngster has already been receiving plenty of guidance from within the group. "I really haven't been able to say much to him because everyone has been chirping from last year to now. I'm just going to try my best to let him do his thing, and whenever even a little bit of knowledge is needed, I will just try my best to put it over to him," he said.





- IANS
The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance militia coalition has claimed responsibility for 19 separate drone and missile attacks targeting United States bases in Iraq and the wider region. Concurrently, the US Embassy in Baghdad issued a severe security alert warning that Iran-aligned groups may be planning attacks in central Baghdad within 48 hours. The advisory explicitly states that the Iraqi government has not prevented these terrorist attacks originating from its territory. The embassy also solicited public information on the militias and highlighted risks including kidnappings of American citizens.

Islamic Resistance claims 19 drone & missile attacks on US bases in Iraq. US Embassy warns of further militia threats in Baghdad. Read the latest.

Baghdad, April 4 The Islamic Resistance, an umbrella body of Iran-backed militia, has carried out 19 drone and missile attacks targeting the United States' bases in Iraq and in the region on Friday, Al Jazeera reported.

The Iran-backed militia has been attacking US bases in West Asia amid the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Meanwhile, an Iraqi police source told Al Jazeera that there's been an attack against the Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF)'s headquarters in al-Qaim in western Iraq. An air raid was also reported on the headquarters of the 34th Brigade of the PMF in Mosul.

Shia military factions The Islamic Resistance and the PMF, have been part of several proxy wars in the region.

Earlier on Thursday, the Baghdad US Embassy issued a security alert, warning that Iran-aligned militia groups may be planning attacks in central Baghdad.

In a post on X, the embassy cautioned that such groups "may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours," raising concerns over the safety of US citizens and installations in Iraq.

According to the advisory, "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)."

The embassy warned that potential targets could include US citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other locations perceived to be associated with the United States.

The alert also highlighted the risk of kidnappings, noting that " terrorist militias have targeted Americans for kidnapping."

"The Iraqi government has not prevented terrorist attacks in or from Iraqi territory," the embassy stated, adding that some Iran-aligned militia groups may claim affiliation with Iraqi authorities and could "carry identification denoting their status as Iraqi government employees."

Embassy, in an X post, also asked the public to provide information on the militias involved in attacks in Baghdad. "Help us stop the terrorist attacks against the United States Embassy in Baghdad or anywhere else. If you have any information about the Iran-allied terrorist militias or about the individuals responsible for these attacks, send it to us today," the Baghdad US Embassy wrote.

- ANI
Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, claims reviews by global think tanks show the US-Israel campaign represents a "strategic failure." The Iranian military's central headquarters issued a stark warning of devastating strikes against American and Israeli assets, extending to host countries. This warning is a direct response to US President Donald Trump's threats to target Iran's civilian infrastructure like bridges and power plants. The escalating rhetoric marks a sharp increase in regional tensions, with Iran promising overwhelming retaliatory force.

Iran's ambassador to India claims US-Israel campaign is a strategic failure as Iranian military warns of devastating retaliation to Trump's threats.

New Delhi, April 4 Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has cited reports of unnamed global think tanks to suggest that the current camapaign by US-Israel in Iran points to a "strategic failure" for Israel and the United States, while underscoring Iran's resilience.

In a post on X, Fathali said, "A review of global think tanks, from the US and Europe to Asia, reveals a clear pattern: strategic failure for Israel and the US."

He further highlighted Iran's enduring strength, adding, "What stands out is an Iranian-Islamic civilizational resilience that turns pressure into endurance, and endurance into sustained strategic leverage."

Earlier, the central headquarters of the Iranian armed forces issued a stark warning to the United States and its regional partners following recent threats made by President Donald Trump, state broadcaster Press TV reported.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, released a statement early on Saturday threatening devastating strikes against American and Israeli assets. The warning specifically extended to the infrastructure of nations that continue to host US military bases, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions.

This military posturing is a direct response to President Trump's recent assertions that the US would continue targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure, including bridges, power plants, and energy facilities. According to Press TV, the Iranian military command has warned that any execution of these threats will be met with overwhelming force by the Islamic Republic's armed forces.

"In response to the US President's inflammatory rhetoric and his repeated threats regarding the destruction of bridges, power plants, and Iran's electricity and energy infrastructure, we warn once again," the spokesperson asserted.

The Iranian military further cautioned that its retaliatory operations would go beyond military assets. The spokesperson noted that the armed forces would target "more important and extensive sectors of their capital, as well as those of the host countries and allies of the US and the Zionist regime."

Earlier on Thursday (local time), 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.

- ANI
Energy prices are soaring as the war in Iran continues. The Strait of Hormuz, for all intents and purposes, is closed, denying passage to approximately 20% of the global petroleum supply. Higher prices are driving energy stocks up to highs.

Among them is Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET), up 16% in 2026. Dramatic price swings aren't the norm for the renowned midstream company, which has a beta of 0.63 and typically trades less volatilely than the broader market.

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 

Is there still time to buy Energy Transfer?

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Energy Transfer's 6.8% yield still bests most alternatives

Energy Transfer is a master limited partnership (MLP) that often trades with an abnormally high yield due to its large distribution -- that's the MLP equivalent of a dividend. Unlike corporations, MLPs don't pay a corporate income tax. Instead, they pass their profits, losses, and depreciation deductions to minority partners to report on their tax returns using a K-1 tax form.

Investors usually own MLPs for the income they generate, so yield is an important valuation metric for Energy Transfer relative to other income-generating investments.

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Former US F-15E pilot Ryan Bodenheimer warns that Iran's advanced unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and Shahed drones present a serious challenge to US forces in the critical Strait of Hormuz. He states that while the US has the capability to open the blocked strait, doing so quickly would risk many lives, recommending two to three more weeks of battlefield preparation. US countermeasures are in development, including Lockheed Martin's "Lamprey" UUV designed to ambush Iranian drones on the ocean floor. The situation remains tense as Iranian officials suggest they could escalate pressure by targeting another vital chokepoint, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Former US combat pilot Ryan Bodenheimer details Iran's UUV and drone threats in the Strait of Hormuz, urging caution and more prep time for US forces.

Boise, April 4 Former US F-15E combat pilot Ryan Bodenheimer has said that the US should not underestimate Iran's aerial and water combat technologies in the Strait of Hormuz, saying there is challenge of unmanned underwater vehicles hitting the oil tankers.

The Strait of Hormuz, a significant route for oil vessels from the Gulf region, has witnessed a maritime blockade from Iran amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

In an interview with ANI, Bodenheimer noted that a few defence firms in the US are working to counter Iran's UUVs in the trade route.

Asked about the anxiety around the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, given the military challenges, he said, "The aircraft that are strafing those boats, that's one piece of the puzzle, because Iran has the drones, specifically the Shahed drones. They have anti-ship ballistic missiles as well. And then they have the relatively new underwater unmanned vehicles. At least the technology for them has gotten better. Another problem to solve is how to keep these underwater unmanned vehicles from going undetected and just hitting one of these oil tankers, even if the fast attack craft are kept at bay by the fighter aircraft."

"Several innovative companies are focused on building underwater unmanned vehicles that can contest and fight against these unmanned underwater vehicles from Iran. One of those companies is Lockheed Martin, and they built something called the Lamprey, which has the ability to just sit on the ocean floor, wait for these UUVs to come by, and then attack them," the former US combat jet pilot said.

He emphasised that the US has the military technology and force to open up the Strait of Hormuz; however, he noted that Iran cannot be underestimated at the same time.

He suggested that Washington DC take two to three weeks, "preparing the battlefield" and avoiding the "big risk" of Iran's attack.

He said, "Iran is no slouch... Never underestimate the enemy. I am fairly confident that the US could open up the Strait within a couple of days if they really wanted to, but that would likely risk a lot of lives from the Marine expeditionary unit present there. Iran is adapting their defences with surface-to-air missiles. They are the ones who taught a lot of the Iraqi and Afghan militias how to plant roadside bombs. Sending 1,000 to 2,000 Marines to take all the coastal areas, the coastal batteries, is a big risk. So, taking a few more weeks, we saw President Trump mention that in his speech to the union a few days ago. Take two to three more weeks. Prepare the battlefield even more. Try to take away Iran's ability to threaten the Straits with the UUVs and the Shahed drones."

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US can open the Strait of Hormuz with a "little more time."

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?"

Iran led a blockade of the Hormuz Strait to exert intense economic and logistical strain on international shipping. While the US looks to open the shipping route, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, suggested that Tehran could further escalate pressure on its adversaries by targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.

Ghalibaf asked, "What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertiliser shipments transits the Bab el-Mandeb Strait? Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait?", implying that the Islamic Republic is evaluating ways to exert leverage.

- ANI
Iran has flatly refused to engage with any US-led delegation through Pakistan, dashing Islamabad's attempt to broker peace in the West Asia conflict. Tensions escalated further with reports of a missing US airman after Iranian forces downed American aircraft. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims to have executed precise strikes on Israeli military sites in its latest wave of retaliation. Concurrently, a senior Iranian official warned that Iran could sustain a blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz for years to cut off US military logistics.

Iran dismisses Pakistan's peace efforts, continues counter-strikes against US-Israel, and warns it can block the Strait of Hormuz for years.

Tehran, April 4 Islamabad's attempt tp position itself as a mediator in the West Asia conflict has come to naught with the Iranian side refusing to meet any US led delegation in Pakistan, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Iran has also called the list of demands from the US as unacceptablem, pushing the possibility of an early resolution to the crisis to the back burner. Pakistan had staked its diplomatic heft by pitching itself as a mediator claiming to have been behind messaging to both the Iranian and US sides. However, it appears that with this significant trust deficit the Iranians are reluctant to let Islambad play any role in negotiations.

However, some hope was ignited as reports suggested that Iran could move towards a mediation effort brokered by Qatar, another key player in the region.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the region after the reports of a missing US airman after a US aircraft was downed by the Iranians and the taking down of another US A-10 plane.

US President Donald Trump withheld details regarding the potential US response should a missing crew member, forced to eject over Iran, be harmed or captured, The President declined to specify a course of action during a brief telephone interview with The Independent on Friday.

When questioned by The Independent about the measures he might take if the airman is mistreated by Iranian forces, Trump stated, "Well, I can't comment on it because we hope that's not going to happen."

The Iranians say their forces have now executed Wave 93 of their retaliatory campaign against US-Israel. IRGC claimed to have dealt precise blows to critical Israeli military staging grounds deep inside the occupied territories.

During this IRGC said that centres of gathering and combat support of the Israelis in Western Galilee, Haifa, Kafr Kanna, and Krayot were precisely hit.

In what will spell further trouble for the US and its allies, Iran said it has the ability to sustain the current situation in the Strait of Hormu for years,

A senior Iranian security official told Press TV that Iran's heightened sensitivity over the strategic waterway stems from the fact that the majority of equipment used to supply US military bases and garrisons across the region has historically been transported by sea.

"Iran has the capability to sustain this situation for years," the official said, referring to the effective shutdown of the strategic waterway to US and allied vessels.

The official further stated that Iran believes it should no longer allow such logistical support to continue.

- ANI
Iran has asserted it will achieve complete control over its airspace after claiming its air defense units shot down multiple US fighter jets and other aircraft. A military spokesperson described the operations as "powerful, fast, and accurate," labeling the day a "Black Friday" for American and Israeli forces. The spokesperson emphasized that Iran is equipped with modern, domestically built air defense systems being deployed operationally. Separately, an IRGC commander stated that the Iranian nation will be the ultimate victor and expects officials to directly confront US and Israeli policies.

Iran vows to achieve "complete control" of its skies after claiming to shoot down multiple US fighter jets, showcasing its modern air defense systems.

Tehran, April 4 Iran on Saturday asserted it will "achieve complete control" of its airspace after claiming to have shot down multiple US fighter jets amid the ongoing conflict in the region, Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported, highlighting the role of its modern air defence systems in challenging US aerial operations against the Islamic Republic.

According to IRIB, the spokesperson of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said that the country's air defence units carried out "powerful, fast, and accurate" operations against enemy aircraft, including fighter jets, drones, and helicopters, while describing Friday as a "proud day" for Iran's armed forces and a "Black Friday and a disgrace" for US and Israeli forces.

The spokesperson claimed that Iran's air defence systems had shot down several advanced platforms.

However, US official sources confirmed to CNN only the downing of an "F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet."

"On the thirty-fifth day of the war imposed by the American-Zionist enemies was a proud day for the country's air defence units. The steadfast and brave warriors of Islam were able to deliver powerful, fast, and accurate strikes against enemy fighters, helicopters, drones, and aircraft, shooting down a significant number of them. Friday should be called Black Friday and a disgrace for the American and Zionist enemies," the spokesperson said, as quoted by IRIB.

The spokesperson further stated that these actions demonstrate Iran's growing military capabilities, adding that such systems are being deployed operationally.

"We had previously announced that we would show our abilities on the field. The enemy should know that we are equipped with modern air defence systems that have been built by the proud and knowledgeable youth of this country and are being unveiled one after another in the field. We will definitely achieve complete control of our country's skies and prove to the world the infernal enemy's inhumanity more than ever before," the spokesperson said, as quoted by IRIB.

Separately, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ashura unit told Tasnim News Agency that Iran would ultimately prevail in the conflict. The commander said that the Iranian people expect officials to directly confront US and Israeli policies and stand firmly with the nation.

"The ultimate victor in the war is the Iranian nation. The expectation of the Iranian people from all officials is direct confrontation with the policies of America and the Zionist regime. Officials must stand alongside the people," the commander said, as quoted by Tasnim.

- ANI
Iran has formally warned the United Nations that recent strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant pose a serious risk of radioactive contamination for the region. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the strike, reporting the death of a site protection staff member and damage to a building, though no increase in radiation was detected. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed deep concern, stressing that nuclear plant sites must never be targeted. This marks the fourth such incident in recent weeks amid escalating regional conflict.

Iran warns UN of serious radioactive contamination risk after a strike near the Bushehr nuclear plant, as IAEA confirms incident and casualty.

Tehran, April 5 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has formally addressed a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, denouncing US-Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, including the recent targeting of the Bushehr nuclear plant, according to Al Jazeera.

The Iranian diplomat expressed deep concern over the potential fallout of such military actions. Writing in the letter, the text of which was shared on Telegram, Araghchi warned that these strikes "expose the entire region to a serious risk of radioactive contamination with serious human and environmental consequences."

Highlighting the immediate dangers posed by the location of the strikes, he further noted, "The repeated attacks by the aggressors in the vicinity of the active Bushehr nuclear power plant are of great concern."

As reported by Al Jazeera, Araghchi underscored the volatility of the current situation, stating that the "proximity of these attacks to an active nuclear facility creates an intolerable situation that poses a serious risk of radiological release."

In alignment with these concerns, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, on Saturday also expressed "deep concern" over the strike near the facility, while confirming that no increase in radiation levels has been detected.

In a statement shared on X, the UN's nuclear energy watchdog revealed it had been informed by Iran that a projectile struck close to the plant's premises earlier in the day, marking the fourth such incident in recent weeks amid the escalating West Asia conflict.

The impact of the strike resulted in immediate casualties and physical damage.

According to the agency, one member of the site's physical protection staff was killed due to projectile fragments, and a building within the facility sustained damage from shockwaves and debris.

"The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile struck close to the premises of the Bushehr NPP this morning, the fourth such incident in recent weeks. Iran also informed the IAEA that one of the site's physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments. No increase in radiation levels was reported," the statement read.

Grossi stressed that nuclear power plant sites and their surrounding areas must never be targeted, warning that even auxiliary buildings could house critical safety equipment.

He reiterated his call for maximum military restraint, cautioning that continued attacks in the vicinity of nuclear infrastructure significantly raise the risk of a potential nuclear accident.

"IAEA DG Rafael Mariano Grossi expresses deep concern about the reported incident and says NPP sites or nearby areas must never be attacked, noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment. Reiterating the call for maximum military restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident, DG Grossi again stresses the paramount importance of adhering to the seven pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict," the post added.

This international outcry follows reports from the Iranian News Agency, Tasnim, confirming that a projectile struck near the perimeter of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on Saturday morning, leading to the death of a security personnel member.

According to the Tasnim news agency, while the incident did not damage the main parts of the plant, it did affect an auxiliary building; however, energy production is reported to be unaffected.

- ANI
The Iranian military claims its forces targeted and downed a US A-10 ground-attack aircraft near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This comes alongside a separate incident where a US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet crashed in Iran, with American forces successfully rescuing one crew member. The US military and White House have not provided immediate official comment on either incident. These events have significantly heightened military tensions across the Middle East region.

Iran claims it downed a US A-10 near Strait of Hormuz. A separate US F-15E crashed in Iran, with one crew rescued. Tensions escalate.

Tehran, April 4 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
Iranian tribesmen reportedly opened fire on US Black Hawk helicopters conducting a search operation for a missing crew member from a downed jet. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps praised the tribal groups as courageous border guardians. Iranian authorities have promoted a new aerial defense system they claim was used to target the aircraft and have offered bounties for the missing American. The incident occurs amid the escalating regional crisis stemming from US-Israel strikes and Iranian retaliation.

Iranian tribesmen reportedly shot at US Black Hawks searching for a missing crew member. IRGC praises tribes, touts new defense system.

Tehran, April 5 Iranian tribesmen reportedly opened fire on American helicopters during a search operation for a missing crew member following the downing of a fighter jet over Iran, according to CNN.

The incident occurred in the isolated highlands of the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces, as well as the Bakhtiari region, where local groups targeted two Black Hawk helicopters on Saturday, as detailed by Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency.

Following the confrontation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) praised the tribal groups, describing them as "courageous, valiant and victorious guardians of the borders," as per reports cited by CNN.

This commendation follows the release of footage on Friday allegedly depicting nomadic Bakhtiari tribesmen armed with rifles patrolling the mountainous terrain of Iran's Khuzestan province in search of the American personnel.

In the video, one of the individuals is heard saying, "God willing, he will be found."

To further incentivise the search, Iranian authorities have reportedly announced substantial financial bounties for the successful capture of the missing individual.

Amid these efforts, CNN noted that the IRGC has been promoting a recently developed aerial defence system, which they claim was instrumental in downing the jet on Friday and targeting the Black Hawks.

Reinforcing this stance, a spokesperson for the Central Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters appeared in a video shared by the IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency to issue a warning regarding the capabilities of this new hardware.

As highlighted by CNN, the official asserted, "We will certainly achieve full control over the skies of our country and will prove the enemy's humiliation to the world more than ever before."

While these claims continue to circulate via Iranian state media, CNN indicated that further verification regarding the reports of US aircraft coming under fire is being sought.

These developments take place as the broader West Asia crisis, which began on 28 February with US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation, continues to engulf the region and affect airspace in the Gulf.

- ANI
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy claims it struck an Israel-linked commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, setting it ablaze. In retaliation, the Israel Defence Forces conducted strikes on key defence and missile storage sites in Tehran. The escalation follows the reported downing of two US military aircraft by Iranian fire, with one pilot still missing. Iranian media also reports casualties and damage from attacks on petrochemical companies in Khuzestan province.

Iran's IRGC attacks an Israeli-linked vessel. IDF retaliates with strikes on Tehran. US aircraft downed. Latest on escalating West Asia tensions.

Tehran, April 4 Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy said Saturday that it had hit an Israel-linked vessel with a drone, setting it on fire.

The IRGC Navy said in a post on social media platform X that it hit the vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, in a statement on its official news outlet Sepah News, the IRGC confirmed the attack, saying its forces had targetted an Israeli-owned commercial ship in a port in Bahrain.

It said the ship, which was sailing under a third country's flag and identified as "MCS Ishika," was targetted by its Navy's "powerful projectiles" in Khalifa Bin Salman Port during the 95th wave of the attacks against the US and Israeli targets in the West Asia region.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli side, Xinhua news agency reported. The statement added that the Israeli targets were in cities including Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan, which were hit "heavily and continuously" by the multiple-warhead Qadr missiles.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday said in a statement that it has struck key infrastructure sites across Tehran.

Guided by intelligence, the IDF struck several defence sites, including an aerial defence facility of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) storing missiles intended to target aircraft, according to the statement.

Also targetted were a military facility tasked with protecting weapons research and development sites, another facility used to store ballistic missiles, and additional weapons production and research and development sites.

"These completed strikes are part of the ongoing phase of increasing damage to Iran's core systems and foundations," the statement said.

The latest development follows the crash of two US military aircraft on Friday after they came under Iranian fire. One pilot from the two-seat F-15 has been rescued, while the other remains missing, Xinhua news agency reported. The back-to-back losses of US aircraft came shortly after US President Donald Trump claimed that Iranian forces "can't do a thing about" US planes flying over Tehran.

Meanwhile, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday that at least five people were injured in US-Israeli attacks on several petrochemical companies in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province.

The firms, identified as Fajr 1 and 2, Regal, Amirkabir, Bandar Imam and Buali Sina, were hit at 10:47 am local time (0717 GMT) on Saturday, the report said.

It quoted Valiollah Hayati, Khuzestan's Deputy Governor for security and law enforcement affairs, as saying that the possibility of further casualties is very high.

He added the Shalamcheh border trade terminal in Khorramshahr city was also attacked and sustained serious damage.

The Mahshahr Special Petrochemical Zone, where the companies are located, has been evacuated, the report said.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targetting Israel and US assets in the Middle East.

- IANS
Iran's parliament speaker has raised the threat of a maritime blockade extending to the critical Bab el-Mandeb Strait, questioning global reliance on the passage. This comes as Iranian forces launch "Wave 93," a major wave of retaliatory strikes targeting Israeli military sites in the north and heart of the occupied territories. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps conducted the joint operation using a combination of missiles and suicide drones. Tehran frames these actions as legitimate defense and retaliation for previous attacks on its sovereignty and civilian infrastructure.

Iranian parliament speaker suggests expanding maritime blockade to Bab el-Mandeb Strait as IRGC launches "Wave 93" retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets.

Tehran, April 4 Amidst the ongoing maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to hostile vessels, a senior Iranian legislator has suggested that Tehran could further escalate pressure on its adversaries by targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, hinted at the potential for significant disruption in a series of questions posted on the social media platform X on Friday. His remarks come as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to exert intense economic and logistical strain on international shipping.

Raising the stakes regarding global supply chain vulnerabilities, Ghalibaf questioned the extent of the world's reliance on the passage. He asked, "What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertiliser shipments transits the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?"

The Speaker further suggested that specific nations and corporate entities might be particularly exposed to such a strategic move. "Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait?" the post continued, implying that the Islamic Republic is evaluating the most impactful ways to exert leverage.

This strategic posturing on the maritime front coincides with a major escalation on the battlefield. Iranian and allied forces have launched "Wave 93" of a sustained retaliatory campaign, striking critical Israeli military staging grounds deep within the occupied territories, state broadcaster Press TV reported. The strikes are described as a direct response to recent hostilities, marking a significant escalation in the regional confrontation.

According to a statement from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), carried by Press TV, this latest phase of "Operation True Promise 4" was carried out on Friday afternoon. The mission targeted strategic locations in the north and the heart of the occupied territories, with the IRGC dedicating the actions to Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah and Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, who were two of the most prominent leaders of Islamist "resistance" movements against Israel in the Middle East.

The "fierce assault" reportedly saw Zionist troop gatherings and combat support hubs in Western Galilee, Haifa, Kafr Kanna, and Krayot "precisely hit." Press TV noted that the operation was designed to degrade the military capabilities of the forces stationed in these sectors through highly coordinated strikes.

Detailing the technical aspects of the raid, the IRGC confirmed it was a joint endeavour with the Islamic Resistance. The wave utilised a "combination of solid and liquid fuel missiles, long-range and guided, and suicide drones," with the military command vowing that the launches "will continue continuously, uninterruptedly, and shot after shot."

This "sweeping strike" follows the events of 28 February, when an offensive was launched against Iran that resulted in the death of the former Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and several high-ranking military officials. Press TV highlighted that Tehran views these retaliatory measures as a legitimate defence of its national sovereignty.

The counter-offensive also addresses what Tehran describes as the deliberate targeting of Iran's energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Press TV reported that previous actions by opposing forces led to the deaths of hundreds of Iranian citizens, including approximately 170 children at a primary school in Minab.

The IRGC maintained that these "successful retaliatory strikes" have "inflicted heavy losses" on both Washington and Tel Aviv. Press TV stated that the precision of the latest operations has "demonstrated the futility" of the military posturing maintained by the United States and Israel in the region.

- ANI
Indian security agencies have uncovered a Pakistan-based ISI strategy to deploy small, hard-to-detect terror modules targeting railway infrastructure nationwide. These micro-modules, modeled after past Indian Mujahideen cells, aim to execute a series of smaller attacks to cripple rail services and spread public fear. Recent busts, including by the UP ATS which arrested four suspects in Lucknow, reveal plans to attack signal boxes and crowded stations using live CCTV feeds for reconnaissance. The plot is timed around the anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, exploiting railways as a high-impact, symbolic target.

Security agencies uncover ISI strategy using small terror modules to evade detection and target railway stations across India to cripple transport and spread panic.

New Delhi, April 4 A plot to carry out blasts in railway stations across the country has been unearthed by the Indian security agencies, which have learnt that the ISI has been setting up several micro modules in various parts of the country to carry out these attacks.

These modules are relatively smaller and comprise just four to five persons, an official said.

These modules resemble the ones that the Indian Mujahideen had set up under Yasin Bhatkal. The first module of the Indian Mujahideen comprised over 20 members, and owing to too much communication, the agencies were able to track them. However, Indian Mujahideen 2.0 under Yasin Bhatkal comprised just five members, and since the communication was very limited, the agencies were unable to track them easily. This module managed to carry out a series of audacious attacks in various parts of the country.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that the ISI is plotting a series of attacks on railway stations. The aim is to bring to a grinding halt the railway services and also instil fear and panic in the minds of the people.

Since 2014, the Indian Railways has seen an upward surge. Over 31,000 kilometres of new tracks have been laid, with stretches upgraded for 130-160 kilometres per hour speeds. The indigenous Vande Bharat trains have added to the railways' success story.

The ISI realises that executing terror attacks at railway stations, while also targeting the trains and railway tracks, could severely dent the sector. The railways are the most popular form of transport, and hence creating damage here would send across a huge message.

Moreover, the ISI has been planning such attacks ahead of the Pahalgam attack anniversary, which falls on April 22.

In recent months, the police have busted several modules, and the investigations have learnt that the plan was to blow up a railway station. The ISI had even instructed the members of these smaller modules to install CCTV cameras at railway stations, so that they could study the logistics using the live feed. The Ghaziabad police recently unearthed a case whereby it was found that the CCTV cameras were put up at a railway station so that a reconnaissance could be carried out using the live feed.

Another official said that the intention is not to carry out a big strike, and on the anvil are a series of smaller attacks at multiple railway stations. Smaller strikes being carried out by a micro module help in avoiding heat and detection, the official added.

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), this week busted a module and nabbed four suspected handlers from Lucknow. Saquib, Arbab, Vikas Gehlawar and Lokesh were arrested on Thursday. They had planned on carrying out attacks at railway signal boxes, the control centre which manages train movements, signals and track switches within a specific station area or block section to ensure the safety of passengers.

These persons had also planned on targeting crowded railway stations. Their first target was the Lucknow railway station, an ATS official said.

Officials say that the ISI has planned attacks pan-India. However, in the first phase, the targets were largely in North India, especially Uttar Pradesh. The footfall of passengers is more in such places, and hence the targets were drawn from here.

The ISI-backed modules have executed train blasts in the past as well. The biggest one was the Mumbai train bombings of 2006, in which over 100 people lost their lives. An attack on a railway station is a scar on the minds of the public who use this form of public transport most extensively, the official noted.

- IANS
Former US F-15E combat pilot Ryan Bodenheimer strongly advises against a potential US ground invasion of Iran, labeling it a flawed strategy based on past failures like Afghanistan. He advocates for alternative approaches, such as supporting internal Iranian opposition forces and utilizing high-tech, targeted military strikes. Bodenheimer highlights the immense scale of such an operation, suggesting it could require up to two million troops to counter Iran's military strength. He emphasizes a preference for minimizing conflict but executing it intelligently to preserve lives if engagement becomes unavoidable.

Former F-15E pilot Ryan Bodenheimer warns a US ground invasion of Iran would be a strategic mistake, advocating for high-tech, targeted alternatives.

Boise, April 4 Former US F-15E combat pilot Ryan Bodenheimer expressed strong reservations about the possibility of a US ground invasion of Iran amid the escalating conflict in the region, which is currently in its second month, calling it "not a good plan" and urging alternative strategies to avoid prolonged conflict and heavy troop deployment in the region.

Speaking in an interview with ANI, Bodenheimer, who previously flew around 70 combat missions during his deployment in Afghanistan, said past military engagements have demonstrated the limitations and risks of large-scale invasions.

"I'm hopeful that it's a no. That's just my personal opinion," he said, referring to the possibility of a ground invasion.

"I really hope that there isn't a big ground invasion. I flew over Afghanistan. I flew 70 combat missions there. I saw the results of trying to occupy a country on that level, and I just don't think it's a good plan. That's an old playbook that we saw pretty clearly doesn't work. But I'm actually very hopeful with Iran that it won't take that," the former US combat pilot and host of the Max Afterburner YouTube channel added.

His remarks come amid growing speculation over a possible US ground invasion of the Islamic Republic following reports of military preparedness in the region, increased troop positioning, training exercises, and deployment of strategic assets.

While acknowledging he has no direct insight into current plans of the US administration under President Donald Trump, Bodenheimer suggested that supporting internal resistance within Iran could be a more viable path, emphasising the potential role of Iranian citizens seeking freedom from the influence of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

"What I'm hopeful for is that the free Iranian people want to be free, and they want to be outside of the thumb of the IRGC; they actually lean more than what we saw in Iraq and Afghanistan. So that would be ideal, to support the free people that could actually rise up, whether that means arming them or just supporting them and giving them the ability to take their country back in some fashion themselves," he stated.

Bodenheimer further added that such efforts could involve advisory roles or limited military assistance from the US rather than direct occupation, as potentially planned by Washington.

He outlined a hypothetical scenario in which opposition forces could liberate and hold strategic cities, gradually building momentum without the need for a large-scale US troop presence. However, he cautioned that war, in any form, carries severe consequences.

"Maybe they would be tasked with liberating a city to start with. They liberate a city that becomes the first free city in Iran, And it's not controlled by the IRGC, but it's not the US troops that are there. It's a city that seems strategically positioned to hold strong while they amass support. And then you go to the next city with those people without the US. Maybe US advising and some US weaponry," he said.

"I know war is terrible. I'll just say that in my opinion, I think war is terrible. I would never advocate for war, but once we're in a conflict, I think we have to do it as smartly as possible to lose as few friendly lives as possible," Bodenheimer added.

The former combat pilot also raised concerns about Iran's military capabilities, including its missile and drone programmes and its nuclear ambitions and argued that these developments pose significant global security risks, potentially triggering broader conflict involving regional and global powers.

Despite these concerns, he maintained that a full-scale invasion would be strategically unsound. Highlighting Iran's size and military strength, including an estimated 200,000 IRGC personnel, he suggested that a ground operation could require up to one to two million troops--an "unsustainable" commitment.

Instead, Bodenheimer advocated for a more targeted, technology-driven approach.

"I think it's a very tough question, the invasion, but I think there are other ways to do it. And special forces and marine expeditionary units have some of this advanced technology we're talking about. My vote is to go high-tech, which is different than lower tech, which is boots on the ground," he noted.

"I really hope, instead of that [ground invasion], it's special forces, surgical strikes, taking out command and control first, and just getting control of the Strait of Hormuz. I think an invasion of the country strategically just doesn't; it just doesn't make sense to me. It's a country that's massive," Bodenheimer added.

He also stressed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that securing the critical waterway on which global energy trade depends, through a coalition effort, possibly involving NATO, could exert pressure on Iran without escalating into a full invasion, noting that the strait is the "last domino" for Iran to negotiate.

"Instead of a boots-on-the-ground situation, if the US could just focus on the Straits of Hormuz, a coalition would be better. If there was a NATO coalition just going in, focusing on the Straits of Hormuz, opening it up and taking away the last domino of Iran to negotiate. But they know that's their last domino. So they're going to throw everything they have at the problem," he noted.

Bodenheimer concluded by reiterating his opposition to a ground invasion, emphasising the importance of minimising risks to American forces and pursuing smarter, more sustainable military strategies.

"I think it's way smarter. And I just don't think a ground invasion is smart. So it's hard for me to talk about the strategy of it when I really just don't believe in it," the former combat pilot added.

- ANI
Shares of Tesla (TSLA) dropped 5.42% on Thursday after the EV maker delivered 358,023 vehicles in Q1, missing Wall Streets estimate of 370,000. Despite the miss, Wedbushs five-star-rated analyst Dan Ives maintained his Buy rating and $600 price target on TSLA stock, citing AI push and robotaxi plans as key drivers for 2026. Ivess price target implies an upside of over 65% from current levels.

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For context, this marks the second consecutive quarter in which Tesla has missed analyst expectations. The company also deployed 8.8 GWh (gigawatt-hour) of energy storage during the quarter, falling short of the Streets 14.4 GWh estimate.

Teslas Underwhelming Start

Reacting to the Q1 numbers, Ives said the weak delivery numbers were not a surprise, given the soft EV demand across regions and Teslas shift toward its AI strategy. However, he called Q1 deliveries an underwhelming start to the year.

He noted that Europe remains a significant challenge for Tesla, as the company faces regulatory hurdles in obtaining approval for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. As a result, regional sales are unlikely to recover meaningfully until regulators give the green lightsomething the firm expects to occur in the first half of 2026. Meanwhile, Ives highlighted that China was a strong performer, with Teslas deliveries rising 35% year over year in the first two months of 2026.

Ives further stated that Teslas long-term strategy is focused on building steady revenue from AI and robotics. It plans to invest about $20 billion in new factories for its Cybercab, Optimus robot, battery production, and expanding AI computing capacity.

Is TSLA Stock a Buy?

According to TipRanks, TSLA stock has received a Hold consensus rating, with 13 Buys, 11 Holds, and seven Sells assigned in the last three months. The average price target for Tesla shares is $394.36, suggesting a potential upside of 9.36% from the current level.

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The Israel Defence Forces announced strikes on key military infrastructure across Tehran, including an IRGC aerial defence facility storing missiles. The attacks targeted sites involved in weapons research, development, and ballistic missile storage. This escalation follows incidents where Iranian fire downed two US military aircraft, with one pilot still missing. Concurrently, Iranian media reported attacks on petrochemical companies in Khuzestan province, causing injuries and damage.

IDF targets IRGC missile facilities & weapons R&D sites in Tehran. Attacks follow US aircraft losses in Iranian fire, raising regional tensions.

Jerusalem, April 4 The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday said in a statement that it has struck key infrastructure sites across Tehran.

Guided by intelligence, the IDF struck several defence sites, including an aerial defence facility of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) storing missiles intended to target aircraft, according to the statement.

Also targetted were a military facility tasked with protecting weapons research and development sites, another facility used to store ballistic missiles, and additional weapons production and research and development sites.

"These completed strikes are part of the ongoing phase of increasing damage to Iran's core systems and foundations," the statement said.

The latest development follows the crash of two US military aircraft on Friday after they came under Iranian fire. One pilot from the two-seat F-15 has been rescued, while the other remains missing, Xinhua news agency reported. The back-to-back losses of US aircraft came shortly after US President Donald Trump claimed that Iranian forces "can't do a thing about" US planes flying over Tehran.

Meanwhile, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday that at least five people were injured in US-Israeli attacks on several petrochemical companies in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province.

The firms, identified as Fajr 1 and 2, Regal, Amirkabir, Bandar Imam and Buali Sina, were hit at 10:47 am local time (0717 GMT) on Saturday, the report said.

It quoted Valiollah Hayati, Khuzestan's Deputy Governor for security and law enforcement affairs, as saying that the possibility of further casualties is very high.

He added the Shalamcheh border trade terminal in Khorramshahr city was also attacked and sustained serious damage.

The Mahshahr Special Petrochemical Zone, where the companies are located, has been evacuated, the report said.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targetting Israel and US assets in the Middle East.

- IANS
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan has expressed strong confidence in the success of NASA's Artemis II mission, which marks the first crewed flight around the Moon in over five decades. He revealed he watched the launch and had previously seen the vehicle during a visit to the Canadian Space Agency. Narayanan also provided an update on India's Gaganyaan mission, stating the astronaut-designates are undergoing high-altitude training in Ladakh. He emphasized ISRO's commitment to its planned launches under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan expresses full confidence in NASA's Artemis II lunar mission and provides updates on India's Gaganyaan astronaut training.

Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman V. Narayanan on Saturday praised NASA's latest Artemis II mission and also expressed confidence that the mission will be "grandly successful".

NASA's Artemis II Moon mission lifted off from the US state of Florida on April 2, carrying four astronauts on the first crewed flight around the Moon in more than 50 years. It is the American space agency's first crewed mission under the Artemis programme. The four-member crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen/

Narayanan told reporters, "In 1969, for the first time, man landed on the moon. Again, after 57 years, they want to go for a landing through the Artemis programme. This is a step towards that. This is an orbital mission. I think they are going around the moon, and then they are going to come back."

The ISRO chief mentioned that he too had witnessed the launch on television and also had the opportunity to have a look at the mission's launch vehicle during his visit to the Canadian Space Agency.

"I also had the privilege to watch the launch, which lifted off on 2nd April, early morning at around 4:05 am (IST). In fact, during our last visit to the Canadian Space Agency, the vehicle was under construction. We had the opportunity to see the first stage."

The ISRO chief also heaped praise on the technicalities of the Artemis II launch vehicle.

"It is a great effort towards the development of the human scientific entourage. I am 100 per cent sure that this mission will be a grandly successful leading to the landing (of humans on the moon) later. It is a very important mission for human beings."

Narayanan also spoke about India's Gaganyaan mission astronauts undertaking Mission 'Mitra' in Ladakh.

"We inaugurated the programme the day before yesterday. They are at around 4 km altitude and undergoing detailed training. It is part of the Gaganyatri training programme."

India's astronaut-designates or Gaganyatris, who have been selected for ISRO's first human space mission, are currently undergoing high-altitude training in the cold desert of Ladakh.

Further, about India's Moon mission and upcoming launches, the ISRO Chairman said: "We are working towards the immediate launches. This financial year is just starting. A lot of things are planned."

"We are working towards all the programmes under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Whatever best effort is required, we are doing... to achieve the necessary things for the country in the space activity," he added.

- IANS
Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather declared the Budget Session 2026 sine die after 22 productive sittings. The session saw the passage of eight bills and received 1,528 questions from members, reflecting high engagement. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was praised for his consistent presence despite overseeing 19 departments. During the session, Abdullah strongly condemned the conflict involving Iran, labeling it an "illegitimate and illegal war" and criticizing the shifting justifications from global powers.

J&K Assembly concludes productive Budget Session with 22 sittings, passing 8 bills. CM Omar Abdullah condemns Iran conflict as "illegal war."

Srinagar, April 4 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Saturday announced the conclusion of the Budget Session 2026, declaring the House sine die, while highlighting its productivity and legislative output.

Addressing the House on the final day, Rather said the Assembly held 22 sittings during the session, placing it among the more active legislatures in the country.

Drawing comparisons, he noted that Himachal Pradesh recorded 16 sittings, Punjab 7, Haryana 13, Delhi 4, Karnataka 13, Chhattisgarh 15, Andhra Pradesh 15, Gujarat 23, Uttar Pradesh 10, and Uttarakhand 5 sittings. "We are nearly on top with 22 sittings," he said.

The Speaker shared that the total working time of the House stood at 6,636 minutes. During the session, eight bills were introduced and all eight were passed. Additionally, 1,528 questions were received from members, reflecting active participation.

He further informed that 26 calling attention notices were taken up during the session. "All members were given the opportunity to raise their issues and speak," Rather said, congratulating the MLAs for their engagement and contributions.

Praising the functioning of the government, the Speaker said ministers had worked diligently throughout the session. He made special mention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, noting his consistent presence despite handling multiple responsibilities. "Our Chief Minister is very busy, with 19 departments under him, yet he was always present in the Assembly," Rather said.

Earlier during the session, Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the ongoing conflict involving Iran, terming it an "illegitimate and illegal war" and raising concerns over its humanitarian and regional implications.

Addressing the House, Abdullah said, "Honourable Speaker Sir, regarding the way an illegitimate and illegal war was imposed on Iran, I don't think anyone would stand up and speak in its favour." The Chief Minister also expressed anguish over the loss of lives, including Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

"The way humanity was murdered and the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei Sahab, many of his companions, and close relatives were martyred, no amount of condemnation is enough," he said. Highlighting civilian casualties, Abdullah pointed to disturbing incidents involving children.

"The brutal way innocent schoolgirls were killed... we hardly have any memory of such incidents in our recent history. And the purpose? It's still not understood," he added. Questioning the rationale behind the conflict, he criticised shifting narratives from global powers.

"If you listen to the American President, he himself probably doesn't realise why this war was imposed on Iran. In the morning, they talk about regime change; in the afternoon, they talk about the Strait of Hormuz; and in the evening, they talk about oil prices," Abdullah said.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a Kerala election rally, endorsed BJP candidate Anoop Antony Joseph, calling him his "right-hand man" and a dedicated companion who has worked with him for five years. Modi stated that while Kerala would gain from Joseph's work, he would personally lose a valuable aide. The Prime Minister emphasized that the BJP-led NDA government has sent five times more funds to Kerala compared to the Congress-led UPA era. He also asserted that the central government is fully committed to the state's development.

PM Modi endorses BJP's Anoop Antony Joseph in Kerala, calling him a dedicated companion and highlighting increased central funds for the state.

Pathanamthitta, April 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, called the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Thiruvalla Assembly constituency, Anoop Antony Joseph, his "right-hand man". The Prime Minister also mentioned that Joseph has been working with him for the last five years.

Addressing an election rally ahead of the April 9 Assembly election in the state, PM Modi said, "Kerala is going to gain in this election though I am going to lose from it. You may wonder what it is which will benefit Kerala but disadvantage Modi. Yes, I am going to have a personal loss."



Mentioning about the BJP candidate, The Prime Minister said, "Anoop Antony Joseph, who is contesting this election from here (Thiruvalla), has been working with me for the past five years. He finds things by travelling across the country. In a way, he has been a dedicated companion of mine. He has become my right-hand man for such works."



Anoop Antony Joseph has been the former National Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). At present, he is one of the general secretaries of the BJP in Kerala.



Prime Minister Modi said that many people might not know that Joseph has been working with him for so many years.



"He (Anoop Antony Joseph) never speaks about it. I have known about his working style," he added.



The Prime Minister also praised Joseph for his 'dedication'.



"He (Anoop Antony Joseph) works silently and dedicatedly day in and out."



PM Modi also highlighted that by working with a young man like Joseph, he could carry out a lot of work.



"But when I saw that Keralam will benefit from the works of this young man, I thought that even though I will be at a loss, today I have come here to hand over Anoop to you (the people of Kerala)," the Prime Minister said.



Meanwhile, emphasing that Kerala has never had a BJP government, PM Modi underlined at the public gathering that the Central government has been carrying out development works in the state.



"With your blessings and the support of the people of the country, we are leaving no stone unturned in Keralam's development through the Central government," he said.



Drawing a comparison with the Congress-led UPA government, the Prime Minister noted that the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre has sent more aid to Kerala.



"The NDA government has sent five times more funds to Keralam compared to the amount of aid sent to the state when Congress was in power in Delhi, and both the LDF (Left Democratic Front) and UDF (United Democratic Fund) were running the government here," PM Modi asserted.





- IANS
CM Pinarayi Vijayan rallies supporters against false propaganda as he eyes a historic third consecutive term from Dharmadam in the 2026 Kerala polls.

Kannur, April 4 Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday urged supporters to spread the truth and counter false propaganda in the upcoming elections.

He acknowledged limitations in interacting with voters and said that Kerala has reached a stage where it can achieve a development leap.



Chief Minister also praised his supporters for steering the election campaign while he managed broader administrative limitations and leadership duties.



Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, while speaking at a convention held at Kannur Poduvacheri in Dharmadam constituency, said that "Kerala has reached a stage where it can reach a development leap. He also said that every state should be able to move along with general development. There have been limitations as a candidate. I have not been able to interact with the maximum voters. I should have gone to other constituencies as well. You are the ones who understood that. You have taken up that responsibility without seeing it as a limitation. This is a time when false propaganda is being spread on a large scale."



"Attention should be paid to bringing the real facts to the people," CM added.



Meanwhile, in the heart of Kannur, the political spotlight burns brightest on Dharmadam as Keralam prepares for the polls.



Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is eyeing a historic third consecutive term from his home turf. While the constituency is a storied fortress for the Left, the 2026 race is shaping up to be more than just a victory lap, both from the United Democratic Front led by Congress, and BJP led National Democratic Alliance.



The UDF have fielded VP Abdul Rasheed against the Chief Minister, whereas on the other hand, K Ranjith is contesting on the BJP's ticket.



For Pinarayi Vijayan, Dharmadam isn't just a seat; it's a statement of power. Having won comfortably in 2016 and 2021, the CM is banking on the completion of major bypasses and local development projects.



Moreover, Kannur remains the soul of the CPIM, and a win here reinforces the party's "invincibility" narrative, while also showcasing Keralam as a modern, tech-forward state.



Ahead of the upcoming assembly polls, on Wednesday, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary MA Baby said that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) under Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rewrote the history of political experience of the state by advancing from 91 seats to 99.



"Five years ago, in the Kerala State Assembly Elections, people were generally feeling that the Kerala pattern of changing the government once in five years was what was going to happen. But LDF under Pinarayi Vijayan rewrote the history of recent political experience, and not only did LDF win elections, but LDF improved its position from 91 seats it went up to 99," Baby told ANI.



He praised the work of the current government and said that remarkable achievements have been gained in providing social security measures, expanding them for the poorest of the poor.



Vijayan is a well-known stalwart in Keralam politics, who has earlier been a member of the assembly from Kuthuparamba thrice and Payyannur once.



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
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly questioned the sincerity of US diplomatic efforts following a strike that killed the wife of a senior Iranian official. He framed the attack, which occurred as he was addressing the American people, as a contradiction to calls for peace. The diplomatic crisis escalates alongside military claims, with Iran asserting it downed a US A-10 aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz. In a separate incident, US forces rescued a crew member from a downed F-15E fighter jet over Iran, though the fate of a second crew member remains unknown.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian challenges US diplomatic sincerity after a strike kills an official's wife and Iran claims to down US aircraft.

Tehran, April 4 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has raised serious questions regarding the sincerity of US diplomatic efforts, following a lethal attack on the family of a prominent Iranian official.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the President revealed that the spouse of a high-ranking figure was killed during a recent strike. He noted that the "head of our Strategic Council on Foreign Policy" was the subject of an "assassination attempt" which ultimately resulted in the "martyrdom of his innocent wife."

Linking the timing of the violence to his own international outreach, Pezeshkian highlighted the contradiction between calls for peace and active hostilities. He remarked, "Just as I was addressing the American people," the targeted attack took place, casting doubt on the possibility of constructive engagement.

The President further challenged the international community to evaluate the conduct of both nations involved in the escalating friction. "Let the world judge; which side engages in dialogue and negotiation, and which in terrorism?" he wrote, further straining the already fragile prospects for regional stability.

This diplomatic crisis unfolds as the military situation intensifies, with the Iranian military asserting 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, significantly heightening tensions across the region.

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 took place in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor. 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 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, with debris identifying the jet as belonging to the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.

- ANI
The Indore district administration has temporarily suspended the supply of commercial LPG cylinders and halted the issuance of new domestic connections to prioritize household supply amid nationwide constraints. Officials have made 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders available for families without a connection or facing immediate shortages as an emergency relief measure. While new connection processes are paused for a month, gas agencies continue to accept and process KYC applications for future issuance. The administration has appealed for judicious use and cooperation from the public to help balance the supply system during this temporary period.

Indore prioritizes domestic LPG supply, suspends commercial cylinders & new connections. 5-kg emergency cylinders available. Officials urge judicious use.

Indore, April 4 In view of the ongoing nationwide LPG supply constraints triggered by global geopolitical tensions, the Indore district administration, on Saturday, temporarily suspended the supply of commercial LPG cylinders to ensure uninterrupted availability for domestic households.

The decision aims to conserve existing stocks and channel them exclusively towards meeting the cooking needs of ordinary families.



This move aligns with similar measures taken across several states to safeguard domestic supply amid reduced imports and heightened demand.



Food Supply Officer and Indore District Supply Controller, M.L. Maru, clarified that while commercial supply has been halted, provisions have been made for emergency relief.



Families without a domestic LPG connection or those facing immediate shortage can now obtain a small five-kg FTL (Free Trade LPG) cylinder for temporary relief.



Maru also announced that all processes related to KYC verification and issuance of new LPG connections have been suspended for one month.



"We are closely monitoring the situation. The process for new connections will resume as soon as the overall supply position normalises," he said.



Notably, Subscription Vouchers (SVs) for new gas connections have not been issued on the portals of the three oil marketing companies -- Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) -- since the first week of March.



However, gas agencies continue to accept applications, and KYC formalities for applicants are being processed on the portals.



Maru assured that as soon as the oil companies resume issuing SVs, eligible consumers will be provided new connections, and they will be informed separately.



To ease inconvenience for the public, the administration has directed all LPG agencies and oil company officials to ensure immediate availability of 5-kg FTL cylinders.



Interested consumers can approach their nearest agency to avail this facility without delay.



The district administration has appealed to all consumers to use LPG judiciously and avoid hoarding.



"Judicious use and cooperation from the public will help maintain balance in the supply system," officials said.



This temporary arrangement is part of broader efforts by the state and Central governments to prioritise domestic cooking fuel needs during the current supply challenges.



The situation is being reviewed regularly, and normal services are expected to resume once supply chains stabilise.



Consumers facing difficulties have been advised to contact their local gas agency or the district supply control room for assistance.





- IANS
First CM visit to Jiribam since May 2023 ethnic violence

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh traveled to Jiribam district via National Highway-37, marking his first visit to the region since the ethnic violence began in May 2023. He was accompanied by state BJP president A Sharda Devi and a delegation of eight MLAs. During the three-day visit, the CM inspected a 50-bed hospital, laid foundation stones for projects, and planned interactions with internally displaced persons. The trip follows a previously aborted visit by former CM Nongthombam Biren Singh, whose convoy was ambushed in 2024.

CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh visits Jiribam via NH-37, inspects hospital, meets IDPs in significant post-2023 violence outreach with BJP chief.

Jiribam, April 5 Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday travelled via National Highway-37 to reach Jiribam district, in a first since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023, marking a significant political and administrative outreach to the region.

Khemchand Singh arrived in Jiribam at around 1:30 pm, accompanied by state BJP president A Sharda Devi and eight MLAs as part of a three-day visit to the district, located about 217 km from the state capital. The route via NH-37 passes through several Kuki-inhabited areas.

Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister was warmly received by the Jiribam District Administration and Jiribam Police.

On April 5, the Chief Minister will attend the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Inter-State Truck Terminal and other projects in Chandrapur.

During the visit, he inspected a 50-bedded hospital at Ningsingkhul in Jiribam. He interacted with hospital officials and local residents, visited various wards, and reviewed the shortcomings of the healthcare facility. Addressing officials and the public, the Chief Minister assured that the state government would introduce policies to strengthen the hospital's infrastructure and address its needs.

Several MLAs, including Tongbram Robindro, K. Robindro, Sapam Ranjan, H. Dingo, L. Rameshwar, S. Kunjakeshwor (Keba), S. Premchandra, Ashab Uddin, and Noorul Hassan, are part of the visiting delegation. The Commissioner (Home) and the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) are also accompanying the team.

The visit will also include interactions with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and meetings with local leaders to assess the ground situation.

Notably, in June 2024, former Chief Minister of Manipur Nongthombam Biren Singh had planned a similar visit to Jiribam via NH-37. However, suspected militants ambushed his advance security convoy near Kotlen in Kangpokpi district, injuring security personnel and forcing the cancellation of the trip.

- ANI
Actress Mrunal Thakur has hinted that a profound, boundary-crossing love is "incoming" in her life, though she has not shared specific details. She made these comments during a media interaction for her upcoming film *Dacoit*, where she stars alongside Adivi Sesh. Thakur began her career on television before transitioning to films, earning praise for roles in movies like *Super 30* and *Sita Raman*. Recent public appearances with actor Dhanush have sparked dating rumors, though neither party has confirmed a relationship.

Actress Mrunal Thakur says a passionate love for whom she'd cross all limits is "incoming." She also discusses her upcoming film Dacoit and career journey.

Mumbai, April 4 Actress Mrunal Thakur spoke about her views on love during a media interaction held at an event for her upcoming film Dacoit.

The actress said that she believes in a kind of passionate and mad love, and also added that somebody for whom she can cross all limits in life is yet to come.



"A love for whom I can cross all boundaries and limits, well Yes it is coming. I will tell you what happens," she said, indicating that she would share details whenever it happens.



The actress addressed the media at the event of her upcoming movie Dacoit, where she stars alongside Adivi Sesh. Tal



Talking about the movie, the film is directed by Shaneil Deo and produced by Suvin S. Somasekhar.



It is all set to release on the 10th of April.



Talking about Mrunal Thakur, the actress began her acting career on television with shows such as Mujhse Kuchh Kehti...Yeh Khamoshiyaan and Kumkum Bhagya.



She later transitioned to films, starting with the Marathi film Vitti Dandu.



Her Hindi film debut came with Love Sonia, followed by movies like Super 30 alongside Hrithik Roshan and Batla House with John Abraham.



She went on to feature in Toofaan opposite Farhan Akhtar and then Jersey starring Shahid Kapoor.



Mrunal received great reviews for her performance in Sita Raman.



The actress was loved for her character portrayal as Bulbul in the show Kumkum Bhagya.



The actress was recently rumoured to be dating actor Dhanush.



Their recent spotting at an event has sparked rumours but both Dhanush and Mrunal have refrained from commenting nor have made any official announcement.





- IANS
The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was officially launched in Mumbai, integrating the region's emerging real estate professionals with the national platform. The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across the National Capital Region to discuss sustainable urban growth, finance, and innovation. A new leadership team was announced, with Siddharth Jain appointed as President, committed to strengthening engagement and expanding the network. The chapter will host summits and discussions to empower young leaders and contribute to the region's future-ready real estate ecosystem.

Emerging real estate leaders in NCR unite under NAREDCO NextGen to foster sustainable urban development, innovation, and policy dialogue.

New Delhi, April 4 The National Capital Region's emerging real estate leaders came together today at NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen Excelerate 2026, Trident Nariman Point, Mumbai to witness the official launch of the NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter.

The event marked a significant step in integrating the region's next-generation professionals with the national NAREDCO NextGen platform and fostering a shared vision for sustainable and responsible urban development.

The launch brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and real estate professionals from across NCR, including representatives from Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Bhiwadi and Meerut, alongside policymakers and industry experts.

The discussions during the event highlighted key themes such as urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, with a focus on collaboration, knowledge exchange, and learning from global best practices.

"The formation of the NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter reflects NAREDCO's continued commitment to nurturing future leadership within the real estate sector. As urbanisation accelerates across regions like NCR, it is essential to empower young professionals with the right platforms to contribute to policy thinking, innovation, and responsible development," said Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, NAREDCO.

Furthermore, Parveen Jain, President, NAREDCO, added, "NCR remains one of the most significant real estate markets in the country, with scale, complexity, and continuous demand shaping its growth. The launch of NAREDCO NextGen NCR brings structured participation from young leaders into this ecosystem, strengthening industry dialogue and supporting more aligned, forward-looking development across the region."

Notably, the new leadership team of the NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was also formally announced.

Siddharth Jain has been appointed President of NAREDCO NextGen NCR, with Nikhil Aggarwal as President Elect. The leadership team also includes Aashi Dua as Vice President (Policy), Mugdha as Vice President (Membership), Shivani Aggarwal as Vice President (Events), Muskan as Secretary, and Nakul Bajaj as Treasurer.

The leadership expressed its commitment to strengthening engagement among young developers and professionals while expanding the NAREDCO NextGen NCR network across the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Siddharth Jain, President of NAREDCO NextGen NCR, said, "NAREDCO, has for decades been the voice of India's real estate sector, advocating for policy reform, promoting transparency, and building bridges between industry and government. We are deeply grateful to our senior leadership for their vision in recognising that the future of this industry must be nurtured today."

"The NCR region, one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving real estate markets in the country, deserves a dedicated platform where young professionals can engage, collaborate, and lead. That platform is now here," Jain added.

The chapter will host leadership summits, panel discussions, study tours, and roundtable interactions with government bodies and regulators, all aligned with NAREDCO National's broader vision for the sector.

NAREDCO NextGen, the youth wing of the National Real Estate Development Council, was launched nationally in December 2021 and now brings its focus to the NCR region. The chapter provides a platform for young entrepreneurs and real estate professionals to connect, exchange ideas, share experiences, and strengthen their capabilities while contributing meaningfully to the region's real estate ecosystem.

By facilitating engagement with industry stakeholders and policymakers, the chapter fosters innovation, leadership, and sustainable urban development. Members gain opportunities for networking, learning, collaboration, and leadership development, while collectively supporting ethical practices and future-ready urban growth.

NCR stands among India's largest economic and real estate hubs, with a vast and diverse population and a strong regional economy. Real estate plays a central role in driving the region's growth, supporting infrastructure development, generating employment, and attracting sustained capital investment. The formation of NAREDCO NextGen NCR positions the next generation of professionals to contribute meaningfully to shaping transparent, innovative, and sustainable urban ecosystems across the region.

- ANI
(Bloomberg)  Fast-money investors are rushing to unwind their global equity exposure amid diminishing hopes for a swift resolution of the war in the Middle East.

Hedge funds sold global stocks at the fastest pace in 13 years in March, according to data compiled by Goldman Sachs Group Inc.s prime brokerage unit. The pace of selling was the second-largest since the bank started collecting the data in 2011.

The move was largely driven by a pickup in short sales, underscoring concern that the stock market is prone to more weakness amid ongoing fighting in Iran. The MSCI All-Country World Index fell 7.4% in March in its worst month since 2022, while the S&P 500 Index dropped 5.1%.

Fast-money investors used exchange-traded funds to express their skepticism around the stock markets trajectory. Shorting activity in large-cap equity exchange-traded funds helped fuel a 17% jump in short positions across US ETFs, the data show.

In the US, selling among hedge funds was broad-based across sectors, with eight of the 11 industries seeing net outflows. Weakness was especially pronounced in industrials, materials and financials, groups closely tied to the economy.

At the same time, fund managers rotated into defensive areas and bought consumer staples stocks at the fastest pace since July 2025, driven entirely by long positions.

They were net buyers of technology, media and telecom stocks for the first time in four months as investors covered their short positions rather than created new longs.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
The government has announced that 5 kg LPG cylinders can be purchased from distributors by showing any valid ID, eliminating the need for address proof to improve access for migrant workers. Officials report robust sales, with over 5.7 lakh such cylinders sold since late March. The Ministry of Petroleum has assured citizens there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG nationwide and urged against panic buying driven by rumours. Comprehensive measures are in place, including increased domestic production, strict action against hoarding, and the promotion of alternative fuels to ensure stable energy supplies.

Government waives address proof for 5 kg LPG cylinders to aid migrants, assures no fuel shortage amid West Asia tensions. Over 5.7 lakh cylinders sold.

New Delhi, April 4 Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the government on Saturday said that 5 kg LPG cylinders are available at distributors on showing a valid ID without the need for address proof.

The Government said it is taking comprehensive steps to ensure smooth availability of fuel and energy supplies, even as tensions in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz raise concerns over global energy flows.

"The 5 Kg FTL cylinders are available at nearby LPG Distributorships and can be purchased by showing any valid ID proofs. No address proof is required," the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said.

Officials said this move is aimed at improving access to cooking fuel, especially for migrant workers and those who may not have local address documents.

Since March 23, around 5.7 lakh such cylinders have already been sold, with over 71,000 units sold in a single day recently.

The Ministry emphasised that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG in the country and urged citizens not to panic buy.

It said all retail fuel outlets are operating normally and adequate stocks are available nationwide, despite reports of heavy rush at some petrol pumps driven by rumours.

To maintain supply stability, the government has increased domestic LPG production, ensured refineries are running at high capacity, and prioritised fuel supply for households, hospitals and essential services.

At the same time, several demand-side measures have been introduced, including extending the LPG booking cycle and promoting alternative fuels like PNG, kerosene and electric cooking options.

"States have been advised to facilitate the new PNG connections for both domestic and commercial consumers," the ministry explained.

The government has also stepped up monitoring to curb hoarding and black marketing. More than 3,700 raids were conducted recently, and strict action has been taken against erring LPG distributors, including suspension of licences.

Officials said state governments have been empowered under the Essential Commodities Act to take action against violations and have been asked to conduct regular inspections and public briefings.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chennai-based composer Ramesh Vinayakam for a 40-minute demonstration of the patented Gamaka Box Notation System. Vinayakam described the meeting as a "once-in-a-lifetime experience," praising the PM's attentiveness and commitment to understanding the innovation. The system provides a structured grid to accurately write Carnatic and Hindustani music, bridging traditional knowledge with modern technology. The discussion highlighted the potential for AI and machine learning to create a global knowledge repository for Indian music.

PM Modi meets composer Ramesh Vinayakam to explore the Gamaka Box Notation System, a tech innovation to preserve and globalize Indian classical music.

Chennai, April 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Chennai-based music composer Ramesh Vinayakam and his family, where he explored the "Gamaka Box Notation System," a patented innovation designed to preserve and globalise Indian classical music.The meeting, which lasted approximately 40 minutes at the ITC Grand Chola hotel in Chennai, saw the Prime Minister engaging in a hands-on demonstration of the system.

Ramesh Vinayakam, who has dedicated his life to popularising Indian music, explained that the Gamaka Box Notation System, patented in 2009, provides a precise, structured grid that enables musicians to read and write both Carnatic and Hindustani music with the same accuracy as Western staff notation.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. Not everyone gets the opportunity to meet the PM. I'm glad he has so much commitment, purpose, and focus. He spent about 40 minutes with me to understand the possibilities the Gamaka Box notation system can bring to our country's music," Vinayakam told ANI.

Describing the Prime Minister as a "very attentive" learner, the composer added, "He is a very sweet person, very attentive, and very committed to learning about this. He was interested in how science and technology can be implemented in music while keeping it traditional."

The Gamaka Box Notation system provides a modern and technologically compatible method to preserve and document Indian music, bridging traditional knowledge with advanced tools.

Speaking to ANI, explaining the innovation, Vinayakam said, "There has never been a science and technology for music. This system can be implemented to create a complete knowledge repository of all Indian music through AI and machine learning."

On the oscillation of gamakas, he said, "It's not written, and writable form. For example, in Western music, it is just stepwise movement because, suppose you walk seven steps, which is sa re ga ma.. then where do you keep your feet on? In the centre of it so that you don't fall. That is Western music, they have found a great notation system through which every composer today understands, extracts different types of music from the early days, and centuries."

"Now Indian music is not going from centre to centre. What is this? It's oscillating like, for example, sa re ga ma pa da ni...all these things are moving.. it's all flying, gliding, going up and down. It's more like parachuting or something. How do you express it? So it could not be written," he added.

On anwering whether science and technology are implemented in music, he said Music itself is a science which goes beyond science and logic.

"It's an absolute science. Every art is scientific; it goes beyond science, goes beyond logic. For example, it is the same 12 notes with which we hear thousands and thousands of songs. So that is where art comes. It's not a mere mathematical permutation combination, but everything is a mathematical permutation combination, everything. So it is a science inherently, including our music, including Western music," he told ANI.

Vinayakam further discussed the potential of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning to create a global knowledge repository for Indian music.

During the session, PM Modi tried playing Vande Mataram on a tablet under Vinayakam's guidance. The composer praised the Prime Minister's enthusiasm, stating, "You have been the best student, sir." The music composer also gifted PM Modi a pencil, a rubber, and a blank manuscript, a tradition he follows whenever someone learns from him.

The meeting concluded with Vinayakam performing a devotional composition, leaving the Prime Minister visibly delighted.

Ramesh Vinayakam's work has been widely recognised for merging traditional Indian musical knowledge with modern technology, and his Gamaka Box system is seen as a pioneering step towards globalising Indian music.

Earlier, PM Modi also shared a video of the interaction on his social media account, describing the system as an "innovative way to take Indian music to the world."

In a post in X, PM Modi wrote, "In the midst of election campaigning, had the opportunity to meet Thiru Ramesh Vinayakam and his family in Chennai. Ramesh is a music composer and has devoted his life to popularising Indian music. He gave me a glimpse of his work in making the Gamaka Box Notation System. This is an innovative way to take Indian music to the world."

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Kerala on Saturday for campaign rallies ahead of the Assembly elections. His schedule includes a major public meeting at a stadium in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district. Later, he will conduct a roadshow in Thiruvananthapuram, expected to draw large crowds. The visit follows a similar high-energy campaign event in Puducherry on Friday.

PM Narendra Modi holds election rallies in Kerala today, with a public meeting in Thiruvalla and a roadshow in Thiruvananthapuram. Details inside.

New Delhi, April 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kerala on Saturday as part of the National Democratic Alliance's campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections, scheduled to be held on April 9.

The visit is expected to energise party workers and strengthen the alliance's outreach across key constituencies in the State.

According to BJP officials, the Prime Minister will begin his engagements with a public meeting in Thiruvalla, located in Pathanamthitta district. He is expected to address a large gathering at the town's public stadium, where senior party leaders and NDA candidates from neighbouring constituencies will be present. The rally is seen as a significant push to consolidate voter support in central Kerala.

PM Modi will arrive at the NSS College grounds in Changanassery, in Kottayam district, at around 3 p.m. From there, he will travel by road to Thiruvalla. Party leaders have indicated that elaborate arrangements have been made to accommodate large crowds expected to attend the public meeting.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister will travel to Thiruvananthapuram, where he will participate in a roadshow covering a stretch of approximately 1.5 kilometres, from Killipalam Junction to Karamana. The roadshow is expected to attract substantial participation from party workers, supporters, and the general public.

Senior BJP leaders, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar and V. Muraleedharan, are expected to accompany the Prime Minister during various segments of the visit.

Earlier on Friday, PM Modi intensified the NDA campaign by holding a high-profile roadshow in Puducherry, drawing enthusiastic crowds and tight security arrangements across the city.

The NDA alliance in Puducherry, comprising the BJP, the All India NR Congress led by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, the AIADMK, and other regional partners, is seeking to consolidate its position in the upcoming polls.

PM Modi arrived in Chennai from New Delhi earlier in the day via a special flight. From Chennai airport, he proceeded to Puducherry by helicopter, underscoring the importance the BJP leadership is placing on the Union Territory's electoral battle.

Upon his arrival at Puducherry airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Chief Minister Rangasamy along with senior BJP leaders and party functionaries.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong confidence that the BJP-led NDA will form its first government in Kerala after the upcoming polls, declaring the countdown for the LDF government has begun. He accused both the LDF and UDF alliances of habitually spreading lies, specifically about the FCRA Bill, Uniform Civil Code, and films like 'Kerala Files'. Modi also criticized the state government over the Sabarimala temple gold theft case and the Congress for its remarks on the West Asia crisis, which he said endangered Indians abroad. He assured that southern states would not lose Lok Sabha seats due to population parameters.

PM Modi accuses Kerala's LDF and UDF of spreading falsehoods on FCRA, UCC, and films, while predicting a historic BJP-NDA victory in the state polls.

Thiruvalla, April 5 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed confidence that BJP-led NDA will win Kerala polls and accused LDF and UDF of "lying" about FCRA Bill and Uniform Civil Code.

Addressing a rally here, he noted that the law to provide 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies was enacted during the rule of NDA-government and referred to the scheduled Parliament sitting on April 16,17,18 to pass amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. He said Congress people have been called for a meeting and hoped they "will listen" to the government.

PM Modi referred to Kerala Files, Kashmir Files and Dhurandhar movies and said opposition parties had termed them lies.

"The LDF and UDF people have become pro at lying. They said Kerala Files is a lie, they said Kashmir Files is a lie, they said Dhurandhar is a lie. These days, they are spreading lies about the FCRA and UCC. Goa has had UCC for decades, but they're spreading lies around it. They also did the same around the CAA. They are in the business of spreading lies," he alleged.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026 was strongly opposed by the opposition parties. The government decided against pushing for its passage in the budget session of Parliament.

PM Modi said that countdown of LDF government in the state has begun.

"I have come here before as well, but this time the winds of change are blowing in a different direction. The biggest transformation is now about to take place in Keralam. Voting will be held on April 9, and on May 4, the end of decades of misgovernance will be declared. It is now certain that the countdown to the exit of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has begun. For the first time, a BJP-NDA government is coming to power in Keralam," he said.

"Both the Left and Congress promote radical elements for the sake of vote banks; incidents like Munambam are becoming increasingly common in Kerala. There, hundreds of Hindu and Christian families were intimidated, but instead of helping the victims, the Kerala government appears to be standing with the radical forces... The patriotic people of Kerala will never allow this to succeed," he added.

He alleged that LDF and UDF governments have long neglected this region.

"When LDF and UDF were in power at the Centre, Keralam received far less. Under the Modi government, five times more funds have been allocated to the state compared to that period," he said.

The PM accused the Congress of making "irresponsible" and "senseless" remarks regarding the West Asia crisis that could endanger the safety of millions of Indians working in the Gulf.

"The Congress wants the West Asian countries to consider India as their enemy, that we should make some mistake here, give some statement like that, and trouble befalls Indians living in the Gulf countries, so the Congress is giving statements that anger the Gulf countries. The Congress wants panic to spread, and for it to get a chance to hurl abuses at Modi," the Prime Minister said.

Emphasising that the safety of Keralites remains his top priority, PM Modi said the elections will come and go.

"I want to tell the people of Congress, LDF, and UDF that politics has its place and elections will come and go, but for me, the safety of the lakhs of Keralites there is the priority, and I am committed to that," he said.

Referring to the rescue operations involving Indian fishermen, the Prime Minister accused the

The PM also lashed out at the LDF government over the Sabarimala temple gold theft case and accused them of "defaming and looting" the temple.

"The LDF has not handed the probe to the CBI, raising serious questions. At the same time, Congress, which has largely stayed away from temple-related issues, is now faking, trying to project itself as pro-Hindu," PM Modi said.

He asserted that the NDA, once in power in Keralam, will punish the guilty and serve justice to the devotees of Swami Ayyappa.

PM Modi also sought to allay any apprehension about reduction of seats in the southern states due to their good performance on the population yardstick and said "no seats will be reduced" and these will increase,which will benefit states across the country.He said the aim is to ensure 33% women's representation in Parliament from 2029.

"It is our government that has provided 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies... Parliament is going to reconvene in three days. The law we have passed, which gives 33 per cent reservation to women, should start benefiting from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. There is a need to enact a law to ensure 33 per cent participation of women in Parliament," he said.

PM Modi appealed for passing the amendment to the women's reservation bill by consensus."Just as Parliament passed the women's reservation bill by consensus, similarly, two tasks need to be done from April 16-18.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or other states that have done good work in population control--we want to firmly ensure in the law in Parliament this time that nowhere should the Lok Sabha seats be reduced... and second, the seats for women should increase as additional seats," he said."So that our southern states get this huge benefit, we are calling a session for law amendment. We have called the Congress people for a meeting, we hope they will listen to us... It is necessary that this amendment passes by consensus," he added.

Congress had said on Friday that sitting of Parliament to be held on April 16, 17 and 18 was a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and alleged that its purpose was to influence the outcome of the Assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, scheduled to be held later this month.

The Congress also cautioned against any haste in amending the Constitution regarding the delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies, saying it is a sensitive matter and can put several states at a significant disadvantage.

Addressing rallies in Kerala, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed PM Modi and alleged that the BJP leader wants to help LDF.

"Forget that, Narendra Modi in every other speech mentions God, temples, and religion--every second speech of his. How somebody has insulted his God, temple, or religion. And the most valued temple in Kerala, the gold was stolen from that temple. Gold is stolen from Lord Aiyappa's temple. It is replaced by brass. The Prime Minister comes to Kerala, doesn't say a word about it. He has forgotten God, the temple, and religion because he wants to help the LDF and the Kerala CM. Truth is, that LDF can never challenge him in India. That is why the UDF is his target," he said.

Rahul Gandhi also spoke of United Democratic Front's (UDF) commitment for safety of women.

"The young woman who sang Vande Mataram at the public meeting, before such a large crowd and without fear, represents the women of Keralam - fearless and courageous. And that is why we want to ensure that every woman in Keralam is protected. This is why bus travel is going to be free for every woman after the UDF comes to power," he said.

He also alleged that BJP and RSS attacked Kerala's nurses in Chhattisgarh and that Keralam has a Chief Minister who works alongside those who attacked nuns in Chhattisgarh.

Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hit back at the Congress leader. "Has Rahul Gandhi forgotten that the legal provisions used by BJP governments to unjustly arrest people, including nuns, were originally contributions of the Congress? During the 2022-23 Christmas and New Year period, when thousands of tribal Christians were driven out due to Sangh Parivar-backed violence, wasn't there a Congress government in power there? Was Rahul Gandhi on leave from party leadership at that time?" he asked.

Speaking at a convention held at Kannur Poduvacheri in Dharmadam constituency, Vijayan said that Kerala has reached a stage where it can reach a development leap.

Kerala will go the polls on April 9 and votes will be counted on May 4.

- ANI
Pope Leo XIV presided over the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, delivering a powerful homily on global strife. He identified modern "tombs" as mistrust, fear, selfishness, and resentment, which sever bonds through war and injustice. The Pope urged the faithful not to be paralysed by these challenges but to actively work for harmony and peace. He framed the resurrection as a testament to God's eternal, unifying love, which is stronger than any force of evil or division.

Pope Leo XIV urges global community to resist despair, pursue harmony, and overcome the "tombs" of war and injustice during Easter Vigil homily.

Vatican City, April 5 Pope Leo XIV, presiding over the Easter Vigil Mass at St Peter's Basilica, has called on the global community to resist becoming desensitised to the scale of ongoing global hostilities and to actively pursue reconciliation.

During the service on the most sacred night of the Catholic calendar, the first American pontiff reflected on the modern "tombs still to be opened today", identifying them as "mistrust, fear, selfishness and resentment".

He observed that these elements have been permitted to "sever the bonds between us through war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations".

Addressing the faithful during the Saturday night liturgy, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, the Pope delivered a message of resilience against despair.

"Let us not allow ourselves to be paralysed," he exhorted, urging those present to instead emulate the dedication of the saints to ensure that "the Easter gifts of harmony and peace" might "grow and flourish everywhere and always throughout the world".

While the ceremony marks the biblical account of Christ rising from the dead, Pope Leo XIV noted that "the holy mystery of this night ... extends across the centuries".

He explained that the scriptural readings throughout the liturgy provide a glimpse into a "path of reconciliation and grace" spanning from the creation of the world to the resurrection.

Although the Pope did not name specific modern conflicts during his homily, he emphasised that the core theme of salvation history is that "God responds to the hardness of sin, which divides and kills, with the power of love, which unites and restores life".

Reflecting on the narrative in Matthew's Gospel, he described the resurrection as a testament to "the power of God's love, stronger than any force of evil".

He further remarked that while "humanity can kill the body, but the life of the God of love is eternal life, which transcends death and which no tomb can imprison".

Quoting from an ancient hymn, Pope Leo XIV stated that the essence of Easter "drives out hatred, fosters concord and brings down the mighty", offering a spiritual response to the "hardness of sin" that currently plagues the international landscape.

- ANI
President Droupadi Murmu extended warm Easter greetings to all citizens, with a special mention for the Christian community in India and abroad. She highlighted that the resurrection of Jesus Christ encourages the embrace of values like truth, love, and compassion. The message coincided with Good Friday, on which opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge also shared wishes for peace and reflection. Good Friday is observed globally to commemorate the crucifixion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

President Droupadi Murmu extends Easter greetings, urging citizens to embrace compassion and collectively strive for a harmonious future.

New Delhi, April 4 President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday greeted citizens on the eve of Easter. In a message, the President said, "On the auspicious occasion of Easter, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens, especially to the Christian community residing in India and abroad."

She said Easter is a significant festival of Christianity. "The resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ encourages us to embrace the values of truth, love, compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness," she said.



"On this occasion, let us renew our resolve to promote harmony, peace, and brotherhood, and strive collectively for a better future," she added.



Earlier on Good Friday, politicians from various parties expressed hope that the day inspires compassion, peace, and love among people. They also wished everyone strength and hope on this solemn occasion.



Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X and wrote, "May this Good Friday guide us towards compassion, peace, and love. Wishing everyone hope and strength."



Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also shared his message, saying, "Wishing you all a blessed Good Friday. May compassion, forgiveness, and sacrifice illuminate our hearts, and remind us that righteousness must prevail in every thought, word, and action. Let us walk the path of humanity, kindness, and peace, guided by empathy and truth."



Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said: "On this Good Friday, may we reflect on compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness. May this day bring peace, strength, and hope to every heart."



Good Friday is a significant day for Christians worldwide, observed annually to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Also referred to as Holy Friday or Great Friday, the day is marked by deep reflection on the suffering and sacrifice of Christ for humanity.



According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ was crucified on the orders of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate after being accused of blasphemy by religious authorities. Following a public trial, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion, a punishment reserved for serious offences during that era.





- IANS
US President Donald Trump extended Easter greetings, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope it brings to believers. He emphasized the importance of faith and God for national greatness, claiming religion is growing again in America. In a separate development, Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke with Pope Leo XIV, exchanging holiday greetings and discussing regional conflicts. Their conversation highlighted the threat from Iran and the importance of interfaith cooperation against antisemitism.

President Donald Trump extends Easter greetings, emphasizing Christ's resurrection and noting a resurgence of religion in the United States.

Washington DC, April 4 US President Donald Trump on Friday extended greetings on the occasion of Easter, joining Christians worldwide in commemorating Holy Week and the "resurrection of Jesus Christ".

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, " Happy Easter to all, may God bless you, may God bless the United States of America."

Delivering a detailed Holy Week message, Trump emphasised the significance of Christ's life, death and resurrection. "This Holy Week, I'm proud to join with Christians across the country and around the world to celebrate the most glorious miracle in all of time, the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," he said.

Highlighting Christian teachings, he added, "In his life, Christ displayed true humility. In his death, he modelled true love. And in his resurrection from the tomb, he proved that even death itself will not silence those who place their trust in Almighty God."

Citing scripture from the Gospel of John, Trump said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, for whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Eternal life, such beautiful words."

He noted that the festival serves as a reminder of hope and faith for millions of believers worldwide. " This Easter millions of Christians all over the globe will be reminded that because of what Jesus did on the cross, all of us can live every day with hope in God's promise, knowing that in the end evil and wickedness will not prevail," he said.

"As I have often said, to be a great nation, you must have religion, and you must have God. In churches across the nation on Sunday, the pews will be fuller, younger, and more faithful than they have at any time in many, many years. Religion is growing again in our country for the first time in decades," he added.

Trump reiterated his greetings and expressed confidence in the country's progress, saying, "Our country is doing so well like never before."

Earlier on Friday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog 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 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.

- ANI
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay launched a sharp attack on Puducherry's political alliances ahead of the Assembly election. He labeled the AINRC-BJP combine as "tired" and the DMK-Congress alliance as "confused," calling a vote for either a waste. Vijay promised that if his party, contesting independently, is brought to power, it will push for full statehood for the union territory. The election is scheduled for April 9, with the current assembly's term ending in June.

Actor Vijay pledges full statehood for Puducherry if TVK wins, calls AINRC-BJP "tired" and DMK-Congress "confused" ahead of April 9 polls.

Puducherry, April 4 Ahead of the Assembly election in Puducherry, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay on Saturday launched a sharp offensive against the established political fronts in the union territory, calling the AINRC-BJP combine "tired" and DMK-Congress "confused".

Addressing a massive election rally, the actor-turned-politician highlighted that TVK is contesting in Puducherry for the first time and promised to push for full statehood if brought to power.

Vijay questioned why the national parties, despite their power at the Centre, have not granted full statehood to Puducherry yet.

"There are 2 alliances in Puducherry... In Tamil Nadu, DMK-Congress is a confused alliance. Similarly, here too it continues to be a confused alliance. Similarly, there is an NR Congress-BJP alliance. It is not a united alliance. It is a tired alliance. Why hasn't this alliance granted statehood to Puducherry? If we come to power, we will do our best to secure statehood," said Vijay.

Taking another dig at the alliances, Vijay asserted that voting for either of the two is "a waste" and emphasised that Puducherry needs good governance. "TVK will rule Tamil Nadu. There should be a TVK rule in Puducherry too," he added.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is contesting independently in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly general elections scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes on May 4.

TVK aims to challenge the incumbent All India NR Congress (AINRC), which is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

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 each won six seats.

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
The Government of Rajasthan is launching a series of roadshows across major Indian cities to promote the upcoming Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM)-2026. The events aim to engage investors, startups, and institutions to boost participation and investment in the state's agriculture sector. The roadshows will highlight Rajasthan's agricultural landscape, policy support, and opportunities in agribusiness and food processing. GRAM-2026 is expected to attract thousands of farmers, hundreds of exhibitors, and international delegations.

Rajasthan announces nationwide roadshows in major cities to promote investment and innovation for the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM)-2026 in May.

Jaipur, April 4 The Government of Rajasthan will roll out a series of roadshows across major Indian cities ahead of the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet-2026, scheduled from May 23 to 25.

Led by the Department of Agriculture, the initiative aims to engage with investors, agritech firms, research institutions, startups, and key stakeholders to drive participation and investment in the state's agriculture ecosystem.

The roadshows will commence in Jaipur on April 10, followed by New Delhi on April 17, Ahmedabad on April 24, Hyderabad on May 6, and Pune on May 8.

These engagements will serve as a platform to present Rajasthan's evolving agricultural landscape, highlight policy support, and showcase emerging opportunities across agribusiness, food processing, and value-added sectors. The initiative is also aligned with the state's broader vision to integrate innovation, advanced technologies, and digital solutions into agriculture.

The roadshows are expected to facilitate high-level interactions between prospective investors, agritech developers, industry representatives, and policymakers, with a focus on building long-term partnerships and unlocking investment potential in the sector.

Commenting on the initiative, Manju Rajpal, Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Horticulture & Panchayati Raj (Agriculture), said, "Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet-2026, to be held in May, is a key platform to connect Rajasthan's agriculture sector with global investment and innovation. The roadshows are an important step towards showcasing the state's strengths and engaging with stakeholders from across India and beyond."

Participants will also be provided an overview of GRAM-2026's key highlights, including technical sessions, workshops, exhibitions, smart farm and livestock showcases, Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings, as well as dedicated investment dialogues.

The Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM)-2026 is positioned as a premier international platform bringing together investors, agri-entrepreneurs, agritech innovators, researchers, policymakers, and farmers. The previous edition of GRAM was held in 2016-17.

The upcoming edition is expected to see participation from over 75,000 farmers across Rajasthan, more than 250 exhibitors, and over 100 companies from India and overseas. Delegations from partner regions, including South Asia, Europe, Australia, and North and South America, are also likely to participate.

- ANI
AIADMK candidate Dr. Saravanan criticized the DMK government for price rises and election-driven welfare, positioning himself as an accessible "5 doctor" in contrast to the DMK's previous candidate. He outlined key AIADMK promises, including 10,000 financial assistance for every family and 2,000 for women, to be implemented if the party wins. Further pledges include providing mobile phones with recharge to students and establishing small-scale industries for women to create jobs. He urged voters to support the AIADMK's "Two Leaves" symbol on April 23 for these benefits.

AIADMK candidate Dr. Saravanan pledges 10,000 per family, contrasts himself with actor Vijay, and promises jobs and cheaper healthcare.

Chennai, April 4 AIADMK candidate Saravanan stated on Saturday that Madurai North has traditionally been a constituency where his party enjoys strong winning prospects. He highlighted that AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami has announced 297 promises, with one of the key assurances being financial assistance of 10,000 for every family.

He alleged that the DMK government has burdened the public with rising prices and increased taxes, and said the proposed 10,000 scheme is aimed at addressing these challenges. Urging voters to support AIADMK on April 23, he claimed that the first signature of Edappadi K. Palaniswami, if voted to power, would be to implement this scheme.

He also referred to another promise of 2,000 financial assistance for women, criticising the DMK government by stating that its current welfare measures are driven solely by the upcoming elections.

Speaking about his personal contributions, Dr. Saravanan said that as a doctor, he has provided free medical treatment to many people and offered services at reduced costs to others. He alleged that, unlike him, the DMK candidate became inaccessible after winning previously, whereas he has always remained approachable and responsive to the public.

He noted that for several years, people have fondly referred to him as the "5 doctor." Drawing a comparison with Vijay, he said that while the actor portrayed a 5 doctor in the 2017 film Mersal and reportedly earned 250 crore for the role, he himself has genuinely charged only 5 and continues to serve the people.

Dr. Saravanan also announced welfare initiatives for youth and women. He said that there are around 18,000 young people in the constituency, and plans are underway to provide mobile phones to college students along with a monthly recharge of 250 to support their education.

Additionally, he promised to establish small-scale industries for women across all 19 wards, creating employment opportunities. He stated that women would be able to work for 5 to 6 hours a day, making the initiative both practical and beneficial, and assured that the scheme would be implemented.

He further announced that patients undergoing surgery at his hospital would receive a 50% reduction in treatment costs.

Concluding his speech, he said that the party's general secretary has introduced several schemes aimed at improving the overall standard of living of the people, while questioning the achievements of the DMK government over the past five years. He urged voters to keep these points in mind and cast their votes for AIADMK's "Two Leaves" symbol on April 23, expressing confidence in securing a decisive victory.

- ANI
While the median EBITDA is relatively unchanged at approximately $55 million, the weighted average net leverage declined to approximately 4.8x from 4.9x and the weighted average LTV remained relatively unchanged at approximately 46% from the quarter ended March 31. One of the defining features of the quarter was a pickup in origination activity with $19 million in originations this quarter, up from $5.1 million last quarter. Most of this activity occurred in June and was concentrated in existing portfolio companies. This demonstrates both our conviction in our long-standing sponsor relationships and the continued selectivity in the broader market where new opportunities that meet our underwriting criteria remain limited.

Importantly, even though with these additions, our nonaccruals as a percentage of the total portfolio at fair value remained stable at 1.6%, in line with the previous quarter. Notably, this is down meaningfully from 5% in the same period last year, underscoring the continued progress we've made in credit resolution and the effectiveness of our disciplined investing approach. Additionally, the overall portfolio continues to demonstrate resilience, and we continue to benefit from the diversity of industries we are invested in. Performance across our underlying borrowers remains largely in line with expectations.

We reported net investment income before taxes of $0.8 million or $0.06 per share, an increase of 1% from the previous quarter. This represents an annualized return on equity of 4.3%, up approximately 80 basis points sequentially, reflecting stable income generation and continued discipline on both the investing and expense fronts. This trend continues to reflect our broader 2025 theme of steady execution amid an improving yet selective deployment environment. Net assets declined modestly during the quarter, and our net asset value per share decreased to $5.27 per share from $5.42 in the previous quarter, largely driven by fair value adjustments, including two positions being placed on nonaccrual.

Suhail Shaikh: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining our second quarter 2025 earnings call. Firstly, I would like to say that the Board of Directors and I are very pleased that Andrew Muns has accepted the role of CFO of the company, which became effective on July 16, 2025. Andrew was appointed as the COO of the company on March 24, 2025, which led us to expand his role as the CFO. This was a busy quarter for us on several fronts. And while some of the headline results were mixed, we remain focused on executing our strategy and positioning the portfolio for long-term value creation. Turning to our second quarter results.

Story Continues

We continue to take a highly selective approach and maintain a rigorous diligence process to ensure that any additions to the portfolio meet our underwriting standards and long-term investment objectives. As we look ahead, we are seeing early signs of renewed momentum in the middle market. Our pipeline is beginning to rebuild in July, and we are cautiously optimistic that this momentum will carry into the second half of the year. Market spreads remained relatively stable throughout the quarter, and we continue to see disciplined pricing across the middle market. While volume has started to pick up, the quality of deal flow continues to vary, and we remain focused on maintaining high underwriting standards.

Our priorities remain centered on resolving legacy credit issues and repositioning the portfolio to support long-term performance. I will now turn to a summary of our investment activity for the quarter. During the quarter ended June, we invested in one new portfolio company and four existing portfolio companies. Fundings for new investments totaled $19 million at cost, as I mentioned earlier. The weighted average yield of debt investments made in the quarter was approximately 9%. In the same period, we fully realized three portfolio companies investments totaling $9.5 million in proceeds with an IRR of approximately 32.8%. First, we invested in the first lien term loan of One Call Medical.

One Call is a tech-enabled provider of managed care solutions that serves workers' compensation and other health markets in the U.S. We are currently invested in the term loan across our other funds on our platform. Our yield at cost is approximately 9.2%. We participated in the refinancing of American Auto Auction, also known as XLerate. XLerate is the second largest player in the used car whole auction market. We invested in the first lien term loan and our yield-at-cost is approximately 9.1% Lastly, we -- as mentioned earlier, we made a number of incremental investments in existing portfolio companies that we were able to opportunistically purchase in the secondary markets.

These include an investment in Integrity Marketing, Asurion and Max U.S. Bidco, also known as Alphia. Our yield-at-cost is approximately 8.5%, 8.9% and 9.2%, respectively, in these investments. Turning to our realizations. We realized our first lien term loan position in XLerate as part of the refinancing that I mentioned and 4L Technologies, both of which were refinanced during the quarter. Our realized IRRs on XLerate and 4L are 20.4% and 19.9%, respectively. We also realized our equity position in RESA Power. We participated in the co-investment of RESA Power alongside Investcorp's North American private equity team a few years ago. Our realized IRR is 64.1%.

I would now like to turn the call over to Andrew to discuss our financial results.

Andrew Muns: Thanks, Suhail. Let me begin by providing you with highlights of our quarterly performance. For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the fair value of our portfolio was $204.1 million compared to $192.4 million on March 31. Our net assets were $76 million, a decrease of $2.1 million from the prior quarter. Our portfolio's net decrease in net assets from operations this quarter was approximately $434,000 with the remaining $1.7 million due to the distribution of cash dividends to shareholders. The weighted average yield of our portfolio was 10.6%, a slight decrease from 11% in the previous quarter.

As of June 30, our portfolio consisted of 43 borrowers, approximately 79% of our investments were in first lien debt and the remaining 21% was invested in equity, warrants and other positions, 98.5% of our debt portfolio was invested in floating rate instruments and 1.5% in fixed rate instruments. The weighted average spread on our floating rate debt investments was 4.6%, a slight decrease from 4.7% in the prior quarter. The average investment size per portfolio company on a fair market value basis was approximately $4.7 million and our largest portfolio company investment on a fair market value basis remained BioPlan at $13.6 million.

Our largest industry concentrations by fair market value were professional services at 13.8%, insurance at 9.9%, containers and packaging at 8.8%, IT services at 8.7% and trading companies and distributors at 8%. Overall, our portfolio companies are spread among 19 different GICS industries as of quarter end, including our equity and warrant positions. I would like to announce that on August 7, 2025, the Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $5 million of its shares of common stock pursuant to a new stock repurchase program.

The timing, manner, price and amount of any share repurchases will be determined by the company in its discretion based on the evaluation of economic and market conditions, the company's stock price, applicable legal, contractual and regulatory requirements and other factors. The program is expected to be in effect until August 7, 2026, unless extended or until the aggregate repurchase amount that has been approved by the company's Board of Directors has been extended. The program does not require the company to repurchase any specific number of shares, and the company cannot assure stockholders that any shares will be repurchased under the program, program may be suspended, extended, modified or discontinued at any time.

We are pleased to announce that on August 7, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a distribution for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, of $0.12 per share and a supplemental distribution of $0.02 per share payable in cash on October 9, 2025, to stockholders of record as of September 18, 2025. Gross leverage was 1.77x and net leverage was 1.54x as of June 30 compared to 1.53x gross and 1.37x net, respectively, for the previous quarter. With respect to our liquidity, as of June 30, we had approximately $17.3 million in cash, of which approximately $14.4 million was restricted cash with $29.5 million of capacity under our revolving credit facility with Capital One.

Additional information regarding the composition of our portfolio and quarterly financial results are included in our Form 10-Q. With that, I would like to turn the call back over to Suhail.

Suhail Shaikh: Thank you, Andrew. We remain confident in the strength of our platform and the disciplined approach our team takes in managing the portfolio and cultivating strong origination relationships. As we move through 2025, our priorities continue to be maintaining NAV stability, delivering sustainable net investment income and selectively deploying capital into high-quality opportunities with attractive risk-adjusted returns. With increased activity emerging in the middle market, we believe the second half of the year will represent compelling investment opportunities. Over the past year, we have made meaningful progress in positioning the company for long-term success, and we're optimistic about our ability to create consistent value for our shareholders going forward.

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to updating you on our progress in the quarters ahead. That concludes our prepared remarks. Operator, please open the line up for Q&A.

Operator: [Operator Instructions] We are now ready to begin. Our first question comes from Christopher Nolan, Ladenburg Thalmann.

Christopher Nolan: Andrew, congrats on the promotion.

Andrew Muns: Thank you.

Christopher Nolan: What was the spillover income for the quarter, please?

Andrew Muns: I'll have to look up the exact amount of the spillover income, but you rightly pointed out that, that was the big reason for the distribution to shareholders being in excess of the change in assets from operations. The net income before taxes of $0.06 a share was about $0.04 a share after taxes and negative $0.03 a share after taking into account losses. So the distribution of $0.12 a share with the supplemental of $0.02 is obviously in excess of that. And that, as you pointed out, is related to the spill back.

Christopher Nolan: Okay. On a more broader question, you guys are running with a really high leverage. The profitability is somewhat low and the asset quality is actually pretty good. And I'm just trying to understand what is the strategy to improve returns, please?

Suhail Shaikh: Yes, it's a great question, Chris. And I think if I recall, you probably asked a similar question last quarter as well. I think the big issue for the vehicle right now is the expense base. And as we grow our assets under management for Investcorp's private credit business, we can absorb some of those expenses broadly across a variety of end markets and that's going to improve the profitability of the company. At a high level, that is -- we've mentioned that before, and we continue to focus on that. I think as you rightly pointed out, it's taken us a few quarters to stabilize the book. We feel very, very good about where we are today.

Nonaccruals are down. Income is fairly steady. And we're deploying capital at a decent pace as repayments come in. So we're very cautious about the fact that we are not sort of trying to get that leverage number too much higher than what our stated goal is to be at that 1.5-ish on the high end. So hopefully, that kind of gives you a sense of where we're headed.

Christopher Nolan: And I guess on the leverage ratio, should we expect portfolio contraction in coming quarters to get the leverage ratio back down?

Suhail Shaikh: I think -- well, two things. One, we do expect repayments to pick up in the second half of the year. So that's going to be a natural deleveraging event to the extent we don't find decent assets to replace those with, and we have a line of sight to some assets that we think are going to get refinanced. The market overall, as I stated in my prepared comments, is improving. M&A market is improving. So we do see that -- we do expect a number of positions that are going to get refinanced, and so that's one, and then secondly, we watch the leverage number pretty carefully.

So with respect to deployments, we try to measure our deployments against where we are on the total leverage.

Christopher Nolan: Okay. And I guess final question is, given where the stock is trading, which is somewhere around 50% of NAV, do you guys -- I mean, Monroe Capital recently sold all of its BDC assets to a related entity within the broader Monroe Capital and converted itself to cash and then sold the cash to Horizon, which is another Monroe vehicle. But you ever guys ever considered just wrapping up the BDC, converting it to cash, enabling investors to get an improved return on the stock?

Suhail Shaikh: We think about a lot of things, Christopher. So look, our primary focus is to improve shareholder value, and in order to do that, you've got to start with first, stabilizing the book, making sure that the book is stable. I'm not intimately familiar with the transaction that you're describing. So we will study that, but that's -- I saw the news flash, but I haven't really paid much attention to it to date.

Operator: [Operator Instructions] I don't see any other questions, sir.

Suhail Shaikh: Okay. Thank you, Luke. Thank you, everyone, for dialing in, and we look forward to speaking with you all again at the end of the next quarter. Thank you, Luke.

Andrew Muns: And this concludes today's conference call. Thank you, everyone, for attending.

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Investcorp Credit (ICMB) Earnings Call Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates a Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, calling it a sacred centre for Vedic traditions and Sanatan knowledge.

Sabarkantha, April 4 A new complex of Shri Bhagwan Yagyavalkya Ved Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya was inaugurated on Saturday in Mudeti village in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel saying that the institution would serve as a centre for preserving Vedic knowledge while advancing students for contemporary roles.

The three-day inauguration ceremony was held in a spiritual setting, attended by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati, who offered blessings at the event.



Chief Minister Patel was also honoured with the 'Sadadharma Samaj Seva Ratna' by the Bhagwan Yajnavalkya Veda Tatvagyan Yogashram Trust.



Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the inauguration marked more than the opening of a new facility.



"This Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya is not merely an institution, but a sacred centre of consciousness that will illuminate Sanatan knowledge and Vedic traditions," he added.



The Chief Minister said that the National Education Policy introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi places emphasis on reconnecting young people with India's cultural roots.



"This complex will help realise the vision of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' by fostering traditional knowledge among the new generation," Chief Minister Patel said, expressing confidence that students would emerge not only as scholars but also as contributors to nation-building.



Highlighting the importance of Sanskrit, the Chief Minister said the language remains the foundation of India's Vedic and philosophical traditions.



"Without Sanskrit, it is impossible to fully understand our history," he said, noting that institutions such as Somnath Sanskrit University and the Gujarat State Sanskrit Board are working towards its preservation.



He also added that alongside Sanskrit, students in the remote area would receive education in subjects such as English and computer studies.



Referring to the broader national context, Chief Minister Patel said the institution would contribute to the goal of 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047', aligning with the call to take pride in India's cultural heritage during the 'Amrit Kaal' of Independence.



Swami Sadanand Saraswati, in his address, described Sanskrit as the foundation of India's spiritual and intellectual heritage.



"Sanskrit is not merely a language but the source of the knowledge and values passed down by our sages," he said.



He added that the integration of education and values at the new complex would prepare future generations to carry forward Vedic knowledge and promote Indian culture globally.



He also emphasised the message of unity in diversity and described the institution as a confluence of education and cultural values.



The Mahavidyalaya traces its origins to the efforts of Narmadashankar Bhavanishankar Shukla, who established the Veda Vidyalaya with the aim of preserving the teachings of the Shukla Yajurveda and the Upanishads.



The trust was re-established in 1988 with Narmadashankar Bhavanishankar Shukla, support from Anantdev Harishankar Shukla and Vaidyaraj Aniruddh Shukla, inspired by Pandurang Shastri.



The institution formally took shape on February 17, 1997, and has since expanded into a centre for Vedic learning.



Among those present at the event were trustee Uday Mahurkar, State Minister P.C. Baranda, legislators, office-bearers, and students.





- IANS
Actor Sharad Kelkar has shared his experience filming a scene for 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak' that pays tribute to the iconic mandir sequence from the classic film 'Sholay'. The recreation blends nostalgia with a contemporary twist, seamlessly integrating it into the show's narrative. Kelkar described 'Sholay' as an emotion and expressed the special feeling of being part of such an inspired track. He highlighted the fun of performing the sequence, which connects the past and present through powerful storytelling.

Actor Sharad Kelkar shares his experience filming a tribute to the classic Sholay mandir sequence for his TV show Tumm Se Tumm Tak.

Mumbai, April 4 Actor Sharad Kelkar, has shared his experience of shooting a 'Sholay' inspired scene for his television show 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak'. The actor essays the role of Arya, in the show.

In a unique move, the show recently paid a subtle tribute to one of Indian cinema's most iconic moments from Sholay, recreating it with a refreshing and contemporary twist that adds charm and nostalgia to the narrative.



The sequence captures the essence of the classic scene while blending it seamlessly into the world of Arya (played by Sharad Kelkar) and Anu (played by Niharika Chouksey). With a touch of playfulness and innocence, the moment stands out as a delightful departure from the usual tone, offering viewers a refreshing change and a sense of familiarity rooted in timeless cinema. It's this thoughtful integration of nostalgia with modern storytelling that makes the sequence both memorable and engaging.



Sharing his experience of shooting this sequence, Sharad Kelkar told IANS, "'Sholay' is not just a film, it's an emotion that generations have grown up with. The mandir sequence, in particular, is so iconic that even today it brings an instant smile and a sense of nostalgia. To be a part of a track that draws inspiration from something so memorable is truly special".



"As actors, we always look forward to moments that allow us to recreate that magic in our own way while still respecting the original. On Tumm Se Tumm Tak, this sequence brings a unique blend of nostalgia and freshness, and it was genuinely a lot of fun to perform. Moments like these remind you why storytelling is so powerful; it connects the past and the present so beautifully", he added.



'Tumm Se Tumm Tak' on Zee TV.





- IANS
Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has firmly backed Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's criticism of the CBSE's proposed three-language curriculum. He asserted the state will not compromise on its long-standing two-language policy, rooted in the principles of Periyar. The minister also filed his nomination from the Thiruverumbur constituency, expressing high confidence in a large victory margin for the alliance. The state polls are scheduled for April 23, with results on May 4.

TN Education Minister backs CM Stalin, vows no compromise on state's two-language policy. He also files nomination for Thiruverumbur seat, confident of victory.

Tiruchirappalli, April 4 Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on Saturday backed Chief Minister MK Stalin's remarks on the Central Board of Secondary Education's three-language curriculum, asserting that the state government remains committed to its long-standing two-language policy introduced by Periyar and will not "compromise" on its principles.

Speaking to ANI, Poyyamozhi emphasised that the message conveyed by the Chief Minister was clear that Tamil Nadu would not yield to what it perceives as attempts to impose policies contrary to its established educational framework.

"The Chief Minister has firmly upheld the two-language policy set by Periyar, refusing to compromise. Even when offered Rs 3,458 crores, the state declined, insisting that ideology cannot be imposed. The message is clear that the state will not bend. The Chief Minister's words underline that the state board and its principles remain uncompromised," said the Tamil Nadu Education Minister.

Reaffirming the state's stance, Poyyamozhi said that Tamil Nadu's education model is rooted in its linguistic and cultural identity, and any move perceived as undermining this framework would be resisted.

In addition to addressing the policy issue, the Minister also filed his nomination from the Thiruverumbur Assembly constituency and expressed confidence about his electoral prospects. He highlighted his continuous engagement with the people and the strength of the alliance's campaign in the region.

"I have been moving around my constituency, attending events and being present with the people. They see me as part of their family, and I am happy to meet them again. Yesterday, with the full strength of our alliance, we began our campaign. This time, I am confident we will win by a huge margin," said Poyyamozhi.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Stalin on Saturday criticised the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) new curriculum framework, calling it a "calculated attempt at linguistic imposition" that prioritises Hindi over regional languages.

CM Stalin said the policy undermines federalism, marginalises non-Hindi-speaking states and places an undue burden on students and teachers, urging the Union government to respect India's linguistic diversity and protect the rights of students across states.

CBSE is set to introduce a phased three-language policy from the 2026-27 academic year, beginning with Class 6. The policy requires students to learn an additional language, with at least two of the three being Indian languages.

Tamil Nadu is scheduled to go to the polls for its 234-member Legislative Assembly in a single phase on April 23, with the counting of votes set to take place on May 4.

- ANI
US President Donald Trump has claimed a "massive strike" in Tehran terminated many of Iran's military leaders. He issued a new 48-hour ultimatum, warning Iran to strike a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The claim was made on Truth Social alongside a video showing explosions, but specific details were not provided. This follows a previous 10-day pause on strikes that Trump stated was extended at Iran's request.

Donald Trump claims a massive strike in Tehran terminated Iranian military leaders and issues a new 48-hour ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz.

Washington, DC, April 5 US President Donald Trump has claimed that a significant number of Iranian military officials were killed during a "massive strike" conducted in Tehran.

The President made the assertion via his latest post on Truth Social on Saturday (US local time), where he also shared a video purportedly showing the aftermath of the operation.

In his statement, Trump noted, "Many of Iran's Military Leaders, who have led them poorly and unwisely, are terminated, along with much else, with this massive strike in Tehran!"

The footage accompanying the post appears dark, though the sounds of aircraft and loud explosions are clearly audible.

Despite the gravity of the claim, the President did not provide further elaboration regarding the specific targets or the technical details of the strike.

As the West Asia conflict continues to escalate, this latest development follows weeks of intensified military operations.

While the video suggests a high-intensity engagement in the Iranian capital, official confirmation on the extent of the casualties among the Iranian leadership is still being sought.

This reported strike follows a stark ultimatum issued by President Trump on Saturday to Tehran.

He stated that Iran has 48 hours to strike a deal or reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz "before all hell will rain down on them".

Trump's message, posted on his Truth Social platform, serves as a reminder of his 10-day ultimatum previously given to the Islamic Republic to make progress towards a deal or reopen the vital shipping lane.

"Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out--48 hours before all hell will rain down on them. Glory be to GOD! President DONALD J. TRUMP," his post read.

Earlier, on March 26, Trump had stated that he was extending a pause on strikes targeting Iran's energy infrastructure for an additional 10 days, until Monday, April 6, 2026, as part of ongoing diplomatic talks.

In that post, he claimed the announcement came as per a "request" from the Iranian Government, adding that negotiations were "going very well."

"As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media and others, they are going very well," the post read.

This sequence of events is a continuation of Trump's persistent warnings to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

He had previously instructed the US Department of War to delay military action against Iranian power plants for five days, citing diplomatic engagements.

Prior to that delay, he had issued an initial warning giving Tehran 48 hours to open the strategically significant waterway or face potential strikes on its energy facilities.

This latest 48-hour ultimatum serves as a final reminder of the 10-day deadline established last month.

- ANI
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay has traveled to Puducherry to intensify his party's campaign for the upcoming April 9 legislative assembly elections. The party is contesting independently against the incumbent All India N.R. Congress government, which is part of the NDA alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sharply criticized opposition parties, alleging they have no vision for Puducherry's development and want to use it as a political "ATM". The political atmosphere is heating up as top leadership from major parties escalates campaigning ahead of the polls.

TVK chief Vijay campaigns in Puducherry as PM Modi alleges opposition parties want to use the Union Territory as an "ATM" with no development vision.

Chennai, April 4 Continuing his campaign for the upcoming elections, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay left his residence for Puducherry on Saturday.

He is set to intensify his campaign in the union territory, seeking a victory against the incumbent All India N.R. Congress government, which is part of the NDA alliance.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is contesting independently in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly general elections scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes 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 each won six seats.

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.

As the date of polls draws near, top brass leadership from prominent parties have sharpened their campaign and attacks on the opposition.

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.

"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."

- ANI
TVK chief Vijay criticizes rival alliances as deceptive, pledges local body polls, jobs, insurance, and statehood for Puducherry if voted to power.

Puducherry, April 4 Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay intensified his election campaign in Puducherry on Saturday, asserting that his party has fielded candidates who stand "with the people, as one among them".

With polling for the 30-member Puducherry Assembly scheduled for April 9, political activity has reached a peak, with just four days left for campaigning.



Vijay addressed a public gathering at Thattanchavadi market area, drawing a sizeable crowd of supporters. Earlier, he conducted a roadshow that reportedly extended beyond the time permitted by the police before proceeding to the campaign venue.



Addressing the rally, he said this is the first time his party is contesting in Puducherry and emphasised that candidate selection was based on grassroots connect rather than political pedigree.



Taking a sharp dig at rival alliances, Vijay criticised both the DMK-Congress combine and the NR Congress-BJP alliance. Referring to the DMK-Congress front, he said that while Congress had ruled Puducherry multiple times and DMK had also held power thrice, the alliance today exists "only in name" and is marked by internal contradictions. He alleged that leaders within the alliance had betrayed not only the people but even their own leadership, making it a subject of ridicule.



Turning to the NR Congress-BJP alliance, Vijay described it as a "weak and opportunistic" arrangement, accusing it of using his party for political gains.



He questioned both Congress and the BJP over their failure to grant statehood to Puducherry despite being in power at the Union level at different times. Citing a long-pending demand, he said his party would make "100 per cent efforts" to secure statehood if voted to power.



Outlining his promises, Vijay said a TVK government would immediately conduct local body elections, fill all government vacancies, and provide Rs 25 lakh insurance coverage for every family.



Framing the election as a choice between "deceptive alliances" and "people-oriented governance", Vijay urged voters to reject both major fronts and give his party an opportunity.



"Puducherry needs good governance. Give us a chance, and we will stand by you," he said.





- IANS
Union Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed Indian fishermen who arrived in Chennai after being repatriated from Iran through a diplomatic effort involving Armenia. He described their return as a joyous day for their families after a difficult journey. Goyal also countered Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's claims about Hindi imposition, stating Stalin was making false allegations out of electoral desperation. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar thanked Armenia for facilitating the evacuation amid the West Asia conflict.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal welcomes repatriated fishermen from Iran and counters CM MK Stalin's claims of Hindi imposition, calling them false allegations.

Chennai, April 4 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday welcomed the Indian fishermen who arrived in Chennai after being repatriated from Iran via Armenia, following a significant diplomatic effort by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Speaking to reporters, Piyush Goyal described the return as a "Joyous day" for the families of the fishermen, who had been stranded in Iran amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

"Today is a joyous day where our brothers and sisters who are suffering in Iran are coming back home to their families, motherland. We warmly welcome all our fishermen brothers and sisters... It was a difficult journey for them. They had to go 20 hours to Armenia and other countries," Goyal said.

"The MEA Officials worked day and night to bring them to Armenia. Today they are flying back from Armenia. We are very happy to receive them, welcome them back home," he added.

On MK Stalin's recent statement on imposing Hindi in the state, Goyal further claimed that Chief Minister MK Stalin has "lost" the upcoming Assembly elections and is resorting to "false allegations" out of desperation."I think Stalin has lost this election. He has already given up on these elections. That is why he makes false allegations. The people of Tamil Nadu know that no one is trying to impose Hindi on them. We want more and more children to learn Tamil. The third language is optional; whatever they want to learn. There is no compulsion to learn any particular language," the Minister stated.Goyal's remarks follow a heated exchange between CM MK Stalin and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday over the National Education Policy (NEP) and the alleged withholding of funds for Tamil Nadu's refusal to adopt the three-language formula.Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday expressed gratitude towards Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen from Iran amid the conflict in West Asia."Thank FM Ararat Mirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar wrote on X.Armenia has been facilitating the evacuation of Indian nationals in Iran.

On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that more than 1,200 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran, out of which 996 moved to Armenia.

- ANI
The US labor market added 178,000 jobs in March, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.3%. However, revisions showed combined employment for January and February was 7,000 lower than previously estimated. Job gains were concentrated in healthcare, construction, and transportation, while financial activities saw losses. Wage growth continued at a modest pace, with average hourly earnings rising 3.5% over the past year.

US labor market added 178,000 jobs in March 2026, led by healthcare and construction, despite downward revisions to earlier months' data.

New Delhi, April 4 The US labour market added jobs in March, with total nonfarm payroll employment increasing by 178,000 during the month, according to the latest Employment Situation Summary released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 178,000 in March, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.3 percent," the agency reported.

However, revisions to earlier data indicate that employment growth at the start of the year was weaker than initially estimated, with employment in January and February of 2026 combined being '7,000 lower than previously reported'.

According to the bureau, "The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for January was revised up by 34,000, from +126,000 to +160,000, and the change for February was revised down by 41,000, from -92,000 to -133,000."

The Bureau also revealed that federal government employment continued to decline during the month.

"Federal government employment continued to decline," the release noted while outlining sectoral trends in the labour market.

Other sectors posted notable gains during the month. "Job gains occurred in health care, in construction, and in transportation and warehousing," according to the Employment Situation Summary.

The healthcare sector recorded the largest increase. "Health care added 76,000 jobs in March. Employment in ambulatory health care services rose by 54,000, reflecting an increase of 35,000 in offices of physicians as workers returned from a strike," the release said.

Construction also contributed to job growth, with payrolls rising by 26,000 during the month.

Meanwhile, transportation and warehousing added 21,000 jobs, according to the establishment survey data in the report. However, 'employment in transportation and warehousing is down by 139,000 since reaching a peak in February 2025,' the data revealed.

Alternatively, some industries continued to see losses. "Employment in financial activities edged down by 15,000 in March, reflecting a loss in finance and insurance (-16,000). Employment in financial activities is down by 77,000 since reaching a peak in May 2025," the Bureau said.

The report also noted limited movement in several major sectors. "Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; retail trade; information; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; and other services," it added.

Wage growth remained modest during the month. According to the release, "average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 9 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $37.38. Over the year, average hourly earnings have increased by 3.5 percent."

Meanwhile, working hours edged slightly lower. "The average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls edged down by 0.1 hour to 34.2 hours in March," the report said.

The Employment Situation for April is scheduled to be released on May 8, 2026, the agency added.

- ANI
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran, leading to a combat search-and-rescue operation where one crew member has been found alive. In a separate incident the same day, an A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft was also lost, though its pilot was rescued safely. Initial indications suggest Iranian fire was responsible for downing the aircraft, marking the first known combat loss of U.S. crewed aircraft in the current conflict. The operation faced further danger as at least one rescue helicopter was hit by fire but managed to land.

A US F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iran, with one crew member rescued. An A-10 was also lost. Iran claims responsibility amid escalating conflict.

Washington, April 4 A US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran, triggering a combat search-and-rescue operation, with one crew member rescued and another still missing.

Both crew members ejected from the aircraft. One has been found alive, while efforts continue to locate the second, whose status remains unclear. The F-15E is a two-seat multirole fighter with a pilot and a weapons systems officer.

In a separate incident the same day, a US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft was also lost in the region. Its pilot was rescued safely, people familiar with the situation were quoted by local media outlets.

Initial US indications suggest both aircraft were hit by Iranian fire. Iran claimed it had downed an American fighter and circulated images purportedly showing wreckage of an F-15E, though the authenticity of those images could not be independently verified.

US Central Command and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Videos on social media, reportedly from southwestern Iran, showed US aircraft flying low, possibly conducting combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) missions.

The US Air Force has CSAR teams in the region equipped with HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60 helicopters. At least one rescue helicopter involved in the operation was hit by Iranian fire but managed to land, according to people familiar with the matter.

The incidents mark the first known combat loss of US crewed aircraft in the current conflict. Earlier, a US Air Force F-35 pilot had "suffered shrapnel wounds" after damage to the aircraft during a mission over Iran on March 19, but the jet was able to make an emergency landing.

Three F-15Es were also "shot down by friendly fire" over Kuwait on March 2, with all six crew members ejecting safely. Separately, a KC-135 tanker "crashed in western Iraq after an apparent midair collision," killing six airmen.

Iranian state media said the downing of the aircraft would mark the first time Tehran had shot down an American fighter jet since the conflict began weeks ago. Reports also indicated Iranian forces were searching for the missing US service member in the area where the jet went down.

US officials have said American forces continue to operate with air superiority over large parts of Iran and have struck more than 12,300 targets.

- IANS
US lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill to enhance the security of Taiwan's undersea cable infrastructure against increasing threats from China. The legislation mandates upgraded surveillance systems and cooperation with allies to improve recovery from attacks. It responds to recent cable disruptions linked to Chinese vessels, described as "gray zone" coercion tactics. The bill also includes provisions for sanctions against those responsible for damaging this critical infrastructure.

Bipartisan US bill aims to secure Taiwan's critical undersea infrastructure against rising Chinese threats and "gray zone" tactics.

Washington DC, April 4 Three members of the U.S. House of Representatives have put forward a bipartisan bill designed to bolster the resilience of Taiwan's undersea cables and other critical infrastructure in response to increasing threats from China, as reported by the Central News Agency.

According to the proposed legislation, the United States would upgrade undersea surveillance systems by deploying advanced sensors capable of identifying sabotage and delivering real-time intelligence to help Taiwan safeguard its essential cable networks.

The bill also requires the US to work alongside its allies to assist Taiwan and regional partners in strengthening their ability to recover from attacks on undersea infrastructure and reduce service disruptions.

Republican Representative Mike Lawler stated in a press release that as threats from the People's Republic of China (PRC) continue to intensify, the United States must take the lead in ensuring that undersea infrastructure in the region remains secure and resilient.

The legislation comes after a series of recent disruptions to undersea cables involving Chinese vessels, which experts have described as "gray zone" tactics. These incidents, cited in the CNA report, include multiple occurrences near Taiwan's outlying islands between 2023 and last month.

Lawler added that the bill aims to deter such actions by imposing sanctions on individuals or entities found responsible for, or complicit in, damaging undersea infrastructure affecting the US, Taiwan, or their regional allies. Democratic Representative Dave Min emphasised, as reported by CNA, that Taiwan's communication infrastructure plays a crucial role not only in its national security but also in global trade and regional stability.

Min further stated that China's repeated interference with Taiwan's undersea cables is intentional and forms part of a broader strategy to isolate a democratic partner while testing the limits of authoritarian coercion without facing consequences.

He also noted that the bill sends a clear message that the United States will not overlook "gray zone" tactics intended to undermine peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, a corresponding bill in the Senate, introduced by Republican Senator John Curtis and Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in January, the CNA report added.

- ANI
Palantir Technologies (PLTR) stock was in a steady uptrend, backed by robust growth, and touched highs of $207.52 in November 2025. However, there has been a correction of almost 30% from highs even as Palantir continues to deliver growth.

The correction has been broad-based for the technology sector on concerns related to valuation coupled with the impact of significant capex on margins. At the same time, geopolitical tensions have translated into additional risks.

More News from Barchart

Recently, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to attack U.S. technology companies operating in the Middle East. The IRCG considers Nvidia (NVDA), Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL), and Palantir Technologies among the 18 legitimate targets.

While this is a risk for tech stocks, U.S. President Donald Trump believes that the military campaign in Iran is likely to end in two to three weeks. Therefore, beyond the conflict, the sideways-to-lower trend in PLTR stock seems like a good buying opportunity.

About Palantir Stock

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Aventura, Florida, Palantir initially built software for the intelligence community in the United States for assistance in counterterrorism investigations and operations. The company later diversified and started working with commercial enterprises.

Currently, Palantir has four principal software platforms: Gotham, Foundry, Apollo, and the Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). Through these platforms, the company served 954 customers as of December 2025.

Further, for FY25, the company reported 54% revenue from the government segment and 46% from the commercial enterprises. For the same period, 74% of the revenue was from customers in the United States.

Palantir is on a high-growth trajectory with 56% year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth in FY25 to $4.5 billion. Further, for FY25, the companys adjusted free cash flow swelled to $2.3 billion. Amidst this growth, PLTR stock has declined by almost 21% in the last six months.

www.barchart.com

Growth Likely to Remain Robust

Its worth noting that the Pentagons defense budget for FY 2026 is pegged at $1.01 trillion. Of this, a record $13.4 billion will be directed towards artificial intelligence and autonomy. Palantir is likely to be among the key beneficiaries of this allocation.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed police constables, stressing their role in law and order, disaster, and traffic management. He inaugurated the renovated Jugmandar Hall and laid foundation stones for new projects as part of a heritage-conscious development vision. Dhami detailed over Rs 1,400 crore in ongoing works, including waste management, parks, electric buses, and road infrastructure aimed at modernizing Dehradun. He credited national missions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for driving urban transformation.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami addresses police constables, inaugurates heritage projects, and details a Rs 1,400 crore modernisation plan for Dehradun.

Dehradun, April 4 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday addressed police constables undergoing training at the Police Lines in Dehradun.

He emphasised strengthening law and order in the state, playing an active role in disaster management, and ensuring smooth traffic management.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the renovation and restoration of Jugmandar Hall at the Dehradun Municipal Corporation, a project executed at a cost of Rs 2.32 crore as part of efforts to preserve and promote the city's cultural heritage.

On the occasion, the CM also laid the foundation stone for a canal at the ABC Centre in Kedarpuram and announced the development and beautification of parks at six locations within the municipal area.

Addressing the gathering, Dhami said the state government is pursuing a vision of "development along with heritage", ensuring Dehradun progresses while preserving its rich cultural identity. He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urban areas are being modernised through missions like Swachh Bharat, AMRUT, Smart City, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, enhancing cleanliness, water supply, sewerage, green spaces, and housing for economically weaker sections.

He added that over Rs 1,400 crore in development projects are underway to transform Dehradun into a modern city, including a mechanised waste transfer station and an Integrated Command and Control Centre for real-time monitoring of garbage collection.

Dhami noted that 35 parks, including a yoga-themed park in Kedarpuram, and special memorial parks for martyrs, have been developed, adding over 50,000 sq meters of green space. Recharge pits are being built to conserve water, and 30 electric buses are now operational with 11 EV charging stations across the city. Dehradun ranked 19th nationally under the National Clean Air Programme.

The CM announced that the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, set to be inaugurated soon by PM Modi, will significantly improve connectivity. Plans are also underway for elevated roads over the Rispana and Bindal rivers to ease traffic congestion.

- ANI
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurates the 9-day Doon Book Festival 2026 in Dehradun, promoting Garhwali, Kumaoni literature and literary tourism.

Dehradun, April 4 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami formally inaugurated the "Doon Book Festival-2026" in Dehradun on Saturday.

On the occasion, he visited various stalls set up by publishers and also released books in the Garhwali and Kumaoni languages.



Organised with the support of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and the Uttarakhand Government, the Chief Minister welcomed writers, artists, and literature enthusiasts from across the country, describing the festival as a unique confluence of literature, culture, and art that will give new direction to the exchange of knowledge and ideas in society.



The Chief Minister stated that the nine-day festival will feature a range of sessions, interactive discussions, book talks, and programmes like "Meet the Author", all aimed at enriching literary discourse. He especially appreciated the "Children's Pavilion", calling it a commendable initiative that will help cultivate reading habits among the younger generation.



Highlighting Uttarakhand's rich literary tradition, he said that the sacred land of Devbhoomi has given birth to many great writers and has always been a centre of knowledge, culture, and creativity. He added that the state government is continuously working towards the preservation and promotion of literature and culture.



Through awards such as "Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman", "Sahitya Bhushan", and others, writers are being honoured, while financial assistance is also being provided for publishing books in various languages. He further noted that "literary villages" are being developed in the state to provide a conducive environment for writers and to promote Uttarakhand as a major hub for literary tourism.



Emphasising the importance of books, the Chief Minister said that books are not merely a collection of words but a permanent source of knowledge that guides society across generations. He appealed to citizens to encourage gifting books and plants on various occasions, thereby promoting both knowledge and environmental awareness.



He also remarked that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is moving forward in restoring its cultural and literary heritage. The state government, he said, remains committed to preserving and promoting Uttarakhand's literary legacy. He extended his best wishes to the organisers for the successful conduct of the festival and expressed confidence that it will infuse new energy into the state's literary consciousness.





- ANI
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to seek central funds for critical projects ahead of the 2027 Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. The requests included substantial funding for underground cabling in the Ganga Corridor and beautification of the city's ghats. Dhami also proposed extending the Regional Rapid Transit System to Haridwar and developing a metro corridor for the Dehradun-Haridwar-Rishikesh region. The meeting follows recent commitments by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who emphasized the national importance of the Haridwar Kumbh.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami meets Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, seeking funds for Haridwar's Kumbh Mela 2027 prep and key infrastructure projects.

New Delhi, April 4 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar here on Saturday.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister requested approval of Rs 325 crore in the first phase and approximately Rs 425 crore in the second phase for the underground cabling and automation of systems in the Ganga Corridor area of Haridwar, in view of the Kumbh Mela scheduled for January 2027.

He also sought the Union Minister's support for the beautification of ghats in Haridwar, strengthening of residential facilities, and overall urban infrastructure development, according to a release. Additionally, he requested the extension of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Modi Puram (Meerut) to Haridwar, as well as the development of the Dehradun-Haridwar-Rishikesh metro corridor.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister for his positive assurances on all matters and presented him with "Badri cow ghee," a traditional product of Uttarakhand, as a token of appreciation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah last month inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of various public welfare projects worth more than Rs 1,132 crore in Haridwar on the completion of four years of the Uttarakhand Government.

He said that the Kumbh Mela will be held in Haridwar in 2027, for which the Central Government has provided a substantial amount of funds to the state government.

The Home Minister said that the Kumbh of Haridwar is the pride of the entire country.

- ANI
An old video of Sushmita Sen discussing her Miss Universe 1994 victory has resurfaced online. In it, she reveals her winning strategy focused primarily on building mental confidence and patience, rather than just physical preparation. Sen became the first Indian to win the Miss Universe crown, answering a final question about the essence of womanhood. Her historic win, alongside Aishwarya Rai's Miss World victory the same year, marked a significant moment for India in global pageantry.

An old video shows Sushmita Sen explaining her real preparation for Miss Universe 1994, focusing on mental strength over physical appearance.

Mumbai, April 4 Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen, who was last seen in the 3rd season of the superhit streaming show 'Aarya', once spoke about what it takes to bag the title of Miss Universe.

An old video of the actress talking to the media after her return to India following her victory at Miss Universe, has resurfaced on the Internet.



In the video, she said, "You have to get your wardrobe in order, you have to get your body in order for which you need to do a lot of physical exercises and going to gym and everything. But honestly, I did not work so much for all this".



She further mentioned, "I worked on my mental level at that point of time because it takes a lot of confidence, it takes a lot of tolerance, a lot of patience to be there among so many beautiful girls, to face an audience of so many people and to be yourself yet there. So I guess that's what I really worked on".



Sushmita Sen won the Miss Universe 1994 title. She became the first Indian to win the Miss Universe crown. She represented India after winning the Femina Miss India 1994 title earlier that year, where she placed first ahead of Aishwarya Rai. During the Miss Universe competition, Sushmita Sen advanced through preliminary rounds, including swimsuit and evening gown segments, to reach the final stage. In the final question round, she was asked about the essence of being a woman.



Her response emphasized motherhood, compassion, and strength as defining qualities. She was crowned by outgoing Miss Universe Dayanara Torres of Puerto Rico. Sen's victory marked India's first Miss Universe win and contributed to increased global recognition of Indian contestants in international beauty pageants. The same year, India also won Miss World through Aishwarya Rai, marking a significant milestone for the country in global pageantry. Sushmita Sen's win is recorded as a key moment in India's participation in international beauty competitions.





- IANS
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has pledged a Rs 5,000 "fighter's allowance" for all party workers who have been jailed, promising to withdraw all "fake cases" in the first cabinet meeting if the BJP forms government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is campaigning extensively, declaring that voters should cast their ballots without fear to "uproot and throw TMC into the Bay of Bengal." The election features a direct face-off in Bhabanipur between Adhikari and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, with Adhikari also contesting from Nandigram. Polling for the 294-member assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results on May 4.

Suvendu Adhikari pledges Rs 5,000 fighter allowance for jailed BJP workers as Amit Shah campaigns to oust TMC in West Bengal elections.

Kharagpur, April 4 The Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday asserted that a "storm, a tsunami of the people" is set to sweep the TMC from power on election day.

Addressing supporters, Adhikari said, "The people will uproot and throw them (TMC) out, root and all. As soon as our government is formed, we will withdraw all fake cases against the BJP in the first cabinet meeting. The BJP government will give Rs 5,000 as a fighter's allowance to all those who have gone to jail," he said, while talking to ANI.

The BJP leader's comments come amid intensified campaigning across the state, as political parties gear up for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

The campaign has seen high-profile visits to Kharagpur, with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta holding a roadshow in support of Adhikari, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah visiting earlier on the day of his nomination filing.

Speaking at the nomination filing event of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on April 2, Shah electrified the crowd with his declaration, "This time no one should fear; no goon can stop the voters of Bengal. Everyone must vote without fear to uproot and throw TMC into the Bay of Bengal."

Shah appealed directly to the people of Bhabanipur, the constituency from where TMC leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting, calling on them to support Adhikari and ensure a change in the state government. "I appeal to the Bengal people to help Suvendu Adhikari win this election... We want to make 'Sonar Bangla', and this is why we need to defeat TMC," he said, asserting that the ruling party had been marred by corruption.

"There will be a change in West Bengal. But you want a change in Bhabanipur or not? I have come here to appeal for your votes for our candidate Suvendu Adhikari," Shah said.

Shah also highlighted the BJP's broader vision for West Bengal, referencing the party's development agenda since 2014. "Since 2014, those who kept believing in Modi ji have seen change. Help the BJP form the government and witness a change in Bengal. Last time Mamata lost an election, this time she is going to be defeated across Bengal," he said.

The Union Minister, who began his speech with the slogan "Jai Shree Ram," emphasised the urgency of collective action. "Everywhere, a single voice can be heard that this government must change. Say bye-bye to Mamata."

He announced that he would remain in the state for 15 days to campaign during the assembly elections.

Earlier that day, Suvendu Adhikari also said, "Mamata Banerjee is going to lose."

Adhikari is contesting the two-phase West Bengal assembly polls on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket from Bhabanipur and Nandigram constituencies.

This time, the West Bengal elections will see a face-off between Adhikari and Banerjee for the Bhabanipur seat, while Adhikari will also try to retain Nandigram.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lost the Nandigram seat in the 2021 assembly elections against Adhikari, but later secured victory in the Bhabanipur by-election against Priyanka Tibrewal.

Polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

In the last assembly election in the state, held in eight phases in 2021, 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
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has assured that the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, will not adversely affect genuine non-governmental organizations, including those run by the Christian community. He stated the bill is specifically designed to curb illegal organizations that misuse foreign funds or act against India's interests. Rijiju clarified that the bill is currently on hold and that detailed consultations with the state BJP unit will occur after the elections. He emphasized that he has already met with church leaders in Kerala to provide these assurances directly.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju assures Christian NGOs the FCRA Amendment Bill will not harm genuine organizations, targeting only illegal foreign funding.

Thrissur, April 4 Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday assured that the proposed Foreign Contribution Amendment Bill, 2026, will support only genuine non-governmental organisations and will not adversely affect lawful entities, including those run by the Christian community.

Speaking to reporters in Thrissur, Rijiju said the bill is aimed at curbing illegal organisations misusing foreign funds or acting against India's interests. He emphasised that consultations with church leaders in Kerala have already taken place to provide clear assurances.



Speaking to the reporters in Thrissur, Rijiju said, "The Christian community need not worry at all. I have assured them that our proposed FCRA amendment bill will only help and support the good NGOs, and it will only target those illegal organisations that are working against India's interests and those who are illegally funding money for wrongful purposes. So the good organisations need not worry, especially the Christian organisations."



He further clarified that the FCRA amendment bill is currently on hold and that the state BJP unit would be called to Delhi after the elections for detailed consultations.



"I want to give them full assurance that it will not harm genuine organisations. And yesterday I met all the church leaders, senior leaders in Kerala, and I have assured them. Now the FCRA bill is on hold, and we are going to discuss more. I will call our state unit BJP team to Delhi after the election," he added.



The Bill provides for the cessation of the FCRA certificate of an organisation upon expiry, non-renewal or refusal of renewal by the government. The amendments also establish a designated authority for "a comprehensive framework for vesting, supervision, management and disposal of foreign contribution and assets, including provisional and permanent vesting."



A day earlier, Rijiju said the government is prepared to expose what he described as "lies" being spread by the Congress and Communist parties in Keralam about the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.



He added that discussions have been held with Christian missionaries in the state to address their concerns through dialogue.





- ANI
Centre for Social Research Director Ranjana Kumari has hailed the Women's Reservation Bill as a historic moment for India, urging political parties not to block its implementation. She noted the bill's passage in 2023 came three decades after it was first proposed, with delays linked to delimitation and census processes. Kumari supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for greater women's participation in nation-building and Parliament. A special session of Parliament is scheduled for April 16 to take up the bill, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasizing a commitment to women's empowerment.

CSR Director Ranjana Kumari calls the Women's Reservation Bill historic, urges parties not to block it for greater female participation in Parliament.

New Delhi, April 5 Centre for Social Research Director Ranjana Kumari on Saturday termed the Women's Reservation Bill a "historic moment" for India and urged political parties not to block its implementation, stressing the need for greater participation of women in Parliament.

Speaking to ANI, Kumari said, "This is a very special moment in India's history... Because the bill was proposed 30 years back, and it was passed in 2023." She noted that its implementation has been delayed due to factors such as delimitation and census. "I think because of the delimitation and census issue that was attached to the bill, it could not be implemented in 2025," she added.

Highlighting the vision of the Constitution makers, Kumari said, "It was our Constitution makers' wish to give equality to women. B. R. Ambedkar was the one who really talked about women's participation."

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on increasing women's representation, she said, "The PM is very right in saying that more women should participate in our nation-building process. They should be part of Parliament because if women are not there, certainly nobody is talking about women."

Kumari also appealed to political parties opposing the bill, urging them to reconsider their stance. "There is a little bit of news that some parties are trying to block this in the Parliament. This is totally unjust to the women of India," she said.

Meanwhile, women's rights activist Nida Khan also welcomed the move, calling it a significant step towards empowering women in politics.

"As we heard, PM Modi said that 33 per cent reservation will be given to women. This clearly demonstrates the government's intention to advance women's lives. It wants to give women a new position and identity within political parties," she said.

Khan further added, "I feel this is a new initiative for all women, which will further demonstrate their leadership qualities. In Parliament on April 16, 17 and 18, I think there will be discussions on women who have long sought leadership in their own communities."

She also emphasised that the government has prioritised women's issues. "I believe this government has focused most on women, their safety, and the advancement of women in every way," she said.

On Friday, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju announced that Parliament will convene a special session on April 16 to take up the Women's Reservation Bill.

Rijiju said the government is committed to women's empowerment and called for political unity on the issue.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "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."

- ANI
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena announced that work has begun in full swing to create a new water body in Chuchot village. The initiative is part of a larger project to construct around 50 reservoirs across Ladakh to store glacial melt for irrigation and community water security. During recent inspections, Saxena directed officials on technical improvements and emphasized developing sites for recreational use. He reiterated a commitment to resolving the region's water scarcity within a year through focused infrastructure development and public cooperation.

LG Vinai Kumar Saxena announces full-steam work on a new water body in Chuchot, Leh, as part of Ladakh's ambitious water conservation project.

Leh, April 4 Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, on Saturday, said works have begun in full swing for creating a new water body in Chuchot village, following his visit to the area and directions issued on March 26, 2026.

The initiative forms part of a larger water conservation project being undertaken across the Union Territory, aimed at storing glacial melt to meet irrigation needs and ensure a sustainable water supply for local communities.

Taking it to X, he wrote, "Pleased to share that works have begun in full steam for creating a new water body in Chuchot village in Leh, following my visit to the village and subsequent directions, on 26.03.2026. The initiative is as part of the ambitious water conservation project, being undertaken across the UT of Ladakh."

"This water body will be used for storing the glacial melt that will fulfil the irrigation needs of the locals and ensure water security for the local communities. These water bodies will also meet the watering needs of the roadside plantation across the UT," he added.

Speaking about the project, the L-G said, "With active involvement and support of the locals, I am confident of the success of this people-centric project."

This comes after his visit on March 26 for inspecting key water conservation and land development projects at Stok village and Chuchot Thongser, reaffirming the Administration's commitment to addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable development in the region.

The Lieutenant Governor's visits are part of the plans to construct around 50 reservoirs or water bodies across various villages in Ladakh, along with the restoration of existing water bodies, to mitigate water woes in these villages.

Saxena, immediately after taking over as Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh on March 13, had directed the Chief Secretary to identify at least 50 locations to create small water bodies that would store snowmelt to address the water requirements of locals.

At Stok village, the Lieutenant Governor inspected the reservoir-cum-percolation tank constructed by the Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj Institution (RDD&PRI). He was accorded a warm welcome by the residents, led by the village Nambardar.

During the inspection, Saxena directed the concerned officials to undertake stone pitching, ensure proper alignment, and carry out cleaning, desilting and dredging of the reservoir, to enhance the water holding capacity of the water body. He also suggested that the site be developed in a manner that allows it to serve as a recreational and picnic spot for villagers.

Project Officer/Nodal Officer, Shenaz Tabassum, informed that the reservoir, which was earlier in a dilapidated condition, has been revitalised under the watershed development component. The village Nambardar apprised the Lieutenant Governor that, following ceremonial rituals, water will start being released and stored in the reservoir from April 1 onwards.

Subsequently, the Lieutenant Governor visited Chuchot Thongser, where he reviewed land development and bench terracing works, along with the construction of a spring box under PMKSY-WDC 2.0. He also planted a sapling at the site, underscoring the importance of ecological restoration and green initiatives.

Shenaz Tabassum informed that the 40 kanal land at the site was previously barren and has been transformed through plantation using drip irrigation techniques. She highlighted the commendable contribution of women's Self-Help Groups in executing the project successfully.

Reiterating his resolve to address water scarcity in Ladakh, the Lieutenant Governor observed that despite the presence of natural glaciers and winter precipitation, the region continues to face challenges in meeting drinking and irrigation water needs.

Saxena reiterated his commitment to make all possible efforts to resolve the issue of water scarcity within a year through a focused and sustained approach, including the adoption of villages for the development of water infrastructure. He stated that his visits to villages are aimed at gaining a first-hand understanding of local issues to facilitate effective and timely solutions.

The Lieutenant Governor sought active public cooperation and participation, noting that the success of such initiatives depends on collective efforts. He assured that the dedicated team of the UT Administration would work tirelessly to ensure early resolution of water-related challenges. He also stated that he would revisit the sites to monitor progress and ensure the timely completion of projects.

- ANI
Farmers and traders in Purba Medinipur are intensifying their demand for a dedicated Betel Leaf Research Institute ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections. They have appealed to both central and state governments to establish the institute to support the industry and the livelihoods of thousands. Association representatives express disappointment that their significant trade, which includes exports, has not been adequately highlighted by their MP in Parliament. Stakeholders indicate that this issue of institutional support and market stability could influence voting preferences in the region.

Farmers and traders in Purba Medinipur demand a dedicated Betel Leaf Research Institute from the government ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections.

Purba Medinipur, April 4 The long-standing demand for a dedicated research facility to support betel leaf cultivation has gained momentum among farmers and traders in Purba Medinipur ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections.

Farmers and traders in the district have urged both the Central and State governments to establish a dedicated Betel Leaf Research Institute to promote the industry and ensure the livelihood of thousands of families dependent on betel leaf cultivation.

Mahadev Das, President of the Assam Betel Leaf Traders' Association, while speaking to ANI, said, "...We have formally requested the government (central as well as state) to establish a dedicated Betel Leaf Research Institute to support the industry, but it is yet to come into existence..."

With the assembly elections approaching, farmers and traders engaged in the betel leaf (paan) industry have stressed the importance of an institution that could carry out research on processing methods, explore medicinal properties and address persistent challenges in cultivation.

The association had also urged Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee to raise issues related to betel leaves in Parliament.

However, Das expressed disappointment, saying, "Our betel leaves are distributed throughout India, and some of the high-quality leaves are even exported to international markets like London and Saudi Arabia," adding that the MP's speech in the House "lacks mention of Paan."

Highlighting the scale of the trade, Das added, "While an exact daily figure is difficult to ascertain, the volume remains substantial. "From this market alone, roughly 1,400 tubs are being dispatched regularly."

Betel leaf farmer Lav Kumar stressed the importance of scientific support for cultivation. "To ensure high-quality yields of betel leaves, a research institute is essential. If we can farm using scientific research, it will be far more beneficial for the farmers," he said.

Appealing to the government, Kumar added, "We appeal to the government, whichever comes to power, to make necessary arrangements for research and development in this sector."

As the elections approach, stakeholders say the demand for institutional support, better logistics and stable market conditions is likely to influence voting preferences in the region.

West Bengal is headed for Assembly Elections with polling to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes is scheduled to be held on May 4.

- ANI
This convoy is the third humanitarian aid shipment sent from Azerbaijan to Iran. In essence, it is a convoy that conveys the solidarity and moral support of the Azerbaijani people and government to the Iranian people.

AzerNEWS reports via Azertag that these remarks were made by Irans Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Demirchilou, in an interview with journalists.

He stated that Iran is currently going through a difficult period, and that support provided at such a time is of great importance.

I would like to emphasise once again that the Azerbaijani government has taken certain initiatives in this regard. It first sent humanitarian aid, and plans are in place to continue these deliveries. This demonstrates that Azerbaijan intends to maintain its support and once again show its solidarity, Demirchilou added.
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is among the stocks in focus, as Jim Cramer analyzed the broader market impact of the recent AI data center rally. Cramer highlighted the FDA approval of the companys new weight loss pill and its acquisition of Centessa Pharmaceuticals, as he stated:

Today, we got big news from Eli Lilly. The Indianapolis colossus got approval for Foundayo, which is now the only GLP-1 weight loss pill that can be taken any time of day without food or water restrictions. Its almost as strong as the injections. Starts at $25 per month of commercial coverage or between $149 and $349 per month if youre paying out of pocket. When placed head-to-head against the competing pill from Novo Nordisk, I think Lillys got a winner Ironically, though, the biggest news from Lilly may have been something that happened yesterday. Thats the acquisition of Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company, for $7.8 billion. Centessa is trying to combat narcolepsy and other neurological disorders. Theyre working on a neuropeptide called orexin, which is apparently something that people with narcolepsy are missing or dont have a lot of. Its possible that orexin can be used for much more than narcopsy I like what Lillys doing here. Its tackling some of the hardest to treat illnesses, ones that have often baffled and befuddled those drug companies that have attempted to beat mental illness. The path towards successful neurological treatment is littered with failures. The money that Lilly gets from its weight loss drug is being used wisely to come up with breakthrough drugs Most importantly, though, lets own the stock because I think this weight loss pill will be a blockbuster. And thats why weve stuck with Eli Lilly for the Charitable Trust.

Stock market data. Photo by Burak The Weekender on Pexels

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) develops and markets medicines for diabetes, obesity, oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and other chronic conditions.

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Children who live within 11 kilometers of the Salton Sea, a drying body of water with a high concentration of salts and contaminants in Imperial Valley, California, have slower lung function growth between ages 10 and 12 than children who live farther away. The impact is comparable to living within 500 meters of a freeway and could affect respiratory health into adulthood. The study, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, was just published in JAMA Network Open.

The Salton Sea, a saline lake near the United States-Mexico border, formed in 1905 when the Colorado River broke through an irrigation canal. Today, the lake is shrinking due to drought, heat and water diversions, exposing large areas of dry lakebed that release dust into the air as fine particles. This type of pollution is known to increase risk for lung, heart, immune and neurological problems.

Local surveys have tracked respiratory problems, including asthma incidents, but the Keck School of Medicine of USC-led group is the first to look directly at changes in lung capacity. Their findings on lung function patterns over time could have implications well beyond Imperial Valley, as drought and rising temperatures cause other lakes, such as the Great Salt Lake in Utah and the Aral Sea in Central Asia, to shrink and emit dust.

Our findings are concerning because they may have long-term health implications. Research suggests that if lung growth is reduced during a critical development period such as adolescence, that can lead to increased risk for respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases later in life." Fangqi Guo, PhD, postdoctoral research associate in population and public health sciences, Keck School of Medicine and study's first author

Lung function typically undergoes a growth spurt in adolescence, then peaks in young adulthood. More research is needed to understand what happens when development is interrupted, but ongoing problems with lung capacity could have lasting health consequences.

Dust exposure and lung function

The Keck School of Medicine team worked with Comite Civico del Valle, a longstanding local community organization, to recruit children for the first long-term health study in the region. Researchers followed 369 children, whose average age was 10 when the study began, for roughly two years.

Lung function was measured in two ways: forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). FVC measures how much air the lungs can expel after a deep breath and FEV1 tests how quickly that air can be pushed out of the lungs. Taken together, these measures help show whether or not air is flowing normally through the lungs.

The researchers also calculated the distance between each child's home and the Salton Sea and obtained data on fine particle pollution and spikes in dust levels from local air quality monitors. In their analysis, they controlled for the effects of age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, height, body mass index and respiratory health at the beginning of the study.

Children who lived within 11 kilometers of the Salton Sea had 52.18 milliliters per year lower growth in FVC and 38.7 milliliters per year lower growth in FEV1 than children who lived farther away. More hours of exposure to high dust levels were also linked to lower FVC and FEV1 growth, especially for children living closer to the Sea.

Protecting long-term health

These findings add to the group's previous research showing that more than 1 in 5 children in the region has asthma, nearly triple the national average. Those findings suggest that this population could face lung, heart and metabolic issues later in life if the trends are not reversed.

"We don't yet know whether these changes are permanent. Some of the damage could potentially be mitigated if environmental exposures are reduced, because children's lungs are still developing," said Shohreh F. Farzan, PhD, associate professor of population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine and the study's co-senior author.

California officials are already working to address the environmental and health consequences of the drying lake through a 10-year plan known as the Salton Sea Management Program. Researchers say more comprehensive action is needed to protect children's health, both in California and around the world as hot, dry conditions worsen.

Next, the team will continue to monitor the children to learn whether the effects on lung function persist into adolescence and adulthood. They are also studying which components of the dust are most harmful as part of a broader investigation of air pollution in Imperial Valley, including dust from the Salton Sea, windblown desert dust, diesel emissions and other sources.

About this research

In addition to Guo and Farzan, the study's other authors are Sandrah P. Eckel from the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California; Jill E. Johnston, Elizabeth M. Kamai and Dayane Duenas Barahona from the University of California, Irvine; Luis Olmedo, Esther Bejarano and Christian Torres from Comite Civico del Valle, Brawley, California; and Christopher Zuidema and Edmund Seto from the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

This work was supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center [5P30ES007048-21S1; 5P30ES007048-22S1] and the Keck School of Medicine of USC 2017-2018 Dean's Pilot Funding Program. Funding for expanded enrollment and longitudinal follow-up of the cohort was provided by NIEHS [R01ES029598; 3R01ES029598-04S1].
In new research to be presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO2026) in Istanbul, Turkey (12-15 May), researchers show an increased risk of stroke in young adulthood for children of low birthweight, independent of their body mass index (BMI) as young adults or gestational age at birth. The study of almost 800,000 people in Sweden suggests that low birthweight could be included in stroke risk assessment for adults, say the authors who include Dr Lina Lilja and Dr Maria Bygdell of the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, and colleagues.

While the incidence of stroke overall has declined in high income countries over the past decades, this decline has been less pronounced among young and middle-aged adults compared to older adults. In some regions and in these younger age groups stroke incidence is even rising  including lower income countries of southeast Asia and Oceania, and high income countries including Sweden, the US, and the UK (see examples in notes to editor).

Thus the authors decided to investigate if some factors such birthweight, gestational age at birth, and BMI as a young adult could be risk factors for stoke in younger adults. While of course for young adults today these life events are already passed, for children not yet conceived these are factors that could be targeted with interventions. The authors investigated both common forms of stroke  ischaemic, caused by a blockage of blood vessels in the brain (representing more than three quarters of strokes, depending on location); and intercerebral haemorrhage (ICH) or 'brain bleed' strokes (representing up to a quarter of all strokes).

This population-based study included 420,173 men and 348,758 women born between 1973 and 1982 in Sweden (and thus aged 43 to 53 years if still alive today and representing all recorded live births from those years) with data on birth weight, gestational age, and BMI in young adulthood from the Medical Birth Register and the National Conscription register, respectively. Study participants were followed until December 31, 2022.

Information on early adult stroke events was retrieved from the National Patient Register and the Cause of Death Register in Sweden - 2252 first stroke events, mean age 36 years; 1624 ischaemic stroke [IS] events, mean age 37 years; and 588 intracerebral haemorrhage stroke [ICH] events, mean age 33 years (with 40 of these first stroke events uncategorised). Since registration of diagnoses in these registers are mandatory, they provide nationwide comprehensive data on individuals who have been hospitalised or died from stroke. The relatively low numbers of events reflect that these are younger adults in which absolute stroke risk is lower. All analyses were adjusted for gender, birth year, gestational age, parents' country of birth, and age at adult BMI.

The authors found that there was a 21% increased risk for all stroke events combined, as well as for ischemic stroke alone, and a 27% increased risk of intracerebral haemorrhage stroke alone, for individuals (men and women combined) having a birth weight below median (3.5 kg) compared to individuals having a birth weight above the median. Women with a birth weight below median (3.5 kg) had an 18 % increased risk for all stroke combined and men a 23% increased risk compared to individuals with a birth weight above median.

The results were independent of gestational age (how long the child had been in the womb before birth) and their BMI as a young adult. Gestational age was not itself associated with stroke risk. The overall results in each case were similar for women and men.

The authors conclude: "We demonstrate that lower birthweight is associated with an increased risk of early adult stroke. There is similar increased risk for both men and women and for both the major types of stroke, ischaemic and haemorrhagic, and the results were independent of gestational age at birth, and BMI as young adults. These findings suggest that low birth weight may be included in assessments of stroke risk in adults."
While cigarette exposures are decreasing for young children, electronic nicotine products are putting toddlers at new risk of inhalation, according to Rutgers Health researchers.

Their study, published in JAMA Network Open, was the first to assess trends in young children's nicotine exposures across all types of products.

Researchers at the New Jersey Poison Control Center, based at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, used the National Poison Data System to analyze more than 92,000 reported nicotine exposures in children ages 5 and younger between 2016 and 2023 to understand how the rise of newer products  specifically disposable e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches  has changed the risks for young children.

They found that while tobacco exposures from conventional products such as cigarettes decreased by 43%, electronic cigarette-related incidents have increased 243% over the past eight years and often involved children who inhaled the vapors directly from the devices. They also found children exposed to e-cigarettes were more likely to require a visit to a health care facility compared with those exposed to cigarettes.

"This significant spike in children breathing in these substances tells us the risk has changed: It's no longer just about a toddler swallowing something they found on the floor," said Perry Rosen, lead author who conducted the research at the New Jersey Poison Control Center before becoming a medical student at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. "Many recent cases involve children actively using e-cigarette devices after gaining access to them."

Young children naturally mimic the behaviors they see around them. "When children see caregivers or older family members vaping, they may copy that behavior-bringing the device to their mouth and inhaling-without any understanding they are exposing themselves to a harmful substance," said Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center. Unlike cigarettes, these devices are often ready to use, brightly colored, require little effort to activate, and appear more like toys than a harmful product.

Even moderate ongoing exposure among users of vaping products-which can include adolescents-has been associated with lasting health effects on developing lungs, including increased risk of bronchitis and worsening asthma, although such effects have not yet been reported in young children.

Despite federal laws passed in 2019 and 2020 to raise the minimum purchase age and restrict certain flavors, the upward trend in childhood poisonings has continued.

In New Jersey, liquid nicotine can only be sold in childresistant containers under the New Jersey Liquid Nicotine Child-Resistant Container Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:17051.9), which adopts federal safety standards requiring packaging that young children cannot easily open. This state law aligns with the federal Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2015, which mandates childresistant "special packaging" for all liquid nicotine products nationwide. However, while these may prevent a child from swallowing the liquid, children may still be lured by an enticing device and mimic the behavior they see  inhaling the nicotine.

She emphasized that existing protections focus largely on liquid nicotine ingestion, not behavioral exposure.

Child-resistant packaging may prevent a toddler from swallowing liquid nicotine, but it does nothing to stop a child from copying what they see an adult do. That's why we need safety standards that address the device itself, not just the container." Perry Rosen, lead author

"Current laws which focus on child-resistant packaging for nicotine liquids, are no longer enough," Calello said. "This study underscores the need for safety regulations at the device level. For example, manufacturers should be required to include flow restrictors or designs that make it more difficult for a child to activate a device."
Physicians are less likely to provide preventive care such as conception counseling and some cancer screenings to women with diabetes than they do for women without the disease, a UCLA-led study suggests.

The findings, to be published April 3 in the peer-reviewed Journal of General Internal Medicine, are based on a detailed analysis of more than 40 studies from several countries. They spotlight how physicians largely overlook the importance of these routine services to women who have Diabetes Mellitus (DM), putting them at risk for preventable medical conditions such as pregnancy complications.

These findings are important because they identify that women with diabetes are not receiving recommended well-woman care, which is essential to support both managing their diabetes and their overall health. Providers need to be aware that they should not forget to provide these essential services for women with diabetes." Lauren Wisk, senior author, associate professor of medicine in the division of general internal medicine and health services research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

The researchers sifted through thousands of studies, focusing on concepts of "women," "diabetes," and "Women's health services" and settled on 44 that addressed treatment services for women ages 15 to 49 years with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, exclusive of those with diabetes insipidus or gestational diabetes. They specifically looked at four preventive health service categories: contraceptive counseling and use, breast/cervical cancer screening, pre-conception counseling, and screening for sexually transmitted infections.

Here are key findings from the studies the researchers reviewed:

One study found that 48% of women with diabetes received contraceptive services vs. 62% of women without the disease

Nine papers showed cervical cancer screening rates ranging from 38% to 79% for women with diabetes compared with a 46% to 86% rate for those without diabetes.

Four studies concluded that breast cancer screenings rates for women with diabetes ranged between 38% and 69% compared with 54% and 82% for those without diabetes

Fourteen studies found pre-conception counseling rates of just over 1% compared to 46% for women with diabetes who are planning to get pregnant.

The researchers did not identify any studies on screenings for sexually transmitted infections, which they said represents "a substantial gap in the literature."

"One of the more striking findings of this review is the importance of robust coordinated care teams in ensuring access to appropriate services for women with DM," the researchers write. "Several of the identified studies provide support that a co-management model, or the concept of involving endocrinology, primary care, and other specialty care providers in the care of individuals with DM (as recommended by the American Diabetes Association), is associated with greater receipt of services."

Within the time constraints of an office visit, primary care physicians are expected to address preventative health needs as well as chronic disease management, said Dr. Lisa Kransdorf, an associate clinical professor of medicine at the Geffen School and a study co-author. Frequently the chronic disease management will take priority.

"In cases where the patient has other providers such as specialists and clinical pharmacists actively involved in their chronic disease management, there is opportunity for primary care physicians to attend to preventative care gaps," she said.

There are some limitations to the findings. The search yielded only 44 studies, many of which relied on patient recall, which can be unreliable, and highlighting the need for further research. In addition, most of the studies analyzed had small sample sizes or were conducted at a single site, limiting how applicable the findings might be in other settings.

"Future research should look into how health systems should use electronic health records to increase preventive health services among women with diabetes, improve care-coordination and communication between healthcare providers, and evaluate co-management models' quality of care," Wisk said.

Study co-authors are Dr. Madeline Treasure, Dr. Pourandokht Nourbakhsh. Kate Diaz Roldan, Antonia Osuna-Garcia and Dr. Lisa Kransdorf of UCLA, and Sara Esteves of Creighton University.
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common cause of adult-onset muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder that leads to muscle weakness and wasting, but also affects the brain, the gastrointestinal tract and the heart. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation Insight, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine focused on the effects of DM1 in the heart. Their findings help answer questions about why the disease worsens over time and whether the damage can be reversed once it has begun.

Cardiac manifestations affect most DM1 patients. Cardiac problems are primarily electric conduction abnormalities, seen in up to 75% of adult DM1 cases, which can result in life-threatening arrhythmias accounting for 25% mortality and the second leading cause of death in DM1." Dr. Thomas A. Cooper, corresponding author, professor of pathology and immunology, of molecular and cellular biology and of integrative physiology at Baylor

"DM1 arises because of a mutation in the DMPK gene that adds a repeating triplet of DNA building blocks (CTG) into the gene. The unaffected population carries 5 to 37 CTG repeats, but people with the condition have 50 to more than 4,000 repeats," explained first author Dr. Rong-Chi Hu, a postdoctoral fellow in the Cooper lab.

This DMPK mutation leads to the production of faulty RNA molecules that trap proteins called muscleblind-like (MBNL). Loss of MBNL function is thought to be the main cause of DM1. MBNL proteins normally help process RNA during development, including controlling how genes are spliced (cut and joined), required for normal gene function. When MBNL proteins are trapped, they can't do their job, altering some aspects of development.

"It's known that the effect of the disease gets worse over time in all the affected tissues," Cooper said. "One of the reasons proposed to explain increased disease severity over time is that the CTG repeats expand, there's more of them  a patient might be born with 300 repeats, but later in life there will be thousands of repeats in some tissues. As the number of repeats increases, the RNA becomes increasingly more toxic because it sequesters more MBNL."

In the current study, Hu, Cooper and their colleagues monitored the progression of DM1 heart problems in an animal model in which the toxic RNA was expressed long-term. In this model the number of repeats does not increase over time, so this tests disease progression without CTG repeat expansion.

"We followed the progression of heart disease in these animals for up to 14 months and found that, early on, the mice developed enlarged hearts and significant electrical abnormalities," Hu said. "As time went on, their hearts became weaker, they developed life-threatening rhythms and fibrosis (scarring), and the heart chambers stretched and dilated. Mice with long-term exposure to the toxic RNA also had shorter lives compared to age-matched control mice, especially males."

Interestingly, the molecular consequences of having non-functional MBNL proteins  specifically abnormal RNA splicing  appeared early but did not worsen over time. This finding suggests the loss of MBNL function did not change over time and is consistent with the stable number of CTG repeats in this model. "We concluded that the progression of heart disease in this animal model is not due to increasing loss of MBNL function. The results support further exploration of other potential contributors to disease progression," Cooper said. "For instance, prolonged exposure to the toxic RNA could cause cumulative damage to the heart, leading to structural remodeling, fibrosis and declining function."

The researchers also investigated whether the damage to the heart could be reversed. Would turning off the toxic RNA allow the heart to recover? Does the timing matter?

"When we turned off the RNA after a short exposure, heart size, electrical function and structure largely returned to normal," Hu said. "This was encouraging. When the RNA was turned off after many months, recovery was significant but incomplete. Although abnormal RNA splicing was fully corrected, physical changes such as thickened heart walls, conduction delays and fibrotic scar tissue often were not reversed completely, particularly in male mice. Fibrosis is a concern because it disrupts electrical signaling and makes deadly arrhythmias more likely."

The study also revealed clear sex differences, mirroring what is seen in people with DM1. "Male mice generally developed more severe heart disease, showed worse rhythm disturbances and had less recovery after the repeat RNA was turned off," Hu said. "This highlights the need to better understand how biological sex influences heart disease risk and treatment response in DM1."

"Taken together, these findings improve our understanding of heart disease in DM1, showing that it can worsen because of prolonged exposure to toxic RNA, even if the genetic mutation does not expand," Cooper said. "They also show that while early intervention can reverse many heart problems, delayed treatment allows damage to accumulate and become harder to undo. This study also underscores the importance of early monitoring and early treatment of cardiac symptoms in DM1."

Mohammadreza Tabary and Xander H. T. Wehrens, both at Baylor College of Medicine, also contributed to this work.

This study was funded by Muscular Dystrophy Association (grant #276796), National Institutes of Health (grants R01HL147020, R01AR082852, R01HL153350, R01HL160992, R01HL174510, R01HL180477, S10OD032380, UM1HG006348 and R01DK114356), a Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation predoctoral fellowship and an American Heart Association predoctoral fellowship (23PRE1020500).
Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is one of the

10 Stocks Jim Cramer Talked About & Warned About A Weak Market.

Enterprise software provider Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM)s shares are down by 22.6% year-to-date and by 26% over the past year. BNP Paribas discussed the firm on March 27th as it raised the share price target to $230 from $220 and kept an Outperform rating on the shares. Amidst the factors that drove BNP Paribas coverage of Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM)s stock was the firms stock buyback plans, which the financial firm estimates could total $25 billion by the end of the year, compared to its earlier estimate of $16 billion. Cramer has also discussed Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM)s stock several times over the past couple of months. The CNBC TV host has pointed out that there is a divide between the firms AI and non-AI businesses, with the former represented by Agentforce. Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) expanded Agentforce offerings on March 10th when it introduced an AI solution to integrate AI agents and digital channels under a single roof. Cramer also discussed Agentforce:

I had Marc Benioff last night on Salesforce, and hes got Slack. . .hes moving, what hes talking about is not software-as-a-service, that business is not roaring, but hes talking about is Slack, and how, look, OpenAI is on Slack. Hes able to talk about, Anthropic on Slack, hes got the agentic, he was the first guy to talk about agentics. But yeah, I mean its a tough sell. Whos a buyer? Marc, he bought 25 billion in accelerated shareholder purchase.

Jim Cramer Discusses Salesforce (CRM) & AI

Copyright: drserg / 123RF Stock Photo

While we acknowledge the potential of CRM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and Cathie Wood 2026 Portfolio: 10 Best Stocks to Buy.

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A murder case that has ignited debates over immigration and public safety in Chicago has widened, with federal prosecutors stepping in. The US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois charged 25-year-old Jose Medina with illegal firearm possession on Thursday, on top of existing state counts including first-degree murder in the shooting death of Loyola University freshman Sheridan Gorman, ABC7 reports. Police say Medina, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, approached Gorman, 18, and her friends at Tobey Prinz Beach in Rogers Park while dressed in black and masked, then opened fire, fatally striking her in the neck.

Investigators say surveillance video and witnesses who noted a distinctive limp led them to Medina's nearby apartment, where they recovered a gun whose shell casings matched those at the scene. Authorities say Medina entered the US illegally in 2023. The federal charge of possessing a firearm while being unlawfully present in the United States carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "Given the senseless, cold-blooded nature of the murder of a young student with a bright future ahead of her, the Chicago US attorney's office will take no chances that this illegal alien perpetrator will be released back into our community," US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros said in a statement.

Medina's public defender says he suffered brain damage and disability after being shot during a robbery in Colombia and has the "mentality of a child." Medina, who missed a prior court date in a 2023 Chicago shoplifting case, is being held without bond and is currently hospitalized with tuberculosis. During a Friday hearing, officials said he asked to be deported to Columbia after he turned himself in at the border in Texas in 2023 and was detained for months, but was put on a bus to Chicago instead, ABC7 reports.

"Blue cities historically are lighter in their prosecutions. We have already heard that this person was of diminished capacity, so we are probably going to see some defense in regard to that," local defense attorney Donna Rotunno tells Fox News. "My guess is the feds wanted to jump in so they can have some control over the fate of the defendant." She says federal authorities have "no faith" in the state's justice system.

"What happened to Sheridan was not a reflection of the Loyola community. It was the result of a failure outside of it," Gorman's parents said in a statement. "Sheridan was a real personshe had a future, a family, and a life full of promise," they said Friday. "We are grateful to see continued coordination among law enforcement, and we hope that every step taken brings us closer to answers, accountability, and a sense that this did not happen in vain."

"As we move forward, our focus remains on Sheridanwho she was, what she meant to us, and what was taken from her," they said. "If there is any purpose to be found in this loss, it is that no other family should have to endure what we are living through now."
A Utah man who has lived under a death sentence for roughly 40 years now says the state's case against him should be tossed out entirely, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. Lawyers for Douglas Stewart Carter on Friday asked a judge to dismiss his aggravated murder case, arguing Provo police hid evidence, manipulated witnesses, and diverted attention from other suspects in the 1985 killing of 57-year-old Eva Olesenwho happened to be the aunt of the city's then-police chief. No physical evidence tied Carter to the crime, the Washington Post reports; his conviction was based on a signed confession and the testimony of witnesses who claimed he'd bragged about killing Olesen. Carter says the confession was coerced, Fox 13 Utah reports.

Carter's conviction and death sentence were overturned last year after courts found those witnesses were paid and threatened by police; the witnesses later recanted. The new motion claims the lead investigator suppressed evidence implicating Olesen's husband, Orla, who was the original prime suspect, failed a polygraph, and was nearly charged before that path was abandoned. Critical physical evidence tied to him and another possible suspect has since disappeared, the defense says, and an FBI behavioral report that allegedly did not favor Carter was never turned over. Prosecutors acknowledge much of the evidence is gone but have not fully responded to the allegations. Carter, who is Black, maintains his innocence; Olesen's daughter-in-law says she still believes he is the killer. A bond hearing is set for June.
A second suspect in the stray-bullet killing of a 7-month-old baby on a Brooklyn street was arrested Friday, police said, two days after a shooting the police commissioner called "a tragedy that truly shocks the conscience." Matthew Rodriguez, 18, was apprehended in Pennsylvania by New York Police Department detectives working with US Marshals, the NYPD said. The suspected shooter, 21-year-old Amuri Greene, was arrested shortly after the drive-by gunfire that killed Kaori Patterson-Moore . Greene pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges at an arraignment Friday night and was held without bail, the AP reports.

Kaori was in her stroller when two men sped down a street on a moped Wednesday afternoon. Greene, riding on the back of the vehicle, fired into a group of people on a street corner, according to a court complaint. Kaori's mother, Lianna Charles-Moore, told the New York Post that after hearing what she initially believed were fireworks, she was comforting her startled 2-year-old sonwho had been grazed by a bulletwhen she looked to her left and saw her baby daughter bleeding. The infant had been shot in the head. "My daughter was innocent. She didn't deserve that," Charles-Moore told the newspaper. She said her daughter was just about starting to crawl and had recently begun saying "Mama."

Greene told police he was aiming for another person in the crowd, according to the court complaint. Police said that after the shooting, the moped sped and crashed into a car two blocks away, hurling both men off the vehicle. Greene was injured and soon was hospitalized in police custody, but the moped driver fled. Authorities haven't yet released court papers that detail Rodriguez's alleged role. But they haven't indicated they were looking for anyone other than the gunmanalleged to have been Greeneand the moped driver.
Alcatraz, long a tourist draw and Hollywood backdrop, could again house inmates if President Trump gets his wayand the $152 million he has asked for. The Guardian reports the sum appears in his proposed 2027 budget released Friday as year-one funding to convert the former island prison back into a working federal lockup. It comes as part of a broader $1.7 billion request to refurbish aging Bureau of Prisons facilities.

Trump has framed the move as a symbolic return to tougher incarceration, writing last May on Truth Social that reopening Alcatraz would signal "law, order and justice." California officials across the political spectrum aren't buying it. Gov. Gavin Newsom has called the concept a "colossally bad fiscal idea," while former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday labeled it "a stupid notion" and a waste of taxpayer money.

Beyond politics, the logistics are daunting: The island currently lacks basic utilities like water, power, and sewage, and SF Gate reports state Sen. Scott Wiener's office pegs full restoration costs at more than $2 billion. The White House has not commented on how or when a revived Alcatraz might actually open. KQED reports Alcatraz never hosted more than about 275 people, which is less than 1% of inmates held in federal prisons.
Iran shooting down two American military aircraft marks an exceedingly rare assault for the US that has not happened in more than 20 years and shows the Islamic Republic's continued ability to hit back despite President Trump asserting it has been "completely decimated," the AP reports. The attacks came five weeks after US and Israeli strikes first pounded Iran, with Trump saying earlier this week that Tehran's "ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed." Iran shot down a US F15-E Strike Eagle fighter jet Friday, with one service member getting rescued and the search still underway for a second, US officials say. Iranian state media also said a US A-10 attack aircraft crashed after being hit by Iranian defense forces.

The last time a US fighter jet was shot down in combat was an A-10 Thunderbolt II during the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, a former F-16 fighter pilot. But, he said, that's because the US had largely been fighting insurgents who didn't have the same anti-aircraft capabilities. The fact that there have not been more fighter jets lost in Iran, Cantwell said, is a testament to the capabilities of US forces. "The fact that this hasn't happened until now is an absolute miracle," said Cantwell, who served four combat tours and is now a senior resident fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. "We're flying combat missions here, they are being shot at every day."

US Central Command said in a statement Wednesday that American forces have flown more than 13,000 missions in the Iran war while striking more than 12,300 targets. American planes have been flying missions at lower altitudes, which makes them more vulnerable to Iran's missiles, says Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran program senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank. It's possible that Iran fired at the F-15 with a surface-to-air missile, but it's more likely that a portable, shoulder-fired missile was used, he said. Those are much harder to detect and reflect how Iran is "weak but still lethal."

Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel and a senior defense adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, agreed that a shoulder-fired missile was likely used against the fighter jet. Nonetheless, the American air war against Iran has been a "tremendous success" so far, he said. To put things in perspective, he said the loss rate for American warplanes flying over Germany during World War II was 3% at one point, which would equal about 350 warplanes in the US war against Iran. "But then there's the political side  you have a American public that is accustomed to fighting bloodless wars," Cancian said. "Then a large part of the country doesn't support the war. So to them, any loss is unacceptable."
Iran's March strike on the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia didn't just scorch a wallit tore through one of American's most heavily guarded compounds and did far more damage than officials first let on, current and former US officials say. The attack was part of a broader Iranian campaign that has targeted US facilities and assets across the region despite a far higher tempo of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, the Wall Street Journal reports. Around 1:30am on March 3, an Iranian-made drone reportedly slipped past Saudi air defenses protecting Riyadh's upscale Diplomatic Quarter and slammed into the US Embassy.

A second drone followed about a minute later, flying into the opening created by the first impact before exploding, according to people briefed on the attack. The blasts ripped through a secure section of the compound, severely damaging three floors, including the CIA station, officials said. Saudi authorities initially described a small fire and minor damage, per Axios. But US officials now say the blaze burned for roughly 12 hours and left parts of the building beyond repair. Additional drones intercepted later that night scattered debris near a preschool, and one was believed to be aiming for the home of the top US diplomat in the kingdom, a short distance from the embassy. Had the strikes occurred during working hours, several hundred people could have been in the affected area.

Later in March, Iranian missiles and drones precisely struck US aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base, damaging an E-3 AWACS radar plane and refueling tankers and injuring about a dozen service members. US embassies or consulates in Baghdad, Dubai, Kuwait City, Riyadh, and Erbil have all been targeted during the conflict, per the Journal, while attacks on bases have killed seven US troops and caused billions of dollars in damage. Former CIA counterterrorism chief Bernard Hudson said the Riyadh strike underscores that Tehran can build and launch its own weapons across long distances and put them into "the embassy of their top opponent," raising questions about how much damage has gone undisclosed and the security of US sites in the Gulf.
Now more than halfway to the moon, the Artemis II astronauts were toasted by Canada on Saturday as they prepared for their historic lunar fly-around to push deeper into space than even the Apollo astronauts. The three Americans and one Canadian will reach their destination Monday, photographing the mysterious lunar far side as they zoom around. They're the first moonbound crew in more than 53 years, picking up where NASA's Apollo program left off, the AP reports. Artemis II was poised to set a distance record for humans, traveling more than 252,000 miles from Earth before hanging a U-turn behind the moon and heading home without stopping or entering lunar orbit. The record is currently held by Apollo 13.

The Canadian Space Agency celebrated the country's role in the mission, speaking from Quebec with astronaut Jeremy Hansen as he headed toward his lunar rendezvous. Hansen is the first non-US citizen to fly to the moon. "Today he is making history for Canada," said Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell. "As we watch him taking this bold step into the unknown, let his journey remind us that Canada's future is written by those who dare to reach for more." In the live televised linkup, Hansen said he's already witnessed "extraordinary" views from NASA's Orion capsule.

The mission sent back its first images on Friday. Hansen, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch are the world's first lunar astronauts since Apollo 17's crew of three in 1972. Koch and Glover are the first female and first Black astronauts to the moon, respectively. Their nearly 10-day missionending with a Pacific splashdown on April 10is the first step in NASA's bold plans for a sustainable moon base. The space agency is aiming for a moon landing by two astronauts near the lunar south pole in 2028.
Tekashi 6ix9ine says he walked out of federal custody with a SpongeBob doll bearing the signature of one of his most famous fellow inmates. The rapper, whose legal name is Daniel Hernandez, posted video on Instagram Friday claiming deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro autographed his SpongeBob SquarePants toy while both were held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, reports the New York Post . "Look, Maduro signed it," he says in the clip, showing off a scrawl on the doll and markings that he said meant, "Maduro, second of April, Venezuela forever."

The Bureau of Prisons and the rapper's attorney confirmed to TMZ that 6ix9ine was released early Friday. Maduro has been held at the same facility since January after being captured in Caracas by US forces. He and his wife face federal drug-trafficking charges. 6ix9ine landed back in MDC in January for violating probation, following a 2019 racketeering case tied to the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. This time, authorities said he assaulted a man and kept MDMA and cocaine in his bedroom.

Upon release, he celebrated with what he described on Instagram as a more-than-$2 million, nearly 400-carat chain. In the same post, he wrote, "Fresh OUT THE FEDS $2,200,000 on my neck," and capped it off with a reference to his new keepsake: "MADURO SIGNED MY JAIL HOUSE SPONGE9INE."
Editors note: This article was updated to correct references to Mario Gabellis investments in M-Tron.

When a cluster of hedge fund heavyweights piles into a $200 million stock, it usually means something's brewing. That's exactly where M-Tron Industries Inc sits.

Names like Renaissance Technologies and Citadel Advisors have been adding exposure. Billionaire Mario Gabelli, meanwhile, has only modestly trimmed his position after a nearly 3x gain.

The differing moves point to a stock that is still drawing serious attention.

Don't Miss:

The Invisible Backbone Of Drone Warfare

M-Tron doesn't build drones or missiles  it builds the RF components that make them work.

In a battlefield defined by signal warfare, GPS jamming, and drone swarms, positioning is critical. Once these components are designed into defense systems, they're rarely replaced  giving the company a sticky, high-margin moat.

The numbers back it up. Backlog is surging, margins are pushing ~47%, and the company sits deep inside supply chains tied to primes like Lockheed and Raytheon.

A Small Cap Leveraged To A Big Theme

In December, M-tron secured a $20 millio production contract to supply RF components for a U.S. air defense program. Before that, it received a $5.5 million production contract from a U.S. Department of Defense prime contractor to supply RF components for a naval weapons system.

See Also: This Startup Thinks It Can Reinvent the Wheel  Literally

By February, President Donald Trumps Operation Epic Fury had begun with no end in sight. The rising geopolitical tensions and a potential $1.5 trillion U.S. defense budget are accelerating spending on electronic warfare and communication systems  exactly where M-Tron plays.

For a $246 million company, even modest contract wins can move the stock.

Gabelli's small reduction does not appear to change the broader setup. With hedge funds still circling and the "drone war" trade gaining momentum, M-Tron may still be early in a much bigger move.

Read Next:
Among the possibilities worrying the US as two nations' militaries conduct an intense search for a pilot missing since a US fighter jet was shot down over southwestern Iran is the prospect of the American being captured and becoming leverage for Iran's government. Including the 1979 hostage crisis, in which 52 Americans were held for 444 days, Iran has used taking captives as a strategy, Yeganeh Torbati writes in a New York Times analysis, to make "global headlines, inflict pain on its adversaries and extract concessions." In a reflection of its goal to get to the pilot before US forces do, Iran is offering the public a reward for capturing the "enemy's pilot or pilots" and turning them over alive to security forces.

An expert on Iranian security issues at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs told Torbati that two steps seem possible if Iran seizes the pilot. If the capture isn't publicly known, Iran could try to reach a behind-the-scenes deal, trading the pilot for US concessions. The more probable outcome, said Hamidreza Azizi, is that Iran would bring the pilot out for cameras in a propaganda ploy. "They really do want to present this image of victory and also to humiliate" President Trump, he said.

The situation also echoes the downing by the Soviet Union of an American U-2 spy plane in 1960. Francis Gary Powers, the pilot, ejected. While parachuting, he later said, Powers considered using the suicide device he'd been given, per Smithsonian Magazine. He didn't, and farmers captured him as soon as he landed. The episode was a major Cold War embarrassment for President Eisenhower, especially, who had denied the espionage flights were taking place. Powers was held for nearly two years before being traded for a Soviet spy in Berlin. When he came home, some Americans criticized him for not using his suicide pin. The magazine tells Powers' story here.
VANCOUVER, BC, April 2, 2026 /CNW/ - Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSX: TMQ) (NYSE American: TMQ) ("Trilogy Metals" or the "Company") announces its financial results for the first quarter ended February 28, 2026, and provides an update on the U.S. federal strategic investment, project advancement at the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects ("UKMP") in northwestern Alaska, and the broader regulatory and policy environment supporting domestic critical minerals development. Details of the Company's financial results are contained in the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis which will be available on the Company's website at www.trilogymetals.com, on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. All amounts are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated.

Figure 1: The Ambler Mining District, proposed Ambler Road and proposed LNG pipeline in Alaska. (CNW Group/Trilogy Metals Inc.)

Financial and Operational Highlights

Strong cash balance of $47.8 million as at February 28, 2026, providing significant financial flexibility.

Continued advancement of the approximately $35.6 million U.S. federal strategic investment , reflecting the strategic importance of the UKMP to domestic critical mineral supply chains; the binding letter of intent with the U.S. Department of War ("DOW") provides for an investment of approximately $35.6 million, $17.8 million of which is payable to the Company to acquire common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") and warrants of the Company (the "Warrants") and $17.8 million of which is payable South32 to acquire previously issued Common Shares and a call option to acquire previously issued Common Shares, subject to satisfaction of applicable conditions.





, reflecting the strategic importance of the UKMP to domestic critical mineral supply chains; the binding letter of intent with the U.S. Department of War ("DOW") provides for an investment of approximately $35.6 million, $17.8 million of which is payable to the Company to acquire common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") and warrants of the Company (the "Warrants") and $17.8 million of which is payable South32 to acquire previously issued Common Shares and a call option to acquire previously issued Common Shares, subject to satisfaction of applicable conditions. Expanded senior management and operational capacity at Ambler Metals LLC ("Ambler Metals"), the Company's 50/50 joint venture with South32 Limited (ASX, LSE, JSE: S32; ADR: SOUHY) ("South32"), including four new appointments, to support the 2026 work program and accelerate permitting and technical activities.





including four new appointments, to support the 2026 work program and accelerate permitting and technical activities. U.S. Department of the Interior opened approximately 2.1 million acres to mineral entry through Public Land Order 7966, including federal lands along the Ambler Access Project (or "Ambler Road") corridor, removing future uncertainty over land status.





through Public Land Order 7966, including federal lands along the Ambler Access Project (or "Ambler Road") corridor, removing future uncertainty over land status. U.S. Interior Secretary indicated the White House is actively considering participating in Ambler Road financing , potentially as an equity partner, reinforcing the federal government's commitment to critical mineral infrastructure in Alaska.





, potentially as an equity partner, reinforcing the federal government's commitment to critical mineral infrastructure in Alaska. 2026 field season preparations underway for the approved $35 million Ambler Metals work program, including geotechnical and condemnation drilling at Arctic and reopening of the Bornite camp for multi-year exploration use.





for the approved $35 million Ambler Metals work program, including geotechnical and condemnation drilling at Arctic and reopening of the Bornite camp for multi-year exploration use. Annual General Meeting scheduled for May 13, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Tony Giardini, President and CEO of Trilogy Metals, commented: "The first quarter of fiscal 2026 has been a period of accelerating execution across all fronts. We are building the organizational capabilities at Ambler Metals needed to advance the UKMP through its next development phases, while the U.S. federal government continues to demonstrate strong and tangible support for domestic critical mineral production. The opening of approximately 2.1 million acres along the Ambler corridor and public statements by the Interior Secretary regarding potential federal participation in road financing represent meaningful progress toward de-risking the access infrastructure for the project. With our 2026 field program fully funded, our Ambler Metals team in place, and permitting preparations advancing, we are well positioned for a productive year."

Selected Results

The following selected financial information is prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.





in thousands of dollars, except per share amount



Three months ended











February 28, 2026



February 28, 2025



Change







$



$



$

Exploration expenses



25



--





25

General and administrative



567



343





224

Investor relations



68



16





52

Professional fees



311



447





(136)

Salaries



616



207





409

Salaries and directors expense  stock-based compensation



3,096



2,230





866

Share of loss on equity investment



1,343



581





762

Loss on derivatives carried at fair market value



1,514



--





1,514

Interest and other income



(419)



(190)





(229)

Comprehensive loss for the period



(7,063)



(3,623)





(3,440)

Basic and diluted loss per common share



(0.04)



(0.02)





(0.02)



For the three-month period ended February 28, 2026, the Company reported a net loss of $7.1 million compared to a net loss of $3.6 million for the three-month period ended February 28, 2025. The increase in net loss is primarily driven by two non-cash items: i) the mark-to-market fair value adjustment of $1.5 million for the derivative liability related to the Company's obligation to issue Common Shares and Warrants to the DOW; and ii) stock-based compensation charges as a result of the annual grant with higher Black-Scholes values in the current year compared with the prior year. The loss is also impacted by an increase in activity at Ambler Metals which resulted in a larger amount for the Company's share of loss on the equity investment and an increase in personnel costs due to the addition of senior staff.

Corporate and Project Activities

Corporate and Strategic Developments

During the quarter, the Company continued to expand its corporate and joint venture capabilities. At the corporate level, additions in strategic advisory, corporate development, investor relations, and communications are supporting increased oversight of joint venture activities, strengthened stakeholder engagement, and the Company's ability to advance longterm strategic initiatives. On February 23, 2026, Ambler Metals announced four senior appointments: Michael Galicki as VP Exploration, Cole Schaeffer as VP Human Resources, Community and Partnerships, Jenna Tan as VP Finance, and Ron Rimelman as Senior Director, Permitting. These appointments coincide with South32's increased personnel commitment to Ambler Metals and are intended to ensure the joint venture is well-resourced to advance the 2026 work program, including mine permitting preparations and field season activities.

Significant progress was also achieved on the Ambler Access Project during the quarter. On February 25, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued Public Land Order 7966, which partially revoked prior land withdrawals and opened approximately 2.1 million acres to mineral entry along the Dalton Utility Corridor, including federal lands traversed by the proposed Ambler Road alignment. This action, together with the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority Right-of-Way permits executed in fiscal 2025, continues to de-risk the road permitting pathway. In March 2026, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum publicly indicated the White House is actively considering whether to participate in financing the Ambler Road, potentially as an equity partner, reinforcing the Administration's commitment to critical mineral supply chain infrastructure.

During the same visit, Secretary Burgum also highlighted federal support for the Alaska LNG project, a proposed $44 billion natural gas pipeline and liquefaction facility that has received all required federal permits. The approximately 807-mile Alaska LNG pipeline would follow the Dalton Highway corridor, the same infrastructure spine from which the proposed Ambler Road originates. The Administration has framed both projects as complementary elements of its Alaska resource development and energy security strategy, with the Dalton Corridor land order revocations explicitly benefiting both the Ambler Road and the Alaska LNG pipeline. The Company notes that the advancement of major energy infrastructure along the Dalton Corridor may enhance the long-term viability of the broader transportation and energy framework supporting the Ambler Mining District (see Figure 1 below).

Budget and Operational Outlook

The Company has a 2026 fiscal year budget totaling $22.5 million, which is comprised of $5.0 million for corporate activities and $17.5 million for funding project activities at Ambler Metals. For the three-month period ended February 28, 2026, the Company recorded a net loss of $7.1 million, compared with a budgeted loss of $4.8 million. The variance was primarily driven by non-cash expenses that were not included in the budget, partially offset by lower than planned expenditures from Ambler Metals. During the quarter, the Company recorded a $1.5 million non-cash mark-to-market adjustment related to the derivative liability associated with its obligation to issue Common Shares and Warrants to the DOW. The Company also recognized $3.1 million of stock-based compensation expense associated with the current fiscal year's annual equity grant. These two non-cash expenses were not included in the budget and were partially offset by a favorable variance from the accounting for the equity investment in Ambler Metals, reflecting lower expenditures than budget due to slower than planned hiring of personnel at Ambler Metals.

U.S. Federal Strategic Investment Update

As previously disclosed on October 6, 2025, Trilogy Metals entered into a binding letter of intent with the DOW for a strategic investment of approximately $35.6 million, comprising approximately $17.8 million into Trilogy Metals in exchange for 8,215,570 units (each unit consisting of one Common Share and three-quarters of a 10-year Warrant exercisable at $0.01 per share), and approximately $17.8 million to South32 for an equivalent number of Common Shares plus a call option. Upon closing, the DOW would hold approximately 10% of Trilogy Metals' outstanding Common Shares.

On March 30, 2026, the parties amended the letter of intent to extend the deadline to May 31, 2026 to allow additional time for the completion of certain closing conditions, including the Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence review.

During the first quarter, the Company recorded a $1.5 million non-cash mark-to-market adjustment related to the derivative liability associated with the obligation to issue Common Shares and Warrants to the DOW. The derivative liability is expected to be resolved upon satisfaction of the applicable closing conditions.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the three-month period ended February 28, 2026, the Company used $2.7 million for operating activities and $2.5 million for investing activities, and raised $1.3 million in financing activities. Operating expenditures were driven primarily by corporate salaries, professional fees and annual regulatory filing fees with the U.S. and Canadian securities commissions. In addition, the Company contributed $2.5 million for its share of funding to Ambler Metals. These cash outflows were offset by $1.3 million in proceeds from financing activities, primarily from the Company's at-the-market equity program through which the Company may offer and issue up to $200 million of Common Shares from time to time pursuant to an equity distribution agreement dated November 7, 2025, and from the exercise of stock options.

As at February 28, 2026, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $47.8 million and adjusted working capital of $47.3 million, which are current assets less current liabilities excluding the derivative liability which will be settled by way of the issuance of Common Shares and Warrants. There is sufficient cash on hand to fund the Company's fiscal 2026 budget of $5.0 million and its share of Ambler Metals' fiscal budget of $17.5 million.

Qualified Persons

Richard Gosse, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration for Trilogy Metals Inc., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standard of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K. Mr. Gosse has reviewed the technical information in this news release and approves the disclosure contained herein.

About Trilogy Metals

Trilogy Metals Inc. is a metals exploration and development company that holds a 50% interest in Ambler Metals LLC, which owns 100% of the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects ("UKMP") in northwestern Alaska. The UKMP is located within the Ambler Mining District, one of the world's most prospective copper-dominant districts, hosting world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") and carbonate replacement deposits. Exploration has focused on the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite copper-cobalt deposit.

Ambler Metals operates under an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., supporting responsible exploration and development in cooperation with local communities. Trilogy's vision is to develop the Ambler Mining District into a premier North American copper producer while respecting subsistence livelihoods.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, potential actions and effects resulting from the executive orders and statements from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management; anticipated activity with respect to Ambler Access Project, including but not limited to the Alaska LNG pipeline; the anticipated benefits of recent management appointments; the proposed strategic investment by the DOW; perceived merit of properties; the sufficiency of cash for the next twelve months; and the Company's plans to provide further updates and the timing thereof are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the uncertainties involving our assumptions with respect to those uncertainties disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2025 filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and in other Company reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

SOURCE Trilogy Metals Inc.

Company Contact: Matthew Keevil, Vice President, Investor Relations and Business Development, Phone: +1604-638-8088, Email: [email protected]
The USS Iowa, a Virginia-class submarine produced by Electric Boat, is seen at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on April 4, 2025. Electric Boat has been awarded a $1.3 billion contract modification for more work on Virginia-class ships. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media The Virginia-class submarine USS South Dakota, which was produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat, transits the Thames River in December 2022, off Groton, Conn. Electric Boat has been awarded a $1.3 billion contract modification for more work on Virginia-class ships. Chief Petty Officer Joshua Karst/U.S. Navy A view of the assembly building, center, at Electric Boat's shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. Alexander Soule/Hearst Connecticut Media

General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded an approximately $1.3 billion contract modification by the U.S. Navy for more work on the Virginia class of attack submarines.

The contract modification will support lead yard support and development studies, and design efforts related to the Virginia class, with 91% of the work to be done at Electric Boats shipyard in Groton and an expected completion by April 2027, according to a summary posted this week on the Department of Defenses website. The agreement includes options which, if exercised, could bring the cumulative value of the contract change to nearly $2.5 billion.

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I am thrilled to see Electric Boat get another huge investment  $1.3 billion  from the Department of Defense, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a written statement. Time and time again, their talent, skill and dedication build the worlds best submarines. As Electric Boat expands their operations across southeastern Connecticut, I am proud to support their incredible work.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, whose district covers southeastern Connecticut, also welcomed the new agreement. But he renewed his call for the Navy to move forward with a contract for the to-be-constructed Block VI group of Virginia-class vessels that was authorized by Congress in 2023.

Ultimately, the overdue full construction contract award for Block VI Virginia-class submarines is needed to maintain a strong demand signal and the growth trajectory for submarine construction, Courtney, a Democrat who serves as the ranking member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, said in a written statement. Congress authorized that contract in 2023, and I will continue pressing for its delivery from the Navy.

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A message left for an Electric Boat spokesperson that inquired about the companys response to the contract modification was not immediately returned.

Electric Boat has delivered 14 Virginia-class ships to the Navy. The latest, the future USS Idaho, is scheduled to be commissioned April 25 at Naval Submarine Base New London, which is in Groton. In April 2025, another Electric Boat-produced Virginia-class vessel, the USS Iowa, was also commissioned at Naval Submarine Base New London.

Electric Boat is also working on the new Columbia class of ballistic-missile submarines. The company plans to deliver the first ship in that group in 2028. The company's Columbia-class funding includes an approximately $15.4 billion contract modification that it was awarded last month.

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To meet its production goals, Electric Boat is ramping up its hiring. The company plans to hire 8,000 people this year across its facilities in Connecticut and Rhode Island  more than double its number of hires last year. The company is one of the largest private-sector employers in New England, with approximately 24,000 employees, including about 16,000 in Connecticut.
A bedroom is damaged in a building struck in an Israeli airstrike in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Saturday, April 4, 2026. Mohammed Zaatari/AP

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to open the crucial Strait of Hormuz by his Monday deadline and Tehran called his threat unbalanced and foolish." The search for a missing U.S. military pilot continued Saturday in a remote part of the Islamic Republic.

Trump has called Tehran beaten and completely decimated " in the war, now in its sixth week, but the downing of two U.S. warplanes on Friday and Irans call to find the enemy pilot have again raised the stakes.

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Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei Sarraf, center, visits the location that was hit during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes Friday at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, April 4, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP A worker cleans an area within the Grand Hosseiniyeh complex, with the mosque visible in the background, that officials say was hit by U.S.-Israeli airstrikes Tuesday in Zanjan, Iran, Saturday, April 4, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP People raise their hands during a protest calling for an end to the war in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, April 4, 2026. Maya Levin/AP People enter an underground parking garage as sirens warn of an incoming missile fired from Yemen in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, April 4, 2026. Maya Levin/AP

The doors of hell will be opened to you if Irans infrastructure is attacked, Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi with the country's joint military command said late Saturday in response to Trumps renewed threat, state media reported. In turn, the general threatened all infrastructure used by the U.S. military in the region.

The war began with joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Feb. 28 and has killed thousands, shaken global markets, cut off key shipping routes and spiked fuel prices. Both sides have threatened, and hit, civilian targets, bringing warnings of possible war crimes.

We will continue to crush them, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, and confirmed that Israel's military struck a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr that he said helps to fund the war. Five people were killed and 170 injured, Iranian state media reported, citing a provincial security official.

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The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said that an airstrike hit near its Bushehr nuclear facility, killing a security guard and damaging a support building. The head of Russias state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, said that 198 workers were being evacuated. It was the fourth time the facility was targeted.

Hopes for talks

Pakistans Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, told The Associated Press that his governments efforts to broker a ceasefire are right on track" after Islamabad last week said that it would soon host talks between the U.S. and Iran.

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Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that Iranian officials have never refused to go to Islamabad.

Mediators from Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt were working to bring the U.S. and Iran to the negotiating table, according to two regional officials.

The proposed compromise includes a cessation of hostilities to allow a diplomatic settlement, according to a regional official involved in the efforts and a Gulf diplomat briefed on the matter. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door diplomacy.

Trump reminded Iran of his deadline in a social media post: Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out  48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them."

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A missing US pilot

The U.S. warplane, identified by Iran as a F-15E Strike Eagle, was one of two attacked on Friday. Irans joint military command on Saturday said that it also struck two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters, but the AP couldnt independently verify that.

The search for the U.S. pilot focused on a mountainous region in Irans southwestern province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad. An anchor on a channel affiliated with Iranian state television urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police.

In an email from the Pentagon, obtained by the AP, the military said that it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East. A U.S. crew member was rescued. The Pentagon notified the U.S. House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member wasn't known.

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Trump told NBC News that what happened wouldn't affect negotiations with Iran.

Iranian state media reported that airstrikes in southwestern Iran on Saturday killed at least three people and wounded others  in the same area where the missing American crew member is believed to be.

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 wasn't clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down, or whether Iran was involved.

Iranian state media said a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf after being struck by Irans defense forces.

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Oracle's Dubai headquarters struck

The Dubai offices of tech company Oracle was hit after Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened the firm. Footage verified by the AP outside the UAE showed a large hole in the building's southwestern corner.

The sheikhdoms Dubai Media Office, which speaks for its government, noted a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception that fell on the facade," saying there were no injuries. Oracle Corp., based in Texas, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Guard has accused some large U.S. tech companies of being involved in terrorist espionage operations against the Islamic Republic and called them legitimate targets. Amazon Web Services facilities in the UAE and Bahrain were hit in earlier drone strikes.

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The Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a veiled threat late Friday to disrupt traffic through a second strategic waterway in the region, the Bab el-Mandeb.

The strait, 32 kilometers (20 miles) wide, links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. More than a tenth of seaborne global oil and a quarter of container ships pass through it.

Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait? Qalibaf wrote.

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More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 U.S. service members have been killed. In Lebanon, more than 1,400 people have been killed and there have been more than 1 million displaced people. Ten Israeli soldiers have died there.

___

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Otilio Green, of Hamden, was arrested after Connecticut State Police said he possessed child sex abuse material. Courtesy of Connecticut State Police

NEW HAVEN  A former Yale University police officer pleaded guilty on Friday to a child exploitation offense and faces a minimum prison sentence of five years, according to federal prosecutors.

Otilio Green, 44, of Hamden, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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Green, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26.

Prosecutors said Green, who was arrested last April, had dozens of images and five videos of child pornography on a cloud storage platform.

The investigation further revealed that, for at least two years prior to his arrest on April 4, Green used the Telegram app, which he accessed through a hidden folder on his cellphone, and other online platforms to communicate with others to receive numerous sexually explicit images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, the U.S. Attorney's Office of Connecticut said in a news release.

At the time of the offense, Green was employed as an officer with the Yale University Police Department.

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The investigation was conducted by HSI New England, the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations.
Greenskies Clean Energy filed a petition last year to build a 1.2-megawatt solar facility on mostly vacant land along Lake Street in Manchester, as pictured on Jan. 15, 2026. Joseph Villanova/Hearst Connecticut Media Greenskies Clean Energy filed a petition last year to build a 1.2-megawatt solar facility on mostly vacant land along Lake Street in Manchester, as pictured on Jan. 15, 2026. Joseph Villanova/Hearst Connecticut Media Greenskies Clean Energy filed a petition last year to build a 1.2-megawatt solar facility on mostly vacant land along Lake Street in Manchester, as pictured on Jan. 15, 2026. Joseph Villanova/Hearst Connecticut Media

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The project consists of two separate but connected solar arrays, with a 750-kilowatt facility on 93 Lake St. and a 450-kilowatt facility on 81 Lake St. taking up a total footprint of 6.3 acres with a combined 2,136 modules.

The original petition filed by Greenskies in August billed the facility as providing "multiple benefits" to the town, state, and region through production of renewable energy, and the Siting Council's decision echoes that sentiment.

The draft decision and order, dated March 27, states that the Siting Council finds there is a "public benefit" for the construction of the facility and that it would not have a "substantial adverse environmental effect," and that the council will therefore issue a declaratory ruling for the proposed facility.

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The Siting Council's draft opinion, dated March 27, states that pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes, the council has "exclusive jurisdiction" over the facility proposed by Greenskies and shall approve by declaratory ruling any such project as long as it "meets the air and water quality standards of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Council does not find a substantial adverse environmental effect."

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The opinion states that the proposed facilities would be remotely monitored on a 24/7 basis and comply with relevant building, electrical, and fire protection codes, and Greenskies would work with local emergency responders and file an emergency response plan. Noise generation and air quality would comply with state standards, and DEEP would need to issue a stormwater permit prior to construction.

The opinion further states that Greenskies has expressed a willingness to install landscape plantings and implement best management practices for stormwater in response to neighborhood concerns about visibility of the facility and water quality.

Members of the Siting Council approved approved the plan in a 7-0 vote Thursday, with one member recusing themselves. Few spoke about the project in detail during the meeting, though one member briefly discussed his issues with the plan.

Bill Syme said the proposal from Greenskies was not "one of (his) favorites" due to prime farmland being taken out of production, but that he could foresee minimal impact to neighbors and the environment.

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Khristine Hall said she was happy that a condition for a post-construction noise study was included, though noted it is typical for the Siting Council to do so.

"Even though the host parcel owner was not concerned about the noise, which may be above the noise limits, I think it's important to have that study and see what the compliance is once the facility is started," Hall said.

Chance Carter thanked staff members for working on the documents, and said he was pleased to see that the approval requires Greenskies to work with the town's fire department to ensure emergency services can reach the site.
Owner Ryan Matthew Cohn speaks during an interview at CVRATED, his new antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

From the outside, CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn is unassuming.

Tucked onto Union Avenue, the brick facade downplays the whimsy found behind its entrance.

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"Welcome to my nightmare," Cohn jokingly tells us as we walk in through the door on this Tuesday afternoon, hidden behind the thick frames of his glasses. Stepping through into CVRATED is like going through a portal to another world  one filled with anatomical curiosities, taxidermies stuck in time and items that feel like they shouldn't exist.

CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn is Bridgeport's new oddity store, which opened to the public in February. The shop is the brainchild of Cohn, who is a veteran of the antique and oddity field, and was the co-host of Discovery Channels "Oddities."

Cohn, 45, describes himself as a long-time lover of oddities, collecting natural history specimens in the woods as a kid and making shadow boxes with bird eggs. At 18, he moved to New York City and immersed himself in this booming scene of antique flea markets in the city.

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CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn, an antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

Cohn designed for Ralph Lauren and also owned his own shop, Against Nature in the East Village, before he was approached to work on "Oddities," which ran for five seasons.

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Six years ago, Cohn and his wife, Regina M. Rossi, moved to Westport and before they released their book "The Witch's Door: Oddities and Tales from the Esoteric to the Extreme," in 2024, which chronicles their adventures in amassing oddities. At the same time, Cohn said he has been looking for a physical space to operate his own oddity shop. However, Cohn lamented that costs were high for spaces as you move down the coastline. He also wanted to operate a space that wasn't open seven days a week as he needed time during the week to source for his inventory.

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Then the opportunity presented itself on Union Avenue.

"When I got into this space, it was a car port. There was junk up to the ceiling," Cohn said. "They said, 'Alright, look, try to envision what it is going to look like all cleaned up.' It took a long time to renovate, but when they started to remove all the rubbish and start cleaning the floor and add a little paint, I saw it right away."

CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn, an antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

Everything from antique signs and furniture to human medical skulls and leather ottomans in the shape of a rhino and elephant can be found sprawled across the shop. He said some of the more unique pieces in the shop include a turn-of-the-century, human-operated Tibetan puppet (which towers over the shop like a silent guardian), an old amusement ride that belonged to luxury designer Gianni Versace and is believed to be from his Miami estate, and an adolescent taxidermied giraffe that dates back to the mid-20th century.

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And yes, "pretty much everything" is for sale at CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn.

"One of my biggest pet peeves is to go into a store and the one thing that I want is the one thing that is not for sale. So I was trying to create a place where that doesn't happen," Cohn said.

CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn, an antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

Cohn estimates that about 90% of his business comes from social media and word of mouth, which Cohn calls a "wonderful tool." The shop's Instagram account is as carefully curated as the shop with photos of eye-popping items from the store.

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He has also attracted museum curators and those who work on film with him recently selling a "Heaven or Hell" coin operated machine to a museum in Salem. He has also provided items for an upcoming Netflix movie featuring Robert De Niro and Adam Scott (which appears to be the upcoming "The Whisper Man," based on a Netflix casting announcement. Cohn did not name the film.) and previously had some of his goods in "Wonderstruck" and "The Greatest Showman."

As CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn approaches its second month of operation, Cohn said he has begun to better understand his clientele and know what items to source. Cohn said he's also found there is a "thriving young generation of antique collectors and dealers," which has been fostered by social media.

CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn, an antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn, an antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn, an antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Owner Ryan Matthew Cohn stands near a hippopotamus skull as he speaks during an interview at CVRATED, his new antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Owner Ryan Matthew Cohn speaks during an interview at CVRATED, his new antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn, an antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn, an antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn, an antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media CVRATED by Ryan Matthew Cohn, an antiques and oddities shop in Bridgeport, Conn. March 31, 2027. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

Though the shop is in its infancy, Cohn has plenty of big ideas still on the table. On June 13, Cohn is curating his first Oddities Flea Market in the area at Foolproof Brewing Company  next door to the shop. It will include approximately 65 vendors with tattooists, artists and "out of the ordinary" vendors. Cohn also said he is looking at eventually expanding the shop with the extra space behind the shop.

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File photo of a North Haven police cruiser. North Haven police are investigating a series of street sign thefts over the past six months and are asking residents to review security footage for leads. Hearst Connecticut Media

NORTH HAVEN  Police are asking for the publics help as they investigate a series of street sign thefts reported across town in recent months.

According to a social media post from the North Haven Police Department, the incidents have occurred over the past six months, primarily in the town center, the Grove area and along the Clintonville Road and Middletown Avenue corridors.

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Authorities are urging residents to review home security or doorbell camera footage for any suspicious individuals or vehicles that may be connected to the thefts.
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. Alex Brandon/AP President Donald Trump arrives to speak about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP 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 President Donald Trump conclude his speech about the Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump did not equivocate in his first live address to Americans about the war in Iran.

We've beaten and completely decimated Iran, he said in a prime-time speech from the White House on Wednesday. They are decimated both militarily and economically and in every other way.

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He added: Their radar is 100% annihilated. We are unstoppable as a military force.

His certitude is now colliding with the uncertainty of war.

The American fighter jet that was shot down in Iran on Friday was a searing reminder of the dangers associated with war, prompting a search operation that resulted in the rescue of one crew member. Another U.S. aircraft was hit by Iranian air defenses, Iranian state media reported, days after Trump said Iran had no anti-aircraft equipment.

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For the Republican president, who did not appear in public Friday, the developments were the latest example of his triumphal characterization of the war appearing misplaced.

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He has expressed surprise at Iran's moves to strike its Gulf neighbors. He has struggled to respond to Iran's move largely shuttering the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil supplies and sending pump prices soaring in the United States. His overtures to world leaders to help him reopen the vital waterway have been rebuffed, with some allies waiting for the fighting to end before addressing that situation and others openly critical of a war that Trump chose to initiate.

Trump has long relied on unyielding self-confidence to propel him through the worlds of business and politics, boasting during the 2016 campaign that I alone can fix it. That has often translated into a go-it-alone approach where only Trump has the answers in a chaotic world and dysfunctional Washington. This view of the presidency has justified his executive orders at home and tariffs that affect the global economy.

But the war with Iran, which he undertook alongside Israel and without consulting other allies or Congress, has provided a test like almost nothing before. For Trump, it is no longer America First but America alone, and he is the principal.

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You can be the most assertive, aggressive president in the world but you dont control what happens overseas, said Julian Zelizer, a history professor at Princeton University.

Some traditional allies speak out

As the war enters its sixth week, that reality is becoming more apparent. Trump spent most of the first year of his second term using trade penalties as a weapon that would force other countries to bend to his will. Today, in a time of war, some traditional American allies are becoming more outspoken.

French President Emmanuel Macron said this week that the United States can hardly complain afterward that they are not being supported in an operation they chose to undertake alone.

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This is not our operation, he said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not budged from his refusal to be drawn into the war despite fierce criticism by Trump. France and the United Kingdom are leading efforts to reopen the strait once the fighting ends.

At home, even some of Trump's fellow Republicans are reinforcing the need to maintain strong international relationships. After the president threatened to withdraw from NATO this week, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said there were not enough votes in the Senate to support that.

We got an awful lot of people who think that NATO is a very critical, incredibly successful post-World War II alliance, Thune said of past conversations among Republicans about the move. I think in the world today, you need allies.

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Trump made no mention of leaving NATO during his White House address.

John Bolton, a first-term Trump national security adviser who has since become an adversary, said the current administration made a serious mistake by not consulting allies before going to war.

If you dont build your coalition before the war, its pretty tough to do it while youre in it, said Bolton, who pleaded not guilty last fall to federal charges accusing him of emailing classified information to family members and keeping top secret documents at his Maryland home.

But he also cautioned European leaders against reflexively opposing Trump out of frustration with his lack of consultation. That, Bolton said, would be juvenile and petulant.

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Trump on his own terms

Trump's penchant to work on his own terms is not limited to the war.

Just this week, he said congressional approval of a ballroom he wants to build at the White House is not necessary despite a judge's ruling. He signed an executive order to create a nationwide list of verified eligible voters and to restrict mail-in voting.

In a first for a sitting president, he appeared in the courtroom of the Supreme Court as his administration tried to defend an executive order restricting birthright citizenship.

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But as with the war, Trump's go-it-alone strategy at home is also confronting limits.

The Supreme Court struck down his far-reaching tariff program. Democrats quickly challenged his voting executive order in court and, despite his courtroom presence, the justices seemed skeptical of his bid to dismantle the Constitutions provisions providing birthright citizenship.

Then there is the uncertainty about the ballroom.

During private comments at an Easter lunch at the White House this week, Trump  ever the builder  seemed to lament the constraints on his job.

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Im such a king I cant get a ballroom approved, he said to laughter from an audience that included Cabinet members and religious leaders. "Im doing a lot. But I could be doing a lot more if I was a king.

___

Associated Press writers Sylvie Corbet in Paris and Joey Cappelletti contributed to this report.
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Manulife Wealth & Asset Management has completed the acquisition of PT Schroder Investment Management Indonesia, expanding its presence in Indonesia.

The deal positions Manulife as Indonesia's largest asset manager, adding scale and local investment capabilities.

Manulife has also entered a new long-term, multi-phase partnership with L&G to broaden global asset management and distribution.

For investors watching TSX:MFC, these moves sit at the intersection of wealth management, insurance, and global asset gathering. Manulife is building out its investment platform in markets where demand for professional money management is growing, including Indonesia. At the same time, partnerships with global players such as L&G can reshape how products are created and distributed across regions.

These developments give you more to monitor around Manulife's mix of fee based and insurance related earnings, product reach, and the scalability of its investment operations. The combination of a larger Indonesian footprint and expanded global distribution could influence how the market views Manulife's position among multinational financial groups over the coming years.

Stay updated on the most important news stories for Manulife Financial by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Manulife Financial.

TSX:MFC Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Apr 2026

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For you as a shareholder or potential investor, this combination of an Indonesian acquisition and a broad partnership with L&G points to Manulife leaning harder into capital light, fee-based wealth and asset management. Indonesia gives Manulife more local scale in a growing fund market, while L&G brings product depth in areas such as annuities, alternative credit, real assets, and ETFs. Together, these moves are about having more products to sell and more channels to sell them through, particularly across Asia, Europe, and North America where Manulife already competes with groups like Sun Life, Great-West Lifeco, and Prudential.

How This Fits Into The Manulife Financial Narrative
If youre assembling an Easter basket this weekend, there are plenty of Massachusetts-made candies that could go inside, from McCreas Candies in Boston to a Sudbury-made Skybar to a gummy bunny from Hebert in Shrewsbury.

But the only candy factory in the state that is still mass-producing candy on a national scale is just outside Central Square in Cambridge. Its owned by Tootsie Roll Industries, and it seems like change is afoot in the executive ranks of that company, which has deep ties to Boston.

While Tootsie Roll is headquartered in Chicago, the 94-year-old chief executive, Ellen Gordon, has a residence in Wellesley Hills, and she earned a degree from Brandeis University. Her daughter Karen Gordon Mills, who seems poised to take over the CEO spot, was until last year a senior fellow at Harvard Business School, and has maintained a residence in Boston. Mills also served as head of the U.S. Small Business Administration during President Obamas first term.

Not surprisingly, the Gordon home in Wellesley Hills was at one time well-known for being a top spot for trick-or-treating.

The companys factory in Cambridge is in a building that has made candy since 1908, but Tootsie Roll acquired it in 1993 as part of an $82 million acquisition. That deal included the candy brands still made there today, including Charleston Chew, Sugar Babies, Sugar Daddy and Pom Poms  a version of which is still sold as Junior Caramels. Also, every Junior Mint sold in the world  including the one that Kramer dropped in an operating room in a famous Seinfeld episode  is made on the second floor of the Cambridge factory.

Newer products made at the factory include Tootsie Roll Eggs, which are Tootsie Rolls encased in a pastel-colored candy shell.

But the companys devotion to secrecy exceeds that of even the fictional confectioner Willy Wonka. There are no tours. A factory store that some Cambridge old-timers remember is no longer operating.

While a few journalists have been invited inside over the years, I am sadly not one of them, despite my obsession with the company and my undying loyalty to Junior Mints.

Even Liz Parker Kuhn, a senior editor at the trade publication Candy Industry, tells me via email that while most candy companies are very willing to do interviews, the last time she reached out to Tootsie Roll, she didnt even receive a response.

The company was the 32nd largest candy company in the world by sales, according to a recent list from Candy Industry.

One former employee at the Cambridge factory, Dorian Carey, said that he was surprised the company could continue manufacturing there despite rising costs  and the challenges of getting tractor-trailers through the streets of Cambridge.
The S&P 500 ($SPX) is entering April after a tough first quarter, with the index on course to record its worst Q1 since 2022. However, the stock market did bounce on April 1, largely due to hopes of deescalation in the Middle East. This has lifted sentiment, even if it does not take away from what has been a tough quarter. Therefore, while the stock market may be green today, overall sentiment has remained difficult. But that makes Sandisk (SNDK) one of the most interesting and strongest plays this year.

Sandisk has been one of the top-performing stocks in the S&P 500 in 2026 despite the broader market, gaining around 196% year-to-date (YTD) even after a sharp decline from its 52-week high in late March. SNDK stock has not performed like other names in the market, with investors seeing a play in a tech industry segment where prices are likely to improve instead of decline.

More News from Barchart

About Sandisk

Separated from Western Digital (WDC) in February 2025 and headquartered in Milpitas, California, Sandisk mainly focuses on flash and advanced memory technologies. No longer part of a larger conglomerate, investors are increasingly looking to Sandisk as a pure play on NAND prices, enterprise SSD demand, and AI infrastructure storage.

That kind of pure-play model is a huge part of the appeal. Sandisk currently has a market capitalization of around $103.5 billion. The stock now trades near $701, up more than 2,400% from its 52-week low of $27.89 and only 10% off its 52-week high of $777.60.

But even after such a monster move, the underlying numbers are a bit more complicated.

www.barchart.com

The trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 112.6 times, which is certainly rich, but the forward P/E is closer to 18 times. That is a huge difference. While Sandisk's trailing P/E is certainly high, the forward P/E actually discounts a huge step-up in earnings instead of being a wild multiple based on steady-state earnings. This is a pattern often seen when a cyclical business experiences a huge move into the sweet spot of the business cycle.

Sandisk Beats on Earnings

The recent earnings release is arguably the biggest reason that SNDK stock is still working. For Q2 2026, Sandisk reported revenue of $3.03 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $6.20, beating consensus estimates. Revenue was up 61% year-over-year (YOY), and the company saw significant margin expansion and improved cash flows.
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Petroleo Brasileiro (NYSE:PBR) is among the must-buy non-tech stocks to invest in now. On March 26, UBS boosted its price target on Petroleo Brasileiro (NYSE:PBR) to $22 from $14.60 while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock.

Is Petroleo Brasileiro (PBR) One of the Must-Buy Non-Tech Stocks to Invest in Now?

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The equity research firm pointed to the companys strong cash generation and solid dividend yield as factors for its renewed bullish stance on the stock. It sees the company delivering dividend yields in the range of 11% to 12% for the next two years.

Additionally, UBS cited higher gasoline and diesel prices as positive for the state-run Brazilian oil and gas giant. But even without fuel price increases, the firm projects that Petroleo Brasileiro, which is also called Petrobras, would pay a dividend yield of around 10% in 2026.

On the same day that UBS raised its price target on Petrobras, Reuters reported that the company had made a new discovery of high-quality oil in the Campos Basin pre-salt area. The report stated that Petrobras made the discovery at an exploratory well in an area off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state.

On March 17, Petrobras disclosed in regulatory filings that it would purchase Petronas stake in two offshore fields in Brazils Campos Basin. This acquisition would give it complete control of these assets, which have a combined output of around 55,000 barrels per day.

Petroleo Brasileiro (NYSE:PBR) is a Brazilian multinational corporation engaged in the petroleum business. The company explores, produces, and sells oil and gas to domestic and international customers. It also operates refineries and offers logistics services. Moreover, the company produces fertilizer. Petroleo Brasileiro is majority state-owned and is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro.

While we acknowledge the potential of PBR 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 Small-Cap Value Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 13 Best Stocks to Invest in for Good Returns.

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New figures show that raw sewage was spilled into a Devon river for more than 103 days in 2025.

The figures, published by the Environment Agency (EA), reveal that the Harbourne River had sewage dumped into it for 2,494 hours over the course of the year.

READ MORE: Exeter Airport route sees strong demand as Amsterdam link marks first year

The EA has published figures for more than 14,000 waterways across the country, but Liberal Democrat MPs say the government and privatised water companies are muddying the waters over the scale of pollution.

They say the figures only show the duration and number of spills and fail to convey the environmental damage being caused.

The volume of sewage discharged is not calculated as part of the data.

South Devon MP Caroline Voaden has joined colleagues in calling for an immediate end to what the Lib Dems call the Great Sewage Cover-up.

She said: You wouldnt go into a pub and ask for three and a half seconds of Guinness, so why are we measuring sewage spills in this way?

These statistics are absolutely shocking, but they are only the tip of the iceberg. The truth about how much sewage is being spilled into our rivers, lakes and seas is unclear, thanks to the government letting water companies off the hook.

The public deserves to know the truth, and thats why Im calling on the government to end the Great Sewage Cover-up and force South West Water (SWW) to record the volume of sewage spilling into our local waterways.

The figures show there were 46,000 spills in the SWW area in 2025, lasting a total of 407,000 hours, with an average duration of 8.8 hours.

The figures are down on those recorded in 2024 but remain among the highest in the country.

SWW says it is investing in its sewerage system and has cut the number of spills as well as their duration.

The Harbourne River rises on Dartmoor and flows through Harberton and Harbertonford before joining the River Dart at Bow Creek.
It only seemed like yesterday that Paignton Zoo was at deaths door. Interim CEO Stephen Kings and his Wild Planet trustees had tried everything to turn around the fortunes of what was once one of the best attractions in the UK.

Covid, plummeting visitor numbers and the Living Coast rent chain around its neck had all played a part in taking the zoo to its lowest ebb.

The zoo, with empty paddocks, missing animals and closed exhibits, was in dire need of investment. You could almost feel the air of despondency and sheer sadness over its decline with closure a real threat and just around the corner. It had lost its soul.

Putting the zoo on the market was the only and last-chance-saloon option.

Then, virtually out of the blue, came Libema, a Dutch leisure company consisting of 20 businesses including four zoos, and a takeover deal which saved and safeguarded the future of both Paignton and its sister zoo at Newquay as well an assurance that their vital conservation, educational and breeding programmes would also continue for many years to come.

Dirk Lips, chief executive of Libema, said at the time: Weve been looking to expand our activities for animal welfare, education, research and conservation. When the opportunity to invest in these two incredible zoos arose, we seized it with both hands.

I feel very much at home in the UK and the staff in the zoos have made me feel very welcome. We therefore are very much looking forward to working together on the exciting plans we have for the zoos.

From the onset, there was talk of transforming and remodelling the zoo with themed areas and new animals, and new exhibits.

The takeover was announced and revealed publicly on December 10 last year. Now, less than four months later, those transformational plans have been confirmed and revealed, including new animals in their new Paignton home around Easter.

Paignton Zoo White Rhino Concept

It has been confirmed that the site will be reorganised into four themed zones: Grasslands, Wetlands, Rainforests and Islands. Improvements will include:

* An expansion of the Grasslands zone, including a new mixed-species savannah habitat

* Introduction and return of species including zebra, ostrich, blesbok, rhea, vicuna, Bactrian camel and yak

* Development of a new Plains habitat for white rhinoceros, marking the return of rhino to the zoo

* Development of a new Wetlands habitat for sitatonga

* Progression of plans across Forests and Islands zones, including future species such as babirusa, saki monkeys, and Komodo dragons

* Improvements to visitor experience, including new pathways, play areas, and food and drink facilities

Paignton Zoo South-American Pampa plans

Each of the new themed areas will be designed as a looping route, ensuring visitors can fully explore every habitat, all connected by a central plaza overlooking the main lake.

Transition manager Steven van den Heuvel said: Grasslands is the first major step, but its part of a much bigger transformation happening across the whole site.

Over time, visitors will see new species, new habitats, and a completely new way of exploring the zoo. Importantly, this evolution stays true to what Paignton Zoo has always stood for  conservation, education, and animal welfare remain at the heart of everything we do, and this investment allows us to strengthen that work for the future.

The zoo has already begun work across the site. Visitors may have noticed diggers, new structures, and early signs of change as plans move from concept into reality.

The transformation will also extend beyond animal habitats. New pathways, improved visitor flow, enhanced play areas, and updated food and drink facilities are all part of the wider redevelopment, alongside new interpretation and storytelling woven throughout the routes. The owners say that together these changes are designed to create a more immersive and engaging day out.

Mr Lips said conservation remains at the core of Paignton Zoos work, with international breeding programmes for endangered species continuing alongside the redevelopment. Plans are also underway to introduce new fundraising initiatives to support conservation projects both in the UK and overseas.

The zoo is also exploring ways for the local community to be involved in the transformation, with opportunities to contribute to elements of the redevelopment expected to be announced later this year.

The change in tone from despondency to delight was there for all to see in a video interview about the changes with zoo head of living collections Lisa Britton.

She said: It has been a whirlwind journey over the last few months. We have had numerous changes now. People will see lots of developments going on.

Paddocks are either being improved or created from top to bottom of the zoo.

Lisa said: It is very exciting. This investment is what we have been crying out for. Most of these plans we have been talking about for years. We just simply didnt have the funds

We have those funds now. All the dreams, hopes and aspirations are all coming to fruition.

Council leader Dave Thomas said: I am delighted that the new owners of the zoo are already starting to demonstrate what they previously spoke about. This is fantastic news for the whole of the Bay. 

Deputy council leader Chris Lewis, who also holds the councils regeneration portfolio, and chief executive Anne Marie Bond met the new Dutch owners when they first approached the zoo.

He said: We knew these were people we could do business with. It has transpired that was correct. If the zoo had closed we would have never got it back. It is great to see that it is getting investment from its new owners. This is a real boost for the Bay. It shows that people have faith in the Bay.

We have seen this with our regeneration partners Milligan and Willmott Dixon helping us.

We have always said we cannot do it on our own.

They have faith in us because we have faith in them. It is all about partnerships.

Libema says the improvements constitute the biggest redevelopment in the zoos 103-year history.

Not only are they delivering on their plans and more besides.

The heart and soul is back at Paignton Zoo.
Clergy from across Devon gathered at Exeter Cathedral this Maundy Thursday for the annual Chrism Eucharist, renewing their ordination vows and collecting holy oils for use in their parishes over Easter.

The service, led by the Bishop of Exeter with music from the cathedral choir, saw clergy receive oils used for baptism, anointing the sick, and other blessings. The name Chrism comes from the Greek word for "anointed", the same root as the title Christ, and during the service, the bishop blessed the oils in remembrance of Jesus's own anointing before his crucifixion.

This year's gathering carried extra significance as it marked the final Maundy Thursday service for the Dean of Exeter Cathedral, the Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, who retires in July.

The Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Dr Mike Harrison, described the mood of the occasion as one of mixed emotions, reflecting the wider tone of Holy Week.

"The Chrism service is a joyful one when we bless the oils and renew our promises to follow Jesus," he said. "It's a joyful moment and a great opportunity for celebration together, but it's in the middle of Holy Week, and as we draw closer to the events of Good Friday and Jesus' death, the mood becomes very sombre indeed.

"This whole weekend is about a kind of sorrowful joy and a joyful sorrow."

After the service, clergy queued to collect their oils in small bottles before enjoying a hot pasty and returning to parishes across Devon to lead Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday services.
A thriving North Devon business that preserves heritage crafts and exports them worldwide is expanding into a new purpose-built factory twice the size of its current Barnstaple premises.

Turnstyle Designs has begun construction on a new sustainable factory and headquarters nearby after 25 years at its current location on Roundswell Retail Park.

When the business began in 1992 it employed six people - today it employs more than 60 people from across the region, providing training and apprenticeships in skills from leatherwork to metal patination, to help preserve heritage craft skills within North Devon.

Above: A graphic impression of how the new Turnstyle Designs factory will look.

The company has built a global reputation, creating luxury hand-crafted hardware, fixtures and fittings for high-end residential, commercial and yacht projects worldwide.

READ NEXT: Multi-million investment in iconic North Devon holiday park is unveiled

It was also the first hardware manufacturer in the world to achieve B Corp status, a certification that recognises a company is socially and environmentally aware and uses its business as a force for good.

Ground has been broken to begin work on the new factory, which will be constructed by Devon Contractors  which built the current Turnstyle Designs premises  and Barnstaple-based Peregrine Mears are the project architects.

Sustainability is central to the design of the new factory. The building will be powered by solar panels and renewable energy, with high-performance insulation and thermally efficient construction will help reduce energy use.

Natural ventilation and opening roof vents will regulate temperature during warmer months, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling, while targeted workstation heating will provide efficient warmth in winter.

Employees have been consulted on the new plans and as a result there will be a strong emphasis on natural light, comfort and space for departments to expand.

Above: Inside, the new Turnstyle Designs factory will make use of natural light and heating/cooling methods to be energy efficient and for the comfort of employees.

Large windows and translucent panels will allow daylight to reach deep into production and office areas, reducing reliance on artificial lighting while creating a healthier working environment.

Oscar Roberts, managing director of Turnstyle Designs, said: This new factory and headquarters represent a huge step forward for us.

Weve designed the building around how our people work, taking on board feedback around light and space. Sustainability has been central to every decision, aligning with our B Corp values and our commitment to responsible manufacturing here in Devon.

READ NEXT: Sustainable business resource launches in North Devon

Nigel Whelan, managing director of Devon Contractors, added: Turnstyle Designs is a highly respected North Devon business and were proud to be delivering, once again, their new headquarters here in Barnstaple.

Turnstyle Designs was founded in North Devon by Steve Roberts in 1992 to introduce progressive design, processes and new materials, while preserving time-honoured, British craftsmanship.

The new building is expected to be completed in November.
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Renault's model fair value estimate has shifted from 41.71 to 40.29, a reduction of about 3.4% that puts fresh attention on how analysts are rethinking what the shares might be worth. Recent research has paired these lower targets with a more cautious tone, as several firms cut price targets and issue downgrades, even while making measured upgrades to revenue and margin assumptions. Read on to see how to make sense of these moves and track the evolving Renault narrative in your own process.

Stay updated as the Fair Value for Renault shifts by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Renault.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

 Bullish Takeaways

HSBC trimmed its price target slightly to 46, but kept a Buy rating. This signals that it still sees upside potential relative to current fair value estimates.

HSBC described 2026 as a year that could be more predictable for carmakers. Some investors may read this as support for Renaults ability to plan around volumes, pricing, and margins with greater confidence.

 Bearish Takeaways

Morgan Stanley and Citi both lowered their Renault price targets, pointing to a more cautious stance on what the shares might be worth, even as operational assumptions are being refreshed.

Berenberg and Morgan Stanley issued downgrades earlier in 2026. This adds to the more guarded tone around execution risk and the balance between Renaults valuation and its longer term growth ambitions.

Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives!

ENXTPA:RNO 1-Year Stock Price Chart

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What's in the News
By Hyunjoo Jin

SEOUL, April 3 (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics, benefiting from red-hot chip prices stoked by the AI boom, is expected to book a six-fold jump in operating profit for January-March - a quarterly record and just shy of what it earned for all of the past business year.

Bolstered by what it calls an "unprecedented supercycle" for memory chips, Samsung is projected to flag on Tuesday a profit of 40.5 trillion won ($26.9 billion) on a 50% climb in revenue, according to an LSEG SmartEstimate drawn from 29 analysts.

By comparison, last year, the world's biggest maker of memory chips logged 43.6 trillion won in operating income.

Some analysts are even more bullish, with Citi, for example, forecasting 51 trillion won.

"You couldn't ask for things to be better," said Ko Yeongmin, analyst at Daol Investment & Securities, referring to the strength in the memory chip market.

HEADWINDS FROM THE WAR

Despite the expected huge jump in earnings, investors are likely to focus on any clues as to what extent the war in the Middle East might impact Samsung's growth momentum.

Samsung, however, does not usually say much about its outlook until it gives a more detailed earnings breakdown which is due later in the month.

The war has raised energy costs and threatens to disrupt supply of key production materials, which in turn may force Big Tech firms to roll back their investments in artificial intelligence data centres.

There have also been some signs of an easing in spot prices for DRAM (dynamic random access memory) chips as device manufacturers have hiked prices of smartphones, computers and other products, denting consumer demand.

These concerns, as well as the unveiling of memory-saving technology from Google called TurboQuant last month, have contributed to a selloff in memory chip stocks, with Samsung's shares losing 14% since the war began on February 28.

That said, the shares are still up 50% this year, buoyed by Big Tech AI investment plans worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

BUT THERE'S STILL A CHIP SHORTAGE

Some experts remain upbeat about the outlook, noting that there is a severe shortage of memory chips.

"We have seen a cooling (in memory chip spot prices) over the last 3-4 weeks yes. We do believe it's temporary," said Tobey Gonnerman, president of semiconductor distributor Fusion Worldwide.

"The demand and backlog remains strong," he said, adding that it would be a long time before memory manufacturing could meet total demand.

Market researcher Trendforce also expects conventional contract prices for DRAM chips to continue to surge. They doubled in the first quarter from the previous quarter and are forecast to climb 58-63% during the April-June period.
The Russian government has blocked popular messaging apps and enforced internet blackouts. What is the name of the government-backed app the Kremlin is pushing people to use instead of platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram?
In a recent PRs Top Pros Talk podcast episode, Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, and Julianna Sheridan, Vice President of PR at Scratch Marketing + Media, explored how communications professionals can effectively navigate high-pressure situations. From the outset, Julianna emphasized that strong internal relationships are the foundation of effective crisis management. Its really critical to ensure that you have a direct through line to folks throughout the organization, whether thats legal, HR, tech, or product, she explained. Whether working in-house or as an external advisor, communicators must establish trust across departments well before a crisis occurs. Having those relationships built early on will make sure that youre able to have really smooth processes and conversations when that incident strikes.

Julianna highlighted the value of regularly scheduled tabletop exercises, where teams simulate potential crisis scenarios. These drills help organizations identify gaps, clarify roles, and build confidence so that when a real incident arises, teams are not scrambling to respond. The goal is to understand the gaps and challenges and address them early. You dont want to be blindsided as a communications professional, she added.

Doug pointed out that the accelerating pace of AI and algorithm-driven content distribution has changed the nature of crises. Organizations must respond quickly or risk losing control of the narrative entirely. Julianna noted that a strong, ongoing media presence can provide a stabilizing effect. If you have an ongoing media relations program and effort, you are already going to be visible, she explained. Were seeing more and more how earned media is pulling into generative engines. Beyond visibility, organizations must adapt their content strategies. Making sure that youre equipped and your team is equipped to know the best practices of today when it comes to distributed communications materials is essential. This includes how youre optimizing your own website content to increase GEO. Also, its important to stay current with how press releases are formatted and distributed.

AI is increasingly shaping how organizations identify and respond to potential crises. Monitoring tools can track brand sentiment, industry conversations, and emerging risks in real time. Julianna highlighted the importance of monitoring how a company appears in generative search results, noting that shifts in positioning can signal emerging issues. Beyond detection, AI can assist in refining responses. We use those engines to pressure test messaging, she explained. While AI can accelerate the drafting and evaluation process, it should not replace human judgment. I wouldnt use any AI-generated responses flat out, she said, stressing the importance of maintaining human insight. She also warned of the risks associated with inputting sensitive or proprietary information into AI systems, advising teams to anonymize data and exercise caution.

Legal teams also play a critical role in crisis response. Julianna sees them as essential partners. They are partners in any situation, she said. Success depends on mutual understanding, particularly around risk tolerance. Understanding each others threshold for risk is really important, she explained, noting that alignment often comes down to details. This collaboration ensures that responses are both timely and appropriately cautious.

Julianna reflected on the broader environment communicators face. Were in an age where crises are moving fast, she said. Organizations must build processes and adopt tools that match this speed, whether through AI, social media monitoring, or streamlined internal workflows. While technology continues to reshape the communications landscape, the fundamentals, trust, preparation, and effective communication remain critical as ever.

View all of the interviews in the PR's Top Pros Talk series. Interested in taking part? Contact Doug Simon at [email protected].

***

Lynsey Stanicki is the Marketing Manager, Digital Video Content Producer at D S Simon Media.
JAMES Norris Brewer (died 1829) topographer and novelist produced his Beauties of Ireland in 1825-26 in two volumes and a third was planned for Ulster and Connacht, but never published.

The second volume of the work is a description of most of the counties of Ireland and includes Laois, Westmeath and King's County otherwise County Offaly This was probably the first survey of the entire county of Offaly from the tourism viewpoint as prior to that Offaly received little notice save in books of roadmaps and a few lines from Colt Hoare and others The comments of Vallancey (1771), Artur Young (1780) and Edward Wakefield (1812) relate to the local economy.

Brewers Offaly chapter running from pages 130 to 158 in volume 2 is comprised of a brief description of the county as a whole followed by a survey of places in Offaly starting with Philipstown (Daingean) and moving on to Croghan Hill, Edenderry, Ballybrittan, Geashill, Killeigh, Tullamore, Durrow, Clara, Charlestown, Ferbane including Strawberry Hill, Moystown, Glynn, Doon Castle Ballycumber, Clonmacnois, Banagher, Cloghan, Kilcormac, Broughal, Ballyboy, Rathlin, Birr, Castle Bernard, Leap, Seir Keiran, Dunkerrin, Busherstown and Laughton.

When preparing his overview of the county, Brewer would have relied largely on the only county survey available which was that of Sir Charles Coote published in 1801 by the Dublin Society. He possibly did not visit the county at all and relied on contributors and the guide books of the time such as Taylor and Skinner, Book of Road Maps of 1777, the Post Chaise Companion of the 1780s. He also had available to him accounts of travellers and visitors such as Arthur Young (London 1780), Colt Hore (1806) Wakefield (1812) Atkinson (1815) and Pigots Trade Directory of 1824. Brewers chapter on Offaly is particularly interesting for its description of certain of the houses such as Clonearl, Birr Castle, and even more so the moving bog at Clara where a detailed description is provided by way of an account supplied to Brewer by Richard Griffith, later associated with the General Valuation of Ireland.

Did Brewer do any field work in Offaly?

However, Brewers Offaly chapter lacks the personal engagement with the owners of the Big Houses or any worthwhile comment on the towns and villages. The focus is on the history of antiquities with brief descriptions of scenic places, the Big House and no comment on the state of Offaly or the condition of the people. Brewer was indebted to informants including antiquarian Harvey De Montmorency. He also received assistance from William Shaw Mason who compiled the Parochial Survey of Ireland which included a chapter on the parish of Clonmacnois, and, interestingly, the architects Francis Johnston and the Morrisons (father and son) all three of whom would have been familiar with some of the Big Houses in Offaly. However, there is little evidence of him getting the kind of first-hand information from residents such as would have improved his Offaly essay.

Turning to the survey of places within the county the Brewer description mixes historical and topographical and a little biographical:

READ NEXT: Major new volume on the urban history of Tullamore to be launched

From Edenderry to Daingean

The form of Offalys boundaries Brewer regarded as extremely irregular and quoting Coote (1801) is, from the most eastern part of the barony of Coolestown, near the Boyne, to Clonmacnois, on the Shannon, thirty-two miles [65.53 km]; but the more general breadth does not exceed seventeen [34.816]; and it is in length, from the Moat of Grenouge [Moate] adjoining West Meath, to the southernmost part of the barony of Clonlisk, thirty-one miles [63.48 by a direct line, but above forty-five miles [92.16] by the nearest road, the county being so much intersected with deep bogs.. [The bogs were often described as moors by the travel writers and regarded as disgusting, at least until late in the nineteenth century. The Parliamentary Gazetteer (1846) put the distance from the most easterly point of the parish of Monasteroris to the Shannon half-a-mile below Shannon-Bridge as 35 miles (57.1 km)].

With the exception of the Slieve bloom mountains, on its southern borders, this county is in general of a flat character, containing a great part of the ancient plain of Ireland. The waters produced on this cheerless plain find their way to the sea westward by the Shannon, and eastward by the rivers, Barrow, Boyne &c. The continuous bogs and levels preclude all possibility of picturesque beauty; but, in the districts more readily amenable to cultivation, much corn is grown.

This county may be described as being well watered. We have stated that the river Shannon forms its western boundary, for many miles. The little Brosna, which falls into that noble river, divides it from Tipperary; and the larger Brosna winds though the centre of the county. The Boyne and lesser Barrow glide along its eastern borders. The Grand Canal crosses its northern part, and conveys vast quantities of turf, used a fuel, to the city of Dublin.

READ NEXT: The beating heart of an Offaly area celebrates its 50th anniversary

There are no towns of great importance, but many handsome family-seats. Amongst vestiges of antiquity, the ruins of Clonmacnois, comprising two round towers, are of primary interest. As some of the principal proprietors of land may be noticed Earl Digby, the Earl of Rosse; the Earl of Charleville; and the families of Daley, Stepney, and Bernard. [These are the Geashill, Birr, Tullamore, Durrow and Kinnitty Estates. The writer has omitted Downshire of Edenderry and included Daley or Bowes Daly who succeeded to the Coghlan estates in west Offaly. These property owners had c. 100,000 acres or one fifth of the county.]

Philipstown [Daingean], distant from Dublin thirty-eight and a half miles, [Irish miles, 77.9 km], towards the south-west, is the assize town of this county, but is otherwise a place of small importance. The Grand Canal passes close to one extremity of the town, but without communicating to it any observable commercial benefits. Here are extensive barracks, and a county gaol, completed some years back. [This is very much lifted from Cootes 1801 survey. Daingean was more intimately described by the Poor Law commissioner Binns (1837). The assizes had been moved to Tullamore in 1835 with the completion of the new courthouse.]

At the distance of two miles from Philipstown is Clonearl, the seat of William Magan, Esq., of an ancient Westmeath family, who lately served the office of high sheriff of that county. The surrounding country presents, with a solitary but grand exception, that of Croghan hill, one dreary expanse of bog. Chiefly by the efforts of the father to the present proprietor (made at a very considerable expense), Clonearl, however repulsive in natural circumstances, has been gradually formed into one of the finest demesnes to be seen in this county. A triumph of art entitled to extensive emulation! Great improvements to the mansion are now in progress, under the auspices of the present possessor of the estate. [Clonearl House (destroyed by fire in 1846 and demolished in the 1920s) was built by William Henry Magan the elder in the 1820s. The house was in the Grecian style and may have been by the architect, William Farrell. Today only the semblance of Clonearl's former beauty remains in the old farm buildings and some mature ornamental trees. More about Croghan and Clonearl will be found in the Magan family history by the late Brigadier and Byrne (ed) Kilclonfert (1983).

Croghan Hill which rises in lonely majesty amid this flat and dispiriting, but thickly-populated, tract of country, is of great height and circumference, and is, even to its summit, beautifully clothed with verdure. At the base of the hill are the ruins of a church; and near the summit, are some traces of antiquity, described by Sir Charles Coote as "an ancient burial-place." [Croghan Hill has survived the ravages of the late 20th century and in particular a planning application in the 1970s to quarry the hill. The hill is itself the stump of an extinct volcano of c. 250 million years old. It is about 700 feet above sea level and about 400 feet above the surrounding plain. The church at the base of the hill is probably that where the graveyard still survives and known as Bishop McCaille's, McCaille's Church. For more about Croghan see Feehans Croghan.]

At Edenderry, a small and mean town in this part of the county, are the remains of a castle. This building is situated on a considerable eminence, and was, in the sixteenth century, the residence of a branch of the Colley, or Cowley, family, of Castle-Carbery [For more on Edenderry see the two books by Ciaran Reilly and several articles in Offaly Hertitage Journal. Brewer copied Coote (1801) but without the richer detail.

Ballybrittan, otherwise Warrenstown, Castle, near the eastern extremity of the King's County, was the ancient seat of the family of Warren, formerly very powerful in this part of Ireland. Sir Henry Warren garrisoned this fortress, anno 1600, for Queen Elizabeth. On the 13th of February, 1691, a party of the adherents of James II, headed by Lieutenant-Colonel O'Conor, took the castle of Balybrittan, which they sacked and burnt, extending their ravages, on the same day, to the neighbouring town of Edenderry. On the decease of Sir Peter Warren, K. B. who died in the command of the naval station off Dublin, in the year 1752, leaving no male issue, the estate passed to the heirs female. [Ballybrittan Castle still stands and now incorporated in a private residence is in excellent condition due the work of the late Gerry Healy SC.

Later, I plan to review Brewers comments on Geashill/Killeigh, Tullamore to Banagher, and from Birr to Dunkerrin.
I was honored to be in Paris with 40,000 attendees at this amazing summit of changemakers towards a livable planet. I spoke to 300+ attendees on "War, Climate, and Power: Decolonizing Crisis" followed by book signing for my book "Popular Resistance in Palestine: A history of Hope and Empowerment." (the french version) While in Paris I gave other talks and interviews. Only hitch is my phone was stolen but I met and interacted with hundreds of people in one week who are trying to live life as it should be lived: caring for others, loving, and acting against the ongoing genocide and ecocide.

I get daily messages from friends in Iran. The messages from Habib are especially poignant. Here are samples worth reading:

"Salam Mazin: The thirty-second night of the war. Iran has threatened that if even one assassination is carried out in Iran and a family is killed, it will target these companies in the region starting tomorrow night, due to the Pentagon and Mossad's misuse of American IT companies for widespread assassinations in Iran. It has asked all employees of these companies to stay one kilometer away from these centers. Israel and the United States have destroyed a pharmaceutical company in Iran that manufactures anti-cancer drugs.... When I looked at the name of the company, I saw that I had been purchasing cancer drugs from this company for about a year for my wife, who died a few years ago. The morale here is getting higher and higher every day. Last night, I saw a woman whose eight people, including her children, husband, and son-in-law, had all been killed in an airstrike. She was holding a flag on her shoulder and walking firmly in the street, chanting slogans. This afternoon, I went to a large municipal grocery store with my two grandchildren to buy some chips and biscuits for them, but I saw that the street was closed and they said that it had been bombed and destroyed earlier in the morning. We had no choice but to buy from a smaller store. When idiots start a war that has no strategy and they are only fooled by propaganda that they paid for themselves, this is the result. Killing civilians and destroying infrastructure. The arrogance of dictators in history has always backfired. Neither Napoleon nor Hitler cared about the cold and frost in Moscow. Saddam, like Trump, wanted to take over Iran in a week. For those who do not seek material things and nightclubs, death with dignity is more important than stock market and oil indices. The power of Western materialism comes from scaring other nations, which does not work for our nation. If I were Trump, I would take the expenses of this futile war from Pahlavi and Netanyahu until the last day. Now I'm posting a short video at the bottom of this page of the countless people on the street that I just saw. And when I return home from the street late at night, I'll try to find and buy two different fruit-flavored candies for my grandchildren to make them happy when they wake up in the morning. Believe me, these are the greatest joys of a grandfather these days. Seeing the sparkle of joy in the eyes of my grandchildren, of course, if the brutal bombings of those who were supposed to liberate us don't prevent me and my family from seeing the morning. Peace Habib"

"The 33rd day of the war, Thursday. Today is Nature Day in our Iranian calendar, and on the 13th of Farvardin every year, all people leave their homes with their families and go to the deserts and mountains. Some plant trees and plants. And it is considered a day of celebration. For the sake of my two little grandchildren, I and my two daughters decided to go to Jamshidieh Park with all the risks and spend today with the children. We had just spread a carpet when the news came that in Karaj, on Trump's orders, two new bridges in Iran were destroyed and people who had come to the nature ceremony on the sides of the bridge were killed and injured. Lunch became bitter in our mouths. For three days, ordinary people have been registering on a site to defend the threatened islands, and the number has so far reached more than six million men and women. Yesterday and today, Iran's Pasteur Institute, after more than a hundred years of work to produce vaccines, was completely destroyed by American bombs. During the Corona period, this institute's Iranian vaccines saved our people, including me and my family, despite the sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe. I really don't know what the definition of a war crime is from the perspective of Western governments anymore. Before sunset, when I was returning from Jamshidieh Park with my grandchildren, we ate a zart over the fire together. How much in times of war and facing death, the taste of everything changes, even a simple zart" Peace Habib

The US-Israeli war on science is an assault on our future.

New documentary on te largest polluting entity: the military

Even CNN now reports on colonial settler/soldier violence in the West Bank.

The Palestine Museum US and the Palestine History Tapestry (PHT) worked with Palestinian women artisans from across Palestine and the diaspora, to express the Gaza genocide through the Palestinian tradition of tatreez embroidery. You can support the creation and unveiling of this important work.

What is the common thread of all these people: Folke Bernadotte, Herbert Stanley Morrison Moyne, Kamal Adwan, Kamal Nasser, Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Olof Palme, Zia-ul-Haq, Yasser Arafat, Charlie Kirk (and many more). All these people were known critics of Zionist influence. All killed. JFK.

Jeffrey Sachs.

and what about Trump's Brain.

Scott Ritter. Col. Larry Wilkerson.

Stay Humane, act, and keep hope and our planet alive

Mazin Qumsiyeh

A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home

Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History

Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine

facebook pages Personal Institute

French
Counterpoint Research said North Americas foldable smartphone market is growing quickly as rising competition and Apple Inc.s expected entry reshape the industry.

The firm reported on Thursday that the North American foldable smartphone market expanded 28% year-over-year in 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing regions globally.

Growing consumer awareness and improved accessibility drove demand as more OEMs introduced devices across the clamshell and book-type segments.

Don't Miss:

Competition Expands Beyond Samsung

The firm said the market has evolved beyond Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.s long-standing dominance into a more competitive, multi-layered landscape, driven by stronger carrier support and wider product availability.

Samsung remains the clear leader, capturing 51% of North Americas foldable smartphone shipments last year. However, intensifying competition has begun to chip away at its share.

The company continues to dominate the book-style segment, but its clamshell Galaxy Z Flip lineup is facing mounting pressure from Motorola. That challenge could deepen as Motorola prepares to launch its book-style Razr Fold this summer, setting up a more direct showdown with Samsung in both form factors.

Trending: This Startup Thinks It Can Reinvent the Wheel  Literally

Meanwhile, Motorola and Alphabet Inc.s Google reached record market shares of 44% and 5%, respectively, in 2025, signaling a rapidly shifting competitive balance.

Apples Entry Reshapes Strategy

Previously, Counterpoint said Apple is already influencing the market ahead of its foldable launch and projected it could capture 46% of the North American market share in 2026.

The firm attributed this positioning to Apples ecosystem and large-screen software capabilities, prompting rivals to shift toward larger, book-style foldables and refine their designs.

See Also: The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.91/Share Round  10,000+ Investors Are Already In

Growth Outlook Hinges On Market Shift

Counterpoint expects the foldable market to grow 20% year over year in 2026, but said Apples entry could determine how that growth is distributed.

While foldables currently account for just 1.6% of total smartphone shipments, OEMs are increasingly focusing on the segment to capture higher-margin opportunities.
Make better investment decisions with Simply Wall St's easy, visual tools that give you a competitive edge.

HMC Capitals fair value estimate has been trimmed from A$3.94 to A$3.83 per share, a small reset that keeps the focus on how analysts are fine tuning their view of the stock. The change sits against a backdrop of sector research pointing to higher raw material costs and geopolitical risk for auto related names, which is feeding into more cautious valuation work. As you read on, you will see how this updated price target fits into a broader narrative you can track over time.

Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value HMC Capital.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

 Bullish Takeaways

Morgan Stanley highlights Hondas broader auto and mobility exposure, which keeps the stock on the firms radar even as it takes a more selective approach to the group.

The new price target of 1,600 from Morgan Stanley still implies value tied to Hondas established automobile business and brand strength, even if the upside case is now more muted.

 Bearish Takeaways

Morgan Stanley analyst Hiroto Segawa downgraded Honda to Equal Weight from Overweight, signaling a more neutral stance on risk and reward at current levels.

The reduced Morgan Stanley target, cut from 2,000 to 1,600, reflects rising raw material costs and geopolitical risk for auto related names, factors the firm thinks could weigh on investor confidence.

Morgan Stanley comments that a re evaluation of Hondas automobile business could take time, which may limit how quickly sentiment and valuation can re rate.

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!

ASX:HMC 1-Year Stock Price Chart

We've flagged 1 risk for HMC Capital. See which could impact your investment.

What's in the News
The action was joined with a board dealt to a J845 turn, and roughly 32,000 in the pot.

James Fowler put a bet of 21,000 into the middle from the hijack, but was met with a raise to 55,000 from Ian Hamilton on the button. Fowler made the call, and the two headed to a river.

That river was the 3, and when Fowler checked, Hamilton moved all in, covering his opponent's remaining 165,000.

Fowler took his time to come to a decision, ultimately choosing to return his cards to the dealer and surrender the chips in the middle.
Shaun Deeb has reached heads-up play for the second time at the 2026 WSOP Europe festival. He finished runner-up in the 3,000 PLO Mixed earlier in the week and now holds a healthy lead as heads-up play gets underway.

Standing in his way is France's Gilles Silbernagel, with the pair battling for the bracelet and the 165,000 top prize.

If Deeb goes on to win, he will become the fastest player to reach nine WSOP bracelets, surpassing Phil Ivey's record. Ivey reached nine bracelets in 13 years, while Deeb would do it in just 11.
After the first ten levels of the 2026 WSOP Europe Main Event, EPT champion Aliaksei Boika topped the 336 players who bagged chips when play wrapped up inside King's Casino at Hilton Prague.

Boika, who has more than $2 million in WSOP earnings, was one of just two players to surpass the 400,000 mark, finishing the night with 424,500. Daan Mulders was the only other player to cross that threshold, bagging 416,500.

Two-time WSOP bracelet winners Antonio Galiana and Yuliyan Kolev also secured top-ten stacks, while perhaps the most recognizable name among the leaders was Erick Lindgren, who also owns two WSOP bracelets.

Through the opening stage of the event, 803 entries have already been recorded in the series marquee tournament, with players chasing a share of the 10 million guaranteed prize pool. With more flights still to come, that figure looks certain to be surpassed, and the record field of 817 entries, set in 2023, is undoubtedly under threat.

The reduced 5,300 buy-in has played a major role in boosting turnout, while the move to Prague  the historic City of Spires  has made the event far more accessible to international players.

WSOPE Main Event Day 1a Top 10 Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Aliaksei Boika Belarus 424,500 212 2 Daan Mulders Netherlands 416,500 208 3 Antonio Galiana Spain 399,000 200 4 Niklas Deitmer Germany 398,000 199 5 Sooraj Sairam India 385,500 193 6 Georgios Zisimopoulos Greece 368,000 184 7 Yuliyan Kolev Bulgaria 366,000 183 8 Erick Lindgren United States 356,500 178 9 Aleksandar Kozomara Montenegro 354,000 177 10 Mahersh Selvakumaran Netherlands 353,000 177

How the Day Started

Annette Obrestad

Before cards were in the air, Annette Obrestad, the first-ever WSOPE Main Event winner and still the youngest bracelet winner in WSOP history, was given the honor of delivering the traditional "Shuffle up and deal."

Obrestad, who returned to the felt in December after an eight-and-a-half-year break, said she was thrilled to be back on one of pokers biggest stages.

"Just being here and being able to play again, it's going to be so awesome. Thank you to the WSOP for flying me out and giving me this chance again," Obrestad told a packed room. "Good luck everybody, except for when you're playing against me of course. Let's just get this party started, shuffle up and deal!"

Despite taking a hiatus from poker, Obrestad proved she could still hang, and navigated the opening ten levels, finishing the session with 189,000, putting her in the top third of survivors.

Kings Cracked for First KO

Evan Muschetto

Weijiang Hu was the unfortunate soul to be take the "First Eliminated Player" title.

His pocket kings were cracked by the flopped set of threes that belonged to Evan Muschetto. The latter put in a check-raise on a 9-5-3 flop, which Hu called.

After Muschetto continued firing on a brick turn, Hu jammed for just under starting stack and quickly saw the bad news.

There was no saving grace on the river for Hu and his cowboys were sent into the muck.

Flopped Quads in Five-Bet Pot

Kasparas Klezys

Pocket kings appeared to be the unlucky hand in the opening levels, and Frederik Reinert found that out in fairly amusing fashion.

After his five-bet was called by Kasparas Klezys, the chips piled in on a J-7-7 flop.

Reinart turned over his overpair but was basically drawing dead as Klezys held the other two sevens in his hand.

A king on the turn brought on the prospect of one of the worst beats imaginable, but Klezys survived to get back to starting stack.

Reinert (79,000) and Klezys (91,500) did both manage to make over the first hurdle, so at least both players have an enjoyable Day 1a anecdote.

Kabrhel Raises Eyebrows

As expected, a part of the day became the Martin Kabrhel show, but not everyone appeared pleased with the five-time bracelet winner's antics.

David "ODB" Baker, a four-time bracelet winner with nearly $10 million in The Hendon Mob cashes, seems to be at wits end with Kabrhel.

Baker tweeted that Kabrhel has been "screaming every 2 minutes," which has led to player complaints and the floor managers to issue warnings.

"ODB's" sentiments have been shared by many others, including Texas poker player Kimberly Stone who called for the WSOP to "please put him on official warning and start issuing immediate punishment."

Main Event players can expect more of the same tomorrow, as Kabrhel burned through several bullets, failing to find an end of night bag.

Plan for Day 1b

Day 1b begins at noon local time, and like Day 1a, players must make it through ten 60-minute levels to bag chips for Day 2. Each player is given a 60,000 starting, and blinds start at 100/200 and a 200 big blind ante.

Late registration remains open throughout the flights and will close at the end of Level 12, two levels into Day 2. Players are allowed up to two reentries per flight.

Main Event Remaining Schedule

Day Date Time Blind Levels 1b April 4 12 p.m. 60 minutes 1c April 5 12 p.m. 60 minutes 2 April 6 12 p.m. 90 minutes 3 April 7 12 p.m. 90 minutes 4 April 8 12 p.m. 90 minutes 5 April 9 12 p.m. 90 minutes 6 April 10 12 p.m. 90 minutes

As always, stay tuned to PokerNews to keep up with all the action from the 2026 WSOP Europe festival.
Shaun Deeb has brushed off his earlier heads-up defeat in the COLOSSUS and taken his seat in the WSOP Europe Main Event.

Just like in every tournament hes entered here in Prague, Deeb is already building a stack. He has turned the 60,000 starting stack into 260,000 heading into the dinner break.

Deeb previously finished third in the 2022 WSOP Europe Main Event, and looks to be off to another strong start in the series showpiece.
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%.
To tackle its ongoing financial strain, Sleep Number rolled out its biggest product reset in nearly a decade last month. The company cut its lineup from 12 to just seven beds, regrouping them into three simplified collections - ComfortMode, ComfortNext, and Climate - to make its offerings more clear and focused.

The companys platform is built on nearly four decades of innovation, supported by more than 1,000 patents and pending patents, along with billions of hours of sleep data. To date, Sleep Number says it has served over 16 million customers. Its vertically integrated model spans design, manufacturing, and delivery, aiming to maintain control over product quality, durability, and ongoing customer support.

Founded in 1987, Minnesota-based Sleep Number positions itself as a leader in personalized sleep wellness, with mattresses engineered to adapt to individual sleepers over time. Its products feature adjustable firmness, pressure-relieving support, and temperature-balancing capabilities, allowing the beds to respond to users changing needs night after night and over the long term.

As the clock ticks and the company races to avoid bankruptcy, could this beaten-down stock become the next meme rally candidate?

In fact, management is now scrambling to stabilize the business. During the earnings call, CFO Amy OKeefe said the company is working with advisors to address its credit facility and explore alternatives, including refinancing and evaluating inbound interest. Additionally, it has tapped Guggenheim Securities to assess strategic options.

Shares of bedding manufacturer and retailer Sleep Number Corporation (SNBR) have been in deep trouble for a while, and now the pressure is mounting fast. The company is scrambling for rescue financing to avoid bankruptcy, as weak housing demand, rising competition, tariffs, and falling showroom traffic continue to drag down sales. And the warning signs are hard to ignore. In its annual filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission last month, Sleep Number warned there is substantial doubt about its ability to stay in business, pointing to heavy debt, weak sales, and the risk of breaching financial covenants.

Story Continues

Management says early customer response has been positive, with buyers drawn to improved comfort, better materials, and personalized adjustability at more attractive price points. The company believes this early momentum could support its broader turnaround efforts. However, despite its positioning and ongoing turnaround efforts, the pressure is clearly reflected in Sleep Number stock.

Now sitting at a market capitalization of roughly $39.1 million, the shares have been crushed, plunging an eye-watering 79.58% in 2025. And the slide has only accelerated in 2026. With bankruptcy fears intensifying, the stock has nosedived another 83.39% so far this year, underscoring the severity of the companys challenges and the quick deterioration of investor confidence.

www.barchart.com

Sleep Numbers Q4 Earnings Snapshot

On March 12, Sleep Number reported its fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter results, and the numbers did little to reassure investors. A much wider-than-expected loss and mounting concerns around its financial health triggered a sharp 20% sell-off in the stock. For the quarter, net sales declined 8% year-over-year (YOY) to $347 million, weighed down by continued weakness in the mattress industry and lower showroom traffic. The only bright spot was that revenue still managed to come in ahead of Wall Streets $328.7 million estimate.

However, losses deepened significantly. The company reported a net loss of $59 million, compared to just $5 million in the same period last year, although a large part of this was tied to a $47.9 million deferred tax adjustment. On a per-share basis, the pain was even more pronounced, with a GAAP loss of $2.55 per share, far worse than last years $0.21 loss and well below Wall Streets expected $0.55 loss. Also, profitability took a hit. Gross profit fell to $193 million, down $32 million YOY, while gross margin contracted to 55.6% from 59.9%.

This decline was largely driven by a $9.6 million inventory obsolescence charge linked to the rollout of its new product lineup. More concerning were the balance sheet pressures. The company ended the quarter with $942.5 million in debt against just $1.69 million in cash, a stark imbalance for a business already operating at a loss, raising serious doubts about its ability to sustain operations without additional capital.

Despite the bleak picture, management pointed to aggressive cost-cutting efforts as part of its turnaround plan. The company has already achieved $185 million in annualized savings through a leaner corporate structure and more efficient marketing, with another $50 million in fixed cost reductions currently underway. CEO Linda Findley also noted that Sleep Number met its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $78 million. However, reflecting the scale of ongoing changes, management chose not to provide any specific guidance for 2026.

Analysts' View of Sleep Number Stock

Given the companys current fragile position, Wall Streets cautious stance comes as little surprise. Sleep Number currently carries a consensus Hold rating, and notably, that view is unanimous across all five analysts covering the stock. Nevertheless, the upside projections tell a different story. The average price target of $4.50 implies a potential surge of over 248.8%, while the Street-high target of $5 suggests the stock could rally nearly 287.6% from current levels, highlighting the high-risk, high-reward nature of this deeply beaten-down name.

www.barchart.com

www.barchart.com

The Bottom Line

With Sleep Number buckling under heavy losses, towering debt, and rapidly eroding sales, the fundamentals point to a company in serious distress. Yet, paradoxically, that very collapse could make SNBR fertile ground for a meme-style surge, where sentiment, not fundamentals, drives sharp, short-lived rallies. While bankruptcy risks loom large and the downside remains significant, the stocks extreme volatility and deeply discounted levels could attract speculative traders, making it a high-risk, high-reward play that deserves a spot on investors radar.

On the date of publication, Anushka Mukherji 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
Walmart is shuttering two fulfillment centers as the retail giant further restructures its supply chain.

The company is closing an e-commerce fulfillment center in the Chicago suburb of Matteson, Ill., impacting 111 employees, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice filed March 27. The closure comes as Walmart relocates operations at the warehouse to its 1.1-million-square-foot next-gen fulfillment center in Chicago-area Joliet, Ill.

More from WWD

Employees were informed of the closure of the 150,000-square-foot ORD facility in February and will have an opportunity to transfer to other facilities nearby or nationwide.

Additionally, Walmart is closing a Sams Club fulfillment center in Worcester, Mass., according to a March 29 WARN notice. Ninety employees will be impacted by the 138,000-square-foot sites closure.

Both facilities used to be Sams Club stores before being shuttered in 2018. One year later they were revived and converted to fulfillment centers for online orders.

Layoffs at both facilities are expected to begin May 29. A Walmart spokesperson says all impacted employees will be able to work at another location.

Affected employees may be eligible for a $7,500 transfer bonus and relocation assistance, along with on-the-job training using advanced fulfillment technology, a Walmart spokesperson said. Those who dont request a move are eligible for severance pay.

Well continue working one-on-one with each individual to help them find the best path forward, the spokesperson said.

The closures reflect Walmarts shifting supply chain strategy, which has resulted in faster delivery along with a profitable e-commerce operation. The shifts to automation have enabled the retail giant to manage inventory more tightly and keep fulfillment costs down.

Walmart has been retrofitting dozens of distribution centers with robotics and automation technologies in recent years, with a target completion date of 2030. According to the company, supply chain investments are expected to peak in 2026 and 2027.

In Walmart U.S., approximately 60 percent of stores are receiving some freight from automated distribution centers, with roughly 50 percent of e-commerce fulfillment center volume being automated.

The closures also come as the company goes bigger elsewhere in its fulfillment network. In February, Walmart acquired a 1.2-million-square-foot warehouse in East Hartford, Conn. for $212.6 million. And back in October 2025, the Bentonville behemoth was confirmed to be pouring $300 million into the construction of another 1.2-million-square-foot fulfillment center in Kings Mountain, N.C.
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Coty Inc. ("Coty" or the "Company") (NYSE:COTY). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Coty and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until May 22, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Coty securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On February 4 and 5, 2026, Coty announced its financial results for the second quarter fiscal year 2026, which included disappointing results with worsening performance in the Consumer Beauty segment. The Company also noted the recent transition of its Chief Executive Officer in conjunction with the below-expectation results. Coty further withdrew its fiscal year 2026 guidance for EBITDA and revised the Company's near-term outlook downward. Coty attributed its results and lowered guidance to a combination of macroeconomic factors including rising costs and uncertain consumer demand and lack of "operational discipline" in both Prestige and Consumer Beauty segments.On this news, Coty's stock price fell $0.77 per share, or 22.45%, over two trading sessions, to close at $2.66 per share on February 6, 2026.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 3, 2026 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Camping World Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CWH) between April 29, 2025 and February 24, 2026, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important May 11, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Camping World securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Camping World class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=55841 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 11, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about Camping World Holdings' business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Camping World overstated its ability to "surgically manage [its] inventory" to optimize profit using "data analytics;" (2) Camping World overstated the retail demand of consumers it was experiencing and/or reasonably expected; (3) as a result, Camping World would require "strict, corrective inventory management objectives," negatively impacting gross profit and margins; (4) Camping World's inadequate systems and processes prevented it from ensuring reasonably accurate disclosures and/or guidance, including about the health of its balance sheet and/or the ability to manage Selling, General & Administrative ("SG&A") expenses; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Camping World's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Camping World class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=55841 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
The United States and Israels war on Iran entered its sixth week on Saturday with no prospect of a ceasefire in sight.

Tehran claimed responsibility for shooting down two American military aircraft and rejected a United States proposal for a temporary halt to hostilities.

Iran said it downed an F-15E Strike Eagle over the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces and an A-10 Warthog over the Gulf in what officials in Tehran described as proof that the countrys military capabilities remain formidable despite weeks of sustained bombardment.

Two American crew members were rescued, while one airman remained missing, triggering a major search and rescue operation, according to United States media reports confirmed by the White House.

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The incidents marked the first time American aircraft have been downed since the war began on February 28 and came barely two days after President Donald Trump declared in a national address that the United States had beaten and completely decimated Iran and was preparing to finish the job, and finish it very fast.

The downing of US aircraft demonstrates that Iran retains the capability to confront American and Israeli forces, Al Jazeera said, quoting a senior official in Tehran, adding that reports of the countrys military collapse were premature and politically motivated.

Crowds took to the streets in Tehran to celebrate what state authorities characterised as a major military victory.

Casualty toll

The human cost of the conflict continues to mount.

At least 2,076 people have been killed and more than 26,500 wounded in Iran since the war began, according to Iranian authorities.

Across Iran, Lebanon, Israel and other parts of the region, the total number of dead and displaced runs into the thousands, with no end to the fighting in sight.

Diplomacy

Diplomacy efforts have all but collapsed at the moment.

Irans semi-official news agency, Fars, reported on Friday that Tehran had rejected a United States proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire. Washington neither confirmed nor denied the report, which cited an unnamed source.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian questioned whether the United States was negotiating in good faith, accusing Washington of hypocrisy. He challenged the international community to judge which side engages in dialogue and negotiation, and which in terrorism, remarks made in the wake of an attack that killed the wife of a senior Iranian official.

Mr Pezeshkian also said he had spoken with Finlands president about Mr Trumps threat to bomb Iran back to the Stone Age, calling the remark an admission of intent to commit a massive war crime and warning against international neutrality in the face of what he described as an existential threat.

Iran executes opposition members.

In the latest targeting of political dissidents during the war, Iran executed two men on Saturday morning after the Supreme Court upheld convictions linking them to the Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI/MEK), a banned opposition group.

The court found them guilty of membership and armed rebellion through involvement in multiple terrorist acts.

The executions drew no immediate international response.

The Gulf

The war has extended into the Persian Gulf with mounting frequency.

In Abu Dhabi, an Egyptian national was killed, and four others were wounded after debris from an intercepted Iranian attack sparked a fire at a gas complex on Friday.

Kuwait reported Iranian strikes on an oil refinery and a desalination plant, though Tehran denied targeting the water facility.

In Bahrain, four people were injured and several homes were damaged in the Sitra area after shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian drone fell on residential buildings. Bahrains Defence Ministry later confirmed that the country had recorded eight drone attacks in the preceding 24 hours, bringing the total number of projectiles fired at the country since the start of the war to 188 missiles and 453 drones.

Bahrain hosts the US Navys 5th Fleet.

Hormuz Stranglehold

United States intelligence reports warn that Iran is unlikely to reopen the Strait of Hormuz anytime soon, as Tehran regards its grip on the worlds most critical oil artery as its primary source of leverage over Washington, according to a Reuters report.

The findings suggest that Iran could continue throttling the strait to keep energy prices elevated as a means of pressuring Trump to seek a swift exit from a war that polling shows remains deeply unpopular with American voters.

The reports also signal that the conflict originally intended to cripple Irans military may have inadvertently strengthened Tehrans regional influence by demonstrating its ability to hold the global oil supply hostage.

Italy discusses military assistance with Saudi Arabia.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday to discuss the defensive military assistance Italy is providing against Iranian reprisals.

The statement from her office did not specify the nature of the assistance but noted that both sides discussed diplomatic efforts to end the war and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.

Ms Meloni was set to continue her tour with visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, marking the first visit by a European Union leader to the Gulf since the war began.

Food prices climb

Beyond the battlefield, the conflicts economic ripple effects are being felt globally. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said its Food Price Index rose 2.4 per cent in March, reflecting the impact of the war on international commodity markets.
For some people, the persistent throbbing in the temples or tightening pressure across the forehead, commonly described as a headache, is one of the most familiar health experiences.

Often dismissed as a minor discomfort, experts warn that recurring headaches may signal underlying health conditions requiring proper medical attention.

Speaking with PT Health Watch, a medical officer, Happiness Akinde, said such persistent headaches should not be ignored, particularly when they begin to interfere with daily life.

When headaches become chronic

Giving further details, Ms Akinde explained that a headache is considered chronic when it occurs on 15 or more days in a month for at least three consecutive months.

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According to her, this goes beyond the occasional discomfort many people experience and signals a condition that needs proper clinical evaluation.

At this stage, it is no longer something to manage casually. There is usually an underlying issue that needs to be identified, she said.

She added that many people continue to self-medicate without realising that the frequency of their headaches places them in a high-risk category.

Recognising migraine symptoms

One of the most common forms of chronic headache is migraine, which Ms Akinde said has clear distinguishing features.

Unlike general headaches, migraines are often described as throbbing or pulsating and can last anywhere between four and 72 hours.

They are typically felt on one side of the head, although in some cases both sides may be affected. In addition to the pain, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound.

She noted that some individuals also experience what is known as an aura before the onset of the headache. This may involve visual disturbances such as flashing lights or blurred vision.

Overlooked causes in everyday settings

Beyond migraines, Ms Akinde stressed that many chronic headaches in Nigeria are linked to commonly overlooked causes.

She said factors such as dehydration, untreated infections like malaria, anaemia, and undiagnosed hypertension frequently contribute to persistent headaches.

She also highlighted medication overuse as a significant but under-recognised factor, particularly in settings where access to over-the-counter drugs is easy.

People often treat the symptom without asking why it keeps happening. If the root cause is not addressed, the headache will persist, she said.

When treatment becomes the problem

Ms Akinde warned that the frequent use of painkillers, especially common drugs like paracetamol and diclofenac, can paradoxically worsen headaches over time.

She explained that medication-overuse headache affects about one to two per cent of the general population and up to half of individuals already living with chronic headaches.

According to her, repeated use of these medications alters how the brain processes pain, making it more sensitive and dependent on the drugs. As a result, headaches tend to return once the effect of the medication wears off, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.

This is why people feel the need to keep taking more medication. Unfortunately, it only sustains the problem, she said.

Links to other health conditions

While chronic headaches may be associated with conditions such as hypertension and anaemia, Ms Akinde cautioned against assuming a direct cause without proper diagnosis.

She explained that severely elevated blood pressure can trigger headaches, while anaemia may present with fatigue and general head discomfort. However, these symptoms vary from person to person.

The key is proper evaluation. We should not rely on assumptions because different conditions can present in similar ways, she said.

She advised individuals with persistent headaches to seek care at a healthcare facility where appropriate tests can be conducted to determine the cause.

Warning signs that require urgent care

Ms Akinde emphasised that certain types of headaches should never be ignored, as they may indicate serious or life-threatening conditions.

These include a sudden, severe headache often described as the worst ever, headaches accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, or confusion, and those that occur after a head injury.

She also mentioned headaches associated with vision problems, weakness, or seizures as red flags requiring immediate medical attention.

Managing headaches safely

On prevention and management, Ms Akinde encouraged simple but consistent lifestyle practices.

She advised individuals to maintain regular sleep patterns, stay adequately hydrated, and manage stress effectively.

She also recommended keeping a headache diary to help identify possible triggers, noting that awareness of patterns can significantly improve management.

Importantly, she cautioned against the frequent use of painkillers without medical supervision, stressing that moderation is key to avoiding complications such as medication-overuse headaches.

Ms Akinde reiterated that while headaches are common, persistent or severe cases should not be taken lightly, as early intervention can prevent more serious health outcomes.

What global evidence shows

A review of global health data supports many of the concerns raised by Ms Akinde.

Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that headache disorders are among the most common neurological conditions worldwide, yet they remain under-recognised and poorly treated.

The WHO notes that migraine, one of the leading causes of chronic headaches, typically presents as recurring attacks lasting between four and 72 hours, often accompanied by nausea as well as sensitivity to light and sound.

On medication use, global studies confirm that excessive reliance on painkillers can worsen headaches rather than relieve them.

The WHO identifies medication-overuse headache as one of the most common secondary headache disorders, caused by frequent use of drugs intended to treat headaches.

Similarly, clinical evidence from the US National Library of Medicine shows that this condition occurs when pain relief medications are used too often, leading to headaches that appear 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, of acting in contempt of court over his comments warning the party against proceeding with its planned congresses and national convention.

In a statement on Friday by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party rejected remarks made by Mr Amupitan during an interview with Arise Television, where he cautioned that conducting such activities could violate existing court orders.

The ADC described INECs position as a wilful distortion of the Court of Appeals directive to maintain the status quo, arguing that the commission had overstepped its supervisory role.

The party said it would continue with its planned congresses and national convention, arguing that they remain lawful and unaffected by the court order.

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The ADC reiterates that its right to organise congresses and hold its national convention is constitutionally guaranteed and has not been lawfully suspended by any court, the statement added.

Dispute over court interpretation

The party said the INEC chairperson misapplied the legal doctrine of status quo ante bellum, insisting that the courts preservation order was not intended to halt internal party activities.

The preservation order is intended to prevent actions that would irreversibly alter the subject matter of litigation, not to paralyse the internal functioning of a political party, the statement said.

ADC further argued that determining what constitutes the status quo is a matter strictly for the courts, not an administrative body like INEC.

It maintained that no court order had expressly barred it from holding congresses or conventions, adding that democratic processes within a political party should continue unless specifically restrained by a competent court.

The party also faulted INECs position that it could not monitor its activities due to pending litigation, describing it as a misunderstanding of the commissions statutory role.

The ADC said INECs absence at its congresses does not invalidate the activities.

According to the statement, INECs duty to monitor party processes is triggered upon proper notification and does not determine the legality of such activities.

By conflating its monitoring function with the validity of the processes themselves, INEC effectively places itself above the law, the party said.

The ADC added that internal disputes within political parties are common in democratic systems and do not justify halting their constitutional functions.

Background

INEC and the ADC have disagreed since the former announced it would no longer recognise the partys leadership until the Federal High Court in Abuja decided on a lawsuit before it, where the leadership of the party is currently being contested.

The dispute emerged after the former vice-national chairperson of the ADC, Nafiu Bala, challenged David Marks emergence as National President.

Mr Bala argued that he should be the national chairperson, following the resignation of Ralph Nwosu, who previously headed the party. Mr Bala is challenging this at the Federal High Court.

On 18 September 2025, Mr Marks group filed an interlocutory appeal at the Court of Appeal, which was dismissed on 12 March.

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 this 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.
Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike said he would have shot a Channels TV journalist, Seun Okinbaloye, for suggesting that President Bola Tinubu and the APC were plotting to create a one-party state in Nigeria.

Mr Wike made the remarks on Friday while speaking with journalists in Abuja which was broadcast live on various TV stations.

Okinbaloyes comments

Following the controversial de-recognition of David Mark-led national executive of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Okinbaloye, while anchoring Channels TVs Politics Today on Thursday, expressed concern over the consequences of Nigeria transiting into a one-party state.

I am particularly pained because what makes the race (elections) very interesting is when it is competitive, not when only one party stands in the middle of the ballot.

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There are a lot of experienced men in the ADCparticularly, it (ADC) looks like one of the hopes of the opposition going into 2027, the journalist said.

If this hope is dashed, we are doomed democratically.

Wike fumes

In his reaction, Mr Wike said he would have shot Mr Okinbaloye for allegedly taking a position on the issue of a one-party state and the ADC leadership crisis.

I was surprised yesterday (Thursday); totally surprised when I was watching Politics Today. Seun (Okinbaloye), if there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him, the FCT minister said.

He contended that, as a journalist, Mr Okinbaloye was not supposed to present his personal opinion, maintaining that such conduct is unprofessional.

You are an interviewer; you are now telling them your own views which means you have already taken a position, he stated.

Mr Wike, however, clarified later that he had no intention to physically harm Mr Okinbaloye, but his expression was borne out of anger over the journalists conduct.

Withdraw it now and apologise, Amnesty International reacts

Reacting to the incident in a statement on Saturday, Amnesty International Nigeria described Mr Wikes remarks as reckless and violent.

The human rights group explained that the remarks from the FCT minister violated Nigerias broadcasting code.

It noted that the National Broadcasting Commission is tasked to enforce the code.

What Wike said carries the danger of normalizing violence and encouraging the targeting of journalists for just doing their job.

This level of violent intent coming from a member of Nigerias federal cabinet is unlawful and unacceptable, Amnesty said.

The group asked the FCT minister to withdraw the statement and apologise immediately.

The Nigerian authorities must stop condoning such lawless acts when they come from those close to power or the ruling party, it said.
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has criticised President Bola Tinubus visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, to commiserate with victims of the Palm Sunday attack.

Dozens of people were killed last Sunday in Angwan Rukuba area of Jos, while several others sustained injuries after gunmen stormed the area and opened fire on them. The exact number of casualties remains unclear, and no terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Witnesses said the attackers infiltrated a popular local bar, posing as customers before opening fire on those inside. Others reportedly arrived in vehicles and began shooting at people gathered at a roadside market and a nearby church, where residents had assembled to celebrate Palm Sunday.

Jos, located in Nigerias Middle Belt, has a long history of conflict between predominantly Christian farming communities and mostly Muslim herders. Although violence often occurs in rural areas, the city has also witnessed major clashes in the past, including the 2010 crisis that left hundreds dead over a three-month period.

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the killings and urged the government to take proactive measures to address insecurity across the country.

On Friday, President Tinubu visited Plateau State to commiserate with victims and assured residents that such attacks would not recur.

However, reacting to the visit, the Turaki-led PDP faction said the presidents trip offered little comfort to grieving families and criticised his remarks as lacking empathy and diplomacy.

The Presidents insensitivity and inhumanity were on full display. His impatience with the audience was glaring when he declared that the airport does not have light and that he had only 10 minutes before flying back to Abuja. His visit and words offered no succour to the victims. Instead, his contempt for the people was revealed. His words were not diplomatic and very far from soothing. This is not how to lead, the factions spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, said in a statement on Friday.

The faction described the visit as performative and superficial, arguing that it would have been better for the president to remain in Abuja than to make a disgraceful display.

We wholly condemn this performative and superficial show by the Presidency. It would have been better for President Tinubu to have stayed back in Abuja than to mount this disgraceful display that added salt to the injury of the victims of this massacre.

The Presidents inability to leave the airport is clearly linked to the untamed insecurity that has overwhelmed the nations security agencies. That the President himself fears venturing into Plateau State is a damning indication of the hopelessness into which the Tinubu APC-led administration has plunged this country, he added.

Mr Ememobong also called on the president to adopt community engagement strategies as part of efforts to curb insecurity nationwide.
Suspected armed robbers invaded the residence of Mustapha Saddiq, publisher of Katsina Post, in Batagarawa Local Government Area of Katsina State, in the early hours of Saturday, injuring him during the attack.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. when three masked men scaled the fence and broke a padlock to gain entry into the compound, according to Sadiq Bindawa, co-publisher of the online publication.

Mr Bindawa told PREMIUM TIMES that the attackers engaged Mr Saddiq in a physical struggle and inflicted wounds on him with a sharp object, believed to be a knife, dagger or machete.

The journalist was taken to a government hospital in Katsina State, where he is currently receiving treatment.

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The victims wife reportedly saw one of the attackers armed with a gun, although no shots were fired during the raid. The assailants fled with Mr Saddiqs mobile phone and his vehicle.

The stolen vehicle was later abandoned in Abukur, Rimi Local Government Area of the state.

The chairman of Rimi Local Government informed us that the car was found and recovered, and we are already in contact with the police, Mr Bindawa said.

The Batagarawa Police Division has commenced investigation into the incident.

Efforts to get a reaction from the spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Aliyu, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls as at the time of filing this report.

No other member of the household was injured in the attack.
Shares of China's burgeoning electric vehicle maker, Nio (NYSE: NIO), are up 16% this week after the company announced better-than-expected March vehicle delivery figures.

Nio delivered 35,486 vehicles in March -- a 136% increase from last year and a 71% increase over February. This delivery growth was well-balanced across Nio's three major brands:

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 

the company's premium Nio brand grew deliveries 120% year over year, and equaled roughly 60% of total deliveries in March

its mid-tier Onvo label saw deliveries rise 43%

Nio's newer, entry-level Firefly brand grew deliveries by 130% compared to February

For the first quarter of 2026, Nio's deliveries grew 96% year over year, exceeding the high end of management's expectations. What makes this stellar delivery growth even more intriguing is that it comes just three weeks after Nio reported Q4 earnings, during which the company achieved profitability for the first time in its history. With its premium Nio brand continuing to lead this delivery growth charge -- remaining the company's best-selling brand -- it's entirely possible that Nio's margins continue to improve.

Adding further excitement to the stock, the quickly growing EV maker opened its first "Nio House" outside of China, opening a store in Costa Rica. All three of its brands will be sold there, and the move represents Nio's first major foothold in the Americas as it continues to expand globally.

After growing sales by 76% in Q4 -- while reaching profitability -- it will be interesting to see what Nio's Q1 2026 results will be, given that its vehicle delivery growth accelerated in during the quarter. While I tend to avoid buying Chinese stocks due to regulatory and structural investment risks, Nio remains an intriguing growth stock, trading at just 1.2 times sales and poised to become increasingly profitable.

Should you buy stock in Nio right now?

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The Police Command in Enugu State has rescued a kidnapped female victim (name withheld) and killed a suspect in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesman of the command, Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Saturday in Enugu that the feat was achieved on Friday.

Mr Ndukwe said exhibits recovered from the gang included five rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, one long machete, one short dagger, four mobile phones and four torch lights.

Other exhibits are two power banks, two memory cards, the sum of N51,700 cash, assorted food items, spoons, clothing materials, face caps and other items.

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Mr Ndukwe said the successful rescue operation followed the receipt of credible information on the abduction of the victim at about 3.30 p.m. within Ezimo Community in Udenu Local Government Area.

On the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Udenu Division promptly mobilised a joint security team.

The team comprised police operatives, soldiers of the Nigerian Army, Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards, who trailed the suspects to Agu Orba Forest along the Ohebe-Orba axis of Udenu Local Government Area.

Upon sighting the operatives, the hoodlums opened fire, but the operatives responded with superior firepower, neutralising one of the suspects, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

Consequently, the kidnapped victim was successfully rescued unhurt, debriefed and reunited with her family, he said.

The spokesman said the intensive operation was ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

He said the commissioner commended the bravery and synergy of the security operatives involved in the operation.

He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security efforts.
The senator representing Sokoto East District, Ibrahim Lamido, has said worsening insecurity and persistent bandit attacks on his constituents have compelled him to consider leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Lamido disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Friday.

He said several communities in his district have been overrun by bandits, leading to widespread displacement and destruction of livelihoods.

The lawmaker blamed what he described as the federal governments inadequate response to the crisis, noting that repeated efforts to draw attention to the situation and secure intervention had produced little outcome.

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Mr Lamido added that his decision was not driven by personal or political ambition but by the need to reflect the concerns of his constituents.

He said consultations with supporters, political associates and community leaders informed the move, with a consensus reached to seek an alternative political platform that prioritises security and grassroots development.

Although the senator did not name his next political destination, some of his allies who recently left the APC are reportedly aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Growing insecurity

Sokoto East Senatorial District, which comprises local government areas such as Sabon Birni, Isa and Rabah, is one of the epicentres of banditry in Nigerias North-west.

Armed groups have carried out repeated attacks on rural communities, resulting in killings, kidnappings and mass displacement of residents.

Despite ongoing military operations, sporadic attacks continue, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring towns in search of safety.

READ ALSO: Why I returned to PDP weeks after defecting to APC Ombugadu

Mr Lamido stressed that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government and urged authorities to intensify efforts to address the crisis.

He warned that continued inaction could deepen the humanitarian situation in Sokoto State and other affected parts of northern Nigeria.
The movement of former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a coalition platform increasingly viewed as a potential major opposition force against the All Progressive Congress (APC), has increased the tempo of Kanos politics.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the defection of the state governor, Abba Yusuf, from the NNPP to the APC on 26 January sent shockwaves through the Kwankwasiyya political movement led by Mr Kwankwaso.

The governors defection, alongside several key figures triggered uncertainty and raised questions about Mr Kwankwasos political future. Some observers even suggested that the development could signal the beginning of his political decline.

Mr Yusuf served as commissioner under Mr Kwankwaso between 2011 and 2015.

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Despite Mr Kwankwasos move to the ADC, opinions are divided over whether he can regain the political dominance in the state that he wielded in the NNPP.

A Kano resident, Abubakar Iro, told PREMIUM TIMES that he was skeptical about the former governors ability to maintain political influence.

Looking at how difficult it was for Kwankwaso to secure Abba Kabir Yusufs victory, after a prolonged legal battle, it will be tough for him to dislodge those in power now, especially after theyve aligned with Ganduje, Mr Iro said.

I still believe he remains one of the most influential political figures in Kano, but Abba now has performance credentials that voters may consider, he added.

On Mr Kwankwasos presidential ambition, Mr Iro argued that the path appears even more challenging.

It will be difficult for him to become president. First, he has to secure the ADC ticket, which is not as straightforward as it was in NNPP where he had total control. Even if he gets the ticket, facing Tinubu will be another major hurdle, he said.

What lies ahead for Kwankwaso in ADC?

Speaking exclusively to PREMIUM TIMES HAUSA in Kano, Ahmad Dukawa, a political scientist at Bayero University, Kano, described Mr Kwankwasos prospects within the ADC as relatively straightforward given Kanos political dynamics.

From all indications, he may not even contest himself, Mr Dukawa said. What he is likely to do is back a candidate for the Kano governorship to reclaim political control of the state.

He expressed confidence that Mr Kwankwaso could replicate his earlier success in installing a governor, as he did with Mr Yusuf.

Who could emerge as ADCs governorship candidate?

Attention has increasingly shifted to Nasiru Gawuna, APCs 2023 governorship candidate, who recently defected to the ADC.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Gawuna visited Mr Kwankwaso at his Miller Road residence several times including a day before joining the opposition party. Mr Kwankwaso personally accompanied him to receive his ADC membership card  a symbolic gesture widely interpreted as an endorsement.

At the event, supporters repeatedly chanted Kano sai Gawuna (We vote only for Gawuna in Kano), reinforcing speculation that he may emerge as the partys governorship candidate in 2027.

Mr Dukawa noted that Mr Gawunas defection significantly strengthens ADCs prospects in Kano.

He will likely secure either the governorship ticket or the deputy slot as part of a broader strategy to consolidate political strength, he said.

The political analyst described the emerging ADC structure in Kano to comprise three buildings and distinct blocs, which he metaphorically referred to as three hearts (murhu uku).

First, there is the Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil ADC bloc who introduced the party to Kano. Second, there is the Kwankwasiyya bloc following Kwankwasos entry, and finally the Gawuna bloc, which came alongside with other members of the Gandujiyya camp, he explained.

The three blocs could produce a formidable political force in Kano, he added.

Ibrahim Khalils bloc

However, questions remain about the role of Ibrahim Khalil, the cleric serving as a face of the ADC in Kano.

With his teeming followers as a religious figure, Mr Khalil is seen by some as a potential contender whose influence could complicate internal party calculations, particularly with Mr Gawuna certain to seek the governorship ticket.

Public sentiment on social media suggests growing support for Mr Gawunas candidature. However, some argue that Mr Khalils religious influence could enhance his own potential.

Yet, others believe Mr Kwankwaso is unlikely to favour a religious figure in such a political arrangement, given his long-standing reluctance to merge religion with partisan politics.

Performance as governor doesnt determine electoral victory in Kano  Dubawa

A key debate emerging in Kano is whether Governor Yusufs performance in office could secure him re-election in 2027.

Mr Dukawa expressed reservations about this assumption.

Without doubt, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf can point to tangible achievements, he said. However, history shows that performance alone does not determine electoral success in Kano.

He cited past electoral outcomes to support his argument.

Kwankwaso lost re-election during his first tenure not because he didnt perform. Shekarau completed two terms, yet his party lost  not due to lack of performance. Similarly, Ganduje was defeated in 2023 despite his record in office, he noted.

According to Mr Dukawa, the decisive factor in Kano politics is the strength of opposition forces.

Elections here are driven by the intensity of political contestation. A strong opposition can unseat an incumbent regardless of performance, he said.

He concluded that electoral outcomes ultimately depend on voter alignment and mobilisation.

In the end, it is the ballot that settles everything. Securing the support of the electorate remains the most critical factor in Kano politics, Mr Dukawa said.
The Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) has dismissed a staffer, Garba Ahmed, after it found he engaged in illegal upload of unqualified students for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

In a statement by its spokesperson, Ismaila Yauri, the university said the decision was ratified on Wednesday during the university governing councils 176th meeting.

The statement said his dismissal takes effect from 1 April, the date of the council meeting.

Malam Garba was found guilty of illegally uploading unqualified students for NYSC mobilisation, the statement said.

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The University Governing Council maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward acts of serious or gross misconduct.

Mr Ahmed had worked in the universitys registry department, where he had access to the list of graduates being mobilised for the NYSC.

Universities mobilised graduates who have met all requirements, including clearing their results and paying all fees. The results are validated by the university senate before onward transfer of the list to the registry, where Mr Ahmed worked.

NYSC withdrew illegally mobilised graduates

Two years ago, the management of the NYSC withdrew over 100 NYSC certificates after it found they had been fraudulently mobilised by the University of Calabar, Cross River State.

The university later told PREMIUM TIMES that it uncovered the fraud and notified the management of the NYSC, which withdrew the certificates.

According to the NYSC, 99 of them were illegally mobilised for the national service between 2021 and 2023, while the remaining two received exemption certificates.

The one-year national service is compulsory for Nigerian graduates who are 30 years old or below when completing their academic programmes. Those over 30 are issued exemption certificates.

NERD to the rescue

However, the Nigerian government has introduced the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) to verify and authenticate academic certificates for Nigerian graduates.

The NCVS issued by the Nigerian Education Repository and Databank (NERD) is now a compulsory certificate before anyone can be mobilised for the NYSC.

The NCVS will assign a national credential number (NCN) to all certificates issued by any Nigerian tertiary institution.

The government also said the NCVS will be used to verify the credentials of all new hires by the Nigerian government.
Three persons have been killed and another injured in a fresh attack in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, raising renewed concerns over security in the area.

Channels Television reported that the victims were ambushed at about 7 p.m. on Friday while returning home from Gero on a motorbike after visiting a mining site.

The victims were identified as Luka Pam, 36; Samuel Davou, 38; and Deme Saidu, 35. The attack has left the community in mourning.

Witnesses said the victims were part of a group of about 15 youths when gunmen opened fire, forcing them to flee.

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Dung Davou, a youth leader in Gyel, said the attack was sudden and chaotic.

We started hearing sporadic gunshots, and everyone scattered. Unfortunately, three of our people were killed, he said.

He called on authorities to urgently address what he described as repeated attacks on the community.

At the scene, the Chairperson of the Berom Youth Moulder Association, Solomon Dalyop, said the victims had gone out to observe Good Friday before they were killed on their way home.

These young men went to mark Good Friday and were returning home when they were ambushed and killed. This is heartbreaking, he said.

Mr Dalyop said community leaders had earlier raised concerns about suspicious movements in parts of the area during a recent security meeting with Fulani representatives and the military.

We were informed about suspicious movements around Gero, Rafin Bauna, and Dutsen Kura, and we warned our people to be vigilant, he said.

He warned that the situation could deteriorate further if urgent action is not taken.

If nothing serious is done, this may just be the beginning. Armed groups are taking over bushes across parts of Plateau, he added.

Residents said only the police responded after the attack, evacuating the injured victim to a hospital.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau State, Alfred Alabo, for official confirmation were unsuccessful. Calls to his phone were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

Pattern of recurring violence

The latest killings add to a string of violent incidents in Plateau State in recent days.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, where gunmen killed dozens of residents, triggering widespread outrage and security operations across the state.

The incident was followed by fresh tensions in parts of Jos, evacuation of students from the University of Jos, and increased deployment of security forces.

President Bola Tinubu also visited Plateau earlier this week, where he assured residents that the violence would not recur and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace.

This will not repeat itself, the president said during the visit.

Despite these assurances and ongoing military operations, residents say attacks continue to occur, raising questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.

Community members in Gyel have called for increased deployment of security personnel and sustained presence in vulnerable areas to prevent further loss of lives.

The incident underscores the fragile security situation in Plateau State, where repeated attacks have continued to affect rural and urban communities alike.
Workers at Seplat Energy have suspended the strike action they embarked upon on Friday amid concerns over pay increases.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that workers at the oil companys onshore and offshore facilities began the industrial action after the firm failed to meet their demands.

On Saturday, the workers union, under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), announced the suspension following written commitments by the company on pay-related issues, according to Reuters.

The strike had raised concerns about potential disruptions to oil and gas output at a time the Nigerian government is seeking to maximise production amid fluctuating global oil prices linked to the Middle East crisis.

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In a letter dated 4 April to Seplats Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown, PENGASSAN said it had directed its members to immediately suspend the industrial action after negotiations resumed with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

The union said discussions on the 2026 collective bargaining agreement would continue, with a target to resolve outstanding issues by 13 April.

Details of the workers demands remain unclear.

We can confirm that the union has suspended its notice of industrial action to allow negotiations to conclude on outstanding items within an agreed framework, Seplat spokesperson, Ogechukwu Udeagha, was quoted as saying.

Operations are recommencing at our various locations, he added.

Seplat is targeting production of up to 155,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) this year, up from an average of 131,506 boepd recorded in 2025, as it seeks to scale output while remaining a key gas supplier to Nigerias domestic power market.

The industrial action came despite the companys strong operational performance in 2025. Seplat reported a 150.4 per cent increase in revenue to N4 trillion, driven by expanded output and its first full year of offshore operations.

Average daily production rose by 148 per cent to 131,506 boepd, accounting for roughly 7 to 9 per cent of Nigerias total liquids output.

ALSO READ: Seplat workers begin indefinite strike over welfare concerns

Onshore production also increased by 14 per cent, supported by upgrades to the Sapele Gas Plant, which raised processing capacity to 90 million standard cubic feet per day.

Despite the revenue growth, profit expansion was constrained by rising costs, including higher tax obligations.

The companys projection to increase output to 155,000 boepd underscores the potential impact any prolonged disruption could have had on its operations.
The Nigerian army has sustained significant operational successes across various theatres, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of kidnap victims and arrest of criminal elements.

Operational updates made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicate that the military had sustained gains in the last 24 hours across theatres.

In Plateau, the reports said troops of Operation Enduring Peace neutralised three terrorists during an ambush in Wase Local Government Area and foiled an attack on civilians in Shendam, where injured victims were evacuated.

In Borno, it revealed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai thwarted an attempted improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the KondugaKawuri road, neutralising two terrorists and recovering weapons.

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According to the report, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist kingpin in Toungo, Adamawa, linked to kidnapping and attacks on security forces, as well as three logistics suppliers and a suspected kidnapper in Borno.

Under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops rescued 10 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Sokoto and Katsina, while also arresting five suspected cattle rustlers in Kebbi and recovering livestock.

In the South-East, troops recovered and safely detonated four improvised explosive devices in Abia, while arresting suspected cultists and gunrunners in Cross River and Ebonyi states.

In the Niger Delta, troops intercepted vandalised materials and a vehicle conveying about 900 litres of illegally refined petroleum products in Rivers, it stated.

The report further revealed that security agencies intervened in a communal clash between Afo natives and Fulani herders in Nasarawa State to prevent escalation.

Military authorities said operations remain ongoing nationwide to sustain pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements. (NAN)
Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has advised officers and men of the Nigerian Army not to be deterred by public criticisms in the ongoing fight against insecurity in the country.

Mr Shaibu gave the advice during a Special Easter Luncheon organised for personnel of the Joint Task Force-Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) on Saturday in Jos.

The COAS, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, the Commander, Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, thanked the personnel for paying the supreme sacrifice for the safety of Nigerians, while tasking them on professionalism.

We sincerely appreciate all your efforts. I know there are times you have been criticised; please, do not take that to heart. Instead, use it to reinforce yourself to do better for our country. Please, we should not be discouraged by what people say, for nothing comes easy, he said.

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Shaibu, who promised to continually prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of personnel and their families, said that such move would elicit optimal performance towards ending the security challenges in the country.

ALSO READ: Nigerian Army probes alleged extrajudicial killing in Maiduguri

Earlier, Folunsho Oyinlola, the Commander of JTF-OPEP and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, said that the luncheon was organised to appreciate officers and men of the operation.

The commander, who advised residents of Plateau to support his officers and men at all times, insisted that the ongoing fight against insecurity is a collective one.

Mr Oyinlola thanked the Plateau Government for its support to the security agencies in their bid towards tackling insecurity in the state.

He particularly thanked the Chief of Defence Staff and COAS for their unwavering support to the personnel of JTF-OPEP to succeed in their assignment.
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark, a former Senate President, has said it will take the partys internal crisis to foreign governments, international organisations, and human rights bodies to safeguard Nigerias democracy from drifting toward a one-party state.

The National Publicity Secretary of the faction, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

The ADC, which is positioning itself to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections and unseat President Bola Tinubu, is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis.

The opposition party is currently divided into two main factions, one led by Mr Mark, a former senate president, and the other by Nafiu Bala, a former vice chairman of the party.

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Patty presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and several others are members of the Marks faction, which former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, serves as national secretary.

On Wednesday, INEC suspended recognition of the leadership of both factions of the party.

The commission said its decision was based on a directive of the Court of Appeal, which ordered the warring factions to maintain the status quo ante bellum 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.

Mr Amupitan, however, defended the commissions action, insisting it was guided strictly by court orders and would remain in effect until overturned by the court.

The development has generated controversy in recent days, with several opposition figures accusing President Tinubu of attempting to entrench a one-party state, an allegation that, if true, could undermine Nigerias democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mr Abdullahi said the faction is expanding its international engagement by establishing a Special Representatives Network across key global capitals.

He added that the move comes amid increasing attacks on its members, attempts to undermine its leadership, and efforts to restrict political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

As part of our efforts to strengthen international engagement, we are establishing a Special Representatives Network across key global capitals to engage foreign governments, amplify credible information about Nigerias political environment, and counter one-sided government narratives.

This comes amid growing attacks on our members, attempts to undermine our leadership, and efforts to restrict political participation ahead of the 2027 General Elections, he said.

The spokesperson stated that the network will interface with foreign governments, international media, democracy institutions, and the Nigerian diaspora, providing regular briefings on political developments, human rights concerns, and electoral integrity.

Our representatives will engage foreign governments, international media, democracy institutions, and the Nigerian diaspora, providing regular briefings on political developments, human rights concerns, and electoral integrity  he said.

It also announced plans to launch a National Documentation Initiative to systematically track and report incidents affecting political participation across the country.

We are also launching a National Documentation Initiative to systematically track and report incidents affecting political participation across Nigeria.

From Washington DC to London, Brussels to Addis Ababa, ADC is building a global platform for accountability. Nigerias democracy must be seen, heard, and defended everywhere.
Finally, as mentioned earlier, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) defined the strong person not as one who throws others to the ground, but as the one who controls himself when he is angry. Violence is often a symptom of weakness and lack of self-control.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, the All-Knowing, All-Wise, ever Compassionate and Merciful towards His oppressed servants, and ever Mighty against the wrongdoers with a painful punishment. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, alone without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, the noble Prophet. May Allahs peace and blessings be upon him, his family, and all his Companions. To proceed:

Dear brothers and sisters! Know that peace is something that lives amongst us all but only a few have the ability to experience it in its entirety. It is a common misconception to think of peace as a natural occurrence. To be peaceful, one must invite peace into their life. In a world full of chaos and distractions, it is extremely important to practice this phenomenon and integrate it into your daily lifestyle. No doubt, Islam is a religion that promotes the principle of spreading peace across all realms of life so that one may be tranquil in their health, their wealth, the relationships they encounter and in their overall happiness.

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Did you know that the word Islam is derived from the Arabic root s-l-m, which is closely related to salam, meaning peace. This profound connection isnt coincidental; it showcases that the religion is structured to promote peace both internally and externally.

The Quran consists of several verses that encourage reconciliation, forgiveness, and kindness toward others. It teaches that peace in Islam is not just about the absence of conflict but also a state of wellbeing that promotes justice for oneself and others, tenderness when dealing with communities, and internal spiritual tranquillity.

Allah the Most High says:

And Allah invites to the Home of Peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path. [Quran, 10:25]

This Quranic verse highlights Allahs direct invitation to a life and afterlife rooted in peace. The path of Islam as a religion of peace isnt limited to personal piety, it extends to the ways Muslim believers interact with their communities and the wider world.

To truly understand the role of peace in Islam, one must look at the life and teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Often referred to as Rahmatan lil Alamin, a mercy to the worlds. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was a living and breathing spirit of peace in times of great turmoil. His conduct, even toward enemies, was marked by patience, forgiveness, and dignity.

One example of the Prophet Muhammads teaching on peace is the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah. Despite facing injustice and opposition, the Prophet agreed to terms that seemed disadvantageous to the Muslim believers, all in the interest of preventing bloodshed and promoting reconciliation and peace. His commitment to peace as a principle, rather than just a strategy, sets a powerful precedent for Muslim believers everywhere that it is righteous to sometimes let go of the thought of following a plan if it compromises the peace of an environment.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

The strong person is not the one who can wrestle others. Rather, the strong person is the one who controls himself when he is angry. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

This Prophetic Hadith really expresses the value of peace in Islam. Inner peace and self-restraint are the foundation for building peaceful societies.

Islamic teachings emphasise peace at every levelbetween individuals, families, communities, and nations. The Quran and Hadiths are full of inspiring words that promote tranquillity, unity, and compassion. Allah the Most High says:

The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them harshly, they say words of peace. [Quran, 25:63]

And He the Almighty says:

If they incline towards peace, then incline towards it [also] and rely upon Allah. [Quran, 8:61]

And He the Almighty says:

Do not turn your face away from people in arrogance, nor walk proudly on the earth. Allah does not like the arrogant and boastful. [Quran, 31:18]

These Quranic verses and sayings serve as reminders that Islamic quotes about peace arent just words, but they require Muslim believers to put these words into action. They urge Muslim believers to be friends of peace, to extend kindness even in the face of hostility, to remain steadfast even if they are in the eye of a storm, and to embody humility in every interaction.

One of Allah Almightys name is Al-Wahhab, which translates to The Supreme Bestower. When defined, this name describes Allah Almighty as the one who is abundantly generous in giving without ever needing to calculate. Another name Allah Almighty has from his beautiful names is Al-Qabid, which translates to The Restricting One. When defined, Allah has the ability to constrict, withhold and restrain. He the Almighty, can make rich or poor whoever he wills. Both names teach us that we should spend our lives aiming for peace and the ability to remain steadfast as circumstances can turn on a dime.

Our blessed centre, Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center is rooted in the belief that compassion and care are central to Islamic practice.

Whether providing relief to disaster-stricken areas, supporting orphans, or investing in education, every act of service is driven by the belief that Islam is the religion of peace  a faith that calls on its followers to alleviate suffering and foster goodwill.

Peace is not a passive state; its something that must be actively pursued and preserved. Islam teaches that peace starts in the heart but must extend to how we treat others. It calls for justice for the oppressed, support for the vulnerable, and understanding between different cultures and faiths.

As global citizens, embracing Islam for peace means more than just promoting tolerance, it means actively working to build bridges, heal divisions, and create spaces of safety and hope for all.

At Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center, we carry forward this mission by responding to crises with compassion, guided by the timeless teachings of Islam. We believe in a world where peace is not just possible but is utmost important.

Respected servants of Allah! Islamic tradition provides a rich foundation for peaceful coexistence, viewing it as a natural attribute of faith rather than a compromise.

Islam teaches that all humans share a single origin. Differences in colour, race, tribe, region and language are not for division but are signs from Allah Almighty intended for mutual recognition and appreciation.

True coexistence is built on the backbone of justice. The noble Quran commands Muslim believers to deal kindly and justly with those who do not fight them for their faith, regardless of their religious background. Islam champions intellectual and religious freedom. The Madinah Charter, established by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), is a historic example where various religious groups lived together with equal rights and responsibilities.

A neighbour used to throw garbage in front of the Prophets house daily. When the garbage stopped appearing, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) visited the neighbour and found them sick. This act of compassion and lack of retaliation moved the neighbour to change their heart.

An old woman was fleeing Makkah because she heard Muhammad was causing trouble. A young man helped her carry her belongings without revealing his identity until they reached her destination. When he finally revealed he was Muhammad, she embraced Islam on the spot, moved by his character.

Despite being thrown into a well and sold into slavery by his brothers, Prophet Yusuf (AS) chose forgiveness over revenge when he rose to power. This story illustrates that genuine compassion can heal deep societal and familial wounds.

Islamic law places extreme importance on neighbours, regardless of their faith. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) warned that:

He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his evil.

When dealing with differences, Muslim believers are encouraged to use wisdom and beautiful preaching and to argue only in ways that are best and most gracious.

The noble Quran commands Muslim believers to maintain courteous companionship with their parents even if they follow a different religion, emphasising that family ties and human decency transcend theological divides.

Conflict resolution often begins with personal transformation. True social harmony requires individuals to develop spiritual awareness, patience, and the ability to overlook the mistakes of others.

Reconciling between people is considered one of the best means of attaining nearness to Allah.

Religion is intended to be about inner spiritual growth and moral upliftment rather than just ritualistic competition.

The very word Islam is derived from the Arabic root salam, meaning peace, submission, and safety. Islam is not merely a religion of rituals; it is a comprehensive, peaceful way of life aimed at building harmony. Allah describes the abode of Paradise (Jannah) as the Abode of Peace (Quran, 10:25). Therefore, a true Muslim believer is one who brings peace, harmony, tranquility, not chaos. A true Muslim believer is he from whom peoples lives and wealth are safe. Living in peace means respecting the rights of others, fostering dialogue, and avoiding corruption and mischief on earth.

The Quranic verse Let there be no compulsion in religion (Quran, 2:256) is a fundamental tenet of Islamic faith, emphasising that faith is a personal choice, not a matter to be forced through conflict.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) warned against going to extremes in religion. Islam strictly forbids creating mischief or causing destruction on earth. When disagreements arise, Islamic theology encourages dialogue, discussion, debate, and wisdom to reach a mutual understanding, rather than violence.

When the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) entered Madinah, a city torn apart by long-standing tribal and religious tensions, his first act was not to launch a conquest, but to establish a Constitution of Madinah. This document was a treaty of peace and a pact of peaceful coexistence between Muslims, Jews, and pagans. He recognised the right of others to live in safety and respect. This teaches us that a strong Muslim believer is one who negotiates for peace, even when they have the power to wage war.

Allah Almighty says:

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah together, and do not become divided [Quran, 3:103]

Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, Allah has commanded us to be united. And know that, religious crises are fueled by ignorance, pride, and the temptation of Shaitan.

And know that, unity does not mean we must all look or think exactly alike. It means we respect each other while acting together for good. A divided community is a weak community. True strength lies in caring for one another, even when we have minor differences of opinion. We must reject misinformation, avoid spreading hatred, and prioritise dialogue over confrontation.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself. [Bukhari]

And he (Peace be upon him) said:

O people, spread peace, feed the hungry, and pray at night when people are sleeping and you will enter Paradise in peace. [Sunan Ibn Majah]

And he (Peace be upon him) said:

Allah grants to gentleness (Rifq) what He does not grant to violence (Unf). [Sunan Abu Dawud]

Fellow brothers and sisters! Try to be a peacemaker in a world rife with misunderstanding. Muslim believers are tasked with being ambassadors of peace. Avoid supporting movements that promote religious hatred or violence. True bravery is not starting a fight, but ending one. When tension rises, act as a bridge-builder, not a wall-builder.

Allah the Most High says:

If you forgive, and overlook, and cover up (their faults), verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Quran, 64:14]

Finally, as mentioned earlier, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) defined the strong person not as one who throws others to the ground, but as the one who controls himself when he is angry. Violence is often a symptom of weakness and lack of self-control.

The word Islam stems from the root word Salam, which means peace. A Muslims primary objective is to build a world of peace, not destruction.

Allah the Most High says:

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors. [Quran, 2:190]

This highlights that even in conflict, aggression and violence against innocents are strictly forbidden. The best individuals are those who possess the finest manners. Kindness, gentle speech, and forgiveness are the traits of a true Muslim believer.

Non-violence is considered an act of love and courage. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) urged Muslim believers to abuse nobody. Repelling evil with good turns enemies into close friends. Patience in the face of provocation is a high act of worship.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) advised that if people are killing each other, one should stay home and break their sword. It is better to be the oppressed (the one killed) than the oppressor (the killer).

When Cain (Qabil) threatened to kill him, Abel (Habil) said:

If you raise your hand to kill me, I will not raise mine to kill you because I fear Allah. [Quran, 5:27-28]

This shows that fear of Allah prevents retaliatory violence.

Upon conquering Makkah, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) did not take revenge on those who persecuted him for years. Instead, he granted them amnesty, showcasing the highest example of peace and forgiveness.

A story tells of a teacher who instructed a harmful snake to practice non-violence. When the snake stopped biting, villagers abused it. The teacher taught: I told you to stop hurting, not to stop hissing! This story teaches that non-violence does not mean being weak or defenseless, but rather refusing to use violence to inflict harm.

When angry, seek refuge in Allah, sit down, be quiet, or perform wudu (ablution) to extinguish the fire of anger. Control your temper, and you will secure paradise. Forgiving others is a sign of ultimate strength.

Islam equates the killing of one innocent person to killing all of humanity. Always treat others with respect and compassion.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) never hit anything with his hand, neither a woman nor a servant, except in the cause of Allah (self-defense).

Ya Allah, grant victory to Islam and honour to the Muslims. Destroy the disbelieving criminals. Ya Allah, send down tranquility into the hearts of those striving in Your path. Deliver Your oppressed servants. Raise high the banner of the religion, by Your power, O Mighty, O Strong.

Ya Allah, grant us security in our lands. Rectify our leaders and those in authority over us. Make our leadership among those who fear You, are mindful of You, and follow what pleases You.

Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the torment of the Fire.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okenes Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: [email protected] or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.

This Jumuah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Shawwal 15, 1447 AH (3 April, 2026).
Looking at discrete revenue components, recent third-quarter 2025 disclosures show lease rent revenue increased near ~17.9 % year-over-year, driven primarily by portfolio growth and higher utilization. Long-term maintenance income also expanded meaningfully, rising from $1.2 million in 2024 to $29.5 million in the corresponding 2025 period, demonstrating that maintenance reserves and end-of-lease activities can contribute non-trivial cash flows.

Operating cash flow yields provide additional insight. Industry financial aggregators show that for each dollar of reported earnings, Willis Lease generates more than two and a half dollars of operating cash, indicating a strong cash conversion profile. At the same time, interest coverage ratios remain narrow, with operating income only modestly exceeding interest expense, signifying that earnings volatility could materially impact coverage.

From a credit profile standpoint, Willis Lease carries substantial debt relative to earnings. Independent market analysis indicates net debt/EBITDA materially exceeds 9, a figure above typical corporate averages. This implies that a significant portion of the enterprise value is funded by fixed obligations rather than equity claims, and that earnings must cover both interest and principal service.

Portfolio growth is a key driver of cash flow potential. As of that reporting period, the company's total owned engine portfolio had a recorded value of approximately $2.82 billion, up from prior periods, and aircraft engine utilization improved to ~86.4% versus under 80 % in the prior year. Higher utilization directly supports lease rental income and maintenance revenue generation.

Enterprise value metrics indicate the company is trading at depressed multiples relative to its underlying asset base and earnings capacity. Recent financial data show an Enterprise Value/EBITDA near ~8.8, a level below broader leasing or aviation services peers. EV/Revenue sits near ~5.2, while profit margin metrics point to positive earnings conversion from revenue. This pricing suggests the market is not assuming meaningful multiple expansion from current levels.

At current prices the market's valuation of Willis Lease Finance reflects a low-multiple and high-leverage view of the business's cash flow and asset durability, despite evidence of portfolio growth and improving utilization in 2025.

Story Continues

Despite these operational improvements, the market's multiples imply expectations of constrained long-term cash flow growth relative to the size of the engine portfolio and current utilization levels. At present, valuation appears to discount sustained lease income durability and assumes that earnings and utilization will revert toward historical cyclic lows, rather than remain elevated.

Willis Lease is a levered spread business with acceptable returns and meaningful conditions

At roughly 203 per share and a market capitalization of approximately 1.56 billion, Willis Lease Finance is trading near the upper end of its 52-week range of 114 to 211. That positioning immediately removes one common narrative: this is not a distressed equity priced at crisis levels. The market has already re-rated the stock materially from its annual low.

Yet despite trading near a 12-month high, the valuation multiple remains modest. A trailing P/E of 12.23 on EPS of 16.66 implies that the market is not underwriting a high-growth or structurally scarce asset platform. A 12 earnings multiple typically reflects either cyclical earnings, leverage concerns, or uncertainty around durability.

That is the tension visible in this chart.

The equity has appreciated over the past year toward the top of its range, but the multiple has not expanded to levels typical of asset-light leasing businesses or aviation platforms with durable utilization. The market appears willing to reward recent earnings performance, but not willing to capitalize those earnings at a premium. The 0.76 beta over five years suggests historically lower volatility relative to the broader market. Combined with limited average daily volume (roughly 49,000 shares), this is not a momentum-driven stock. It is thinly traded, likely institutionally influenced, and reprices around fundamentals rather than speculation. The forward dividend yield of 0.79% indicates that shareholder return is not structured around income extraction. The return thesis must therefore rely on earnings retention, debt reduction, asset value appreciation, or multiple expansion.

For a potential owner, the important takeaway from this chart is not that the stock is near a 52-week high. It is that even at that level, the market is only capitalizing trailing earnings at approximately 12, implying skepticism about the persistence of current profitability relative to the capital structure. That gap between price momentum and valuation multiple is where the underwriting begins, but it does not end there. A 12 multiple is not, by itself, cheap. Before accepting that the equity is mispriced, an owner must ask what else is available at similar or lower multiples, and whether those alternatives carry meaningfully less risk.

The comparison begins within the same industry. AerCap Holdings, the world's largest aircraft lessor, generated full-year 2025 revenue of $8.52 billion and net income of $3.8 billion, trades at a trailing P/E of approximately 9.75 times and a price-to-book of roughly 1.2 times, and carries an adjusted debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11 to 1 as of year-end 2025, roughly half the gross leverage of Willis Lease Finance. Its return on equity runs approximately 21 percent at half the financial risk, with investment-grade ratings from all three major agencies. Matson trades at a trailing P/E near 11.5 times with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26 times and ROIC of approximately 11 percent on an unlevered basis. Berkshire Hathaway compounds book value at 10 to 15 percent annually with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19 times at the holding company level.

The conclusion from those three comparisons is the same: lower-risk alternatives exist at similar or better earnings multiples with meaningfully cleaner balance sheets. Willis Lease Finance trades at a premium P/E to AerCap while carrying roughly double the leverage and a fraction of the scale. The current multiple does not offer a margin of safety relative to these alternatives unless the engine leasing platform can demonstrate that its utilization, lease spreads, and reinvestment economics are durable enough to justify the structural difference in balance sheet risk. That is what the rest of the underwriting must address.

Matson and Berkshire Hathaway extend the opportunity cost framing further. Matson, an asset-intensive shipping and logistics operator with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26 times and a trailing ROIC of approximately 11 percent on an unlevered basis, trades at a trailing P/E near 11.5 times with a P/B near 1.6 times. Berkshire Hathaway, whose diversified asset base compounds book value at roughly 10 to 15 percent annually, carries a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19 times and currently trades at approximately 1.53 times book. Both businesses offer the owner a degree of capital durability that Willis Lease Finance does not: balance sheets with minimal financial leverage, earnings streams less sensitive to financing costs, and the ability to absorb demand-side shocks without risking covenant pressure or refinancing exposure.

A potential owner sitting with those three alternatives on one side of the ledger and Willis Lease Finance on the other is not facing an obvious choice. The engine lessor trades at a premium earnings multiple to AerCap, a similar multiple to Matson, and above Berkshire on a price-to-book basis at roughly 2.1 times, while generating an 18 percent return on equity, a figure that looks competitive until one accounts for the 4:1 leverage ratio required to produce it. Strip out the financial leverage and the underlying return on assets of approximately 3 percent tells a more measured story, one that is not materially superior to what either AerCap or Matson delivers on an unlevered basis. The honest framing for a potential owner is therefore this: the current multiple does not offer a margin of safety relative to better-capitalized, lower-leverage alternatives unless the engine leasing platform can demonstrate that its utilization, lease spreads, and reinvestment economics are durable enough to justify both the structural difference in balance sheet risk and the premium multiple over its closest industry peer. That is precisely what the rest of the underwriting must address.

Business & Capital Mechanics

Willis Lease Finance is not an aircraft lessor in the way most investors picture the sector. The company's core asset is the engine, not the airframe. That matters because when airlines face capacity constraints, the first operational bottleneck is often time on wing and shop-visit availability, not the aircraft itself. Engines are modular, transferable across operators, and monetizable through shorter-duration leases and swap programs. In a supply-constrained environment, a spare engine is a piece of operating infrastructure.

The company's disclosed lease portfolio as of September 30, 2025 was $2,888.5 million, consisting primarily of equipment held for operating lease ($2,700.4 million), alongside notes receivable, maintenance rights, and sales-type lease investments. That portfolio represented 354 engines, 20 aircraft, one marine vessel, and other leased parts and equipment. This is a fleet business with a defined asset base, not an asset-light broker model. The economic engine is portfolio utilization, lease rate factors, and how much lifecycle value the company can retain when an engine comes off lease.

Two cash flow streams matter for owners. The first is lease rent. The second is maintenance economics. Engine leases often include maintenance reserves (sometimes called use fees) that accumulate through the lease term and can be applied against future overhauls or settled in cash depending on contract terms. This mechanism reduces the lessor's exposure to surprise shop-visit costs and turns maintenance into a structured cash flow component rather than an uncontrolled expense line. That matters because in engine leasing, the largest economic risk is not will the engine be returned? but what condition will it be returned in, and who pays to restore it?

Willis has been moving toward something that looks less like a standalone leasing book and more like an integrated engine lifecycle platform, with capabilities spanning parts trading, MRO, airframe maintenance, and asset management through its various operating subsidiaries. In addition to its owned assets, the company managed a total lease portfolio of 277 engines, aircraft, and related equipment for other parties at December 31, 2024, introducing a fee-earning component to earnings less tied to balance sheet size.

In January 2026, Willis announced an aircraft engine leasing partnership with Blackstone Credit & Insurance to deploy over $1 billion over the next two years into current and next-generation engines, and simultaneously created Willis Aviation Capital to oversee institutional partnerships and existing joint ventures. A concurrent credit strategy with Liberty Mutual Investments of up to $600 million adds a second business model on top of engine ownership: financing the engine asset class itself, generating spread income secured by aviation assets without requiring the same capital intensity as direct ownership. Together, these partnerships expand the asset base without forcing all growth onto the public balance sheet.

The services buildout addresses a structural problem for any lessor: when shop capacity is tight, idle engines generate no rent. In October 2025, the UK subsidiary opened second and third narrowbody hangars at Teesside. In February 2026, the company completed its first in-house core engine restoration and launched the Willis Module Shop brand. A simultaneous program with CFM International to restore CFM56 core components rather than fully disassemble them is designed to keep engines in service longer and reduce lifecycle costs. Those moves reduce dependence on third-party MRO bottlenecks that have been amplified by labor shortages and aging fleets flying longer than planned, and they directly address the scarce asset in a constrained environment: not just the engine, but the ability to turn it quickly through maintenance and return it to revenue service.

Those operational moves are not cosmetic. They are a response to the external environment. Aviation maintenance capacity has been constrained by labor shortages and the time and cost required to train certified technicians, while aircraft supply disruptions have left airlines flying older fleets longer than planned. Separately, major lessors have publicly discussed aircraft undersupply persisting well into the decade, including constraints that lead to maintenance bottlenecks and grounded aircraft waiting for repairs. In that world, the scarce asset is not just the engine, it is also the ability to turn an engine quickly through maintenance and return it to revenue service.

The current macro environment adds a layer of complexity that an owner cannot ignore but should not overweight. Jet fuel averaged approximately $90 per barrel through 2025 before spiking sharply in early 2026 as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupted supply expectations, with IATA's monitor registering prices above $157 per barrel in recent weeks, levels that place meaningful pressure on airline operating margins given that fuel accounts for roughly 25 to 30 percent of total airline costs. Sustained fuel cost elevation creates genuine demand risk: if airlines face prolonged margin compression, capacity discipline typically follows, and weaker operators may reduce their engine lease commitments or seek contract renegotiations. That is a real risk for any lessor.

The countervailing dynamic, however, is structural. IATA estimates that aerospace supply chain bottlenecks cost the global airline industry more than $11 billion in 2025, of which approximately $4.2 billion was attributable to excess fuel burn from operating older, less efficient aircraft because new deliveries were unavailable. The global commercial fleet has aged to an average of 15.1 years, the highest on record, and delivery shortfalls now total at least 5,300 aircraft against an order backlog that has surpassed 17,000 units, equivalent to nearly 60 percent of the active fleet. In an environment where fuel price volatility makes operating aging, fuel-inefficient aircraft increasingly expensive, the economic case for airlines to access newer-generation powerplants accelerates rather than diminishes. LEAP engines deliver approximately 15 percent better fuel efficiency than the CFM56 generation they are replacing, a gap that becomes more economically meaningful, not less, as fuel costs rise. For a lessor with 55 percent of its portfolio already in modern technology assets and holding options on 30 additional LEAP engines, fuel price volatility is not a straightforwardly negative signal. It is a structural argument for the asset the company is acquiring.

Put together, the business mechanics can be summarized in owner terms.

The company's economic engine is not AUM growth and it is not air travel demand in the abstract. It is portfolio utilization, lifecycle control, and cost of capital. When utilization stays high, maintenance downtime is controlled, and funding is available at predictable rates, the equity behaves like a levered spread business backed by scarce infrastructure assets. When any of those inputs break, utilization drops, shop times stretch, or funding tightens, the same leverage that helps returns can compress them quickly.

Five-Year Underwrite

The economics of this business reduce to a spread. The company deploys capital into a portfolio of leased engines at a gross annualized yield of approximately 12 percent, based on a blended lease rate factor of 1.0 percent of asset value per month as disclosed in the most recent earnings presentation. It funds that portfolio with fixed-rate asset-backed obligations carrying coupons between 5.16 and 5.70 percent on recently structured notes. The spread between those two figures, approximately 6 to 7 percent before operating expenses on incremental capital, is the core of what an owner is underwriting. Everything else, utilization trends, reinvestment access, leverage sensitivity, and the five-year return range, flows from whether that spread is sustainable and at what scale it can be reinvested.

On the return side, the 2025 results establish a credible starting point. Total revenue reached $730.2 million and pre-tax income $160.6 million, both records. Net income attributable to common shareholders was $108.1 million, producing an 18 percent return on equity as measured against average shareholders' equity for the year. Return on assets against average total assets of approximately $3.6 billion settled near 3.1 percent, modest on an absolute basis but amplified by a 4:1 debt-to-equity structure into equity returns that are competitive with larger, better-capitalized peers. The GAAP balance sheet further understates the economic picture: independent appraisals at year-end 2024 placed the market value of the engine and aircraft portfolio approximately $600 million above net book value, a gap that conventional return metrics do not capture. Average fleet utilization reached 84.9 percent in 2025, up from 82.9 percent in 2024, confirming that the improvement in returns reflects genuine portfolio deployment rather than financial structure alone.

The reinvestment runway is what separates the next five years from the prior cycle. In 2024 the company deployed nearly $1 billion into engine and aircraft acquisitions. In 2025 it exercised options for 30 LEAP engines from CFM International, securing access to next-generation narrowbody powerplants at a point when OEM delivery lead times remain extended and replacement costs are rising. The revolving credit facility was upsized to $1 billion, a $500 million warehouse facility was secured for near-term acquisitions, and the Blackstone and Liberty Mutual institutional partnerships commit more than $1.6 billion of external capital alongside the company's own balance sheet. In aggregate, more than $3 billion of committed or available capital can be deployed into the same spread economics currently being generated, without requiring the public equity to fund the entirety of that growth.

Under a disciplined base case, utilization stable near current levels, lease rates supported by continued OEM delivery bottlenecks, maintenance revenue normalized rather than elevated, and fixed financing costs predictable through recently structured long-duration notes, earnings growth of approximately five percent annually is achievable. Compounded over five years, earnings per share move from current levels toward approximately $21.50. At an unchanged 12 times multiple, the implied share price in year five approximates $255 to $260. From a current price near $203, that represents mid-20 percent price appreciation over five years, or low-30 percent total return including dividends, translating to an annualized return of approximately six to seven percent. That is an acceptable outcome, not a compelling one. The multiple must do some work for the return to become interesting. If the market begins to treat the asset base as durable infrastructure and the multiple migrates toward 14 times on year-five earnings, equity value approaches $300 per share, implying annualized returns in the high-single to low-double-digit range. The downside is equally defined. If OEM production normalizes faster than expected, lease rate factors compress, and earnings retrace toward $14 per share, a 10 times multiple implies equity value near $140, a direct consequence of 4:1 leverage in a business where asset yields are tied to industry-specific supply conditions rather than contractually guaranteed demand.

The spread is real, the reinvestment pipeline is the largest in the company's history, and the base case does not require multiple expansion. The upside case requires a re-rating that AerCap, with a stronger balance sheet and investment-grade ratings, already commands at a lower multiple. The downside is tied directly to leverage and the persistence of supply constraints. The spread economics justify the position; the leverage profile defines its limits.

Investor Focus

The shareholder register tells a clear story: this is not a high-conviction, fundamentally owned stock. Ownership is dispersed across quantitative managers, systematic allocators, and diversified funds, none of whom carry meaningful exposure relative to their total assets.

The largest visible holders as of December 31, 2025 are Dimensional Fund Advisors at approximately 532,000 shares valued at $72.2 million, representing roughly 0.02 percent of its portfolio, Renaissance Technologies (Trades, Portfolio) at approximately 203,000 shares valued at $27.5 million (0.04 percent of its portfolio), and Two Sigma Advisers at approximately 103,000 shares valued at $14 million (0.03 percent of its portfolio). Geode Capital Management holds 73,500 shares, Millennium Management 34,100 shares, Jane Street Group 22,600 shares, and Point72 Asset Management 11,100 shares. In every case, the position as a percentage of total portfolio assets is below 0.01 percent.

Recent activity shows modest trimming across most holders, including Renaissance at negative 13.2 percent, Two Sigma at negative 6.43 percent, Dimensional at negative 1.6 percent, Millennium at negative 48.32 percent, and Point72 at negative 4.43 percent, with Geode showing a modest increase of approximately 1.31 percent.

Willis Lease is a levered spread business with acceptable returns and meaningful conditions

Willis Lease is a levered spread business with acceptable returns and meaningful conditions

For a prospective owner, the implication is structural. Liquidity is limited at average daily volume below 50,000 shares, and the absence of concentrated fundamental sponsorship means re-rating will be earned through demonstrated earnings durability and deleveraging rather than narrative or activism. The stock sits within quantitative value or profitability screens. Re-rating, if it occurs, will follow performance.

Conclusion

Willis Lease Finance is a levered spread business operating in a structurally constrained asset market. That framing is neither dismissal nor endorsement. The spread between a gross lease yield of approximately 12 percent and fixed funding costs between 5.16 and 5.70 percent is real, it is widening as older debt matures, and it is being reinvested into a pipeline with more than $3 billion of committed or available capital. The reinvestment opportunity is larger and better capitalized than at any prior point in the company's history.

The limits of that case are equally clear. AerCap generates comparable equity returns at half the leverage and trades at a lower earnings multiple. Matson and Berkshire Hathaway offer comparable or superior unlevered returns with balance sheets that carry a fraction of the financial risk. Choosing this business over those alternatives is not an obvious decision. It is justified only if the engine-specific scarcity dynamics and reinvestment spread produce a compounding outcome that larger, better-capitalized platforms cannot replicate at the margin.

The five-year return distribution reflects that conditionality. Base case at 12 times earnings implies mid-single-digit annualized returns. A re-rating toward 14 times implies low-double-digit returns. A normalization of lease rates at a 10 times multiple implies equity value near $140. The jet fuel spike in early 2026 adds near-term demand uncertainty that a disciplined owner cannot discount. The shareholder register, dispersed, largely quantitative, and not anchored by high-conviction sponsors, will reprice based on earnings performance rather than narrative.

The investment question is precise: is a 12 times earnings multiple and four times the leverage of its closest comparables the right price for access to a spread business in a constrained asset market? The market has not yet decided. That is the opportunity, and the risk.
INECs delisting decisionflows logically from the Court of Appeals status quo order. The commission simply restored the pre-litigation position to avoid foisting any fait accompli on the trial court. Far from overreach, this reflects fidelity to both the Constitution and the Electoral Act, ensuring that no faction gains undue advantage through procedural manoeuvring.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction under Senator David Mark has plunged itself into a profound leadership crisis through choices that were entirely preventable and self-orchestrated. This faction cannot credibly point fingers at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the resulting fallout that saw INEC delist the National Working Committee from its portal and suspend recognition of any its leadership structure. The crisis traces directly to the factions decision to seize control of an established party without adhering to the mandatory democratic processes enshrined in law, when it ought to be pursuing legitimate alternatives that would have shielded it from legal entanglements. By ignoring the partys own constitutional requirements and the broader legal framework governing political associations, the faction invited judicial intervention and the inevitable regulatory response from INEC. This self-inflicted wound not only undermines the factions standing but also distracts from the serious business of building a viable opposition in a democracy that demands accountability from all actors.

Consider the sequence of events that led here. In mid 2025, the previous national leadership of the African Democratic Congress, including Chairman Ralph Nwosu, reportedly stepped aside in a move framed as opening the space for fresh direction. A National Executive Committee meeting then ratified Senator David Mark as the interim national chairman, alongside Rauf Aregbesola as secretary. INEC initially updated its records to reflect this change, uploading the new names in September 2025. Yet almost immediately, a rival claim emerged from Nafiu Bala Gombe, who asserted that he had not resigned his prior position and that the partys constitution required him to assume the chairmanship automatically. Gombe approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to restrain INEC from recognising the Mark-led team and to affirm his own succession. The Mark faction responded with an interlocutory appeal to the Court of Appeal, challenging aspects of the trial courts handling. On 12 March, the Court of Appeal delivered a clear verdict, dismissing the appeal outright. The appellate panel, led by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, upheld a preliminary objection that the appeal was incompetent because it raised issues not properly before the lower court. Beyond the procedural dismissal, the court issued preservative orders, directing all parties, including INEC, to maintain status quo ante bellum  the situation as it existed before the suit commenced  and to refrain from any steps that could prejudice the substantive matter still pending at the Federal High Court. In strict compliance, INEC removed the names of the Mark-led National Working Committee from its portal, since those updates occurred after the suit had been instituted. The commission further announced that it would accept no correspondence from either faction, monitor no congresses or conventions, and engage with neither side until the trial court resolves the dispute on its merits. This was not an act of partisanship or external pressure, but a direct alignment with judicial directive, rooted in the commissions statutory duty to uphold the integrity of party records.

At the heart of this matter lies the fundamental legal architecture that governs political parties in Nigeria. Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution is unequivocal. The constitution and rules of every political party must provide for the periodical election, on a democratic basis, of its principal officers and members of the executive committee or other governing body. Such elections must occur at regular intervals, not exceeding four years, and the executive must reflect the federal character of the nation, with members drawn from no fewer than two thirds of the states, plus the Federal Capital Territory. This provision exists to prevent arbitrary takeovers and to ensure that leadership emerges through transparent, inclusive processes, rather than backroom arrangements or unilateral declarations. The Mark factions emergence, following resignations, did not satisfy these constitutional imperatives. No evidence suggests a full democratic convention was convened, with proper delegate participation, notice, and voting, as required. Instead, the transition relied on an internal ratification that bypassed the very safeguards designed to protect party autonomy and public confidence. When Gombe challenged this as inconsistent with the party constitution, the courts rightly stepped in, because breaches of a partys own rules become justiciable once they touch on constitutional standards of democratic governance.

Complementing the Constitution is the Electoral Act, 2022, particularly Section 82, which mandates that every registered political party should give INEC at least a twenty one-day notice of any convention, congress, conference, or meeting convened for electing members of its executive committees or nominating candidates. The commission may attend and observe such gatherings to verify that elections occur in a democratic manner, allowing all members or duly elected delegates to vote freely. This section reinforces the principle that internal party affairs are not private enclaves immune to scrutiny. They form part of the democratic ecosystem that INEC is empowered and obligated to monitor. When leadership changes occur outside these parameters or in ways that invite immediate litigation, the commission has no choice but to pause recognition, pending judicial clarity. INECs delisting decision therefore flows logically from the Court of Appeals status quo order. The commission simply restored the pre-litigation position to avoid foisting any fait accompli on the trial court. Far from overreach, this reflects fidelity to both the Constitution and the Electoral Act, ensuring that no faction gains undue advantage through procedural manoeuvring.

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When prominent figures in opposition politics fail to do the needful, by either resolving disputes internally through democratic means or launching new platforms, they erode public trust in the entire democratic project. Nigerians watching this saga unfold have every reason to suspect that the unrecognised leaders of the Mark faction are among those attempting to destroy our democracy through unnecessary drama and distractions. Their refusal to accept the legal reality of the Court of Appeal ruling and INECs compliance has turned a manageable internal matter into a prolonged spectacle that diverts attention from policy alternatives

The Mark faction had every opportunity to avoid this quagmire entirely. Nigerian law provides a clear pathway for new political associations to register as parties if they meet the requirements of Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution and the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act. An association wishing to become a political party can submit its application to INEC, demonstrating nationwide presence, membership thresholds, and a constitution that complies with democratic standards. Several groups have successfully navigated this process in recent years, creating fresh platforms unburdened by historical baggage. The Mark faction could have followed this route, and registered a new entity free from any pre-existing legal obstacles, internal factions, or unresolved disputes. This would have allowed them to build from a clean slate, with leadership elected through properly noticed democratic conventions, under full INEC observation.

Instead, they opted to attempt a hijack of an existing party structure, without apparently conducting basic due diligence on the history of its legal battles. The African Democratic Congress, like many Nigerian parties, had navigated previous internal tensions and constitutional interpretations that made leadership transitions delicate at best. Public records and party documents, available to any serious actor, would have revealed the risks of assuming control through resignation based mechanisms, rather than fresh elections. By ignoring this history and thrusting themselves into an already complex organisational framework, the faction manufactured its own vulnerabilities. This was not an act of strategic boldness, but a reckless gamble that disregarded the very laws meant to foster genuine multiparty competition.

Moreover, the consequences extend far beyond the African Democratic Congress. When prominent figures in opposition politics fail to do the needful, by either resolving disputes internally through democratic means or launching new platforms, they erode public trust in the entire democratic project. Nigerians watching this saga unfold have every reason to suspect that the unrecognised leaders of the Mark faction are among those attempting to destroy our democracy through unnecessary drama and distractions. Their refusal to accept the legal reality of the Court of Appeal ruling and INECs compliance has turned a manageable internal matter into a prolonged spectacle that diverts attention from policy alternatives, economic challenges, and governance issues facing the nation. Democracy thrives when parties present coherent visions, compete cleanly, and respect institutional boundaries. It falters when leaders prioritise personal control over procedural integrity, creating chaos that weakens opposition as a whole. The factions insistence on blaming external forces only compounds the damage, portraying them as unwilling to accept accountability for choices they alone made.

INEC must remain laser focused on its core mandate and refuse any distraction from this or similar self inflicted party crises. The commissions role is to register voters, conduct elections, maintain accurate party records, and enforce compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, not to mediate every internal squabble. By adhering strictly to court orders, as it has done here, INEC upholds the rule of law, which is the bedrock of credible elections. Any deviation would invite accusations of bias and undermine the commissions independence. Political parties come and go, but INECs commitment to neutrality and legal fidelity must endure. The commission should continue monitoring only those activities that fully comply with notice and democratic standards, while allowing the courts to adjudicate disputes without interference. This steadfastness sends a powerful message that no individual or faction stands above the law, regardless of pedigree or political ambition.

Ultimately, the path forward for any serious political actor in Nigeria demands respect for the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the decisions of competent courts. The Mark led faction must confront the reality that its current predicament is avoidable and self-caused. Had it pursued registration of a fresh party or ensured a genuinely democratic leadership transition within the African Democratic Congress, it would face no delisting, no suspended recognition, and no ongoing distractions.

In the rough and tumble of Nigerian politics, it comes as no surprise that other parties view the crises engulfing the African Democratic Congress with a degree of satisfaction. Every political organisation understands that an opponent mired in internal turmoil is less effective at mounting challenges or mobilising voters. Rival parties will naturally celebrate such self-inflicted wounds, because they create openings for their own advancement. This is the nature of competitive democracy, not evidence of conspiracy. No one should blame any political party that quietly or openly takes advantage of the Mark factions missteps. The real issue lies not in the reactions of others, but in the factions failure to anticipate and avoid the legal pitfalls that were obvious from the outset. Blaming the All Progressives Congress or President Tinubu for a crisis born of poor judgment and inadequate preparation is both factually baseless and politically immature. It shifts responsibility away from where it belongs, onto institutions and leaders who had no hand in the initial takeover or the subsequent litigation.

Ultimately, the path forward for any serious political actor in Nigeria demands respect for the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the decisions of competent courts. The Mark led faction must confront the reality that its current predicament is avoidable and self-caused. Had it pursued registration of a fresh party or ensured a genuinely democratic leadership transition within the African Democratic Congress, it would face no delisting, no suspended recognition, and no ongoing distractions. Instead, by choosing the shortcut of hijacking an existing structure without studying its legal history, the faction has created precisely the drama it now decries.

Nigerians deserve opposition parties that model the democratic values they claim to champion. Those who fail in this regard, whether through carelessness or ambition, invite not sympathy but scrutiny. The unrecognised leaders behind this crisis have only themselves to thank for the spotlight now shining on their shortcomings. As the Federal High Court prepares to hear the substantive suit, all eyes remain on whether the faction will learn from this episode or continue to compound its errors. Democracy in Nigeria will be stronger when parties prioritise internal integrity over external blame. The Mark faction still has time to choose the high road, but only if it first acknowledges that the crisis it faces today was manufactured entirely within its own ranks.

INEC will press ahead, undeterred, as it must, and the broader political terrain will continue to reward those who play by the rules, rather than those who seek to bend them for personal gain. The lesson is clear, and it is one that every aspiring leader should internalise before the next electoral cycle intensifies. Self-inflicted wounds heal slowly, but they heal only when the injured party stops pointing elsewhere and begins the necessary work of genuine reform.

Chukwuemerie Uduchukwu, an indigene of Anambra State, writes from Abuja, Nigeria. He can be contacted via [email protected]
This display of generosity by Nigerias President is rare, if anything. At its core, it proves concern that once again shows Nigerian political leaders can genuinely share the worries of citizens at their heart, despite many obstacles (both real and perceived) that stand in the way of addressing these issues. The second part of this presidential gesture is that, for the first time, a sitting President (who is not from the military) recognises the sacrifices of military personnel

The Nigerian military is currently engaged in what may be the longest and largest single deployment of soldiers in democratic Nigeria. These operations, covering all geopolitical zones, have taken a significant toll on Nigerias military community, especially in terms of soldiers deaths and permanent injuries, as well as the increasing numbers of military widows and orphans. The sufferings of these soldiers and their families have generated scholarly interest and national concern and drawn attention to the value of their sacrifices.

As a response to these genuine concerns and as a rare act of magnanimity, Nigerias President, Bola Tinubu, gave an unprecedented gift to the country on his 74th birthday celebration. This gift was aimed at members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and involved the creation of a new welfare fund to support service members, including wounded personnel and families of soldiers. According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidents salaries since the beginning of his term in May 2023 will be deposited into this account, and the fund will operate alongside existing insurance and welfare schemes for armed forces personnel.

The Nigerian Armed Forces (the Army, Navy, and Air Force) and the Military Pensions Board provide various benefits in wartime or during active service, such as burial expenses to help cover costs, the NAWIS Welfare Insurance Scheme (commonly known as death benefits), a lump-sum death gratuity payment (equivalent to 60 months pension), group life assurance policy claims, and educational sponsorships for up to four deceased biological or adopted children aged six to 18 years, up to the tertiary level. Recently, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) introduced a new welfare programme offering financial support to families of personnel who die in the line of duty. Under this scheme, families will continue to receive salary payments for up to 12 months after the loss of their loved ones, until all death benefits are fully processed and paid, whichever comes first.

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This display of generosity by Nigerias President is rare, if anything. At its core, it proves concern that once again shows Nigerian political leaders can genuinely share the worries of citizens at their heart, despite many obstacles (both real and perceived) that stand in the way of addressing these issues. The second part of this presidential gesture is that, for the first time, a sitting President (who is not from the military) recognises the sacrifices of military personnel, not on special days like the Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) or other military ceremonies, but on his own birthday!

One such concern relates to the legality and process of donating presidential salaries by directive. While the Nigerian President routinely makes pronouncements on matters such as security, the economy, and other national issues, sometimes even initiating major policies, the legal framework around salary allocation in this manner is less clear.

However, while the intention is commendable, there are grey areas worth examining.

One such concern relates to the legality and process of donating presidential salaries by directive. While the Nigerian President routinely makes pronouncements on matters such as security, the economy, and other national issues, sometimes even initiating major policies, the legal framework around salary allocation in this manner is less clear. It raises an important question: when it involves a gesture that is equally sentimental, symbolic, and appeals to the public, these aspects also need to be examined. The intent is as important as the process.

Additionally, given that this newly established fund would exist alongside existing welfare schemes and considering the challenges Nigerian military widows face in accessing their benefits, it is worth wondering what will become of this fund when it eventually takes off.

While this may be an early question to ask, a presidential pronouncement also indicates that these issues have been thought through and shaped, unless that is not the case, and it may simply follow the path of other grand symbolic gestures that remain in motion without real action.

Already, the fact that it is a presidential largesse from his official salary demonstrates its sacrificial intent. This may be an early question to ask, but it is worth asking.

A good step would be to create a system of continuity that guarantees the fund grows into an initiative that not only survives his administration but also genuinely benefits all its intended recipients in the Nigerian military, regardless of class, rank, or status. That way, his legacy as a President who truly supports military personnel, and their families would not be forgotten.

Fifteen years into the Boko Haram conflict, with a growing community of widows, orphans, and wounded soldiers that the Nigerian military neither anticipated nor prepared for at the start of the conflict, a welfare fund is perhaps a much-needed balm. But the demands exceed that and require a national effort.

There is a silent yet increasing demand for professional psychologists, social workers, and therapists within the Nigerian military community, now more than ever, to address the aftermath of the conflicts impact on the military population. These are critical areas to focus on from the welfare funds: there are thousands of primary and secondary schools in the different military barracks that need to be rehabilitated, dilapidated buildings housing soldiers, care for widows and wounded soldiers,

The welfare fund is a positive move in the right direction, but if President Tinubu is truly committed to improving soldiers welfare, then this serves as a test of that dedication. The President should clarify this by officially launching the fund sooner, so that the private sector can contribute.

A good step would be to create a system of continuity that guarantees the fund grows into an initiative that not only survives his administration but also genuinely benefits all its intended recipients in the Nigerian military, regardless of class, rank, or status. That way, his legacy as a President who truly supports military personnel, and their families would not be forgotten.

Fisayo Ajala holds a PhD in Sociology and specialises in military sociology, death studies, conflict, peace, and security. He is a visiting research fellow at the Centre for Death and Society at the University of Bath, England.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today embark on an official visit to Ogun State, as the Gateway State prepares to witness the commissioning and inspection of many landmark projectsan indication of its bold stride toward infrastructural transformation, economic expansion, and improved service delivery.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the governor, Kayode Akinmade, the Presidents itinerary reflects a comprehensive showcase of strategic investments cutting across critical sectors.

At the forefront of the visit is the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport, Iperuan ambitious project designed to position Ogun State as a major aviation and logistics hub in Nigeria. Within the airport complex, President Tinubu will also commission two newly acquired aircraft under Gateway Air, marking the official takeoff of the states aviation initiative in partnership with ValueJet.

Further underscoring the airports economic potential, the President will witness a cargo operations showcase facilitated by SAHCOL, signaling readiness for full-scale logistics and freight activities. In addition, a number of strategic assets will be commissioned at the airport, including 1,000 electric bikes under the states EV mobility initiative, 80 security vehicles to strengthen safety architecture, and a fleet of agricultural tractors aimed at boosting food production and supporting farmers.

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Beyond the airport, the President will commission the IlishanIperu Airport Road, a vital link connecting the new aviation hub to surrounding communities and enhancing accessibility. He is also scheduled to inspect the Nigeria Customs Service Village and commission the Forward Operating Base (FOB) building, reinforcing border security and trade facilitation.

The visit will further feature the inspection and commissioning of the Gateway Aviation Village, a complementary development designed to support the states growing aviation ecosystem.

In a symbolic and strategic move, President Tinubu will commission the reconstructed Old Ibadan Road (SapadeIlishan Road), which will be officially named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Expresswayan arterial route expected to significantly boost connectivity and commerce within the region.

Rounding off the visit is the inspection of the SagamuBenin Concrete Road, a major federal infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation efficiency along one of Nigerias busiest corridors.

Collectively, these projects reflect the vision of the Ogun State Government under Dapo Abiodun to build a modern, economically vibrant, and well-connected state. The Presidents visit not only marks the unveiling of these transformative initiatives but also reinforces the synergy between federal and state governments in driving sustainable development.
The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially flagged off the vaccination for intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The Director-General of the Board, Ahmad Umar Labbo, announced that corrective measures and health precautions are being taken to ensure a healthy and smooth Hajj experience for all, from Nigeria through their stay in the Holy Land and back.

He spoke during the launch of the exercise at the grassroots level, emphasising that the vaccination is crucial for boosting immunity and protecting the pilgrims from diseases.

In his remarks, Abubakar Habib, head of the Boards medical team, assured that all vaccines are available and will continue to be administered until every pilgrim is covered.

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Also speskiy, the Director of Hajj Operations, Muhammad Garba, reiterated the importance of meeting all Saudi Arabian health guidelines.

The Board expressed gratitude to Governor Umar Namadi for his ongoing support in ensuring a successful Hajj.


It has been over two years, and Lawali Abdullahi still mourns.

From his modest home in Rofia, a riverside community in Agwara LGA, Niger State, the 33-year-old farmer carries the haunting memory of losing his wife, Hadiza.

The mother of his newborn daughter had died aboard a canoe while being ferried across the River Niger to a hospital in Yauri, Kebbi State.

She had a safe home delivery, Mr Abdullahi told PREMIUM TIMES. But she started bleeding profusely three weeks after.

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Unbeknownst to her family, remnants of the placenta were left inside her womb, a medical condition known as retained placenta, a leading cause of maternal deaths globally.

Experts say it complicates at least two per cent of deliveries and contributes to nearly 10 per cent of maternal deaths in rural areas.

But in low-resource settings like Rofia, it is far deadlier, says Anas Ibrahim, a health worker and Rofia resident.

When Mrs Abdullahi started bleeding on 23 September 2023, her husband took her to the primary healthcare centre in Rofia. But she was quickly referred to the General Hospital in Yauri, the only facility believed to be better equipped than the local ones in the riverside communities.

However, the journey to Yauri was a deadly one, Mr Abdullahi remembers.

I was traumatised when they referred us to Yauri, he said, slightly closing his eyes as though picturing his late wife, with whom he had three kids: a boy and two girls.

Sadly, she could not make it to the Yauri shoreline. She died on the canoe before we got to the hospital, Mr Abdullahi said.

Her story offers a window into the healthcare crisis in the riverine communities in Agwara LGA.

While locals could not estimate the number of lives lost in attempts to access healthcare across the water in Yauri, PREMIUM TIMES spoke to three families who lost loved ones in similar circumstances.

A perilous voyage

The voyage from Rofia to Yauri takes at least 40 minutes in calm conditions. But locals say it can stretch to over an hour when the water gets rough. From the Yauri shoreline at Zamare, the journey continues on a dilapidated road leading to Yauri General Hospital.

For many locals, particularly those in need of emergency care, including pregnant women, the voyage to Yauri is a gamble. The unsafe travel through the water without life jackets or any form of safety equipment makes it riskier.

Many never make it back alive, said Samaila Bako, the district head of Kasabu, the village where a boat en route to Yauri capsized with 22 passengers in 2023.

Like Mr Abdullahi, Mr Bako also lost his daughter in a similar scenario.

They even got to the hospital with her alive, but she died perhaps as a result of prolonged labour, said Mr Bako.

Between 2019 and 2023, Nigeria recorded 71 fatal boat accidents with an estimated 1,072 fatalities, according to a PREMIUM TIMES compilation of reported figures.

In 2024, about 326 persons died in boat accidents, with Niger and Kwara states having the highest number of casualties of 92 and 90, respectively.

Muhammad Yari, a boat operator, said ferrying patients to the Yauri shoreline was common, even at nights.

It is very common here, he said, attributing the scenario to failing healthcare service in local communities. Mostly, the patients are women and children.

Mr Yari told PREMIUM TIMES that he never provided life jackets to his passengers.

It is God who protects, he said. People just board and we drive them to their destinations.

But the waterways often get clogged with stones, a situation that boat operators blamed for mishaps in the area.

We urged the government to provide us with life jackets and help us move the stones standing on waterways, said Mr Yari.

A widespread crisis

There are more than 20 communities in the riverside area. Locally referred to as Bakin Ruwa [riverside], these villages face a health crisis.

From Agwata ward, comprising 10 villages, to Suketu, with seven villages, and Rofia, with five villages, access to healthcare is difficult, with their four major healthcare facilities in a state of disrepair.

We have health facilities, but there is not enough equipment to render effective services, said Hafsatu Bello, a mother of two who had travelled across the river many times for antenatal care.

Mrs Bello, a resident of Passatullu village, says fear grips her whenever she hears that a woman from her neighbourhood is in labour.

The problem is very worrying because it is something that has to do with life. Many pregnant women have lost their lives before reaching the hospital, she said, calling for improved healthcare service for the residents of the riverside communities.

This population is among the 22 per cent of Nigerians who lack access to medical services, including essential maternal services, according to data analysed by Statista.

Also, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report, revealed that time to healthcare services is the major bane affecting the Nigerian populace.

The NBS also found that time to healthcare  the distance to reach medical facilities accounts for 12.6 per cent of the national MPI.

By definition, a person who cannot reach a healthcare facility within 30 minutes on foot is said to be deprived of timely access to healthcare.

This data further explains the dire situation of residents of these riverine communities.

Christiana Manman, the Officer In-charge of the PHC in Rofia, told PREMIUM TIMES that the facility has been in a state of disrepair for more than 15 years.

They just did some peripheral repairs, and after some time, it went back to its old shape, she lamented, her arms folded near her chest.

We just want a total renovation, she demanded, explaining how her staff persevere, delivering healthcare services, including antenatal and routine immunisation for children.

Bello Gidi, a politician and youth leader in Rofia, corroborated Mrs Manman, saying the healthcare crisis has lingered for a long time.

While many residents are still pessimistic about any intervention, Mr Gidi said the problem would soon be forgotten.

The youth leader said officials of the Niger State Community and Social Development Agency visited the area in June.

They came a week after Sallah, meeting with community leaders, Mr Gidi recalled. He explained that the officials carried out a site assessment and promised to get back.

The Niger State Ministry of Primary Health Care Development Agency did not respond to an FOI request sent by this newspaper.

Aliyu Nuhu, a community health extension worker in a government hospital in Minna, said the consequences of poor healthcare access in rural communities like Rofia could be costly.

Many women and children are dying from conditions that are completely preventable, Mr Nuhu said. When a pregnant woman cannot reach a health facility on time, simple complications turn deadly, and when children miss basic care, illnesses that should be treatable become serious. The hardest part is knowing these deaths are not normal, they happen because care is too far away.

As the Niger State Government grapples with insecurity and hard economic realities, residents of the riverside communities continue to endure its neglect and surging healthcare crisis. For people like Mr Abdullahi, losing his wife is a personal tragedy that he cannot forget.

Finding help for my wife that day across the water was a nightmare I cant forget, Mr Abdullahi, who is yet to marry again, said.

When she was pregnant with our last child, Fatima, her hope was to bring her safely into the world and ensure she received an education, Mr Abdullahi continued. In our community, access to education is limited, especially for girls.

This lack of education, he believes, also affects access to healthcare services in Rofia.

A dive into the state governments expenditure on health

A PREMIUM TIMES analysis of Niger State budget performance documents, between 2022 and the second quarter of 2025, showed that the state expended N73.90 billion on the health sector in general. This grand total covers all health-related expenditureincluding personnel costs, overheads, and capital projects.

The highest annual expenditure recorded in this period was over N40.43 billion in 2024, representing a performance rate of 63.3 per cent against the N63.8 billion budgeted. This suggests a significant, though partial, commitment to the health budget that year.

The budget performance on health was lower at other times during the period. For instance, in the first half of 2025 (Q1Q2), total expenditure on health was N16.64 billion, representing 16.6 per cent of the N87.7 billion budget.

This expenditure was frequently directed toward specialised logistics, such as the N300 million spent on Zonal Vaccine Cold Stores, while numerous specific local PHC construction and renovation projects recorded zero expenditure in the same period.

Conversely, high-level administrative functions and general vehicles procurement showed efficient disbursement, such as the N11.72 billion expended on Government House capital projects in 2024. This represents a 97.1 per cent performance against the original budget of N12 billion.

Similarly, N33.79 billion was spent on the purchase of motor vehicles in the same year, representing 96.5 per cent of the N35 billion budgeted for that purpose.

This spending pattern, according to our analysis, emphasises administrative and mobile assets over fixed grassroots health structures.

This reporting was completed with the support of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
At least 11 persons have been killed and more than 50 houses destroyed in Udege Development Area of Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, was reportedly carried out by hoodlums suspected to be on a reprisal mission over the alleged killing of two of their kinsmen.

Police authorities said the violence affected Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities, where 11 people were confirmed dead, about 50 houses burnt in Akyawa and two houses destroyed in Udege Kasa.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Saturday.

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The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, involved hoodlums suspected to have carried out a reprisal attack over the alleged killing of two of their kinsmen, Mr Nansel said.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, visited the affected communities on 3 April and expressed deep sorrow over the killings and destruction.

CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed commiserated with the families of the deceased and the entire community, assuring them of the Commands unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served, Mr Nansel stated.

According to the police, the commissioner has ordered an intensive manhunt for those responsible for the attack.

In response, the Commissioner of Police has directed tactical teams and investigative units to ensure the prompt identification, arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of this heinous act, he said.

Mr Nansel added that security has been reinforced in the affected areas through joint operations involving the police, military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

To prevent any further breakdown of law and order, the Commissioner of Police has also directed the immediate reinforcement and sustained deployment of police personnel, in synergy with the military and the NSCDC, to provide adequate security and restore lasting peace, he said.

He noted that a stakeholders meeting was held during the visit, where residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

The Command reassures members of the public that normalcy has been restored to the affected communities, while proactive measures are in place to prevent any recurrence of violence, he added.

However, local accounts suggest the casualty figure may be higher. The lawmaker representing Udege/Loko constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Onarigu Onah, said about 15 persons were killed, with several others still missing.

Mr Onah, who visited the affected communities, including Udege Kasa, Odeni Gida, Akyewa and Agwan Ogiri, on Friday for an on-the-spot assessment, described the attack as unacceptable and very condemnable.

The recent attack led to the death of about 15 people, while some others are still missing, he said.

He added that houses, vehicles, motorcycles, food items and other valuables were destroyed during the attack.

The lawmaker condoled with the victims and assured residents of efforts to improve security in the area.

I will join hands with the Local Government Chairman and other stakeholders to ensure that the safety of lives and property is guaranteed, he said.

Also speaking during the visit, the Chairman of Nasarawa Local Government Area, Mohammed Ahmed, who was present alongside other officials, pledged to work with security agencies to restore peace in the affected communities.

Residents, while receiving the delegation, appealed for increased security presence to enable displaced persons return to their homes and resume normal activities.

They also urged the lawmaker to raise the matter at the state assembly to attract urgent government intervention.

The attack in Nasarawa comes days after a similar incident in neighbouring Plateau State, where gunmen killed at least 28 people, including students and staff of the University of Jos, at a busy junction on 29 March.

Security analysts say the recurring attacks in parts of North-central Nigeria highlight the persistence of communal tensions and reprisal violence, often linked to disputes involving local communities.

They have called for proactive intelligence gathering, conflict resolution mechanisms and sustained security deployment to prevent further escalation.

As investigations continue, authorities say efforts are underway to track down the attackers and prevent a recurrence of the violence in the affected communities.
The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Caucus has called for the emergence of a consensus governorship candidate from the Kwara North Senatorial District.

Addressing journalists on Saturday at the NUJ Press Centre in Ilorin, the caucus who spoke through James Ayeni, urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to immediately begin the process of selecting party candidates to avoid internal wranglings ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The elders warned that delays in setting guidelines for the selection of candidates could fuel unhealthy rivalry and arm-twisting tactics among aspirants already jostling for the APC ticket.

They specifically advocated for a consensus arrangement, stressing that it would preserve party unity and ensure a smooth primary process in line with the elections timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC).

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While renewing their push for power rotation, the caucus insisted that equity and fairness require that the next governor of Kwara State emerge from Kwara North Senatorial District.

According to the group, Kwara Central would have held the governorship for 20 years by 2027, while Kwara South would have governed for eight years, leaving Kwara North yet to produce a governor in the current democratic dispensation.

It is in the interest of justice, equity and fairness that the next governor should come from Kwara North, the caucus declared.

The elders also cited the districts consistent electoral support for the APC, noting that Kwara North delivered strong votes for the party in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 elections, even in contests where candidates emerged from other districts.

The group also urged party leadership to involve critical stakeholders in the selection process to ensure the emergence of a widely accepted candidate.

On security, the elders commended both President.Bola Tinubu and the Kwara State government for ongoing efforts to address insecurity, while sympathizing with victims of bandit attacks.

They reaffirmed their support for the administrations Renewed Hope Agenda and pledged continued loyalty to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Did you buy SMR Class A common stock between May 13, 2025, and November 6, 2025?

Affected NuScale Power Corporation Investor Summary

Who : NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR)

: NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR) What: Securities fraud class action lawsuit filed

Securities class action lawsuit filed Class Period: May 13, 2025, through November 6, 2025

May 13, 2025, through November 6, 2025 Deadline to Seek Lead Plaintiff Status: April 20, 2026

April 20, 2026 Key Lawsuit Allegations: Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's commercialization strategy for its nuclear power generation projects and development.

Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's commercialization strategy for its nuclear power generation projects and development. Investor Action: Contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) for recovery options at no cost to investor

RADNOR, Pa., April 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com ) , a nationally recognized securities litigation law firm, informs investors that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against NuScale Power Corporation (NuScale) (NYSE: SMR) on behalf of those who purchased or acquired NuScale Class A common stock between May 13, 2025, and November 6, 2025, inclusive. The lawsuit is filed in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon and is captioned Truedson v. NuScale Power Corporation, et al, Case No. 3:26-cv-00328 (D. Or.). Investors have until April 20, 2026, to file for lead plaintiff status.

CONTACT KTMC TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS:

If you purchased or acquired NuScale Class A common stock and have lost money on your investment, you are encouraged to contact KTMC attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. at:

(484) 270-1453

[email protected]

https://www.ktmc.com/smr-nuscale-power-corporation-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR_Newswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=smr&mktm=PR

There is no cost or obligation to speak with an attorney.

Learn more about NuScale Power Corporation on YouTube:

NUSCALE POWER CORPORATION CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT - COMPLAINT ALLEGATION SUMMARY:

The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) ENTRA1 Energy LLC ("ENTRA1") had never built, financed, or operated any significant projects let alone projects in the highly technical and complicated field of nuclear power generation during its entire operating history; (2) NuScale had entrusted its commercialization, distribution, and deployment of its NuScale Power Module and hundreds of millions of dollars of NuScale capital to an entity that lacked any significant prior experience owning, financing, or operating nuclear energy generation facilities; (3) the purported experience and qualifications attributed to ENTRA1 by Defendants during the Class Period in fact referred to the purported experience and qualifications of the principals of the Habboush Group, a distinct entity without significant experience in the field of nuclear power generation; and (4) as a result, NuScale's commercialization strategy was exposed to material, undisclosed risks of failure, delays, regulatory challenges, or other negative setbacks.

Why did NuScale's Stock Drop?

On November 6, 2025, NuScale surprised investors by revealing that the company's general and administrative expenses had ballooned more than 3,000% to $519 million during its third fiscal quarter, up from $17 million in the prior year period, due largely to NuScale's payment of $495 million to ENTRA1 for its TVA agreement. As a result, NuScale's quarterly net loss skyrocketed to $532 million, up from $46 million in the prior year period. On this news, the price of NuScale Class A common stock declined by $5.45 per share, or approximately 14.4%, from a close of $37.91 per share on November 5, 2025, to close at $32.46 on November 6, 2025.

WHAT SMR INVESTORS CAN DO NOW:

File to be lead plaintiff by April 20, 2026. Contact KTMC for a free case evaluation. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Retain counsel of choice or take no action.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS FOR NUSCALE POWER CORPORATION INVESTORS:

NuScale investors may, no later than April 20, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages NuScale investors to contact the firm for more information.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC):

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal's Plaintiff's Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group's Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer's Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon's Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360's Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. KTMC has recovered over $25 billion for our clients and the classes they represent. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com. The complaint in this matter was not filed by KTMC.

CONTACT:

Jonathan Naji, Esq.

(484) 270-1453

280 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087

[email protected]

May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
QUEENS, N.Y., April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NYC Disinfection Services, Inc., a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), is proud to announce that it has been awarded three citywide contracts to provide locksmith services across New York City.

These contracts mark a significant expansion of the company's service offerings and reinforce its continued growth within the public sector. NYC Disinfection Services will deliver a full range of locksmith solutions, including lock installation, repairs, replacements, emergency services, and security upgrades across multiple developments citywide.

"This is a major milestone for our company," said Alicia Halpin, President of NYC Disinfection Services, Inc. "We've built our reputation on reliability, responsiveness, and quality workmanship. Being entrusted with multiple citywide contracts is a reflection of the standards we hold ourselves to every day."

With an experienced team and the operational capacity to support large-scale service demands, NYC Disinfection Services is well-positioned to execute efficiently across all assigned locations.

As a WBE-certified firm, the company remains committed to supporting local communities through job creation, workforce development, and partnerships with minority- and women-owned businesses. NYC Disinfection Services encourages all MWBE- and Section 3-certified locksmith companies to contact us for subcontracting opportunities under these contracts.

About NYC Disinfection Services, Inc.

NYC Disinfection Services provides construction companies and government agencies with project management, skilled labor, and facility support solutions. The company specializes in executing large-scale projects with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and clear communication. Services include facilities maintenance, cleaning, and construction support across both public and private sectors.

Media Contact:

NYC Disinfection Services, Inc.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 347-326-1907

SOURCE NYC Disinfection Services, Inc.
NEW YORK, April 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Barclays PLC (NYSE: BCS) resulting from allegations that Barclays PLC may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So what: If you purchased Barclays PLC securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=23523 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email c[email protected] for information on the class action.

What is this about: On February 27, 2026, Reuters published an article entitled "Wall Street hit by UK mortgage lender collapse, raising fears of more credit 'cockroaches." The article stated that lenders were "rocked by the implosion of little-known UK mortgage provider Market Financial Solutions Ltd ["MFS"], fuelling concerns about wider losses among banks and reviving warnings of more "cockroaches" in the booming private credit industry." It further stated that another publication "reported Barclays has a 600 million pound ($809.70 million) exposure to MFS." On this news, Barclays American Depositary Shares ("ADS") fell 3.99% on February 27, 2026, and 2.3% on March 2, 2026.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm 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-firmhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firmhttps://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.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

c[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
TAIPEI, April 4 (Reuters) - Taiwan has received supply assurances from the energy minister of a "major" liquefied natural gas-producing country, the island's economy minister said on Saturday, speaking about the Iran war's impact on Middle East energy imports.

Taiwan, a major semiconductor producer, had relied on Qatar for around a third of its LNG before the conflict, and has said it has secured alternate supplies for the months ahead from countries including Australia and the United States.

More from Yahoo Scout What impact has Middle East conflict on Taiwan's energy? Which countries are supporting Taiwan's energy security needs? How is Taiwan diversifying its energy supply sources? How are Taiwan's energy inventory levels maintained?

Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin said that because Taiwan has good relationships with its crude oil and natural gas suppliers, neither adjusting shipment origins nor purchasing additional spot cargoes would be a problem.

Kung said that about two weeks ago the energy minister of a certain "major energy-producing country" proactively contacted him.

The person "explained to us that they would fully support our natural gas needs. If we have any demand, we can let them know," he added.

"Another country even said that some countries have released strategic petroleum reserves, and they could also help coordinate matters if Taiwan needs assistance," Kung said.

"This shows that Taiwan has in fact earned considerable goodwill internationally through the long-term trust it has built over the years," he said.

He declined to name the countries involved.

Angela Lin, spokesperson for state-owned refiner CPC, said at the same news conference that crude oil inventories were being maintained at pre-conflict levels and overall petrochemical feedstock supplies have remained stable.

CPC Chairman Fang Jeng-zen said that to reduce dependence on the Middle East, a new contract with the U.S. will see 1.2 million metric tons of LNG supplied annually, with even more to come in the future, including eventually from Alaska.

However, Taiwan is not considering importing crude or LNG from Russia, he added.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Roger Tung; Editing by Joe Bavier)
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New Delhi, April 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kerala on Saturday as part of the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections, scheduled to be held on April 9.

The visit is expected to energise party workers and strengthen the allianceas outreach across key constituencies in the State.

According to BJP officials, the Prime Minister will begin his engagements with a public meeting in Thiruvalla, located in Pathanamthitta district. He is expected to address a large gathering at the townas public stadium, where senior party leaders and NDA candidates from neighbouring constituencies will be present. The rally is seen as a significant push to consolidate voter support in central Kerala.

PM Modi will arrive at the NSS College grounds in Changanassery, in Kottayam district, at around 3 p.m. From there, he will travel by road to Thiruvalla. Party leaders have indicated that elaborate arrangements have been made to accommodate large crowds expected to attend the public meeting.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister will travel to Thiruvananthapuram, where he will participate in a roadshow covering a stretch of approximately 1.5 kilometres, from Killipalam Junction to Karamana. The roadshow is expected to attract substantial participation from party workers, supporters, and the general public.

Senior BJP leaders, including Rajeev Chandrasekhar and V. Muraleedharan, are expected to accompany the Prime Minister during various segments of the visit.

Earlier on Friday, PM Modi intensified the NDA campaign by holding a high-profile roadshow in Puducherry, drawing enthusiastic crowds and tight security arrangements across the city.

The NDA alliance in Puducherry, comprising the BJP, the All India NR Congress led by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, the AIADMK, and other regional partners, is seeking to consolidate its position in the upcoming polls.

PM Modi arrived in Chennai from New Delhi earlier in the day via a special flight. From Chennai airport, he proceeded to Puducherry by helicopter, underscoring the importance the BJP leadership is placing on the Union Territoryas electoral battle.

Upon his arrival at Puducherry airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Chief Minister Rangasamy along with senior BJP leaders and party functionaries.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Tehran, April 4 : Iran has rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Friday.

The proposal was delivered to Iran through a "friendly" country on Thursday, Fars quoted an informed source as saying.

Washington has stepped up its diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, particularly after an Iranian strike targeted a US "military forces depot" on Kuwait's Bubiyan Island, Xinhua news agency reported quoting sources.

According to Fars, assessments suggest that the proposal was put forward following an intensification of the crisis in the region and "serious problems" for US forces resulting from their country's "miscalculation" of Iran's military capabilities.

The report added that Iran's response to the offer was not given in writing, but through the continuation of attacks in the battlefield.

Meanwhile, the Iranian army confirmed that its air defence systems shot down a US 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 US F-35 fighter jet in central Iranian airspace earlier in the day. Later Friday, Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency reported that a US Black Hawk helicopter was also hit by a projectile in Iranian airspace while searching for the pilot of the downed US 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."

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US assets in the Middle East.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, April 4 : Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan will visit Bihar on Saturday to attend the 3rd Convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, as the Chief Guest.

The Vice-President will also visit Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram in West Champaran during his visit, an official statement said on Friday.

Last month, the Vice President visited Ulihatu, the ancestral village of tribal icon Birsa Munda, in Jharkhand's Khunti district, and paid homage to his memory.

He offered floral tributes at the statue of Birsa Munda and later interacted with his descendants and family members.

Describing the visit as deeply moving, the Vice President said Birsa Munda's life continues to inspire the youth of the nation and that his sacrifices gave a new direction to India's freedom struggle. He noted that this was his first visit to the revered birthplace of 'Dharti Aaba' since assuming office.

Recalling his earlier visit to Ulihatu during his tenure as Jharkhand Governor, he termed the experience significant and reaffirmed that Birsa Munda's legacy would continue to guide future generations.

He highlighted the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare November 15, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021, calling it a step towards enhancing national awareness of tribal heritage.

Referring to initiatives for tribal welfare, the Vice President mentioned the PM-JANMAN scheme aimed at the protection and empowerment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), underscoring the government's focus on inclusive development.

He stressed that greater awareness of the contributions and struggles of tribal freedom fighters is essential during the 'Amrit Kaal', as it reflects the realisation of the rights and dignity for which Birsa Munda fought.

During the visit, the Vice President also interacted with local villagers and was accorded a traditional 'Johar' welcome. Enthusiastic crowds gathered in Ulihatu and nearby areas to greet him.

Elaborate security arrangements were in place throughout the visit. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, and state minister Irfan Ansari were also present on the occasion.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Washington, April 4 : NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will travel to Washington, DC from April 8 to 12, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump and other senior officials, according to a statement shared by a NATO spokesperson.

The spokesperson said that on April 8, Rutte will hold talks with Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The visit will also include a public engagement on April 9, when Rutte is expected to deliver a speech and participate in a discussion hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.

The visit comes at a critical time for the transatlantic alliance, as tensions have risen following Trump's recent criticism of NATO amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The US president has voiced strong dissatisfaction with European allies, accusing them of not doing enough to support American strategic objectives.

Trump has even suggested that the United States could reconsider its commitment to the 77-year-old alliance, raising concerns among member nations about the future of NATO. He has criticised allies for restricting US military access to bases in Europe and for their reluctance to take the lead in securing key global routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

NATO officials confirmed that the upcoming meeting between Rutte and Trump on April 8 will be closely watched, as it may shape the alliance's direction during a period of geopolitical uncertainty.

Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister, has been described by observers as a "Trump whisperer" for his ability to maintain constructive engagement with the US leader during multiple crises since Trump's return to office. He has consistently argued that Trump's pressure has pushed European countries to increase defence spending, ultimately strengthening NATO's capabilities.

The discussions in Washington are expected to focus on alliance unity, defence commitments, and strategic coordination in an increasingly volatile global environment.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, April 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet senior BJP leaders in Chennai on Saturday as part of a key strategy meeting aimed at strengthening the party's prospects in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The meeting , scheduled to be held at a star hotel in Guindy at 11 a.m., is expected to focus on election planning, coordination with alliance partners, and efforts to improve the partyas electoral performance in the state.

This comes even as campaigning intensifies for the Puducherry Assembly elections, scheduled for April 9, where the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)a"comprising the BJP, N.R. Congress, AIADMK, and other alliesa"is contesting together.

Earlier on Friday, PM Modi arrived in Chennai from New Delhi by a special aircraft and later flew to Puducherry by helicopter. There, he led a high-profile roadshow in support of NDA candidates, drawing large crowds and energising party workers ahead of the polls.

After completing his campaign in Puducherry, the Prime Minister returned to Chennai around 7 p.m. and checked into a hotel in Guindy. He later held informal interactions with key BJP leaders, including senior functionaries and alliance representatives.

Saturdayas strategy meeting will feature the participation of several top leaders, including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, senior in-charge Sudhakar Reddy, National Secretary Arvind Menon, Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagenthran, and Union Minister of State L. Murugan, former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, Tamilisai Soundararajan, K. Annamalai, and Vanathi Srinivasan, among others. Annamalai, who had been campaigning in Kerala, returned to Chennai to attend the meeting, highlighting its significance.

The Prime Minister is expected to urge party leaders to outperform previous election results and intensify grassroots mobilisation.

The meeting is likely to continue until around noon, after which PM Modi will remain at the hotel till 1 pm. During this time, leaders from alliance parties and candidates contesting in Chennai constituencies are expected to meet him. Having already addressed multiple rallies across Tamil Nadu in recent daysa"including in Chengalpattu, Madurai, and Tiruchya"this visit is primarily focused on internal consultations. No public roadshow has been scheduled in Chennai during this leg of his tour.

-- Syndicated from IANS
New Delhi, April 4 : Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has called for stronger outreach, including digital dissemination and targeted engagement with startups and MSMEs, particularly in emerging segments such as ready-to-eat and "carry-home" food products tailored to changing urban consumption patterns.

New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has called for stronger outreach, including digital dissemination and targeted engagement with startups and MSMEs, particularly in emerging segments such as ready-to-eat and "carry-home" food products tailored to changing urban consumption patterns.

He emphasised that the next phase of growth lies in expanding the commercial and entrepreneurial ecosystem around such technologies.

India's millet push received a dual institutional boost as the Centre moved to scale both technology and grassroots capacity, with Dr Jitendra Singh highlighting Millet recipes developed with Indian technology are being served by international food chains, including McDonalds.

During a visit to the country's first dedicated 'Centre of Excellence' for Millets at the Central Food Technology & Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysore, Dr Singh observed that the innovations from this Centre have already entered global food chains, and will now be complemented by a new residential training ecosystem to expand its reach nationwide.

Noting that institutions like CFTRI have already developed hundreds of technologies with high levels of commercial adoption, the Minister said the focus must now shift to ensuring wider market access and last-mile delivery.

The millet facility, supported by Rs 20 crore under RKVY, integrates advanced processing technologies capable of handling all nine varieties of millets within a single system.

With a cleaning capacity of 6070 tonnes per day and milling capacity of 1215 tonnes per day, it produces a range of value-added outputs including flour, semolina (sooji and rava) and bran, while ensuring higher nutrient retention, improved shelf life and industrial-scale efficiency in a hygienic, automated environment.

He stressed that scientific innovation must move beyond laboratories to directly support livelihoods, especially through partnerships with farmers, women's groups and small enterprises.

With global attention turning towards climate-resilient crops and sustainable nutrition, millets are emerging as a strategic focus area for India's food economy.

The CFTRI model, combining scientific research, industry linkage and grassroots capacity-building, is being positioned as a template for translating this opportunity into both economic growth and nutritional outcomes.

IANS

na/
New Delhi, April 4 : Pakistan's already weak economy is coming under fresh pressure as the country prepares to repay $3.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates this month, even as relations between the two sides show signs of strain.

According to a report by The Express Tribune, Islamabad has decided to return the loans in phases throughout April.

The report said that around $450 million will be paid next week, followed by $2 billion and another $1 billion later in the month.

The move comes after months of uncertainty over these loans. Unlike in the past, when Gulf countries often gave Pakistan more time to repay, the UAE had only been extending the loans for short periods. This change signals a tougher stance from a long-time ally.

The repayment is expected to put pressure on Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves, which are already under stress.

Using reserves to pay back such a large amount could weaken the country's ability to manage its external finances.

The situation has become more serious due to recent tensions with United Arab Emirates. Reports suggested that Abu Dhabi is unhappy with Pakistan's perceived closeness to Iran during the ongoing regional conflict.

This has raised questions among Emirati officials about Pakistan's foreign policy priorities.

These tensions could also affect future financial support. A separate $2 billion assistance package from the UAE is now seen as uncertain, the report said.

Pakistan continues to rely heavily on support from friendly countries as part of its programme with the International Monetary Fund.

Nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China have been helping by maintaining deposits to support Pakistan's economy.

However, the latest developments suggest that such support is no longer guaranteed and may come with stricter conditions.

Even within the country, there is growing concern over this dependence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently admitted that repeatedly seeking financial help from other countries affects national "self-respect," as lenders often expect something in return.

With exports declining, investment slowing, and debt repayments rising, the $3.5 billion repayment highlights deeper economic challenges, as per the report.
Bitcoin (BTC-USD) opened at $66,888.48 on Friday, 1.7% lower than Thursdays opening price of $68,077.90. The value of bitcoin as of 7:00 a.m ET was $66,873.31.

Ethereum (ETH-USD) opened at $2,056.78 on Friday, 3.8% lower than Thursdays opening price of $2,138.72. The value of ethereum as of 7:00 a.m. ET was $2,060.05.

Bitcoin dipped while ethereum strengthened slightly on Friday morning. Both cryptos lost ground after President Trumps prime-time address on Wednesday. The Iran War and concern over its economic repercussions have negatively affected demand for riskier assets, including bitcoin, ethereum, and S&P 500 stocks. Bitcoin and ethereum have shown continued weakness after hitting record highs in 2025, and the downturn this week has fueled pessimism about the long-term outlook, particularly for bitcoin.

Learn more: Mortgage giant Fannie Mae will soon accept crypto-backed homebuying loans

Current price of bitcoin and ethereum

Bitcoin

The price of bitcoin this morning was 1.7% lower than Thursdays opening figure. Heres a look at how the opening bitcoin price has changed versus last week, month, and year:

One week ago: -2.8%

One month ago: -2.8%

One year ago: -18.9%

The all-time high for bitcoin was $126,198.07 on Oct. 6, 2025. The all-time low value for bitcoin was $0.04865 on July 14, 2010.

Ethereum

The price of ethereum this morning was 3.8% lower compared to Thursdays open. Heres how the opening ethereum price has changed versus last week, month, and year:

One week ago: 0.1%

One month ago: +1.4%

One year ago: +14.6%

The all-time high for ethereum was $4,953.73 on Aug. 24, 2025. The all-time low value for ethereum was $0.4209 on Oct. 21, 2015.

Bitcoin, ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies are rapidly evolving. Follow the latest developments from Yahoo Finance and others here.

Can you buy your next house with crypto?

So, you put a little mad money into bitcoin a few years ago. Now, your crypto-fueled profit means you have a sweet nest egg to put toward a house.

But can you buy a house with crypto rather than using cash or a traditional mortgage loan? What are the roadblocks? And what about taxes?

President Trump wants the United States to be "the crypto capital of the world." In that spirit, in late June, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) William J. Pulte ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to "prepare their businesses to count cryptocurrency as an asset for a mortgage."

The FHFA supervises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored companies that fund a major portion of the mortgage industry.

Pulte said the housing system "needs a massive upgrade," adding, I want people who own cryptocurrency to be able to buy homes like everyone else. I believe cryptocurrency is an asset. I believe Americans should be able to use their crypto if they want to. It's time the housing system caught up.

This signals what could be a fundamental change to how cryptocurrency may be used to qualify for a mortgage.

Learn more: Want to buy a house with crypto? Heres what to expect.

Bitcoin price chart

Whether youre brand new to tracking the value of bitcoin or a more seasoned crypto investor, Yahoo Finances price-of-bitcoin chart below shows a visual history of how the currency's value continues to move and evolve.

More information on crypto from the Yahoo Finance team:
Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 : With just days to go before April 9, when over 2.71 crore voters will decide Kerala's political future, the campaign has entered a decisive, high-voltage phase marked by contrasting strategies, shifting optics and a late scramble to control the narrative.

Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 (IANS) With just days to go before April 9, when over 2.71 crore voters will decide Keralaas political future, the campaign has entered a decisive, high-voltage phase marked by contrasting strategies, shifting optics and a late scramble to control the narrative.

The Congress-led UDF and the BJP-led NDA are clearly betting on star power to deliver a final surge.

The presence of national figures like Congress's Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kerala on the same day underscores the importance both fronts attach to the closing stretch.

Their campaigns are calibrated to energise cadres, consolidate floating voters and inject momentum into what has otherwise been a tightly contested electoral battle.

In contrast, the CPI-M-led LDF appears to be executing a more nuanced and, perhaps, defensive endgame.

The absence of its national figurehead Sitaram Yechury has altered the optics, placing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the centre of the campaign more than ever before.

What stands out, however, is not just his centrality but the manner in which he has recalibrated his public engagement.

For a leader known to maintain a deliberate distance from the media, Vijayanas sudden openness over the past two weeks marks a significant tactical shift.

By engaging extensively with multiple media platforms, he appears to be attempting a narrative reset, softening a long-perceived image of inaccessibility and projecting a more responsive leadership style.

This pivot, however, has not gone uncontested.

A social media post from a handle close to the Chief Ministeras media apparatus pushes back against allegations that these interviews are part of a coordinated PR exercise.

By challenging journalists to disclose any undue influence or scripting, the message seeks to reframe the discourse, not as image management, but as transparent communication.

The divergence in strategies is telling.

While the Congress and the BJP bank on charisma and crowd-pulling national figures to create a wave, the incumbent is focused on recalibrating perception and defending its record through controlled visibility.

As Kerala heads into the final hours of campaigning, the question is whether star power will outweigh narrative control or whether a carefully managed image reset can blunt the oppositionas momentum.

The answer will unfold on April 9, when the electorate delivers its verdict.
Mumbai, April 4 : Actress Madhuri Dixit is celebrating the rich textile heritage of Odisha, describing its traditional weaves as more than just fabric, but "stories woven with love and patience."

Taking to Instagram, Madhuri shared her admiration for the intricate craftsmanship and timeless appeal of Odisha's handlooms. She highlighted how each weave reflects generations of skill, culture, and dedication passed down through artisans.

"The rich weaving traditions of Odishatimeless, intricate, full of soul. Not just fabrics, but stories woven with love and patience. Honoured to represent this beautiful legacy," Madhuri said.

Odisha is known for its exquisite handlooms, including ikat and Sambalpuri weaves, which are celebrated for their detailed patterns and vibrant colours, making them a significant part of India's cultural fabric.

Talking about Madhuri, she was last seen in on the big screen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, a comedy horror film directed by Anees Bazmee, written by Aakash Kaushik, and produced by T-Series Films and Cine1 Studios.

It serves as the third installment of the eponymous franchise after Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. It stars Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri, and is set in Kolkata.

She was recently seen in the OTT series Mrs. Deshpande directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, the series is an adaptation of acclaimed French miniseries La Mante and stars Madhuri Dixit as Mrs, Despande, a serial killer, with Siddharth Chandekar, Priyanshu Chatterjee and Diksha Juneja in pivotal supporting roles.

Madhuri made her acting debut with a leading role in the drama Abodh. She rose to prominence with the action drama Tezaab and established herself with starring roles in top-grossing romantic dramas such as Dil, Beta, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, and Dil To Pagal Hai.

Other commercially successful films during this period include Ram Lakhan, Tridev, Thanedaar, Kishen Kanhaiya, Saajan, Khalnayak, and Raja.

She gained critical appreciation for her performances in Prem Pratigyaa, Parinda, Anjaam, Mrityudand, Pukar, and Lajja. She also received the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for playing Chandramukhi in Devdas.

Following a hiatus, Dixit made a brief comeback by starring in the musical Aaja Nachle and acted intermittently over the next decades. During this period, she primarily featured as a talent judge on dance reality shows such as Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Dance Deewane.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Patna, April 4 : Bihar Minister Ramkripal Yadav, reacting to the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) decision to remove MP Raghav Chadha as the party's Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, on Saturday said that the party's national Convenor Arvind Kejriwal wants to keep his party workers and leaders under control "like slaves".

Patna, April 4 (IANS) Bihar Minister Ramkripal Yadav, reacting to the Aam Aadmi Partyas (AAP) decision to remove MP Raghav Chadha as the partyas Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, on Saturday said that the party's national Convenor Arvind Kejriwal wants to keep his party workers and leaders under control "like slaves".

"Raghav Chadha has not said anything wrong. Everyone has heard it; the whole world has heard it. But I donat know what problem Arvind Kejriwal is facing. If anyone expresses their opinion clearly, in a democracy, everyone has the right to speak. Kejriwal wants to keep his party workers and leaders under control like slaves." Ramkripal Yadav told IANS.

He also criticised Kejriwalas leadership style. "Kejriwal seems to have forgotten that India is a democratic country. He came to power through a movement, but now he is doing all the things that previous governments used to do. He is fading away, and in the coming times, his party will completely vanish. It is unfortunate," he claimed.

Meanwhile, AAP has launched a strong attack against Chadha, with several party members sharing videos criticising the Punjab MP. Chadha, once considered a close aide of Kejriwal, had been raising issues of the common man in the Rajya Sabha. However, the party removed him from the deputy leaderas post, alleging that he was not raising "real issues".

Chadha is now facing sharp criticism from party colleagues, who have accused him of being reluctant to speak against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and not standing firmly with the partyas stance.

Commenting on the upcoming Assembly elections, Ramkripal Yadav said: "Elections are taking place in five states, and the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies will form the government. In West Bengal, it is certain that a BJP-led government will come to power. People are fed up with 15 years of misrule under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, marked by corruption and poor governance. The state still lags far behind in development."
Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 : After his convoy was allegedly blocked and a member of his security team assaulted in Kerala's Malappuram district, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that he was safe and expressed gratitude for the concern shown by supporters.

Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 (IANS) After his convoy was allegedly blocked and a member of his security team assaulted in Keralaas Malappuram district, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that he was safe and expressed gratitude for the concern shown by supporters.

Taking to X, Tharoor said: "Truly touched by all the messages and calls expressing concern about the untoward incident last night when my security guard was attacked. He is well and I was untouched. Thank you to all friends and well-wishers. We carried on undaunted yesterday and concluded two more events as planned. And our ongoing programme remains unaffected."

According to police, the incident took place near the Chellithode bridge at Thiruvali in Wandoor at around 7.30 pm. Tharoor was travelling to attend an election campaign event of Congress leader A.P. Anilkumar when his convoy was stopped near the bridge.

A video from the site showed the senior Congress leader seated in the front seat of his vehicle while a group of men gathered around, with some of them shouting slogans.

The 70-year-old leader confirmed the incident in his post on Saturday morning. Based on a complaint filed by his security personnel, Wandoor police registered a case, detained suspects, and seized two vehicles linked to the incident.

Police said the case was registered at Wandoor Police Station following a complaint by Tharooras gunman, Ratheesh K.P. One person has been taken into custody so far, and further investigation is underway.

Kerala is set to vote in a single phase on April 9. The counting of votes for the 140-member Assembly will take place on May 4. The current Assemblyas term will end on May 23.

The state has approximately 2.70 crore electors, including 1.31 crore male voters, 1.38 crore female voters, and 277 voters from the third gender.

The upcoming elections are considered crucial for the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), as Kerala remains the only state in India currently governed by the Left. The state, known for its alternating political trends between the LDF and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), is also witnessing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as a significant challenger, with its vote share rising substantially in recent elections.
April 04 : Lucknow: Acting on the demands of employees of We Win Pvt. Ltd., the Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited (UPDESCO) has taken immediate action. Taking the matter seriously, UPDESCOs Managing Director Neha Jain has issued a show-cause notice to the company.

UPDESCO has also issued strict instructions to ensure employees salaries and other benefits without delay.

In the notice, the agency has been clearly informed that CM Helpline 1076 is an extremely important public service project and any disruption in its functioning will not be tolerated. Any lapse in its operation will be considered serious negligence.

UPDESCO has directed the agency to immediately ensure the payment of employees salaries and other benefits and to operate the helpline services at full capacity. If any irregularity is found in this regard, strict action will be taken against the agency. The agency has also been asked to provide a detailed explanation regarding the entire incident.

This matter has been taken very seriously. In the notice sent to the call center agency We Win Pvt. Ltd., UPDESCO has directed that the employees of CM Helpline 1076 must be provided their prescribed salaries and other benefits. If any negligence is found, necessary strict action will be taken against the agency.

- Neha Jain, MD, Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited.
April 04 : Azamgarh: Azamgarh district is widely known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. The black pottery of the Nizamabad area has established a unique identity across the world. The craft uses a special type of fine clay that is locally available, making this art form even more distinctive.

More than 200 artisans in the Nizamabad area are engaged in this traditional craft. Using their skills, they create a variety of products such as vases, utensils, teapots, sugar pots and decorative items.

The demand for these products is rising rapidly not only in India but also in abroad, as they are both functional and aesthetically appealing.

This craft industry of Azamgarh is significant not only culturally but also economically, serving as a strong source of livelihood for local people. Along with agriculture, this traditional industry contributes substantially to the districts economy. The fancy pottery of Nizamabad is especially known for its intricate carvings and glossy black finish.

Clay products and idols of deities such as Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga and Goddess Saraswati, made by the potter community, are particularly popular during fairs and festivals. These artworks beautifully reflect a blend of traditional faith and artistic excellence.

The most distinctive feature of black pottery is its deep black colour, which is achieved through a special process. Artisans first dip the prepared items in a mixture of clay and plant-based solution to create the base colour. After that, the products are fired using a specific technique, and elements like mercury, tin and lead are used to give them an attractive shine.

Efforts made by the Yogi government in this direction have been commendable. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the 'One District One Product' scheme has given new recognition and wider markets to Azamgarhs black pottery.

As a result, artisans are receiving training, financial assistance and better marketing opportunities, leading to a steady increase in their income. This is why this traditional art continues to progress while maintaining its unique identity in modern times.

The state government is continuously working to preserve and promote this invaluable heritage and is providing consistent encouragement to artisans so that this craft remains alive for future generations.

Sanjay Kumar Yadav, Director of the Black Pottery Foundation in Nizamabad, said that they have benefited from the Common Facility Centre due to the Yogi government. After receiving this facility, their business has grown rapidly. With access to modern machines, they are now able to complete orders on time and with improved quality.

He added that this progress is the result of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths ODOP (One District One Product) scheme. Today, black pottery has established its identity not only in India but also in international markets.

The establishment of the Common Facility Centre has made the production process much easier. It provides access to raw materials as well as modern machinery. Artisans come there to create their products, package them and sell them in the market at their set prices.

This facility has enabled them to successfully fulfill even large orders, resulting in significant growth in their business.
Alappuzha : , April 4 (IANS) With days to go for the Kerala Assembly elections, the Congress has escalated its attack against the CPI-M-backed Kairali News TV channel, accusing it of circulating a morphed and defamatory image of party General Secretary and MP K.C. Venugopal in a bid to mislead voters.

Congress Legal Cell chairman Dr Abhishek Singhvi has lodged a formal complaint before the Election Commission, alleging that the image was digitally manipulated to falsely suggest that Venugopal was accepting money.

The complaint further states that a green circle was deliberately inserted in the visual to reinforce the misleading narrative and influence public perception.

Describing the episode as a "planned attempt" to tarnish Venugopalas image ahead of polling, the Congress has argued that the circulation of such content violates the Model Code of Conduct and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

Singhvi has sought the Commissionas urgent intervention, calling for an immediate probe into the incident and strict action against those responsible.

The complaint also demands that the doctored image be taken down from all social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and X, where it is alleged to have been widely shared in a coordinated manner.

Parallelly, Congress state Vice President A.A. Shukoor has approached the Alappuzha North police, seeking criminal action against the channel and its officials.

The complaint invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to forgery, spreading enmity and criminal conspiracy, along with Section 66 of the Information Technology Act.

Shukkur said the incident reflects a broader pattern of attempts to derail the democratic process through misinformation and targeted character assassination of opposition leaders.

He asserted that the Congress would pursue the matter legally and politically, signalling a sharper contest as campaigning enters its final stretch.

Kerala goes to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators
Kolkata, April 4 : The Artists Forum has decided to file a formal police complaint against the production company linked to the death of Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, expressing dissatisfaction with the explanations provided so far.

Sources said the FIR would be lodged with the concerned police station after 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Forum alleged that the information shared by the production house, which was responsible for the shoot of the Bengali television series during which the incident occurred, was inadequate and raised several unanswered questions.

Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee addressed a press conference at Technicians' Studio late on Friday night, stating that the Forum had written to the production company on April 1 but did not receive a satisfactory response.

"We had hoped for an answer that would address our concerns. Since that did not happen, we have decided to file an FIR," he said.

Responding to queries on why the decision to approach the police was taken several days after the incident, Prosenjit said the loss deeply shook the industry. "It is impossible to bring back someone who has passed away. We were all in shock. It took a few days to come to terms with the fact that Rahul is no longer with us. Now, we will try our best to find out the real reason behind his death," he added.

Actor Shantilal Mukherjee also said the Forum was unhappy with the reply received from the production company and that legal advice was subsequently taken. "After consulting lawyers, we decided to file a complaint with the concerned police station, demanding a full and impartial investigation," he told reporters.

Several actors from the Bengali film and television industry alleged that the production company's statement, issued three days after the incident, contained inconsistencies and failed to address key issues, including compensation. They also criticised the company's spokesperson, Leena Gangopadhyay, for not meeting Rahul Banerjee's family following his death.

Meanwhile, posters demanding "Justice for Rahul" have surfaced on social media, with calls for protests seeking accountability.

The 42-year-old actor drowned on March 29 while shooting for the television series 'Bhole Baba Paar Karega' at Talsari in Odisha. Reports said he entered the water just as the tide rose and was swept away. Technicians later pulled him out, but he could not be saved. Preliminary findings indicated death due to drowning.

An unnatural death case has been registered at Digha Police Station. The incident has brought the Bengali film and television industry to a standstill, with actors, directors, and technicians expressing shock and grief.

Rahul Banerjee is survived by his mother, wife -- actor Priyanka Sarkar -- and their 13yearold son.

Known for his character roles, Rahul gained recognition with 'Chirodini Tumi Je Amar' (2008) and went on to appear in films such as 'Tumi Asbe Bole' (2014), 'Zulfiqar' (2016), 'Byomkesh Gotro' (2018), 'Biday Byomkesh' (2018) and 'The Academy of Fine Arts' (2025). He was also a familiar face on television, appearing in serials such as 'Hargouri Pice Hotel' and 'Mohona'.

--ANS

sch/skp
Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 : With just days left for polling in the Kerala Assembly election, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Saturday alleged that recent developments in the state's campaign reflect a ruling front "on the defensive" and struggling to retain public confidence.

Citing the attempted assault on the security personnel of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor during a campaign event in Wandoor on Friday night, Satheesan said the incident was indicative of the political climate.

"When popular leaders draw large crowds, such reactions point to frustration on the other side," he remarked, suggesting that the episode underscored the growing momentum of the Opposition campaign.

Satheesan also flagged what he described as a surge of "fabricated and motivated poll surveys" circulating on social media and other platforms.

According to him, these are being deployed to create a perception battle in the final stretch of campaigning.

"Such surveys are aimed at misleading voters and manufacturing a false narrative. It only shows the extent of concern within the ruling camp," he said.

"UDF will win handsomely with 100 seats," said Satheesan.

Turning his criticism towards Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Leader of the Opposition alleged that recent statements by the Chief Minister indicated a "soft corner" towards the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).

He pointed out that even within Left circles, including at the CPI-M Party Congress, the SDPI has been described as an extreme extremist outfit.

"For the sake of a few votes and in a desperate attempt to stay relevant, the Chief Minister appears willing to reach out in all directions," Satheesan said, adding that such positioning raises serious political and ideological questions.

He maintained that the cumulative effect of these developments, the attack during campaign activity, the circulation of questionable surveys, and shifting political signals reflects a ruling front under pressure.

As campaigning enters its final phase, Satheesan asserted that the Opposition would continue to focus on issues affecting voters, expressing confidence that the electorate would "see through attempts to distort the narrative" and deliver a decisive verdict.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 : Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said he has been inundated with requests from people in Kerala to visit Beypore and campaign, but expressed regret at being unable to accommodate additional engagements, citing time constraints set by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

"Thank you. We are inundated with such requests. But our route was drawn up after wide consultations and I am covering five or six constituencies a day already. Cannot add anything without cancelling something else. Truly sorry to disappoint so many colleagues but this is all the time the ECI allotted for the campaign!" he posted on X.

His response came after an X user urged him to visit Beypore, stating that his presence would provide a significant boost to UDF workers in the constituency.

Earlier in the day, after his convoy was allegedly blocked and a member of his security team assaulted in Keralaas Malappuram district, Tharoor said that he was safe and expressed gratitude for the concern shown by supporters.

"Truly touched by all the messages and calls expressing concern about the untoward incident last night when my security guard was attacked. He is well and I was untouched. Thank you to all friends and well-wishers. We carried on undaunted yesterday and concluded two more events as planned. And our ongoing programme remains unaffected."

Kerala is set to vote in a single phase on April 9. The counting of votes for the 140-member Assembly will take place on May 4. The current Assemblyas term will end on May 23.

The state has approximately 2.70 crore electors, including 1.31 crore male voters, 1.38 crore female voters, and 277 voters from the third gender.

The upcoming elections are considered crucial for the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), as Kerala remains the only state in India currently governed by the Left. The state, known for its alternating political trends between the LDF and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), is also witnessing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as a significant challenger, with its vote share rising substantially in recent elections.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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.
Patna, April 4 : Three relatives of Bihar Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav were critically injured after unidentified armed miscreants carried out a violent late'night attack at his in'laws' residence on the outskirts of Patna, police said on Saturday.

According to an official, the attack took place at the residence of the minister's in-laws on the outskirts of Patna. A group of more than a dozen armed attackers allegedly surrounded the house late on Friday night and opened indiscriminate fire, reportedly firing around 15 rounds.

The sound of gunfire created panic across the locality.

The attackers then forcibly entered the premises and assaulted the occupants using sharp weapons and blunt objects, including swords, sticks, bricks, and stones. Three individuals -- identified as Pappu Kumar, Manish Kumar, and Nitish Kumar -- sustained serious injuries in the attack.

They have been admitted to AIIMS Patna and a private nursing home, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Their condition is reported to be critical.

Upon receiving information, the local police rushed to the scene and recovered several empty shell casings, indicating the intensity of the firing.

Given the high-profile nature of the incident, police have launched an intensive investigation and heightened security in the area. Officials are working to identify the attackers and ascertain the motive behind the assault.

The incident has once again raised concerns over law and order in Bihar, especially as reports of violent crimes continue to surface from different parts of the state.

Authorities have assured that those responsible will be apprehended soon.

According to senior police officials, intensive efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the attackers involved in the Maner incident. Continuous raids are being conducted at multiple locations, and surveillance teams have been deployed to track down the suspects.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the attack may have been the result of a personal feud or a premeditated conspiracy. However, officials have clarified that all possible angles -- including criminal rivalry and other motives -- are being thoroughly examined.

Following the incident, an atmosphere of fear and tension has gripped Maner, with residents scared over the deteriorating security situation. Police presence in the area has been increased to maintain law and order and to reassure the local population.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Kolkata, April 4 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has begun probing the harassment of judicial adjudication officers at Kaliachak in West Bengal's Malda district, will focus in its first preliminary report on whether the incident was driven by spontaneous public anger or was a pre-planned attempt to derail the ongoing judicial adjudication process.

The agency's initial findings, to be submitted to the Supreme Court next week, sources say, will focus on whether the incident was a result of the spontaneous public grievance because of the deletion of names of a large percentage of voters referred for judicial adjudication or whether there was any pre-planned method in orchestrating that grievance into the harassment of the judicial officers.

Already, the NIA team had started its investigation into the matter after reaching Kaliachak on Friday afternoon. Although the members of the investigating team have refrained so far from speaking to the media on the progress of the investigation, sources aware of the development say that currently they are collecting background information about the 35 persons accused so far in the matter, specially the mastermind Mofakkarul Islam and Maulana Shahjahan Ali, the All India Secular Front (AISF) candidate from Mothabari assembly constituency in the West Bengal assembly polls scheduled later this month.

The main investigation team comprises 15 officers, led by a Superintendent of Police-rank officer, drawn from NIA units in New Delhi and Mumbai. However, they are assisted by another team of NIA officials posted in Kolkata, familiar with the local language of the region.

A division bench of the Supreme Court, headed by the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, earlier this week directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to hand over the charge of investigation in the matter of harassment of judicial adjudication officers either to the NIA or to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Later, ECI opted for NIA for that purpose.

On Wednesday, seven judicial officers, including three women, were held hostage inside a block office at Kaliachak in Malda district by a group of voters whose names had been deleted during the process of judicial adjudication under the "logical discrepancy" category.

At around 1 a.m. on Thursday, a large police contingent led by senior district officials reached the spot, dispersed the protesters, rescued the judicial officers, and escorted them to a safe location. They had been gheraoed for around nine hours.

There were also reports that, even while being shifted to a safe location after their rescue, an attempt was made to attack the convoy.
New Delhi, April 4 : India on Saturday expressed gratitude to Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of its nationals from Iran, as efforts continue to bring back citizens amid the intensifying conflict in West Asia.

The evacuation of Indian fishermen through Armenia marks another step in New Delhias ongoing mission to ensure the safe return of its citizens from the region.

aThank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India", External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X.

Amid the escalating conflict situation, hundreds of Indian citizens have been evacuated from Iran into neighbouring Armenia in recent days. India has been coordinating closely with regional governments to ensure safe transit routes for its nationals.

Earlier this week, India also thanked Azerbaijan for assisting in the evacuation process. During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 204 Indian nationals have successfully crossed into Azerbaijan from Iran via the land border. He added that while several evacuees have already returned to India, others are expected to arrive over the coming days.

"Azerbaijana 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; others will be returning in the course of the next few days or so," he said.

India had earlier acknowledged Armeniaas assistance in evacuation efforts. On March 16, EAM Jaishankar thanked the Armenian government and its people for facilitating the safe evacuation of over 550 Indian nationals from Iran, appreciating their continued support during challenging circumstances.

The ongoing evacuation operations highlight Indiaas diplomatic outreach and coordination with multiple countries to safeguard its citizens amid rising tensions in West Asia.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Jammu, April 4 : Ruling National Conference (NC) and Congress MLAs on Saturday expressed serious concern over the Ganderbal 'encounter' in which one person, allegedly a civilian, was killed as they demanded a judicial probe into the incident.

Jammu, April 4 (IANS) Ruling National Conference (NC) and Congress MLAs on Saturday expressed serious concern over the Ganderbal aencountera in which one person, allegedly a civilian, was killed as they demanded a judicial probe into the incident.

During the Question Hour, NC legislators stood up alleging that an innocent has been killed in a staged gunfight in Ganderbal.

"It shouldnat happen. We admit that the L-G has ordered an inquiry, but the Home Department should send out a message that no innocent should be killed in this sensitive state. There must be a distinction between militants and civilians," party MLA Mubarak Gul said.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather responded that an inquiry had already been ordered.

Congress MLA, Irfan Hafiz Lone, waved a placard seeking justice for the family, while NC MLA Justice Hasnain Masoodi (retd) pointed out that the body had not been handed over to the family for burial. He said that the right to a decent burial is a constitutionally accepted right.

Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat argued that a magisterial inquiry was not sufficient and insisted that a judicial inquiry should be ordered. "There should be swift justice. Justice demands speedy disposal of the matter," he said.

NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq said: "After the incident, the Chief Minister said the familyas perspective should be heard. The claims of the family need to be investigated. It is good that the LG has ordered a probe. The investigation should go to the bottom of the matter to find out what exactly happened, where, and how."

NC MLA Mir Saifullah added that security forces should be reined in to prevent such incidents in the future.

PDP MLA Aga Syed Muntazir said: "The questions raised around the Budgam encounter are being addressed through a welcome step. As the head of the Unified Command, he (the LG) has ordered a probe to find answers to these questions. Now we will wait to see what the report reveals after a week."

At this, BJP MLA R. Pathania stood up, contending that the house could not discuss the issue because it was outside its jurisdiction.

"My eight starred questions have been disallowed on the grounds that they fall under matters pertaining to the L-G or the Government of India. How is the discussion taking place on the matter which is not in the jurisdiction of the House?" he asked.

J&K L-G, Manoj Sinha, on Friday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
Kolkata, April 4 : Intelligence agencies, bot central and state, including the members of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) team, probing the incident regarding the harassment of the judicial adjudication officers at Kaliachak in Malda district of West Bengal are trying to track the overseas links of the arrested mastermind in the case, Mofakkarul Islam, and his close aide and YouTuber Akramul Bagani, sources said on Saturday.

Both Islam and Bagani were arrested at Bagdogra Airport by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers of the West Bengal Police on Friday while they were trying to escape from the state.

Sources said that since the arrest of Islam and Bagani on Friday morning, social media had been flooded with posts expressing solidarity towards them, many of which are from abroad, which had prompted the Intelligence agencies to track the overseas links and activities of the two accused, especially Islam.

The social media accounts of certain fellow YouTubers and Bagani's social media influencers, who have also shared solidarity posts against the arrests, are also under the scanner of Intelligence agencies.

Meanwhile, the members of the NIA probe team have already collected the CCTV footage relating to the event of seven judicial officers, including three women, being held hostage at Kaliachak on Wednesday night from the local Mothabari Police station, and the investigating officials are currently examining that footage.

They are especially examining the video footage where Islam was seen and heard standing on the roof of a vehicle and giving highly provocative messages to the assembled crowd protesting against the alleged deletion of their names from the voters' list in the course of judicial adjudication.

The members of the NIA team have also collected CCTV footage of the road blockades at various places in Kaliachak on the same day.

Earlier this week, a division bench of the Supreme Court led by the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to hand over the charge of investigation in the matter of harassment of judicial adjudication officers either to the NIA or to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Later, the ECI opted to hand over the probe to NIA regarding the matter.
New Delhi, April 4 : The government on Saturday dismissed reports and social media claims that an Iranian crude oil cargo was diverted from Vadinar in India to China due to payment issues, calling them "factually incorrect" and misleading.

New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) The government on Saturday dismissed reports and social media claims that an Iranian crude oil cargo was diverted from Vadinar in India to China due to payment issues, calling them "factually incorrect" and misleading.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has clarified that recent reports suggesting India lost an Iranian oil shipment due to payment problems are not true.

The government said India imports crude oil from more than 40 countries, and oil companies have full flexibility to choose suppliers based on commercial needs.

"The news reports and social media posts of an Iranian crude cargo being diverted from Vadinar, India to China due to 'payment issues' are factually incorrect," the ministry said in a post on X.

"India imports crude oil from over 40 countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources and geographies based on commercial considerations," it added.

The clarification comes after reports claimed that a US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude, named Ping Shun, changed its route from Vadinar in Gujarat to Dongying in China.

According to ship tracking data, the vessel was initially headed towards India but later altered its destination, sparking speculation that payment issues may have caused the diversion.

Market analysts had suggested that stricter payment terms from sellers could be behind the sudden change in route.

However, the government has rejected this claim, stating that there is no payment hurdle for importing crude oil from Iran and that such rumours are misleading.

The ministry also reassured that despite ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East, Indian refiners have already secured their crude oil requirements for the coming months, including supplies from Iran.

"Claims on vessel diversion ignore how oil trade works. Bills of Lading often carry indicative discharge ports destinations and on-sea cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage based on trade optimisation and operational flexibility," the ministry stated.

Addressing separate claims regarding LPG supplies, the government said reports were inaccurate.

It confirmed that an LPG vessel, Sea Bird, carrying around 44 thousand metric tonnes of Iranian LPG, arrived at Mangalore on April 2 and is currently unloading its cargo.
New Delhi, April 4 : Weighing in on the ongoing West Asia conflict, India's former Ambassador to Qatar K.P. Fabian on Saturday remarked that the Iranians "are playing a smart chess game" and termed US President Donald Trump's statements as showing that he is "living in a fantasy land".

Speaking to IANS, the former diplomat stated that contrary to what President Trump says, the Strait of Hormuz is not blocked, "meaning it's not blocked hundred percent".

"What Iran is saying is that ships linked to friendly countries can go (but not the) ships which are linked to the United States, Israel, and their allies."

Emphasising on the words "and their allies", he said: "These words are not spelled out. But I suppose we understand. What they mean is the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). Because it is from the bases which the United States has in the GCC that they are attacking Iran."

For Fabian, a French-owned ship that passed through the Strait of Hormuz is "very interesting because French President Emmanuel Macron did tell President Trump in public that the solution is diplomatic, not military".

"Iranians are playing a smart chess game," he opined.

Moreover, the former Ambassador mentioned that Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines crossing the Strait of Hormuz is not very significant for the global energy supply chain, because he said that there are about 200 ships waiting there. "So Iran is letting some ships pass through, belonging to 'friendly countries'. It was a gesture towards Japan," he said.

Recently, when Japanese Prime Minister aSanae Takaichi met President Trump in the White House, the latter had reminded her about the Pearl Harbour incident and then asked the former to "step up".

According to Fabian, President Trump wanted the Japanese Navy to be sent to take orders from the Americans

"Trump's idea of asking the NATO countries to help America doesn't make much sense. That means Germany, Italy, Britain will be sending their navies to take orders from the American Admiral because you cannot have ten navies without a common command(er)."

"Trump has not expounded this in public, but that is the real meaning," he asserted.

On President Trump, in a social media post, saying: aWith a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A aGUSHERa FOR THE WORLD???", Fabian observed Trump has said that he is going to take over the Strait of Hormuz and then take petrol and make a fortune. "It does not work (like that). He (Trump) is living in a fantasy land."

"There is much incoherence in what President Trump says. There is always a difference between what he says today and what he says tomorrow."

He underlined that tension between Iran on one hand, and Israel and America on the other, is not getting reduced. "In no way," he maintained.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Dhaka, April 4 : China has, over the past two decades, built an extensive digital governance system that tightly controls online expression while simultaneously amplifying voices in favour of the government.

At the core of this ecosystem lies the '50 Cent Party' in China - also known as Wumao Dang - a loosely organised yet highly effective network of commentators numbering in the millions, tasked not only to counter criticism but to actively shape pro-state narratives and discredit dissenting voices, a report detailed this week.

"Contrary to popular belief, Chinese digital censorship is not solely about deleting content. It is equally about distraction and redirection. Research has shown that a significant portion of pro-government online activity avoids direct confrontation with critics; instead, it floods platforms with positive or irrelevant content to dilute critical discussions. This strategy creates an illusion of consensus while marginalising opposing views," a report in 'Times of Bangladesh' detailed.

"The architecture of China's internet further reinforces this system. The 'Great Firewall' effectively isolates domestic users from global platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (now X), and YouTube, replacing them with tightly controlled alternatives like WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin. These platforms operate under strict regulatory frameworks where content moderation is both automated and human-driven, often guided by opaque state directives," it added.

According to the report, a wide range of sensitive topics in China  ranging from Xinjiang and Tibet to Hong Kong and Tiananmen  are strictly censored, with those crossing red lines facing risk of account suspension, surveillance, or severe consequences.

"In this environment, freedom of expression exists within clearly defined  and constantly shifting  boundaries. Citizens are not entirely silent; rather, they engage in a form of 'coded speech,' using metaphors, satire, and linguistic creativity to navigate censorship. However, such expressions are fragile and often short-lived, as authorities continuously adapt their monitoring mechanisms," it mentioned.

The report stressed that the presence of "troll-like behaviour" becomes particularly evident in discussions on sensitive issues, such as the treatment of Uyghur Muslims, where online narratives are regulated by the Chinese authorities, and coordinated efforts frame criticism as "foreign interference" and "misinformation".

The convergence of state policy, digital control, and mass participation, it said, creates a powerful ecosystem that suppresses and delegitimises dissent, with implications extending far beyond China.

"As governments and political actors worldwide observe and, in some cases, emulate aspects of this model, the line between organic public opinion and manufactured consensus becomes increasingly blurred. The rise of algorithm-driven engagement further exacerbates this trend, as outrage and polarisation are often rewarded with visibility," the report noted.
New Delhi, April 4 : India and Bangladesh are set to lay down a new roadmap in terms of cooperation relating to security, counter-terrorism, and connectivity.

Ties between India and Bangladesh were fully reset following the elections in which the Bangladesh Nationalist Partyas (BNP) Tarique Rahman was elected as Prime Minister.

The back channels had worked overtime to ensure this reset, and now, the visit by Bangladeshas Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to India will be watched with keen interest. The visit is an important one and will further lay down the roadmap for ties between India and Bangladesh.

During his two-day visit, Rahman would have one-on-one meetings with External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.

The meeting with Dr Jaishankar will set the stage for a visit by PM Tarique Rahman to New Delhi in the coming weeks.

The meeting between Rahman and Doval is important as several critical issues will be discussed. Security cooperation is a key area that would be discussed at length, an official said. India and Bangladesh share a long border, and various issues, such as illegal immigration, would be discussed. The two nations are already cooperating on this front, but the meeting would enhance this aspect even more, the official said.

The visit also comes at a time when the West Asia conflict is causing disruptions in the global energy and supply chain. Another official said that this meeting is also important as it is aimed at enhancing regional stability.

Topping the agenda would be counter-terrorism and border-related issues. India and Bangladesh have already agreed that the border should be a zone where no illegal activity takes place. During the Doval-Rahman meeting, the discussions would be around enhancing border security and effective management.

Dhakaas access to the Indian market would be discussed during these meetings. Smoother transit of Indian goods through Bangladesh to the Northeast would also be on the discussion table.

India and Bangladesh will also discuss ways of securing the Bay of Bengal as a crucial alternative for trade and energy transit. Officials say that this is an important point to be discussed, given the situation in the Persian Gulf.

Another official said that this visit is not just a courtesy call. It will lay down the groundwork for long-term ties between the two countries. The visit by the Bangladesh Foreign Minister will set the stage for the bilateral between PMs Tarique Rahman and Narendra Modi, the official added.

Bangladesh watchers say that this visit is also aimed at building long-term trust between the two nations. For around 18 months after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the situation had remained volatile in Bangladesh. India had maintained that it wants to share good ties with its neighbours and also insisted that stability and peace in Bangladesh are of utmost importance.

There are other issues too on the table. They include water sharing and imbalances relating to trade. These would be discussed during Rahmanas visit, and a finality would be arrived at when the Bangladesh Prime Minister visits India.

Intelligence sharing will be another subject that will be discussed. This is important to keep those indulging in counterfeiting, illegal infiltrations, and cattle smuggling at bay. The India-Bangladesh border has been notorious for such activities, and curtailing the same is of utmost importance. Intelligence sharing becomes a key topic of discussion.
Washington, April 4 : Taiwan faces a stark challenge in preserving its democratic way of life amid persistent threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The answer lies in "self-deterrence" - developing the capacity to raise costs on aggression to make any attempt at subjugation prohibitively expensive for Beijing, a report mentioned.

Washington, April 4 (IANS) Taiwan faces a stark challenge in preserving its democratic way of life amid persistent threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The answer lies in "self-deterrence"  developing the capacity to raise costs on aggression to make any attempt at subjugation prohibitively expensive for Beijing, a report mentioned.

According to an article published in the US-based 'Journal of Democracy', this is not about militarism or provocation but survival and ensuring that Taiwan's democracy remains not only a moral beacon but also a political reality.

"The CCP's threats are not abstract. They manifest daily in military intimidation, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns. Chinese fighter jets cross the median line of the Taiwan Strait with increasing frequency, eroding the tacit boundaries that once stabilised the region. Cyber intrusions target government infrastructure, while coordinated disinformation seeks to undermine public trust in institutions," the report detailed.

"Beijing's strategy is clear: normalise intimidation, sap morale, and convince both Taiwanese citizens and the international community that Taiwan's fate is predetermined. The CCP's political narrative insists that Taiwan is a 'domestic issue', foreclosing international mediation and portraying any external support as interference. Against this backdrop, Taiwan cannot rely solely on sympathy or external guarantees. It must build its own deterrent posture," it added.

The report stressed that while Taiwan's democratic success is remarkable, democracy alone does not ensure security, with history showing that democracies succumb to external aggression in the absence of credible deterrence.

The lesson, it said, is clear: "Legitimacy and vibrancy do not prevent conquest unless backed by the capacity to resist."

Highlighting Taiwan's geography and society as suited for asymmetric defence, the report noted that the island's mountainous terrain, dense urban centres, and narrow straits make any invasion highly complex.

Through investment in mobile missile systems, hardened infrastructure, and dispersed command structures, it said, Taiwan can raise the cost of military operations to a prohibitive level.

"The principle is simple: Taiwan cannot match China's military power symmetrically. But it can exploit asymmetry. Small, mobile, and resilient systems can survive initial strikes and continue to impose costs. Civil defence training can prepare citizens to resist occupation, complicating Beijing's calculus. The goal is not to defeat China outright but to make aggression a gamble too risky to attempt," it mentioned.

Expressing concern over the growing Chinese threat, the report said, "Taiwan's struggle is not only about survival; it is about the universal values of self-determination and liberty. By cultivating self-deterrence, Taiwan affirms that democracy is worth defending  not only with ideals but with resilience."
Crude prices have gone hyperbolic this year. WTI, the U.S. oil price benchmark, has nearly doubled this year and recently closed above $112 a barrel. Meanwhile, Brent, the global benchmark, is up almost 80% in 2026, trading recently above $109 per barrel. The catalyst is the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Here's a look at what the disruption of oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz means for global supply.

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.

A crucial global floating highway

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway. Before the war with Iran, 20% of global crude oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) supply traversed this waterway each day. In addition to being crucial to the energy market, the Strait is also vital to global food supplies as the Gulf is a major fertilizer exporter and imports a significant amount of food.

Iran has choked off the free flow of energy and other supplies through the Strait by attacking ships trying to exit the Persian Gulf. That has made it nearly impossible for ships to get insurance coverage to pass through the Strait. As a result, ship traffic is at a standstill.

Image source: Getty Images.

Working on workarounds

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz doesn't appear to be a major priority for the U.S. military. In a nationally televised address this week, President Trump said the Strait would "open up naturally" once the U.S. completes its military operations over the next few weeks. He also called on other countries to "take care" of it by reopening it themselves. About 40 countries met by video conference after his address to discuss a strategy to reopen the Strait.

The world has been relying on emergency stockpiles and alternative shipping routes to keep the oil flowing in the global economy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) coordinated a record release of 400 million barrels of oil from emergency stockpiles, enough to cover about 20 days of supply from the Strait. IEA members held over 1.2 billion barrels before the war and controlled another 600 million barrels, giving them additional stockpiles to release if needed.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has begun moving more oil via the East-West Pipeline to Red Sea export terminals. That pipeline reached its capacity of 7 million barrels per day (BPD), up from 1.7 million BPD before the war. Meanwhile, the UAE's Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline can bypass the Strait and transport up to 1.8 million BPD to a terminal in the Gulf of Oman.
New Delhi, April 4 : Amid the ongoing electoral battle in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress, on Saturday, hit out at the Congress, with the BJP alleging that Congress is acting as the ruling party's 'B-team'.

The Trinamool Congress hit out at Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for his remarks against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The Assembly election in West Bengal is scheduled to be held in two phases, April 23 and 29.

BJP Spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo alleged that Chowdhury told Muslim voters to support Trinamool Congress because Congress is not in a position to win anywhere in the country.

"Congress is acting as Trinamool Congress' 'B team'. In the 2021 Assembly elections, Congress didn't even secure a single seat, and in the by-elections, maybe (they) won one or two seats," he told IANS.

Deo claimed that senior Congress leaders are effectively asking voters to support the Trinamool Congress where the grand old party cannot win.

"Congress is not going to win anywhere. Veteran Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is himself saying that don't vote for us, instead vote for the Trinamool Congress," the BJP Spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja accused the Congress' Berhampore candidate Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of harbouring hatred against Chief Minister Banerjee.

Panja told IANS, "We have seen that even at a personal level, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has so much hatred for Mamata Banerjee. We don't expect him to speak something nice. Now, he is also doing divisive politics. He is dividing (people) on the basis of religion. So, congratulations to him."

The Bengal Minister's reaction comes in the aftermath of Chowdhury's statement during a press conference where he claimed "CM Mamata Banerjee wants communal riots in Bengal".

Panja also claimed that Congress is fighting for its identity in the poll-bound state.

"It's an identity crisis for them (Congress)," she said.

She also added, "We look at the people of Bengal as 'Maa, Maati, Maanush'. Division on the basis of caste, language, religion, all these kind of politics is not done by Mamata Banerjee. We (Trinamool Congress) will reach out to everyone."

Panja, who is also a Minister in the incumbent West Bengal government said, "Now if the Congress thinks that it will single handedly win the election, the people of Bengal will give a befitting reply to that."
New Delhi, April 4 : Telegram founder Pavel Durov on Saturday said that more than 50 million Russians use the messaging platform daily despite a government ban, as attempts to block virtual private networks triggered a nationwide banking failure that briefly left cash as the only payment method.

Taking to the microblogging platform X, Durov said over 50 million Russians send at least one message on Telegram every day, with total daily active users in Russia reaching 65 million.

He further stated that monthly active users could easily be twice as high.

The Russian government has spent years attempting to ban both Telegram and the VPNs used to access it, but Durov said the blocking attempts backfired, causing a massive disruption to the country's banking infrastructure.

Iran faces a similar situation, Durov added.

Despite banning Telegram years ago, the government's hope of driving users toward state-sanctioned surveillance messaging applications was met instead with mass adoption of VPNs. Telegram now counts over 50 million active members in Iran, which Durov referred to collectively as the 'Digital Resistance.'

"50 million members of the 'Digital Resistance' in Iran are joined by 50 million-plus more in Russia," Durov wrote.

The latest remarks follow an escalating confrontation between Durov and Russian authorities.

In February, Durov said Russia had opened a criminal case against him for 'aiding terrorism', calling it a fabricated pretext to restrict Russians' access to Telegram and suppress privacy and free speech.

"A sad spectacle of a state afraid of its own people," he wrote at the time.

Durov also pushed back in during the month against Russia's broader strategy of banning foreign technology platforms to promote homegrown alternatives, calling the approach delusional.

He argued that every successful national super app such as WeChat, KakaoTalk, and LINE as examples was built through fierce private competition, not by eliminating rivals.
Washington, April 4 : Pakistan has witnessed a consistent exodus of minority populations - including the Christians, Hindus, and other communities - reflecting a broader pattern of fear and insecurity.

Since 1947, religious minorities have faced persistent atrocities across the country  including social prejudice, institutional discrimination and targetted violence, a report has revealed.

"In Pakistan today, many minority girls live in fear that, despite being born here, they are not fully recognised as daughters of their own land. Forced conversions, underage marriages, and inconsistent legal protections make them question whether the constitution truly safeguards their rights  underscoring that Pakistan's promise of equality remains unfulfilled for its minorities," a report in the US-based 'Global Strat View' detailed.

Citing previous reports by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International, it highlighted issues such as "forced conversions, underage marriages, and inadequate enforcement of laws".

According to the report, several incidents of communal violence across Pakistan  including Shanti Nagar in 1997, Gojra, and Jaranwala  demonstrated a disturbing pattern of delayed or incomplete accountability.

It added that a recent ruling by Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court in the case of minor Christian girl Maria Shahbaz in March illustrated the existing vulnerabilities when the court upheld her marriage and rejected a petition seeking her recovery.

"While legally grounded in interpretations of personal and religious law, the ruling has raised concerns among human rights advocates, as it exposes how constitutional protections can fail when inconsistently applied. This case symbolises the broader insecurity many minorities face: despite being citizens, they feel they cannot rely on the state to protect their rights, safety, or dignity," the report mentioned.

"Such vulnerabilities extend past individual cases. Minority women are particularly at risk, with reports by the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Movement for Solidarity and Peace estimating hundreds of forced conversions and marriages annually. Legal remedies, even though theoretically available, are often obstructed by administrative delays, social pressure, and systematic injustices. Combined with narrow political representation and structural economic gaps, these factors produce a pervasive sense of uncertainty," it added.

The report questioned which groups would remain and who would inherit the country's future if religious minorities are pushed to leave because the system fails to ensure equality, security, and dignity.

Pakistan's credibility and strength, it said, depend on its ability to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

Unless questions on constitutional rights and inclusion of minorities are addressed, the report said, "Migration will continuenot simply as a choice, but as a response to systemic fear and exclusion."

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 : Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan on Saturday praised NASA's latest Artemis II mission and also expressed confidence that the mission will be "grandly successful".

NASA's Artemis II Moon mission lifted off from the US state of Florida on April 2, carrying four astronauts on the first crewed flight around the Moon in more than 50 years. It is the American space agency's first crewed mission under the Artemis programme. The four-member crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen/

Narayanan told reporters, "In 1969, for the first time, man landed on the moon. Again, after 57 years, they want to go for a landing through the Artemis programme. This is a step towards that. This is an orbital mission. I think they are going around the moon, and then they are going to come back."

The ISRO chief mentioned that he too had witnessed the launch on television and also had the opportunity to have a look at the mission's launch vehicle during his visit to the Canadian Space Agency.

"I also had the privilege to watch the launch, which lifted off on 2nd April, early morning at around 4:05 am (IST). In fact, during our last visit to the Canadian Space Agency, the vehicle was under construction. We had the opportunity to see the first stage."

The ISRO chief also heaped praise on the technicalities of the Artemis II launch vehicle.

"It is a great effort towards the development of the human scientific entourage. I am 100 per cent sure that this mission will be a grandly successful leading to the landing (of humans on the moon) later. It is a very important mission for human beings."

Narayanan also spoke about India's Gaganyaan mission astronauts undertaking Mission 'Mitra' in Ladakh.

"We inaugurated the programme the day before yesterday. They are at around 4 km altitude and undergoing detailed training. It is part of the Gaganyatri training programme."

India's astronaut-designates or Gaganyatris, who have been selected for ISRO's first human space mission, are currently undergoing high-altitude training in the cold desert of Ladakh.

Further, about India's Moon mission and upcoming launches, the ISRO Chairman said: "We are working towards the immediate launches. This financial year is just starting. A lot of things are planned."

"We are working towards all the programmes under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Whatever best effort is required, we are doing... to achieve the necessary things for the country in the space activity," he added.
Kharagpur, April 4 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday joined BJP star campaigners for the West Bengal Assembly elections, hitting out at the Mamata Banerjee government for failure to check atrocities against women.

"It is time to uproot politics of fear, corruption and atrocities from West Bengal and usher in the politics of development and trust under Prime Minister Narendra Modi," said Gupta while seeking votes for the party's Kharagpur candidate Dilip Ghosh.

She said it is unfortunate that atrocities against women are rampant in Bengal despite the state having a woman as the Chief Minister.

"The women of Bengal have been denied rights and respect. But this time, voters of Bengal have made up their mind that they will earn their right to live with dignity by bringing the BJP to power," she said.

Holding a lotus, the BJP's election symbol, the Delhi Chief Minister said, "The voters in Bengal have made up their mind. 'Ab ki baar Modi sarkar, aur Didi Bahar' (Didi will be sent out by the PM Modi's government)".

At the start of the road show in Kharagpur, Gupta invoked divine blessings for the party candidate. "We are starting our campaign rally from Ram Temple, and with the blessings of Goddess Durga, we will emerge victorious," she said, as she addressed the voters from a campaign rath.

Asked about the Delhi government's drive against Bangladeshis, Gupta said, "The issue of illegal immigrants is not limited to West Bengal; it is a national security issue."

She said it is an issue of the rights of the people of West Bengal. "Outsiders who have encroached upon facilities and rights of the residents of Bengal will not be spared," she said.

Earlier, the Delhi Chief Minister campaigned for BJP candidates in Kerala.

"The present condition of Keralam is the result of years of policy paralysis, weak governance, and political opportunism. The reality is evident: UDF and LDF have pushed Keralam into a debt burden that weighs heavily on every household," she said.

"Keralam now needs a new direction, one that is committed to Seva, guided by Sushasan, and dedicated to Vikas. I urge you all to join this mission of Viksit Keralam," she said, while campaigning in Alappuzha.
Ahmedabad, April 4 : All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi, on Saturday, rejected allegations that his party acts as a proxy for the BJP and criticised the Congress for failing to effectively counter the ruling party, during his visit to Gujarat.

Addressing a press conference in Ahmedabad, Owaisi said: "I am not a B-team of the BJP. I am the original 'M' team -- the team of the marginalised, not just minorities", asserting that AIMIM represents underrepresented sections of society.

Questioning the Congress, the AIMIM Chief added, "Why is Congress unable to defeat the BJP? Why did it not strongly oppose the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)? Why did not Congress speak about it? In Uttarakhand, Congress was part of the voice vote."

Owaisi, who arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday evening, is in the state to launch the AIMIM's campaign for the local body elections scheduled for April 26.

He announced that the AIMIM will contest 539 seats across the state, including six Municipal Corporations, 39 Taluka Panchayats and 22 District Panchayats.

Referring to the AIMIM's earlier poll performance, Owaisi said, "We made our debut in 2021 and won 26 Assembly seats, including seven in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation."

Highlighting underrepresentation of Muslims in the Parliament, Owaisi said, "Only around four per cent MPs in Parliament are Muslims. When was the last Muslim MP elected from Gujarat? It was in 1991."

Referring to political developments in Assam, the AIMIM Chief added, "Fifty MLAs went to the BJP. Is that because of me?"

Commenting on the UCC, Owaisi said that the UCC falls under the Directive Principles of State Policy and is not a fundamental right.

Referring to B.R. Ambedkar, the AIMIM Chief said, "This is not a Uniform Civil Code", and described the Gujarat version as a "copy-and-paste of the Uttarakhand UCC".

He questioned the absence of the report prepared by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai, asking, "Do you have the Ranjana Desai report? It has not been made public, and the Bill was brought directly."

He alleged that the proposed framework imposes provisions derived from Hindu personal laws on other communities while excluding around 16 per cent of the tribal population.

"You are applying Hindu Code provisions to everyone except tribals. How is this equality?" Owaisi asked, adding, "Applying the Hindu Succession Act to Muslims is unconstitutional."

On marriage and divorce, the Hyderabad Lok Sabha member said, "There is no khula, no divorce. If a Muslim wants to end a marriage, he has to prove adultery and go for judicial separation."

He also criticised the legal recognition of live-in relationships, saying, "You allow live-in relationships and their termination, then where is the sanctity of marriage?"

Owaisi said Muslim marriages are conducted through a khutba and not rituals involving fire and flowers, adding, "We do not get married with fire and flowers; the Quran prescribes khutba."

On gender rights, the AIMIM Chief said, "Islam was the first religion to give land and property rights to women. There are 32 ways for women to have property rights. How is this law gender-just?"

Calling the framework "unconstitutional, illegal and with malicious intent", Owaisi said, "We will challenge it in court, and we trust the judicial process."

On the Disturbed Areas Act amended in the Gujarat Assembly, Owaisi traced its origins, saying, "In 1986, the Act was brought because of riots. In 1999, when the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid issue was at its peak, it was implemented again."

He said that earlier legal interpretations had established that property transactions must be based on free consent and reasonable value, adding, "The District Collector has no right to decide."

Owaisi said court rulings had clarified that third parties cannot interfere in transactions between two parties, but alleged that amendments made in 2020 changed this.

"Now, any person can become an 'aggrieved person'. This has legalised commission-taking practices," he added.

The AIMIM Chief said, "This means a Muslim cannot buy a house."

Naming areas such as Juhapura, Kalupur, Paldi and Khanpur, Owaisi alleged that the law targets specific localities.

Questioning the need for the law, the AIMIM Chief said, "If Gujarat is a peaceful state, why is this law needed? On one hand you talk about uniform laws, on the other you do not allow Hindus and Muslims to buy property from each other."

Owaisi also rejected allegations linking AIMIM to communal tensions in West Bengal, saying, "It is all false."

Responding to Congress leader Pawan Khera, the AIMIM Chief said, "Detention of Muslims started during Congress rule. Foreigners Tribunals were created during Congress governments."

Owaisi alleged, "Around 50,000 Muslims became homeless in Assam", and added that past governments had taken pride in implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Referring to the Supreme Court ruling in Jamaluddin vs Union of India, the Hyderabad Lok Sabha member said, "If anyone is on forest land, they must be given alternate land", especially in flood-prone regions like Assam.

He also referred to remarks by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Naxalism, saying, "They are putting down arms, not ideology", and warned, "Right-wing extremism will lead to serious consequences."
Buxar : , April 4 (IANS) Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar has emphasised that to make the prohibition law in the state effective, there must be collective efforts from all sections.

Speaking to reporters on Friday night regarding the deaths caused by spurious liquor in Motihari, Prem Kumar termed the incident unfortunate but said that the government is taking continuous action.

Asserting that the liquor ban in Bihar is a commendable step that has brought positive changes, particularly among the underprivileged sections of society, he called for collective efforts from all sections to make it a success.

"The government, administration, and the general public must work together. Every section of society should come forward and cooperate in making the liquor ban a success," he said.

Six people have died in Motihari over three days after allegedly consuming spurious liquor, while several others remain hospitalised. During ongoing raids in connection with the case, around 700 litres of spirit recovered from Piprakothi were found to be toxic.

The opposition has launched a sharp attack on the ruling alliance over the incident, targeting what it termed the "double-engine government". Opposition leaders have alleged that the administration has failed to effectively implement the liquor ban, leading to repeated tragedies.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also condemned the incident, stating that it once again exposes the failure and serious flaws in the NDA government's prohibition policy.

According to available data, more than 1,300 people have died in Bihar due to spurious liquor since the enforcement of the alcohol ban.

On the announcement of the new Chief Minister of Bihar, Prem Kumar said the decision would be made soon.

"Please wait. The date will be decided at a high level. Our NDA leaders will collectively decide who will be appointed as the Chief Minister. All five constituent parties will take the decision together, and whatever is decided will be acceptable to all," he added.

He also said that people across the country are now seeking change. He said that the public has seen the Congress rule for nearly 50 years and has also experienced regional parties. According to him, the performance of the BJP is improving across various states. Citing examples, he noted that the BJP is leading in Assam, while the political situation is also changing rapidly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal.
Kolkata, April 4 : A suspicious drone was spotted near the helicopter of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Malatipur in Malda district on Saturday, while the CM was there to address a campaign rally ahead of the crucial two-phase Assembly polls in the state later this month.

The Chief Minister herself spotted the drone while she was getting into the chopper after finishing her address at Malatipur. She immediately directed the police officers present at the spot to investigate the source of the drone.

"The police need to keep an eye on such things. Those who did it need to be identified," the West Bengal Chief Minister was heard saying.

Mamata Banerjee was scheduled to take part in three public meetings in Malda on Saturday.

After the first meeting in Manikchak, she held the second meeting in Malatipur.

After the meeting there, the Chief Minister was leaving for her next destination, Gazole. At that moment, a drone was seen flying in front of the helipad where Mamata Banerjee's chopper was parked.

Seeing this, she asked the police to keep an eye on the matter.

The Congress candidate from Malatipur this time is former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Mausam Benazir Noor, who had recently quit the Trinamool Congress and returned to the Congress.

Before joining the Trinamool Congress just before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, she was a Congress Lok Sabha member twice from the Malda (Uttar) constituency in the same district.

In 2019, she contested from Malda (Uttar) as a Trinamool Congress candidate and was defeated.

Addressing the campaign rally at Malatipur, the Chief Minister indirectly described Noor as a traitor, without naming her, and said that she could not honour the faith of the party that sent her to the Upper House of Parliament.

"The common people of Malda will never forgive the deserters. After the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, since there was no representative from Malda in the Lok Sabha, we sent the representative of this district to the Rajya Sabha. She herself was defeated in Malda in 2019. She was there for a long time. She joined another party just before the elections this time... I have no objection to that. But people will not forgive such deserters. She could not become an MP by contesting the elections. She won with the votes of the MLAs. She also got my vote. I myself could not go to the Rajya Sabha in my life. Despite getting so many opportunities, she chose this time to oppose the party," the Chief Minister said.
Chennai, April 4 : In a rare and dramatic form of electoral protest, farmers and residents in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district have announced plans to field nearly 400 candidates in the Tiruppur South Assembly constituency.

The move is aimed at pressuring the government to address their long-pending demand to declare Mudalipalayam and Nallur as "contaminated zones" due to prolonged waste dumping. The protest stems from years of garbage disposal practices in the region.

Tiruppur Corporation, which handles waste from 60 wards, has been collecting hundreds of tonnes of garbage. Much of this waste was historically dumped into abandoned stone quarries in Mudalipalayam and Nallur, raising serious environmental concerns among local communities.

Although the Madras High Court prohibited dumping in these quarries on October 10, residents argue that the ban came too late. They claim that the accumulated waste has already caused irreversible damage to groundwater sources and surrounding ecosystems.

Local farmers say the contamination has directly impacted agriculture and drinking water availability, leaving many families struggling. They insist that officially declaring the affected areas as contaminated zones is essential for initiating cleanup measures and restoring environmental safety.

R. Sathish Kumar, State Secretary of the Legal Awareness Wing of Tamilaga Vivasayigal Pathukappu Sangam, who has also approached the National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone), said the groundwater in the region has become "completely contaminated".

He emphasised that government intervention is crucial and that formal recognition of the issue is the first step toward remediation. He also accused local authorities of ignoring repeated appeals.

According to him, representations made to Corporation Mayor N. Dinesh Kumar yielded no results. Instead, he alleged that police were used to suppress public protests.

Dinesh Kumar, who is now contesting as the DMK candidate in Tiruppur South, is now at the centre of the residentsa political protest.

P. Velusamy, coordinator of the Nallur-Mudalipalayam Environmental Protection Committee, confirmed plans to field a large number of candidates. He acknowledged logistical challenges, including nomination deposits, but said financial support would be arranged through sponsors. While organisers admit their candidates are unlikely to win, they believe the move will split votes and send a strong political message.

More importantly, they hope the strategy will force authorities to address the environmental crisis that continues to affect thousands of residents.

DMK candidate Dinesh Kumar was unavailable for comment on the allegations.

--IANS

aal/vd
Jaipur, April 4 : BJP State General Secretary Shrawan Singh Bagdi announced that the 47th Foundation Day of the Bharatiya Janata Party will be celebrated with enthusiasm across Rajasthan on April 6.

As per the directives of state unit President Madan Rathore, a series of programmes will be organised at district, mandal (block), and booth levels from April 5 to 12.

Bagdi said that from April 5 to 7, BJP offices across districts will be decorated with flowers and rangolis, along with attractive lighting arrangements.

A Deepotsav will also be organised on the eve of the Foundation Day.

On April 6, the Foundation Day will be marked by hoisting the party flag at district offices. Party workers will also participate in a social media campaign by sharing selfies with the party flag.

A 'Vikas Yatra' will be conducted on the same day, during which the achievements and welfare schemes of the Central and state governments will be highlighted.

Senior party workers, intellectuals, and distinguished citizens will also be felicitated on the occasion.

Further elaborating on the programme schedule, Bagdi said that on April 7, cleanliness drives will be carried out in hospital premises at district, mandal, and booth levels. Doctors and medical staff will be honoured in recognition of their services.

He added that from April 10 to 12, the party will organise the aGram evam Basti Chalo Abhiyana (Reach the Villages and Settlements Campaign).

Under this initiative, cleanliness drives will be conducted at public places, and senior party workers will be felicitated.

The campaign will also include interactions with intellectuals and citizens from various sections of society, along with outreach programmes aimed at informing people about government schemes and achievements and connecting with beneficiaries.

Bagdi also said that on April 11, floral tributes will be paid at district offices on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.
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Bagalkot : , April 4 (IANS) Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary and MLC C.T. Ravi, on Saturday, launched a sharp attack on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that he alone is responsible for loans exceeding Rs 5 lakh crore and asked whether it is justified to refer to him as "Saalada (debtor) Ramayya".

Addressing the media as part of campaigning for Bagalkot bypoll, BJP leader Ravi said the total debt of Karnataka stands at Rs 8.32 lakh crore, of which more than Rs 5 lakh crore was incurred during Siddaramaiah's tenure as the Chief Minister.

He provided a year-wise breakup, saying that borrowings were Rs 90,280 crore in 2023a"24, Rs 1.07 lakh crore in 2024a"25, Rs 1.16 lakh crore in 2025a"26, and Rs 1.32 lakh crore in 2026a"27.

He claimed that nearly 60 per cent of the total borrowing over the last eight years was during Siddaramaiah's tenure as the Chief Minister.

In contrast, BJP leader Ravi said that all previous Chief Ministers of Karnataka over the past 30 years -- including late J.H. Patel, late S.M. Krishna, late Dharam Singh, H.D. Kumaraswamy, B.S. Yediyurappa, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Jagadish Shettar and Basavaraj Bommai -- together accounted for only 40 per cent of the state's debt.

"Now tell me, is it not right to call you 'Saalada (debtor) Ramayya'?" he asked.

BJP leader Ravi also alleged a Rs 6,000 crore excise scam involving State Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur and referred to other controversies such as the MUDA scam and drug-related issues, claiming that the state government has repeatedly been in the news for negative reasons.

He asked whether Karnataka ranking second in terms of farmer suicides was a matter of pride and raised concerns over suicides among government employees and honest officials.

Citing specific incidents, BJP leader Ravi said a waterman had allegedly died by suicide after leaving a note over unpaid salary, while a Sub-Inspector reportedly took his life due to frustration over a legislator's corruption.

He asked whether such developments could be considered positive.

He also pointed to reports of deaths of mothers and infants in Karnataka, and alleged lack of medicine supply in government hospitals.

BJP leader Ravi said the Congress-led state government has been making headlines either due to corruption or price rise.

Referring to an IPL-related Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebration, the BJP leader alleged that a stampede during the event led to the death of 11 innocent people and held the state government responsible for the incident.

Throwing a challenge to the Chief Minister and his Ministers, BJP leader Ravi asked them to list their achievements.

He questioned what good work had been done for Bagalkot and remarked that even the foundation stone for a medical college in the district might not have been laid if the upcoming bypoll were not approaching.

He also recalled that a promise to establish a medical college in Bagalkot had been made during the 2014 general election.
Santiago, April 4 : Chile's El Barrio Meiggs region has emerged as an operational hub for the 'Bang Clan', a Chinese organised crime group with roots in the Fujian province on China's southeastern coast. The organisation is involved in a range of criminal activities, including "intensive cannabis cultivation; human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation; as well as the trafficking of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and ecstasy", a recent report has detailed.

Writing for 'The Diplomat', Antonio Castillo, a Latin American journalist, said that the Chilean authorities are confronting an escalating challenge with El Barrio Meiggs turning into a hub for Chinese organised crime in the South American country.

He said that the area has grown discreetly amid the karaoke bars, gaming parlours, and retail Chinese malls, where legal businesses cover aillegal and criminal activities".

Castillo cited Chile's former Minister of Public Security Luis Cordero, stating that the Chinese mafia relied on formal economic structures to carry out "their illicit activities", which included "trafficking of people, trafficking of migrants, illegal gambling, theft, extortion, and murder".

According to Castillo, the Chilean police uncovered large-scale Chinese organised crime in El Barrio Meiggs during operations in August and December 2025.

"There is a Chinese mafia of great magnitude in the neighbourhood. We have arrested dozens of people with a large number of weapons and a significant amount of money," the report quoted Mario Desbordes, the Mayor of Santiago, as saying.

The Bang Clan, report mentioned, originates from the criminal networks historically associated with mafias in southern China, especially linked to Fujian-based structures that transformed from mutual aid societies into globalised criminal organisations.

Earlier in December 2025, the Chilean police dealt a major blow to the Bang Clan during 'Operation Great Wall', raiding the covert nightlife of El Barrio Meiggs.

"The operation led to the arrest of 30 individuals a" 27 Chinese nationals, two Chileans, and one Bolivian. Among those arrested was also an active-duty police officer, who allegedly provided surveillance services and 'tipped off' the organisation regarding police operations," it added.

The report noted that in January, the Chilean authorities initiated formal hearings against 49 members of another Chinese mafia group based in the northern city of Iquique, situated around 1,760 km north of the capital Santiago.

The criminal group, identified as the "Clan Cheng", was led by a Chinese father and his two children.

Citing data from the Observatory of Organised Crime and Terrorism (OCRIT) at the University of Andres Bello in Santiago, the report said that the number of Chinese nationals detained in Chile has increased by 520 per cent over the past five years.
Kharagpur, April 4 : Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday, claimed that a strong wave of change is sweeping across the state, asserting that people from all regions are united in their demand for political transformation ahead of the upcoming state polls.

Speaking to IANS during an election campaign in Kharagpur, LoP Adhikari said, "There is only one wave across the whole of Bengal, from Darjeeling to Digha and from Cooch Behar to Kakdwip. Everyone is part of the same wave. The people want change, and that change is happening."

He also expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would form the government in West Bengal under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Launching a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, LoP Adhikari alleged that the party shelters anti-social elements and extremist forces.

He also claimed that individuals allegedly linked to unlawful activities had been given nominations by the ruling Trinamool Congress.

"Action should be taken against such (anti-social) elements, and real action will be taken after May 4 when the BJP comes to power in West Bengal. Just as people in Maharashtra, Odisha, and other states have taught them a lesson, Bengal will do the same," LoP Adhikari said.

Commenting on the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the LoP noted that the poll body is making efforts to ensure free and fair elections.

However, he alleged that certain sections of the police were not strictly adhering to ECI guidelines.

The political contest in West Bengal has intensified ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for April.

The ECI has announced that the polling in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases -- on April 23 and April 29.

The first phase will cover 152 Assembly constituencies, while the second phase will include 142 Assembly seats.

LoP Adhikari is in the electoral fray from Nandigram in Purba Medinipur district.

The electoral battle is primarily expected to be between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, as both parties aim to secure a majority and stake claim to form the next government in the state.
Jaipur, April 4 : A car crashed into the rear of a trailer travelling ahead of it on the Jaipur-Bandikui Expressway early Saturday morning, resulting in the death of Sub-Inspector (SI) Hanuman Meena (55), who was posted at Sapotra Police Station in Karauli.

Jaipur, April 4 (IANS) A car crashed into the rear of a trailer travelling ahead of it on the Jaipura"Bandikui Expressway early Saturday morning, resulting in the death of Sub-Inspector (SI) Hanuman Meena (55), who was posted at Sapotra Police Station in Karauli.

Three others, including two constables, were injured in the accident and have been admitted to the district hospital in Dausa. The condition of the injured is stated to be stable, according to local police officials.

The accident occurred around 5 a.m. near Nangal Bela village (Channel Number 39), under the jurisdiction of Aandhi Police Station in Jaipur Rural.

Police teams reached the spot soon after receiving information and shifted the injured to the hospital for treatment. The body of SI Hanuman Meena was also taken for post-mortem.

According to police, the car was carrying personnel from Sapotra Police Station who were returning from Meerut via Delhi after work related to a case. The group had stopped for food near Delhi around 2:00 a.m. before continuing their journey towards Karauli.

One of the injured, Rumnaresh Meena, said that all occupants had fallen asleep shortly after resuming travel. SI Hanuman Meena was seated in the front beside the driver, while Ramnaresh Meena, Kajod Jat, and Ramraj Bairwa were seated in the rear.

The latter two are also constables posted at the same police station. Preliminary investigations suggest that the speeding car rammed into a trailer moving ahead on the expressway. Police suspect the driver may have dozed off, leading to the collision. Another possibility being examined is that the trailer braked suddenly, leaving little reaction time for the driver of the car.

The driver of the car escaped unhurt. Meanwhile, police officials are probing the matter and further investigations are under way to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
Pathanamthitta : , April 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, called the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Thiruvalla Assembly constituency, Anoop Antony Joseph, his "right-hand man". The Prime Minister also mentioned that Joseph has been working with him for the last five years.

Addressing an election rally ahead of the April 9 Assembly election in the state, PM Modi said, "Kerala is going to gain in this election though I am going to lose from it. You may wonder what it is which will benefit Kerala but disadvantage Modi. Yes, I am going to have a personal loss."

Mentioning about the BJP candidate, The Prime Minister said, "Anoop Antony Joseph, who is contesting this election from here (Thiruvalla), has been working with me for the past five years. He finds things by travelling across the country. In a way, he has been a dedicated companion of mine. He has become my right-hand man for such works."

Anoop Antony Joseph has been the former National Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). At present, he is one of the general secretaries of the BJP in Kerala.

Prime Minister Modi said that many people might not know that Joseph has been working with him for so many years.

"He (Anoop Antony Joseph) never speaks about it. I have known about his working style," he added.

The Prime Minister also praised Joseph for his 'dedication'.

"He (Anoop Antony Joseph) works silently and dedicatedly day in and out."

PM Modi also highlighted that by working with a young man like Joseph, he could carry out a lot of work.

"But when I saw that Keralam will benefit from the works of this young man, I thought that even though I will be at a loss, today I have come here to hand over Anoop to you (the people of Kerala)," the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, emphasing that Kerala has never had a BJP government, PM Modi underlined at the public gathering that the Central government has been carrying out development works in the state.

"With your blessings and the support of the people of the country, we are leaving no stone unturned in Keralam's development through the Central government," he said.

Drawing a comparison with the Congress-led UPA government, the Prime Minister noted that the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre has sent more aid to Kerala.

"The NDA government has sent five times more funds to Keralam compared to the amount of aid sent to the state when Congress was in power in Delhi, and both the LDF (Left Democratic Front) and UDF (United Democratic Fund) were running the government here," PM Modi asserted.
Mogadishu, April 4 : Somali security forces, backed by international partners, killed nine al-Shabaab militants during coordinated operations in southern Somalia, officials said Saturday.

The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said the operations in the town of Kunyo Barrow and the Tugarey area of the Lower Shabelle region also destroyed six generators that the militants were using to make mines and explosives.

"Such planned operations are part of ongoing efforts to destroy terrorist bases and disrupt the group's activities in order to prevent terrorist attacks," NISA said in a statement.

NISA said the first operation in Kunyo Barrow targetted an al-Shabaab facility that housed large machines used to manufacture mines and explosives, where six terrorists were killed, Xinhua news agency reported. It added that three other terrorists, who were found hiding in the forest, were killed in an operation in the Tugarey area.

The al-Shabaab extremist group was driven out of the capital, Mogadishu, in 2011, but the militants are still hiding in rural areas, where they continue to carry out ambushes and plant landmines.

On Friday, the African Union mission revealed that the AU 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 centre 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.
New Delhi, April 4 : President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday greeted citizens on the eve of Easter. In a message, the President said, "On the auspicious occasion of Easter, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens, especially to the Christian community residing in India and abroad."

She said Easter is a significant festival of Christianity. "The resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ encourages us to embrace the values of truth, love, compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness," she said.

"On this occasion, let us renew our resolve to promote harmony, peace, and brotherhood, and strive collectively for a better future," she added.

Earlier on Good Friday, politicians from various parties expressed hope that the day inspires compassion, peace, and love among people. They also wished everyone strength and hope on this solemn occasion.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X and wrote, "May this Good Friday guide us towards compassion, peace, and love. Wishing everyone hope and strength."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also shared his message, saying, "Wishing you all a blessed Good Friday. May compassion, forgiveness, and sacrifice illuminate our hearts, and remind us that righteousness must prevail in every thought, word, and action. Let us walk the path of humanity, kindness, and peace, guided by empathy and truth."

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said: "On this Good Friday, may we reflect on compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness. May this day bring peace, strength, and hope to every heart."

Good Friday is a significant day for Christians worldwide, observed annually to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Also referred to as Holy Friday or Great Friday, the day is marked by deep reflection on the suffering and sacrifice of Christ for humanity.

According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ was crucified on the orders of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate after being accused of blasphemy by religious authorities. Following a public trial, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion, a punishment reserved for serious offences during that era.
New Delhi, April 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday has strongly and openly accused the Congress and other opposition parties of spreading false narratives on various issues, including films such as Dhurandar, The Kerala Story and The Kashmir Files.

Addressing the public at an event, the Prime Minister said, "The Congress, the UDF, the LDF, they lie about everything as if it is their nature. They mislead the country as if it is their nature."

Accusing the opposition for spreading fake narratives around movies, he added, "They are experts in lying. When The Kerala Story came, they started saying that everything is a lie. When The Kashmir Files came, they started saying that everything is a lie. When the Dhurandar film came, they started saying that everything is a lie."

Referring to past developments, he said, "When the CAA came, they lied to the country so much. Today the CAA has come, the country has not suffered any loss."

He continued, "Whatever you do, you spread lies. The same lies are being spread about the FCRA. The same lies are being spread about the UCC. The UCC is in Goa. It has been there for decades."

"Their business is to spread lies, spreading lies about the FCRA, spreading lies about the CAA, spreading lies about Dhurandar, spreading lies about The Kerala Story, spreading lies about The Kashmir Files," he said.

For the uninitiated, films like Dhurandhar and Dhurandar: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, The Kashmir Files directed by Vivek Agnihotri, and The Kerala Story directed by Sudipto Sen became political flashpoints due to their subject matter and portrayal.

Talking about Dhurandar: The Revenge, the movie is set against themes of national security and conflict, presenting a strong nationalist narrative around military and intelligence operations, which drew heavy criticism from Congress and other opposition parties.

The Kashmir Files depicts the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s, and focuses on violence and displacement.

It was both supported for highlighting a historical event and criticised for presenting a selective perspective.

The Kerala Story follows women from Kerala shown being recruited into extremist organisations, centring on issues of radicalisation and exploitation.

It faced objections by Congress and other opposition parties over claims of exaggeration and community targeting.

IANS

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Kolkata, April 4 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Saturday, wrote a letter to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manoj Kumar Agarwal, seeking removal of Police officers Shantanu Sinha Biswas (Kolkata Deputy Commissioner of Police), Bijitaswa Routh (Inspector-in-Charge), and Rahul Amin Ali Shah (Sub-Inspector) for their alleged partisan and compromised roles.

"It has come to notice that Deputy Commissioner of Police Shantanu Sinha Biswas and Bijitaswa Routh (Inspector-in-Charge), Rahul Amin Ali Shah (Sub-Inspector) of Kolkata Police making an appeal for ensuring the victory of their 'guardian' Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the ruling TMC at the State Conference of the West Bengal Police Welfare Committee," the letter said.

The BJP also submitted a video to the State CEO office in this regard.

The BJP also said that complaints against the said Kolkata Deputy Commissioner of Police Shantanu Sinha Biswas was made in front of the full bench of Election Commission of India on March 9. However, no action has been taken.

"It is pertinent to point out during the 2021 Vidhan Sabha Elections; the said Shantanu Sinha Biswas (now DCP) had been transferred to Cooch Behar after elections had concluded in that area. This ensured he was not physically in any area where voting was still to be held. The integrity of the electoral process relies heavily on the neutrality and unbiased functioning of all officials involved, particularly those entrusted with maintaining law and order," the BJP said in the letter.

"In view of the above, I humbly request your office to kindly take appropriate steps without any further delay to ensure that the said officers transferred out from West Bengal till conclusion of the electoral process," the letter noted.

The development came after the Trinamool Congress sought the immediate removal of the Returning Officer for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, alleging he has proximity with BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari.

In a representation submitted to Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Friday, the Trinamool Congress raised objections to the appointment of Returning Officer Surajit Roy for the Bhabanipur seat in southern Kolkata.
New Delhi, April 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that the government will extend the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament by three days -- April 16, 17 and 18 -- to fast-track steps for operationalising 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative Assemblies, with the aim of implementing it from the 2029 general elections.

In a strong pitch centred on women's empowerment, PM Modi said his government had the resolve to enact the "Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam", which provides one-third reservation for women in legislative bodies.

"We want 33 per cent of the seats in Parliament to be occupied by our sisters starting from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections," he said.

The Prime Minister said the special sitting would focus on enabling provisions, including statutory and constitutional measures required to make the quota effective. He outlined two key objectives for the three-day session.

First, to provide a legislative assurance that no state will lose Lok Sabha seats due to population control efforts. He referred to concerns raised by southern states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Goa, which have performed well in family planning and fear a reduction in representation.

Second, the government is considering creating women-reserved seats as "additional seats", thereby increasing the overall strength of the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. This, he indicated, would help preserve existing representation while expanding space for women.

PM Modi appealed for unanimous support from all political parties, urging the Congress and other Opposition members, including those in the INDIA bloc, to participate constructively.

"The rights of our mothers and sisters have remained pending for nearly 40 years. They should not be delayed again for the 2029 elections," he said.

He also called upon women across the country to press for the passage of the legislation without political delays.

The Prime Minister said necessary amendments would be introduced to ensure that the provisions of the law are implemented in time for the next general elections. He described the initiative as central to advancing "Nari Shakti" and strengthening inclusive development.

The development follows the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill during a special session of Parliament in September 2023. Its implementation was earlier linked to the completion of the Census and a subsequent delimitation exercise.

The proposed changes are aimed at expediting the process so that the quota can be implemented without prolonged delay. Increasing the total number of seats is also being considered to ensure that no sitting MP is adversely affected while expanding representation for women.

The announcement is expected to trigger detailed discussions in the special sitting, with the Opposition likely to raise issues such as sub-quotas, including for OBC women, and the broader contours of delimitation.

If cleared with consensus, the three-day session could mark a significant step in expanding women's representation in India's legislative framework.
As gas prices climb, so does a scam called "pump-switching"  and it can cost you hundreds of dollars before you even realize what happened.

When Mignon Adams stopped for gas at a Sunoco station on Walnut and 22nd streets in Philadelphia in February, she didn't think twice about the stranger who offered to pump her gas.

She turned him down, but the man lingered. When Adams finished filling her tank, he insisted on putting the nozzle back for her. She tipped him and drove off.

Then she saw her credit card bill: $150.

Must Read

"I drive a Toyota. There isn't any way you could get $150 worth of gas in my car's gas tank," Adams told NBC10 (1).

Adams is one of a growing number of Americans falling victim to a scam known as "pump-switching"  and with the national average for a gallon of regular gas now past $4 for the first time since 2022, the cost of falling victim is only going up (2).

How the scam works

A scammer approaches you at the pump and offers to help with your gas. Whether you accept or not, the goal is the same: get control of the nozzle and avoid properly returning it when you're done.

That leaves your credit card transaction active. The scammer then turns to the next driver who pulls in, offering to fill their tank for $20 cash. They pocket the money while your card absorbs the charges  and they won't stop until either the pump shuts off or your card hits its limit.

Police in Lower Merion Township, outside Philadelphia, have warned that scammers can be aggressive and may physically grab the nozzle from victims who try to turn them away. Victims often don't notice the extra charges until days or weeks later, by which point the scammer is long gone.

It's not just Pennsylvania

Lower Merion Police Det. Sgt. Michael Keenan told reporters that pump-switching is a crime that "happens everywhere" (3). And there's evidence to back that up.

In California, Roseville police arrested a man accused of running the same nozzle-swap scheme on at least a dozen occasions in 2019. Two years later, an ARCO station in Sacramento County caught suspects on security camera swapping nozzles at the pump  those customers were eventually refunded (4).
Kolkata, April 4 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday directed the suspension of four officers of Kolkata Police, including a deputy commissioner ranking officer, in relation to the tension near the convoy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and West Bengal Assembly LoP Suvendu Adhikari on April 1.

The convoy was approaching the Alipore Survey Building in South Kolkata, where Adhikari was supposed to file his nomination for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.

The four police officers whose suspensions have been directed by the ECI are Deputy Commissioner-II (South) Siddhartha Dutta, officer-in-charge of Alipore Police Station Priyankar Chakraborty, Additional officer-in-charge Chandi Charan Banerjee, and Sergeant of Alipore Saurabh Chatterjee.

The ECI's secretary, Sujeet Kumar Mishra, on Saturday sent a communique to West Bengal Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala, requesting the suspension of the four police officers and the initiation of departmental disciplinary proceedings against them.

"The direction of the Commission is to be implemented with immediate effect, and a compliance report in this regard is to be sent by 11.00 a.m. on 05.04.2026. Further, you are requested to furnish a proposal to fill up the resultant vacant post to the Commission urgently," the communique read.

Earlier on Friday, the Kolkata Police had issued show-cause notices to both Siddhartha Dutta and Deputy Commissioner-II (Reserve Force) Manas Roy in this connection.

At a recent virtual meeting with the top bureaucrats and police officers of West Bengal earlier this week, the newly-appointed Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand faced the ire of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in the matter.

Nand was also questioned by the CEC on why the police were not active in advance to prevent the tension. 

On the basis of three separate police complaints filed at two police stations in South Kolkata, the police registered two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) in the matter.

--IANS

src/dan
Tehran, April 4 : Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran seeks to secure the terms of a "conclusive and lasting" end to the US and Israeli war imposed on the country.

He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X while highlighting one of Iran's main preconditions for an end to the ongoing conflict, and reacting to US media reports that the country has refrained from attending ceasefire talks with the United States in the Pakistani capital Islamabad.

Araghchi said that Iran's position is being misrepresented by the US media as it has not refused to attend the talks.

"What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war that is imposed on us," he stressed.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Iran has officially told mediators that it is not willing to meet US officials in Islamabad in the coming days and considers US demands unacceptable.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency early Friday quoted an informed source as saying that Iran had rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire sent through a "friendly" country the preceding day, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday said in a statement that it has struck key infrastructure sites across Tehran.

Guided by intelligence, the IDF struck several defence sites, including an aerial defence facility of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) storing missiles intended to target aircraft, according to the statement.

Also targetted were a military facility tasked with protecting weapons research and development sites, another facility used to store ballistic missiles, and additional weapons production and research and development sites.

"These completed strikes are part of the ongoing phase of increasing damage to Iran's core systems and foundations," the statement said.

The latest development follows the crash of two US military aircraft on Friday after they came under Iranian fire. One pilot from the two-seat F-15 has been rescued, while the other remains missing, Xinhua news agency reported. The back-to-back losses of US aircraft came shortly after US President Donald Trump claimed that Iranian forces "can't do a thing about" US planes flying over Tehran.

Meanwhile, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday that at least five people were injured in US-Israeli attacks on several petrochemical companies in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province.

The firms, identified as Fajr 1 and 2, Regal, Amirkabir, Bandar Imam and Buali Sina, were hit at 10:47 am local time (0717 GMT) on Saturday, the report said.

It quoted Valiollah Hayati, Khuzestan's Deputy Governor for security and law enforcement affairs, as saying that the possibility of further casualties is very high.

He added the Shalamcheh border trade terminal in Khorramshahr city was also attacked and sustained serious damage.

The Mahshahr Special Petrochemical Zone, where the companies are located, has been evacuated, the report said.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targetting Israel and US assets in the Middle East.
New Delhi, April 4 : NITI Aayog and the Atal Innovation Mission launched the ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy in Telangana to extend structured mentorship and institutional support to 379 Atal Tinkering Labs, an official statement said on Saturday.

The initiative will enable young innovators to translate ideas into solutions that contribute to India's development journey and position Telangana as a key node in India's expanding grassroots innovation ecosystem, the statement from NITI Aayog said.

The initiative will cluster ATLs regionally, connect them with leading local institutions to ensure continuous mentorship, teacher training, and pathways for incubation and startup support.

ATL Sarthi and Mentor India represents a focused effort to deepen the impact of ATLs by moving from access to sustained engagement.

Vardhaman College of Engineering has been onboarded as the nodal institution for Telangana, bringing its expertise in technical education, innovation, and entrepreneurship to support ATL schools and strengthen the local innovation ecosystem.

"The initiative strengthens the foundation of innovation in our schools by creating meaningful linkages between young learners and institutions of excellence. It will empower students to think creatively, solve real-world problems, and contribute to nation-building," said Shiv Pratap Shukla, Governor of Telangana.

Such initiatives are critical in shaping a generation that is confident, capable, and future-ready and AIM is making it happen, Shukla added.

The ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy initiative is designed to empower students with hands-on exposure to emerging technologies, structured problem-solving approaches, and opportunities to scale their innovations.

By strengthening teacher capacity and providing institutional support, the program ensures that innovation becomes a continuous and evolving process within schools, the statement added.

The rollout builds on AIM's broader national mission of establishing one of the world's largest innovation ecosystems for students, with over 10,000 ATLs operational across the country.

IANS

aar/na
Hubballi : , April 4 (IANS) The Karnataka Police are proceeding cautiously in connection with an alleged "love jihad" case reported from Hubballi, following the emergence of sensitive and serious allegations from both sides. Three cases have been registered by the families involved.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said that the young woman has made allegations of rape against the accused man.

"Three cases have been registered in connection with the incident. We are investigating all angles and probing all three cases in detail," he added.

"The investigation will reveal who recorded the video. We are questioning the concerned individuals in this regard," Police Commissioner Shashikumar said.

He also added that in the complaint lodged by the young woman and her mother, allegations have been made regarding sexual assault, recording of the act, and coercion.

"It is also alleged that the accused youth Sameer's sister and others encouraged the assault. Police are probing these allegations as well," he said.

"We are examining all allegations. There is no need to fear. Action will be taken as per the law. Appropriate steps will be initiated regarding the video recording and other charges once the facts are established," Police Commissioner Shashikumar added.

The accused Sameer Mulla has claimed that the young woman herself recorded the private video on her mobile phone.

The woman, however, has alleged that she came in contact with the accused through his sister, who invited her to a gym and later took her home, where she was allegedly given a substance and sexually assaulted.

She has also alleged that the accused recorded a video and blackmailed her.

She also claimed that the accused youth made her pregnant and forced her to record a video of herself consuming pills and send it to him.

The complaints and videos have gone viral on the social media, creating tension in the city.

While the young woman has made allegations of sexual assault and coercion, accused youth Sameer's family has denied all the charges.

Tension prevailed in 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 youth's family.

The situation 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.

According to police, the youth, identified as Sameer, a resident of Vijayanagar and a gym trainer, was reportedly seen 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 further 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 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 clashes between both sides.

Several individuals from both families sustained injuries and were admitted to the KIMS Hospital in Hubballi.
Seoul, April 4 : Thousands of people took to the streets in central Seoul on Saturday, commemorating or opposing the ouster of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was convicted of insurrection, on the first anniversary of his removal from office.

Nearly 1,000 people gathered in front of the Constitutional Court in central Seoul, holding pickets reading "End insurrection, treason" and calling for "grand social reform."

The rally came on the first anniversary of the Constitutional Court granting the ouster of Yoon for illegitimately declaring martial law on December 3, 2024.

In February, a district court sentenced him to life in prison, convicting him of insurrection for deploying troops to the National Assembly.

Hundreds of protesters also gathered around the National Assembly in western Seoul, calling for prosecution reform related to Yoon, who previously served as the country's top prosecutor, Yonhap news agency reported.

Separately, nearly three thousands of Yoon's supporters staged rallies and marches near the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly and in central Seoul, decrying his ouster and calling for his release. They waved the national flags of South Korea and the United States, with an Israeli flag also spotted among them.

"A year after the fraudulent ouster, we remain never fazed," a young protester yelled, while others said the martial law declaration was "legitimate."

No clashes were reported between participants in the opposing rallies.

Yoon has been in custody while standing trial over his failed bid to impose martial law in December 2024 and other charges.

Earlier on March 9, the main opposition People Power Party had apologised for the 2024 martial law declaration by then President Yoon Suk Yeol and pledged to sever ties with him amid an ongoing internal feud ahead of the June 3 local elections.

The announcement came in a resolution issued in the name of all party lawmakers, as the party grapples with falling public support after Yoon's martial law attempt and internal divisions over its political direction and ties with the former president.

Some party members have called for a clear break from Yoon, while others back the so-called Yoon Again movement.
Jaipur, April 4 : In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Jodhpur Police dismantled another clandestine drug manufacturing unit in the city, marking the second major strike within 48 hours.

The joint operation led to the recovery of MD drugs, narcotic tablets, and high-grade chemical precursors worth over Rs 2 crore from a flat in the posh Ashapurna Platinum residential society.

The raid was carried out under the direction of ADG Dinesh M.N., with teams deployed under SP Gyanchand Yadav and Additional SP Narottam Verma. Crucial intelligence inputs from ASI Rakesh Jakhar and Constable Sumer Singh enabled police to identify and raid the flat, uncovering a fully functional drug manufacturing setup.

The operation followed the April 2 arrest of Ganpatram Bishnoi, from whose residence in the Banar area police had earlier seized over 3 kg of MD and 55 kg of raw chemicals.

During interrogation, Ganpatram revealed that he was acting on behalf of the main accused Bharat Bishnoi, alias Asuram or Lucky, who was allegedly operating the racket from a rented flat in Ashapurna Platinum under a concealed identity.

Acting on the disclosure, police forced entry into Flat No. A-803, where they discovered a concealed stash inside a wardrobe.

A bag labelled "UMMUL" contained narcotics and chemical materials in the flat, which was functioning as a mini drug manufacturing unit.

Teams from the FSL and NCB confirmed the presence of highly potent substances, including 366 grams of pure MD (Mephedrone) and 1.178 kg of high-grade chemical precursors, which are more potent than manufactured MD.

Over 2,000 narcotic tablets weighing 3.663 kg, along with other equipment and documents, were seized. Police also recovered electronic weighing machines, packaging materials, tape, and documents, including Aadhaar cards linked to the accused.

During questioning, Ganpatram admitted he was drawn into the illegal trade due to financial distress and mounting debt.

He alleged that Bharat Bishnoi lured him with promises of financial relief. While Ganpatram is in custody, the prime accused Bharat Bishnoi remains absconding.

Police teams are conducting continuous raids to trace and arrest him.

Officials said the operation prevented over 5 kg of narcotics from entering the market and dealt a significant blow to an organised drug network operating in Jodhpur.

Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate.
Chennai, April 4 : Actor-director Sundar C formally entered the electoral arena on Saturday, filing his nomination to contest from the Madurai Central Assembly constituency in the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections.

His candidature has added star power to what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the State.

Sundar C is contesting as part of the AIADMK-led alliance, representing the Puthiya Neethi Katchi, and will fight the election on the AIADMKas iconic aTwo Leavesa symbol.

The move signals a strategic push by the alliance to leverage his popularity among voters, particularly in urban constituencies.

The nomination filing took place amid visible enthusiasm from party cadres and supporters. Accompanying him on the occasion were his wife, actor Khushbu Sundar, and senior party leader A. C. Shanmugam, along with other alliance functionaries. The presence of prominent political and film personalities underscored the significance the alliance is placing on this constituency.

Madurai Central is expected to witness a multi-cornered and highly competitive battle.

Sundar C will face seasoned politician Palanivel Thiaga Rajan of the DMK, who currently holds considerable influence in the region.

The contest will also feature VMS Mustafa representing the TVK and K. Abdul Hakeem of the NTK, making it a complex electoral fight with multiple players vying for voter attention.

Political observers note that Sundar Cas entry could alter traditional voting patterns, especially if he succeeds in attracting undecided and younger voters. However, he will have to contend with established political networks and grassroots machinery of rival parties, particularly the DMK, which has a strong base in Madurai.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on April 23, with the counting of votes set for May 4.

The nomination process, which commenced on March 30, will conclude on April 6, marking the final phase before campaigning intensifies across the State.

As the election battle gathers momentum, all eyes will be on Madurai Central, where cinema and politics have converged to create a high-stakes electoral showdown.
Erode : , April 4 (IANS) Discontent within the Congress ranks surfaced in Erode on Saturday after the party's announcement of its candidate for the Erode (East) Assembly constituency triggered protests from local functionaries.

Party members staged a demonstration near the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Karungalpalayam, demanding that the leadership reconsider its decision and field a local candidate instead.

The Congress had officially named Gopinath Palaniyappan as its nominee on Friday. However, the choice has not gone down well with several district-level leaders and long-time party workers, who argue that the candidate does not have strong local roots.

The protesters contended that the constituency deserved representation from grassroots leaders who have worked extensively within the district. They said such a move would better reflect the aspirations of local voters.

The protest, described as peaceful, was led by Makkal G. Rajan, former president of the Erode South District Congress Committee, along with councillor E.P. Ravi and other senior party members.

Addressing the gathering, Rajan said the announcement had come as a surprise to cadres, especially since five experienced local aspirants had reportedly been shortlisted earlier by the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee.

According to the protesters, the selection of a Tiruppur-based candidate overlooked the contributions of district leaders who have been actively engaged with the electorate over the years. They emphasised that giving priority to "sons of the soil" would strengthen the party's prospects in the constituency.

Rajan clarified that the protest was not directed against Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai, but rather against the broader decision-making process that led to the candidate's selection. He suggested that Palaniyappan could have been considered for a constituency in Tiruppur district instead.

The agitating members warned that the protest would continue until the party high command revisits its decision. At the same time, they maintained that their commitment to the Congress remains intact and assured that they would work for the party's victory if a local candidate from among the shortlisted names is chosen.

The episode highlights concerns within party ranks over candidate selection and signals potential challenges for the Congress as it seeks to consolidate support ahead of the Assembly elections.
Chandigarh, April 4 : Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence Wing, in a joint operation with the Chandigarh Police, have solved the Chandigarh grenade attack case on the BJP office with the arrest of five accused involved in the incident and recovered one hand grenade and one .30 bore Zigana pistol along with ammunition from their possession, State Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said here on Saturday.

Those arrested have been identified as Balwinder Lal alias Shami, Jasvir Singh alias Jassi, Charanjit Singh alias Channi, Rubal Chauhan and Mandeep alias Abhijot Sharma.

DGP Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the module was backed by Pakistan's ISI and operated under the directions of foreign-based handlers located in Portugal and Germany.

The accused were part of a structured network involving multiple cutouts and sub-modules to execute the attack, he added.

The DGP said that two main perpetrators involved in the attack have also been identified.

Further investigations are ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he added.

As per the information, a grenade attack was carried out outside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office at Sector-37 in Chandigarh on Wednesday.

Sharing more details, Assistant Inspector General (State Special Operations Cell), Deepak Pareek, said that the investigation has further revealed that the accused had transported a consignment containing hand grenades, arms and cartridges.

The consignment was circulated through multiple operatives before being handed over to the final perpetrators, he added.

The AIG said that acting on the directions of Portugal-based handler, the accused coordinated the delivery and execution of the attack.

Police teams are conducting raids to apprehend the absconding perpetrators involved in the attack, he added.

A first information report (FIR) dated April 3 was registered under Section 25(1) (B) of the Arms Act and Section 61 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Mohali.
Bagalkot : , April 4 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar could replace him after April 20.

Addressing a press conference here, Ashoka said, "After April 20, it is uncertain what will happen to him. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will snatch the Chief Minister's post."

He also said that Siddaramaiah has never stated that an ST leader would be made Chief Minister and is unlikely to do so, given the uncertainty over his own position.

"Parameshwara is waiting to become Chief Minister, but whether his fortune will favour him is doubtful," he added.

Ashoka said Siddaramaiah's "true colours" were exposed in Mysuru, where he was defeated in the 2018 Assembly elections from the Chamundeshwari constituency. Due to strong anti-incumbency, he was then forced to contest from Badami as well in 2018, where he won with a narrow margin.

"Badami people supported him, but he abandoned the constituency in the 2023 elections and chose to contest from the Varuna seat in Mysuru. Now he has come back to Bagalkot, and he will abandon this place too," Ashoka said.

He further said that Siddaramaiah had earlier contested from Badami and has now returned again.

"After enjoying Badami's people's support, he said goodbye. Now he claims that he will bring a wave of development in two years in Bagalkot. When your own MLA was in power here for three years, what development did your follower bring?" he questioned.

Ashoka added that developmental works carried out earlier by former MLA Veeranna Charantimath still remain in the minds of the people, and expressed confidence that voters would elect him again.

Targeting the Congress government, Ashoka alleged that there has been a power struggle for the Chief Minister's post since it came to power.

"In three years, 30 scams have taken place, from the Valmiki scam to the alleged 60 per cent commission scam involving contractors. A minister, through a liquor lobby, amassed crores and sent money to Delhi. There has been no achievement in three years. No funds have been allocated for irrigation. The Congress leaders are only minting money," he alleged.

He further claimed that not a single dam has been constructed nor any medical college established.

"Since Congress came to power, even primary health centres do not have doctors. There is no money to procure medicines, and no tenders have been floated in three years due to lack of funds. Loans taken in the name of development have only increased. Siddaramaiah has become a 'pleasure-seeking Ramaiah' by borrowing heavily," he said.

Ashoka alleged that Siddaramaiah is now approaching smaller communities seeking votes.

Calling the government anti-farmer, Ashoka alleged that no funds have been released for irrigation, while the previous BJP government had allocated substantial funds.

He accused the Congress of diverting taxpayers' money to Wayanad and questioned the effectiveness of its guarantee schemes. "If the guarantees had truly helped farmers, why would they be committing suicide?" he asked.

He further alleged that the government has diverted Rs 53,000 crore meant for Dalits and has been regularly sending money to the party high command, increasing the state's debt burden and pushing Karnataka towards decline.
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) have been sparring for control of the booming anti-obesity drug market. Despite Novo Nordisk breaking the market open with Ozempic, Lilly made up ground and ultimately surpassed Novo Nordisk in the U.S.

The fight between these two GLP-1 stocks has now entered round two. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill received approval in December, making it the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss. Now, Eli Lilly has punched back with Foundayo (orforglipron), its newly approved GLP-1 pill that will be available starting April 6.

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But this is the first of a one-two punch from Eli Lilly that could cement the company atop the weight-loss drug market for the foreseeable future.

Image source: Getty Images.

The second GLP-1 pill for weight loss comes with an important first

Early demand for Novo Nordisk's oral formulation of Wegovy suggests a pent-up appetite for anti-obesity drugs that you don't need to self-inject. Eli Lilly is second to market with orforglipron, but there's reason to believe it will ultimately outsell the Wegovy pill.

Most notably, orforglipron has no food or water restrictions. In contrast, patients must take the Wegovy pill on an empty stomach, avoiding food or other medications for 30 minutes; otherwise, it may not work, because stomach enzymes can break it down.

That's quite an inconvenience, as many people are used to taking their pills when they wake up and then going about their day. Novo Nordisk's Rybelsus, a GLP-1 pill for diabetes, has similar restrictions and hasn't achieved anywhere near the sales that Ozempic has.

The real knockout blow could be Eli Lilly's next move

Semaglutide, the key drug in Ozempic and Wegovy, is a peptide. It breaks down in the stomach, which is why subcutaneous versions achieve far higher efficacy.

Eli Lilly's biggest blockbuster yet could be retatrutide, a subcutaneous triple-hormone receptor agonist, the first of its kind. Retatrutide is still in phase 3 trials, but the readout data thus far indicate it could be steep competition. In its first phase 3 trial, patients taking the 12mg dose lost an average of 28.7% of body weight over 68 weeks.

Novo Nordisk's next-generation subcutaneous drug, cagrilintide-semaglutide (CagriSema), achieved an average 23% reduction over 84 weeks in a recent trial. That failed to meet its primary endpoint of noninferiority compared to Lilly's tirzepatide, the existing drug sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound. In other words, retatrutide is setting new performance milestones while CagriSema failed to outperform the old benchmark.
Patna, April 4 : Tension gripped parts of Katihar district on Saturday after a custodial death triggered violent protests in the Phalka police station area.

The incident centres around 24-year-old Rakesh Kumar Yadav, whose death in police custody has sparked serious allegations and clashes between villagers and the police.

According to police, Rakesh -- an accused in a bike-snatching case -- fell ill inside the lock-up and was being taken for treatment when he died.

However, his family and local residents have rejected this version, alleging that he died due to police assault.

As news spread, anger quickly spiralled into violence. Protesters blocked State Highway 77, bringing traffic to a standstill. A police team was attacked with stones, chased, and beaten, leaving several personnel injured.

A constable's service rifle was snatched by the mob during the clashes, while the police station was also stormed and vandalised.

Among the injured were Pothiya OP in-charge Naveen Kumar and constable Sanjeev Kumar, both reported to be in serious condition.

Amid mounting tension, the district police administration has initiated action. Station House Officer Ravi Kumar Rai and Investigating Officer Kundan Kumar Patel have been suspended on prima facie charges of negligence.

Katihar Superintendent of Police Shikhar Choudhary said the matter is under investigation and additional police forces have been deployed to restore order.

In a written statement, the SP said the situation escalated after a section of people organised a road blockade following the incident at Phalka police station.

"Upon receiving information, police teams promptly reached the spot and began efforts to control the crowd and calm them down. During this standoff, some individuals allegedly snatched a government weapon from a constable," he said.

The SP added that the weapon was later recovered and urged people to maintain peace and cooperate with authorities.

Police said the situation is now under control, with additional forces deployed as a precautionary measure, though tension continues to prevail in the area. Investigations into the custodial death and the subsequent violence are under way.
Bhopal, April 4 : A group of National Students' Union of India (NSUI) members on Saturday staged a protest by putting up posters outside the offices of Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, the Directorate of Health Services (Ayushman), and the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) in Bhopal.

One such poster, put up outside the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla -- who also holds the Health and Medical Education portfolio -- carried a satirical message.

Through these posters, NSUI members attempted to highlight alleged irregularities in the healthcare system, warning that unless strict action is taken, public health could be put at risk.

They raised concerns over alleged patronage to unauthorised or fraudulent hospitals operating in the city.

The posters put up outside Shukla's office-cum-residence were later removed by security personnel.

NSUI state vice-president Ravi Parmar, who along with other members put up the posters at different locations, alleged that several hospitals in the city are flouting norms by falsely listing doctors and staff on paper.

He said that despite repeated complaints and protests, no effective action has been taken by CMHO Dr Manish Sharma.

"This inaction suggests that a major syndicate of fraudulent hospitals is operating in the capital," Parmar said.

He added that patients from rural areas and smaller towns come to Bhopal with expectations of proper medical care, but are instead exploited by such hospitals for financial gain.

Parmar also warned of a larger protest outside Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla's residence in the coming days if action is not taken.

Responding to the allegations, CMHO Dr Manish Sharma termed them baseless and politically motivated.

"Regular inspections are being conducted, and action against fraudulent hospitals is under way. In several instances, complaints have also been filed in court," he said, adding that putting up such posters is misleading and inappropriate.
Davanagere, April 4 : The upcoming election in Davanagere South constituency in Karnataka will be a direction indicator for the country, said Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways V. Somanna on Saturday. He asserted that the BJP candidate, Srinivas Dasakariappa, will win.a Davanagere, April 4 (IANS) The upcoming election in Davanagere South constituency in Karnataka will be a direction indicator for the country, said Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways V. Somanna on Saturday. He asserted that the BJP candidate, Srinivas Dasakariappa, will win.

Speaking to the press, Somanna said: "Congress has given tickets to the third generation. How many more generations will they make contest elections?"

He added that the election in Davanagere is crucial for the self-respect and future of minorities, and that the BJP's win will be a preview of the country's future. Srinivas Dasakariappa, an engineering graduate, will win, he expressed confidence.

"There was a feeling among people that only one family wins elections. But this time, the BJP's win will heal that pain," he said.

The minority vote is crucial in Davanagere, and they are sending a message that they will teach the Congress a lesson.

"I have seen and faced many elections, but the current scenario in Davanagere is unprecedented. Everything will be decided on April 9," he added.

Somanna said Davanagere is no longer Karnataka's Manchester as there has been no development. "This is an election for self-respect. Davanagere needs development, and the BJP's win will ensure that," he stated.

"One family thinks they are the only ones who can win, but that is not the path. It is a dead-end," he said, referring to veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa's family. Shivashankarappa's grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun, has been fielded by the Congress party. Samarth's father is a cabinet minister, and his mother is a Congress MP.

Former MP G.M. Siddeshwara has contributed a lot to Davanagere, and the BJP's win will continue that development, Somanna noted.

"I have done a lot for the railway sector in Karnataka. I have implemented many projects, but Siddaramaiah criticises me. Let him come to my Delhi office and see how I work," he said.

"We have never done appeasement politics. Siddaramaiah should stop talking with a narrow mindset and respect the Chief Minister's position. He should not criticise the PM and Union Ministers unnecessarily," he added.

--IANS

mka/dan
Jaipur, April 4 : Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday questioned the state government over delays in a multi-level parking project in Jodhpur, terming it a reflection of the BJP government's "policy of delay and neglect".

Jaipur, April 4 (IANS) Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday questioned the state government over delays in a multi-level parking project in Jodhpur, terming it a reflection of the BJP government's "policy of delay and neglect".

In a post on his X handle as part of his digital series 'Intezaar Shastra', Gehlot said the project on Jodhpur's Nai Sadak has become a symbol of governance marked by inaction.

"A project that should have been completed years ago is still hanging in limbo due to the BJP's shortsighted approach. This is nothing but 'Intezaar Shastra' in action," he said.

The parking project was conceptualised to decongest traffic and ease parking in the area. It was initiated in 2013 with a capacity to accommodate 675 vehicles. Land measuring around 2,317 square metres was identified, and funds worth Rs 28 crore were allocated for its implementation. A new police control room building was also planned at the site, as the land belonged to the police control room.

Gehlot alleged that after coming to power in 2013, the BJP government "deliberately shelved this crucial public project for five years, ignoring the needs of the people of Jodhpur".

Referring to the Congress tenure, he said, "We revived the project in 2018 and, despite the unprecedented disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in 202021, we resumed work again in 2022 with full commitment."

Targeting the current government, he added, "The project was supposed to be completed by December 2024, but now the BJP is citing a lack of funds as an excuse to halt the remaining work and the deadline has been extended to 2026. Looking at its current condition, it does not seem that the project will be completed within the said period."

Gehlot further alleged that "even essential infrastructure like the police control room has been stalled under the pretext of a budget deficit, exposing the government's failure in financial management".

Raising a direct question, he said, "Is depriving the people of Jodhpur of basic facilities the real agenda of the BJP government?"

He concluded by reiterating that the delay reflects "a governance model based on postponement rather than performance".
Patna, April 4 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday conducted an on-site inspection of the under-construction Danapur-Bihta Elevated Road project in Patna, reviewing progress and issuing directions to officials.

Patna, April 4 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday conducted an on-site inspection of the under-construction Danapura"Bihta Elevated Road project in Patna, reviewing progress and issuing directions to officials.

During his visit near Kanhauli village, the Chief Minister assessed the pace and quality of the ongoing work and instructed engineers and company officials to ensure timely completion while maintaining high construction standards. He stressed that any compromise on quality would not be tolerated.

Senior officials, including Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Secretaries to the Chief Minister Kumar Ravi and Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, Patna District Magistrate Dr Tyagarajan S.M., and representatives of the executing agency briefed him on the current status of the project.

After reviewing the updates, Nitish Kumar directed the team to expedite execution and complete the project within the stipulated timeline.

The Danapura"Bihta Elevated Corridor, being constructed on NH-922, is a major four-lane project spanning approximately 25 kilometres and aims to strengthen connectivity to the upcoming Bihta airport.

With an estimated cost of over Rs 1,969 crore, the project is expected to be completed by September 2026. Notably, the corridor includes a 14.5-km-long flyover, which is among the longest elevated stretches in eastern India.

Once completed, the project is expected to ease traffic congestion and support regional development. The Chief Minister said the corridor will benefit lakhs of commuters by significantly reducing congestion between Danapur and Bihta, one of Patnaas busiest stretches, and cutting travel time.

The elevated road will connect Danapur Railway Station, Shiwala Chowk, and Bihta airport, and improve access to key institutions such as IIT Patna and NIT Patna. It will also strengthen connectivity towards Koilwar and western Bihar, and support future infrastructure growth, including the proposed Bihta civil enclave.

The project is expected to enhance urban mobility in Patna and surrounding areas, while improving long-distance connectivity towards Delhi and other regions.
Jammu, April 4 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the passage of the Private Universities Bill in the Legislative Assembly, describing it as a milestone for the youth of the Union Territory.

"The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed the Private Universities Bill today, marking a significant step towards shaping a brighter future for our youth," the Chief Minister said.

The House passed the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026 (L.A. Bill No. 08 of 2026). Highlighting its broader vision, Omar Abdullah said the legislation would open new avenues for quality higher education within the Union Territory, reduce the need for students to move outside for studies, and attract reputed institutions to set up campuses in J&K.

He said the move reflects the government's commitment to strengthening academic infrastructure, fostering innovation, and creating a vibrant ecosystem for learning and research.

The Chief Minister added that the passage of the Bill marks a decisive step towards positioning Jammu and Kashmir as an emerging hub of higher education and academic excellence.

Earlier, on the concluding day of the Budget Session, the Bill was moved for consideration and passage by Education Minister Sakeena Itoo. The Speaker later put the Bill to a voice vote, following which it was passed by the House.

The Legislative Assembly also passed the Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas Second (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 (L.A. Bill No. 07 of 2026).

The Bill was moved for consideration and passage by Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmed Dar on behalf of the Chief Minister.

While moving the motion, the Minister said, "A Bill to amend certain enactments, decriminalising and rationalising offences for ease of living and ease of doing business, and also to repeal certain enactments (L.A. Bill No. 07 of 2026), be taken into consideration."

The Bill was subsequently taken up and passed by the House.

Members Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, and Tanvir Sadiq withdrew their amendments following assurances from the Minister.

At the end of the Budget Session 202627, the J&K Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary and MLAs across party lines praised the Speaker for the disciplined and orderly conduct of the session.
Beijing/Manila, April 4 : The provisional understanding between the Philippines and China over the contested Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea underscores how Manila has countered Chinese coercion through quiet resolve backed by political leadership, alliance support, calculated military moves, and public willingness to bear the cost of managed escalation.

"Chinese coercion was defeated by persistence that denied it success. The Philippines did not secure Second Thomas Shoal because various spokespersons made noise or diplomats placed the right words in the Provisional Understanding. The Philippines showed the world an antidote to coercion through quiet resolve: a President who refused to leave, an alliance that showed up at sea to signal support, a military that took calculated risks, and a Filipino public that accepted the price of managed escalation," a report in The Diplomat detailed.

"At some point, China will seek to revise or abandon the arrangement. The real question is whether Manila will have the same capacity to refuse and endure when that time comes," it added.

According to the report, the developments leading to the provisional understanding in July 2024 indicate that the Philippines' response to China's coercion was not shaped by assertive transparency or quiet diplomacy but by national resolve  "a state's willingness to pursue its declared national interests or policy despite escalating costs and mounting pressure to back down."

"For months leading up to June 17, 2024, Chinese maritime forces escalated pressure around Second Thomas Shoal. They started by using military-grade lasers, escalating to dangerous manoeuvres, water cannoning, and ramming. Eventually, on June 17, 2024, Chinese coercion culminated in the violent boarding of a Philippine Navy boat that injured its personnel. Throughout this period, the Philippines practised both assertive transparency and sober diplomacy," it added.

"The transparency campaign started as early as August 2023 during the first of what would become regular resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre on Second Thomas Shoal. It was useful and helpful for attribution and to counter Chinese disinformation. It gave Western partners evidence to rally support as well as demonstrate the Philippines' non-acquiescence to coercive demands," it mentioned.

The report noted the situation does not reflect the Philippines' capitulation to Chinese coercion.

Rather, the deal took shape because coercion failed to achieve desired Chinese objectives at acceptable costs. As the costs and risks of further violent engagements rose, it said, both sides settled for a temporary mutual operational understanding.

"The strategic lesson of the Provisional Understanding is that Philippine interests in Second Thomas Shoal were secured when demonstrated national resolve succeeded in limiting the ability of Chinese coercion to shape the behaviour it demands. In short, coercion loses value if Manila denies the accomplishment of its objectives. Prolonged tension, therefore, is not always a liability  it can be the very condition that reshapes the terms of future bargaining," it emphasised.
New Delhi, April 4 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently underscored the importance of Barak Valley in the state's poll battleground and the area's role expected in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieving a target of 90 to 100 seats in the state Assembly that has a total strength of 126 legislators.

New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently underscored the importance of Barak Valley in the stateas poll battleground and the areaas role expected in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieving a target of 90 to 100 seats in the state Assembly that has a total strength of 126 legislators.

In 2016, the BJP broke the Congressa 15-year rule and inaugurated its political dominance in the Northeast, forming a government in Assam with support from its allies. But since it assumed power, the party has repeatedly plateaued at 60 seats, falling short of the halfway mark by itself, without a coalition.

With Assam elections scheduled for April 9, Barak Valley is among the stateas regions gearing up for a fiercely competitive political battle.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the BJP retained the two Parliamentary seats of Karimganj and Silchar constituencies since it defeated the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and Congress candidates, respectively, in 2019. The party also led in four of the six Assembly segments that comprise Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency and in six of the seven Vidhan Sabha seats that make up Silchar.

Incidentally, the 2024 Lok Sabha election was held after the Election Commission carried out its delimitation exercise in the state.

The upcoming Assembly election will thus be the first state poll to be held after the reorganisation process. Before delimitation, the Congress and AIUDF held sway in the region where, according to the last held Census in 2011, Hindus made up over 18 lakh of a total population of more than 36 lakh, Muslims about 17 lakh, Christians some 58,000, while others comprised the rest.

In percentage terms, the religious composition of the valleyas population stood at Hindus comprising 50%, Muslims 48.1%, Christians 1.6%, and others 0.3%. Among districts, in 2011, Hindus were the majority in Cachar at around 60%, with Muslims making up about 38%. In Silchar, the numbers stood at 72% and 26.4% of the district's population, respectively.

Meanwhile, Muslims were the majority in Hailakandi district, constituting 60.3%, and made for 56.3% in Karimganj (now Sribhumi). Incidentally, Hailakandi and Karimganj towns have a Hindu majority, the percentage being 67.3% and about 86.6%, respectively, as of the 2011 Census.

The Chief Minister appears confident in the BJP winning the Hailakandi Assembly seat despite the Opposition Congress claiming a surge in favour of its alliance bloc.

However, in the rural elections held last year, the BJP emerged as a dominant political force in Barak Valley, scoring major gains in the region. It swept the polls in Cachar and Sribhumi districts, while in Hailakandi the party shared an equal number of Zila Parishad seats. A significant challenge facing both the ruling and the Opposition bloc is that of a split in its larger vote base.

Though a polarisation on religious grounds may stand to help the ruling party, Sarma has reiterated caution against vote splitting. If independent candidates manage to split their base, even to a small part, the Opposition bloc would stand to gain.

On the other hand, the Congress and the AIUDF, contesting separately this time, also may be affected in case of a division in minority votes. The final outcome will be known once the final results are announced on May 4.
Davanagere : , April 4 (IANS) Karnataka BJP president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Saturday claimed that the Congress is set to lose the Davanagere South and Bagalkot seats, and alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is "sleepless" over the prospects of defeat.

Davanagere (Karnataka), April 4 (IANS) Karnataka BJP president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Saturday claimed that the Congress is set to lose the Davanagere South and Bagalkot seats, and alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is "sleepless" over the prospects of defeat.

Addressing a gathering in Davanagere South, Vijayendra said the atmosphere was favourable for the BJP to win both seats and claimed that the Chief Minister is "confused" about which constituency to focus on.

"Today, the backward classes are moving towards the BJP. People from all sections have resolved to elect our candidate Srinivas Daskariappa," he said.

He also congratulated state Backward Classes Morcha president Raghu Koutilya and party office-bearers for their efforts in campaigning.

Targeting the Congress, Vijayendra alleged corruption and claimed that funds from the Valmiki Development Corporation were misused and money was being distributed to voters in Davanagere South.

"Our workers are saying, 'Shamanur's cash, vote for BJP'. You cannot buy votes with corrupt money. Voters have already decided to elect BJP," he said.

He further claimed that when B.S. Yediyurappa was Chief Minister, Rs 550 crore was allocated to backward classes corporations, while the present government allocated only Rs 200250 crore.

Alleging that the Congress treats backward classes as a vote bank, he appealed to voters to support BJP candidate Srinivasadas Kariyappa.

Vijayendra also thanked JD(S) workers for supporting BJP candidates and said Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy was present and backing the campaign.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai challenged the state government to a debate on contributions made by BJP and non-Congress governments to the irrigation sector.

Speaking to the media in Bagalkot, Bommai said he had earlier questioned the introduction of A and B irrigation schemes, claiming such categories do not exist in states like Maharashtra or Andhra Pradesh.

"There is only one Krishna scheme. We completed the Mulwad lift irrigation project and the Chimmalagi project," he said.

He asserted that non-Congress governments, including the BJP, have made significant contributions to irrigation development.

"We implemented the Kerur irrigation project in Siddaramaiah's Badami constituency and the Revansiddheshwar irrigation project in Vijayapura. We also initiated the lake-filling project," he added.

Bommai said there is scope to provide adequate water to Bagalkot and challenged the government to debate the contributions of various regimes to the irrigation sector.
Islamabad, April 4 : The Finnish Embassy in Islamabad will cease its operations this summer, with the mission continuing to function until the final date is announced. After reopening its Embassy in 2022 following a decade-long closure, Helsinki has decided to shut it again, the local media reported.

Finland's neighbouring country, Sweden, had already closed its mission in Pakistan indefinitely in 2023 due to security concerns.

Citing Finnish Embassy sources, leading Pakistani daily 'The News International' reported that the mission's closure was driven by strategic and operational reasons. The Embassy offers limited consular services, while visa and passport-related work is often handled by other Finnish missions, including the one in Abu Dhabi.

In November 2025, the Finnish Foreign Ministry had announced that the Embassies of Finland in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar would be closed in 2026.

"The Embassies will be closed for operational and strategic reasons, which are linked to changes in the countries' political situation and their limited commercial and economic relations with Finland," the Finnish Ministry had stated.

Following the announcement last year, leading Baloch human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch had lauded Finland's decision to close its Embassy in Pakistan, saying the move underscores grave concerns over Islamabad's governance failures and deteriorating security environment.

"We commend the government of Finland for its decision to close its Embassy in Pakistan, a move reflecting deep concerns over Pakistan's governance failures and security environment. We urge other nations to reassess their diplomatic engagement where Pakistani state-linked actors misuse diplomatic platforms or undermine international norms by jeopardising global peace and security," Baloch said in a post on X.

He had also commended the United Arab Emirates (UAE) decision to tighten its visa regulations for Pakistanis amid the escalating security concerns and documented criminal networks operating under the protection or negligence of certain Pakistani state structures.

"The Gulf region has faced increasing incidents of car theft, organised burglary, organised begging networks and other coordinated crimes attributed to groups exploiting weak oversight. The recent arrest of 13 individuals involved in a major cattle theft ring underscores the seriousness of these concerns and the necessity of stronger regulatory measures," he had noted.
Poolbeg Pharma on patent grant and plans - ICYMI Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

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.
Bagalkot, April 4 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Saturday that he is being targeted by the RSS and Manuvadis because he is against inequality.a Bagalkot, April 4 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Saturday that he is being targeted by the RSS and Manuvadis because he is against inequality.

He addressed a gathering organised by the Karnataka Shoshita Samudayagala Mahaa Okkuta (Karnataka Oppressed Communities Federation) in Bagalkot.

Siddaramaiah criticised the BJP and RSS, saying: "I am being targeted by RSS and Manuvadis because I am against inequality and stand with the marginalised. They are trying to attack me through Pratap Simha."

The Chief Minister said the Congress is the only party that unites farmers, labourers, and marginalised communities.

"The Congress party is committed to empowering the marginalised and providing economic and social freedom to all," he said.

He added: "Ambedkar's vision was to ensure economic and social freedom for everyone, and we are working towards that goal."

He urged the gathering to recognise the difference between Congress and the BJP.

"Congress is for the poor and marginalised, while the BJP is for corporates and the rich," he said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted his government's initiatives, including waiving loans and interest for marginalised communities and implementing schemes to boost economic growth.

He appealed to the audience to work towards Congress candidate Umesh Meti's victory in the by-election, saying: "BJP must be defeated, and Umesh Meti should win."

Earlier, Siddaramaiah criticised the BJP's 'Vibrant Gujarat' model, saying it has only benefited corporate houses and increased the gap between the rich and the poor.

He added that the Congress party has always worked for the poor and marginalised.

"The Congress party has given freedom to the country, and it is time for the people to reciprocate," he said.

"The BJP has never participated in the freedom struggle, and they have nothing to show for their nine years in power in Karnataka," he added.

Siddaramaiah also criticised PM Modi, saying he had promised many things in 2014 but failed to deliver.

"He promised to bring back black money and deposit Rs 15 lakh in every household, but nothing has happened," he said.

--IANS

mka/dan


Imphal, April 4 : Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday reaffirmed that the Bharatiya Janatya Party (BJP)-led state government's foremost priorities are restoring peace, strengthening communal harmony, and accelerating inclusive and sustainable development while safeguarding the state's indigenous culture.

Accompanied by State BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, the Chief Minister undertook his maiden visit to the mixed-population Jiribam district, which borders southern Assam.

During the visit, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh interacted with local residents and addressed several public gatherings.

Seven BJP MLAs -- Tongbram Robindro Singh, Kongkham Robindro Singh, Sapam Ranjan Singh, Heikham Dingo Singh, Lourembam Rameshwor Meetai, Md. Achab Uddin and Sapam Kunjakeshwor (Keba) -- also accompanied the Chief Minister.

Covering nearly 217 km from the state capital Imphal, the Chief Minister and his delegation travelled to Jiribam via National Highway-37.

This marked the first such road journey by a sitting Chief Minister since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023.

The mountainous route passes through Kangpokpi district, predominantly inhabited by Kuki-Zo tribal communities, adding significance to the visit.

Since the ethnic conflict began, members of the Meitei and Kuki communities have largely avoided travelling through areas dominated by each other.

Officials said that the visit forms part of the state government's broader effort to build trust among communities and address local concerns.

During his stay in Jiribam, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh is also expected to meet Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the violence and engage with leaders from Meitei, Kuki, and Hmar communities.

Earlier, during a meeting held on April 1 in New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had urged the Chief Minister to expedite the peace process and further strengthen communal harmony in violence-affected Manipur.

According to an official from the Chief Minister's Office, the meeting at the Parliament House complex included a detailed review of the law and order situation in the state.

"The Union Home Minister reviewed the current security scenario in Manipur with the Chief Minister and instructed him to accelerate ongoing peace initiatives while consolidating improving relations among various communities," the official said.

Later, in a post on his official X account on Saturday, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said: "Visited Jiribam district today with State BJP President A. Sharda Devi Ji and BJP MLAs to review the prevailing situation and developmental needs."

"Warmly received at Leingangpokpi Police Outpost by district officials. We reaffirm our commitment to restoring peace, strengthening communal harmony, and accelerating inclusive, sustainable development while safeguarding indigenous culture," he added.

In another X post, the Chief Minister said: "Undertook an inspection of Jiri District Hospital at Ningshingkhul today to review its functioning, infrastructure, and service delivery."

"While services are satisfactory, a shortage of manpower has been noted. A comprehensive transfer policy for medical staff will be framed, and doctors' quarters will be upgraded," he added.
Jaipur, April 4 : In a swift and commendable response, the Cyber Crime Police Station in Jaipur's Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan has successfully foiled a case of digital fraud and recovered Rs 99,998 for a victim within 48 hours, officials said on Saturday.

Acting under the direction of Sawai Madhopur Superintendent of Police (SP) Jyeshtha Maitreyi, the cyber team demonstrated efficiency and vigilance amid the ongoing 'Mule Hunter' campaign against cybercrime.

The victim, Babulal Prajapat, a resident of Dhamun Khurd in Sawai Madhopur district, fell prey to cyber fraudsters, who sent him a malicious APK file disguised as the YONO SBI mobile application via WhatsApp, officials added.

Unaware of the threat, Prajapat downloaded the file, which led to his mobile phone being compromised.

Within moments, Rs 99,998 was fraudulently withdrawn from his bank account, officials said.

Upon receiving the complaint, the cyber police acted immediately.

Under the guidance of SP Maitreyi and Additional Superintendent of Police Vijay Singh, the team launched an investigation, officials added.

Working under the supervision of Circle Officer (Cyber) Jaiprakash Atal, police officials traced the stolen funds to an account held at The Gayatri Co-operative Urban Bank Limited.

Without delay, the police coordinated with the bank's Nodal Officer and successfully placed a hold on the suspicious bank account.

Their prompt action ensured that the entire defrauded amount was secured before it could be further siphoned off, officials said.

The funds were subsequently transferred back to the complainant's bank account, bringing relief to the victim.

Police officials have once again urged the public to remain cautious while downloading applications from unknown sources or clicking on suspicious links.

They emphasised that legitimate banking apps should only be downloaded from official app stores and warned against trusting files received via messaging platforms.

This incident highlights both the growing threat of cyber fraud and the importance of timely reporting.

It also showcases the proactive approach and effectiveness of the Sawai Madhopur cyber police in safeguarding citizens from financial crimes, officials added.
Islamabad, April 4 : Human rights lawyers and defenders have sharply criticised the recent judgement of Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court which upheld the marriage of a minor Christian girl, Maria Shahbaz, to a Muslim man accused of kidnapping her, while rejecting a habeas corpus petition filed by her father.

They described the ruling as "a missed opportunity to protect vulnerable individuals", warning that it risks exacerbating inequality and fostering a climate of impunity, a report mentioned on Saturday.

According to the 'Eurasia Review' report, the human rights advocates called for accountability from all those involved in conversion and marriage-related cases, urging stronger procedural safeguards to verify age, consent, and free will.

They also stressed the need to uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and equality before the law and announced plans to challenge the verdict through an appeal.

"On 29 July 2025, Maria Shahbaz, a 13-year-old Christian girl, was abducted in Lahore and subsequently subjected to forced conversion and coerced marriage. A re-investigation conducted on the directions of the Sessions Court found that the marriage certificate was fabricated, with the relevant union council confirming the absence of any official record. The Deputy Superintendent of Police restored the FIR and added further charges. Despite this, the Federal Constitutional Court awarded custody of the girl to her purported husband, effectively validating the marriage," the report detailed.

The ruling, it said, disregards documented proof of her age, including her birth registration issued by Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), as well as legal protections provided under the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act and relevant High Court precedents.

Joseph Jansen, Chairperson of Voice for Justice in Pakistan, expressed serious concerns over the court's reliance on "unverified claims of religious conversion" and its "acceptance of minimal evidentiary standards".

"He warned that such reasoning risks legitimising coercion, manipulation, and abuse, particularly in cases involving minority girls. He stated that such verdicts undermine protections for minority communities and discourage victims and families from seeking legal remedies," the report stated.

Prominent Pakistani lawyer Akmal Bhatti condemned the ruling, saying it raises serious concerns over due process and the effectiveness of safeguards against forced conversions and child marriages.

Another Pakistani human rights activist, Rukhsana Zafar, stated that such cases are not isolated incidents but reflect broader systemic failures in safeguarding vulnerable communities across Pakistan.

She added that "the fear of abduction and forced conversion continues to restrict women's mobility and access to education within minority communities".
Taipei, April 4 : With the rise of new political leadership in Kathmandu and growing strategic constraint on China's engagement with Nepal, there is hope that the stronger democratic institutions would enable the Nepali people to comprehend Beijing's expansionist ambitions in Nepal and the wider South Asian region, a report highlighted on Saturday.

"This year's parliamentary election in Nepal  the first after the Gen Z-led violent protest that toppled the previous government in September last year  was marked by a foundational shift in Nepal's domestic politics. The results resoundingly rejected the traditional political parties, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by Balen Shah, securing a majority in the 275-member Nepalese House of Representatives. The complete turnaround in Nepal's political environment could undermine China's game plan in South Asia," a report in 'Taipei Times' detailed.

"Over the years, China has sought to turn Nepal into a strategic asset in South Asia. A major shift in China's Nepal policy was observed in 2017, when Beijing played a role in bringing two Nepalese communist parties together  the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), led by K P Sharma Oli, and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), led by Pushpa Dahal. This paved the way for the installation of Oli as Nepalese Prime Minister," it added.

According to the report, the formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah in Kathmandu is viewed as an unprecedented setback to China's Nepal policy.

It added that the declining political hold of the communist parties in Nepal would curb China's clandestine efforts to "consolidate the tenets of a communist regime" in South Asia and beyond.

"Thus, the defeat of Oli and other top communist leaders is not merely a reflection of the people's dissatisfaction with these leaders but also underscores their discomfort with China's inroads into Nepal. This can be gauged from the fact that sections of Nepal's political parties, civil society and media had expressed their objection to China's interference in internal affairs," the report mentioned.

It stressed that China's efforts to build close ties between its military-industrial complex and Nepal's defence requirements, and thereby make Kathmandu dependent on it for military supplies and services, would encounter a dead end.

Highlighting the political shift in Kathmandu, the report further said, "Shah belongs to the Madhesi region of Nepal, which has the 'bread and blood' relations with India's state of Bihar, and he studied and lived in India for a long time, meaning that the prospect for a strong bilateral relationship with India during his tenure is high, further adversely impacting China's interests."
Brussels, April 4 : With Pakistan's economy under strain and domestic security deteriorating amid a renewed insurgency in Balochistan, the Afghan Taliban appear to be pursuing a long-term strategy in their conflict with Islamabad, prioritising survival and ideological expansion over Qatar or Turkey brokered ceasefires, a recent report has detailed.

"For decades, the Islamabad establishment has played a dangerous game, nurturing the Taliban as a strategic depth agent against India. Today, this plan backfires, and the resulting explosion of violence threatens to send a fresh wave of illegal immigration toward the already strained borders of the European Union," a report in 'Brussels Signal' detailed.

According to the report, the "open war" declared by Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif signalled the end of a 30-year-long held illusion.

"The apprentice has not only left the master. He has now turned openly against him. The March 16 strike on Kabul was the moment masks fell. When Pakistani warplanes hammered a rehabilitation centre in the heart of the Afghan capital, the 'Islamic brotherhood' of the two neighbours officially ceased to be," it added.

The report stressed that Islamabad maintains it is targetting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), accusing Afghanistan of providing shelter, a claim Kabul rejects.

The outcome is a "cycle of diplomacy-in-name-only", where the dominant language is that of "air strikes, the AK-47 and the suicide vest"  reflecting reality of the post-American vacuum in Afghanistan.

For Islamabad, the report said, the battle against the TTP represents an existential struggle, while for Kabul, it is about defending the sovereignty reclaimed after 20 years of conflict.

"Neither side can afford to blink. The light of the old order is fading. The era where the Pakistani military could manage Afghanistan like a colonial fiefdom is over. The trust is dead," it stated.

The report noted that the "special relationship" between Islamabad and Kabul has turned into hostility. Having survived an American occupation, it said, the Taliban may find Pakistan's aggression easier to withstand.

Emphasising the wider implications of the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict, the report said, "Meanwhile, the West is watching a fire it helped light but can no longer extinguish. Brussels, especially, remains silent, paralysed by bureaucratic formalities. But this silence is a luxury we cannot afford. As the Durand Line burns and Balochistan ignites, this regional tragedy heralds a massive surge in illegal immigration toward the EU."
Patna, April 4 : A fierce encounter broke out between the police and criminals on Saturday in Bihar's Begusarai district, triggering a large scale security operation in the region.

The joint team eventually arrested four criminals, suspected of being involved in the jewellery shop loot case, which took place on Friday.

The incident took place at Narayan Chowk under the Mansurchak Police Station area, which lies along the border of Begusarai and Samastipur.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of notorious criminals inside a local hotel, a joint team of the Special Task Force (STF) and district police launched a raid.

As the police reached the spot, the criminals allegedly opened fire, prompting the police forces to retaliate.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, police managed to arrest four criminals.

According to initial reports, one accused sustained a bullet injury during the encounter but managed to escape.

A large-scale search operation is currently underway to trace the absconding suspects, with security forces combing nearby bushes and residential areas.

The operation is being led by Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Anand Pandey, with support from STF personnel and police teams from Bachhwara, Mansurchak, and Teghra police stations.

Police sources indicated that the criminals may be equipped with sophisticated weapons, leading to heightened security arrangements in the area.

Authorities have also urged local residents to stay away from the encounter site.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the criminals may be linked to a recent high-value robbery in Darbhanga, where nearly Rs 2 crore was looted on Friday.

Officials suspect that the gang involved in the robbery had taken shelter at the hotel in Begusarai.

The Bihar Police has been on high alert in recent days, intensifying operations against wanted criminals.

This encounter is being seen as part of that broader crackdown.

As of now, the priority remains to apprehend the injured and absconding accused.

The entire area around Narayan Chowk has been sealed, and intensive search operations are ongoing.

Police officials said that detailed information regarding the arrested individuals and any weapons recovered will be shared once the operation concludes.
New Delhi, April 4 : Seventeen Indian-flagged vessels, carrying around 460 Indian seafarers, continue to operate in the western Persian Gulf region, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said on Saturday.

The government also said that necessary measures are in place to ensure their safety amid evolving maritime conditions.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, it is closely monitoring shipping movements, port operations and the safety of Indian seafarers, while ensuring uninterrupted maritime trade.

According to the ministry, all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours.

It also informed that the LPG vessel Green Sanvi has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 46,650 metric tonnes of LPG cargo with 25 seafarers on board.

A total of 17 Indian-flagged vessels remain in the western Persian Gulf region, and the Directorate General of Shipping, in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions, is actively monitoring the situation.

The DG Shipping Control Room remains operational round the clock and has handled 5,015 calls and 10,425 emails since its activation. In the past 24 hours alone, it received 31 calls and 129 emails.

The Directorate has also facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 1,320 Indian seafarers so far, including 190 in the last 24 hours from airports and various regional locations across the Gulf, according to the government.

Port operations across India continue to remain normal, with no congestion reported. State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have confirmed smooth functioning.

The ministry further added that it is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions and other maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and the continuity of maritime operations.
Washington, April 4 : Several terrorist organisations, including the Islamic State (ISIS), have exploited social media's low-cost, fast, globally connected platforms for ideological propaganda, recruitment, mobilisation, and executing terror attacks.

Through these platforms, the terror groups propagate extremist ideology, aiming for mass radicalisation by employing "emotional and psychological manipulation" to influence children as young as 12, a report said on Saturday.

"Cyber-enabled terrorism has become a critical national security issue for countries in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in India's Jammu and Kashmir, the wider Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, where end-to-end encrypted messaging platforms and online recruitment have connected a substantial percentage of Muslim youths to Islamist terror networks," a report in the New York-based think tank Gatestone Institute detailed.

"Purveyors of radical content, to reach a wider audience, have overtaken the non-confrontational format through memes, commentary video reels and influencer content. Extremist propaganda is being repackaged in local languages. Algorithms on these social media platforms serve as amplifiers for radical content. This has led to so-called 'self-radicalisation', in turn giving birth to 'lone wolf' attackers who carry out political violence without direct support or instruction from an established terrorist network," it added.

According to the report, in the Indo-Pacific, ISIS, its sympathisers, and other fringe groups are leading such campaigns.

It highlighted that the pattern was evident both in Australia's Bondi Beach attack on December 14, 2025, and the Red Fort attack in New Delhi, India, on November 10, 2025, where social media platforms were "systematically weaponised to radicalise individuals" in carrying out terrorist attacks.

Though disguised as individual efforts, the attacks were systematically orchestrated.

Citing media reports, it further said that 54 per cent of terrorism-related arrests in Malaysia are tied to support for Islamic State through online platforms. Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) has leveraged Malaysia's digital landscape to spread radical ideology throughout Southeast Asia.

In Indonesia, the National Counter-Terrorism Agency recorded more than 180,000 items of extremist content circulating online in 2024.

"Pro-ISIS media networks, such as the At-Tamkin Malay Media Foundation, have apparently been using digital platforms to incite violence and recruit supporters. In February 2024, the Al-Aan Foundation created a recruitment video openly calling on Malaysians to 'rise up' for oppressed Muslims. In Indonesia, around 181 terror-linked non-profit organisations are known to channel money to these groups," the report noted.

Raising concerns over online radicalisation, the report said, "At the global level, like-minded countries need deeper cooperation with intelligence and law enforcement agencies and stronger collaborative efforts that cut across government agencies, non-governmental organisations, tech companies and civil society organisations."
New Delhi, April 4 : A number of Hindu saints on Saturday welcomed the proposal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to replace the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) with 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST). They echoed that throughout the ancient period in India, time has been calculated by determining the rays of the Sun.

New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) A number of Hindu saints on Saturday welcomed the proposal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to replace the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) with 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST). They echoed that throughout the ancient period in India, time has been calculated by determining the rays of the Sun.

Pradhan made the proposal while addressing the International Conference "Mahakal: The Master of Time" on Friday at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, he had also called the city "the original centre of time calculation".

Welcoming the proposal, All India Sant Samiti General Secretary Swami Jitendranand Saraswati told IANS, "Earlier also time used to be determined by the Sun's movement. But it was misused during the colonial era. Who can calculate time in the world other than Mahakal (Lord Shiva) himself."

He asserted, "Why are all the nuclear reactors in the world in the shape of the 'Shivling'? Why did people of other religions not give it a different structure. There is no other option other than Mahakal."

"Now MST will be implemented instead of GMT. I congratulate the Indian government for this," Saraswati said.

Saints in Ayodhya also hailed Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's proposal.

Saint Varun Dasji Maharaj said, "The Tropic of Cancer passes through Ujjain, which is the city of 'Mahakal'. Since the ancient times, even in astrology this has been given importance."

"If the State government wants to re-establish India's method (of calculating time), I welcome it," he told IANS.

Another saint of an Ayodhya temple, added, "During the ancient times, our saints used to calculate time through the rays of the Sun. Today, on that lines, a proposal has been made by Dharmendra Pradhan. All Indians should follow it."

Mahant of the city's Saket Bhawan Mandir, Sitaram Das Ji Maharaj, also asserted that the world functions according to the direction of the Mahakal.

"That is why MST should be be established," he said.

Moreover, he expressed disappointment over rules implemented by foreign powers.

"For how long shall we follow foreign rules and regulations? India has all the culture and traditions and it also provides knowledge to the world," he added.

Hanumangarhi's Mahant Deveshacharya Ji Maharaj thanked the Union Education Minister "for thinking about the implementation of India's ancient tradition".

He said, "Earlier the entire world used to function according to the ancient Indian tradition. But in the middle, people came with their own culture which does not have a basic principle."

"This proposal will a positive influence in the country," he added.

Meanwhile, Mahant Yoganand Giri of Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara disagreed with Dharmendra Pradhan's proposal.

He said, "I don't know what to call this proposal. By saying all these unimportant things, Dharmendra Pradhan is making a mockery of the government. He should first get the information about the centre point of the Tropic of Cancer and prime meridian."

"I can say that the middle point of these fall in the current Indian state of Chhattisgarh from where the Indian Standard Time (IST) is issued," Giri claimed.

According to him, Ujjain is the centre point of 'Jyotirlingas'.

The saint of Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara also said, "Whatever is in place should be kept that way only."
Qiagen N.V. (NYSE:QGEN) ranks among the oversold European stocks to buy. On March 13, Deutsche Bank upgraded Qiagen N.V. (NYSE:QGEN) to Buy from Hold, maintaining a $54 price target on the companys shares. The firm stated that Qiagens stock had declined over 30% since late Januarys M&A stories and accompanying downgrade, essentially pricing out any buyout premium.

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Qiagen N.V. (NYSE:QGEN) also outlined its strategy at the Barclays 28th Annual Global Healthcare Conference on March 10, emphasizing sustainable development objectives in the midst of a CEO transition.

Despite macroeconomic challenges and the temporary impact of discontinued products such as NeuMoDx, the company reiterated its 5% full-year growth estimate. Growth is likely to improve in the second half, boosted by the introduction of new sample-preparation products that could add up to 200 basis points to results.

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Ujjain, April 4 : Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday praised India's remarkable progress in space research while attending a special session on the second day of the international conference "Mahakal: The Master of Time" at the Varahamihira Astronomical Observatory in Dongla, Ujjain district.a Ujjain, April 4 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday praised India's remarkable progress in space research while attending a special session on the second day of the international conference "Mahakal: The Master of Time" at the Varahamihira Astronomical Observatory in Dongla, Ujjain district.

The session, themed "The Present and Future of Astronomy and Space Research in India", saw scientists briefing the Chief Minister on the country's major space milestones and ambitious upcoming missions. 

Yadav described the presentations as "highly fascinating" and expressed delight over India's achievements in the field.

He particularly commended the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, saying such feats inspire the youth to pursue careers in science, research, and innovation.

Prof. Anil Bhardwaj, Director of the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, detailed the historic achievements of Chandrayaan-3. 

He highlighted the successful soft landing of the Vikram Lander, which made India the fourth nation to achieve a soft landing on the Moon and the first to reach the Moon's South Pole. 

He noted the critical role played by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the mission's success. The Pragyan Rover conducted important scientific studies on the lunar surface, and the landing site was named "Shiv Shakti Point."

Prof. Bhardwaj also outlined India's future roadmap, including Chandrayaan-4 (Lunar Sample Return Mission), Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX, a joint India-Japan mission), the Venus Orbiter Mission, the Mars Lander Mission, and the goal of landing Indian astronauts on the Moon by 2040.

Tarun Pant, Director of the Space Physics Laboratory at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, spoke about the importance of studying the ionosphere and upper atmosphere, explaining how space activities influence Earth's climate and atmosphere.

Other sessions on the second day covered topics such as "Progress in Astronomy and Astrophysics," "Space Economy: Space Technology in the Service of the Nation," and the scientific dimensions of Indian Knowledge Tradition.

V.K. Saraswat, Member (Science) at NITI Aayog, emphasised that space technology has become a cornerstone for both national security and development. 

He recalled how the news of a satellite launch in his childhood inspired him to enter the field. 

He highlighted the rapid evolution of defence technology, including drones and AI-based systems, and praised the growing role of the private sector and startups in achieving the vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat."

Shankar Nakhe, former Director of the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), stressed that science and spirituality are complementary. 

He noted that Ujjain's ancient connection with timekeeping and astronomy, due to the Mahakaleshwar Temple and its location on the Tropic of Cancer, makes the conference especially significant. 

He advocated for a balanced society through the harmonious integration of science and spirituality.

The conference featured rich discussions on the space economy, private-sector participation, and expanding opportunities for youth in the space sector. 

Experts underlined that space technology is emerging as a powerful driver for scientific progress, economic growth, and job creation.

--IANS

sktr/dan
Jaipur, April 4 : In a major breakthrough, police have arrested Rakesh Kumar Rewad, who had been on the run for over a year in connection with the Bluetooth-based cheating racket in the Junior Clerk Grade-II recruitment exam.a

Rewad was apprehended on Friday by Investigation Officer Pradeep Kumar Sharma, Additional Police Commissioner, Shastri Nagar. a

Additional Director General of Police (Licensing & Welfare) Vishal Baly informed that the case pertains to the Rajasthan High Courta"ordered re-examinations of the Clerk Grade-II posts under the Combined Competitive Examination-2022, held on March 12 and 19, 2023.a

Rewad, a resident of District Churu, had appeared for the March 19 exam at Sanganer Tehsil S.S. School, Jaipur. a

He was found using Bluetooth-enabled micro-devices to receive answers from external handlers. Investigations revealed that the main facilitator, Ishwar Kailash, had been providing candidates with Bluetooth-connected mobile devices in exchange for large sums of money.

Reward received answers through this setup during the exam.a

A separate case (FIR No. 66/2024 at Police Station Shastri Nagar) is already under investigation under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120B, and Sections 3, 4, 6, 10 of the Rajasthan Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2022. a

Rewad was also found to be involved in Bluetooth-enabled cheating during the Patwari recruitment exam held on May 14, 2023. a

Following confirmation of malpractices, the State Government cancelled the affected examinations.a

The probe also uncovered that handlers Ishwar Kailash and his associate Ramlal Kailash collected hefty amounts from multiple aspirants and supplied them with devices to transmit answers during exams.a

Earlier, on October 19, 2024, Rewadas wife, Chandrakala Rewad, was also arrested for similar Bluetooth-based cheating during the VDO/RO recruitment examination. a

Rewad had been evading arrest for over a year, prompting the Additional Director General to announce a reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to his capture.a

Police have stated that further investigations are underway to identify and arrest other members involved in the racket.a
Raichur, April 4 : Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology and Human Resource Development Nara Lokesh on Saturday credited Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy with ensuring the revival of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) at Visakhapatnam, which was facing the threat of closure or privatisation.a Raichur, April 4 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology and Human Resource Development Nara Lokesh on Saturday credited Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy with ensuring the revival of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) at Visakhapatnam, which was facing the threat of closure or privatisation.

Addressing a large gathering in Raichur, Lokesh said the Vizag Steel Plant holds deep emotional significance for the people of Andhra Pradesh, often reflected in the sentiment: "Vizag Steel is the right of the people of Andhra."

He noted that due to policy decisions of the previous state government in Andhra Pradesh, the plant had reached a critical stage and was at risk of being shut down or privatised.

Lokesh stated that after assuming office as Union Steel Minister, Kumaraswamy had assured that the plant would be protected. 

"He honoured his commitment. Today, the plant is back on the path of recovery and moving towards profitability," he said.

Recalling the sequence of events, Lokesh mentioned that he had consistently urged Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat to take up the matter with Kumaraswamy in New Delhi. During one such interaction, he was connected by phone with the Union Minister, who made a direct appeal to save the plant.

"In response, Kumaraswamy assured me, 'Brother, please be at ease. Leave the matter to me.' He stood by his word and ensured that the Vizag Steel Plant was safeguarded. For this, the people of Andhra Pradesh remain deeply grateful to him," Lokesh stated.

He further highlighted that recently, the foundation stone was laid for one of India's largest green steel manufacturing facilities at Anakapalli in Andhra Pradesh, being established through a collaboration. 

He credited Kumaraswamy's efforts as a key factor in bringing this major investment to the state.

Speaking on the longstanding relationship between their families, Lokesh said the association dates back over three decades. 

He recalled that during the United Front government at the Centre, his father, N. Chandrababu Naidu, played a key role, while H.D. Deve Gowda served as Prime Minister.

"Today, as Kumaraswamy serves as a Union Minister, I feel fortunate to stand alongside him on this platform," Lokesh said, expressing his gratitude.
Raichur : , April 4 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy said that he would always stand with the Karnataka government on matters related to development, stressing that politics and development should be treated separately.

He was speaking after inaugurating a newly established Sainik School at Sri Krishnadevaraya Educational Institution in Sindhanur town of Raichur district in Karnataka.

The school was inaugurated jointly by Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh.

Addressing the gathering, Kumaraswamy said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union government is making significant efforts to strengthen India's defence sector, and the sanctioning of the Sainik School in Sindhanur is part of that initiative.

He expressed gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.

He noted that the demand for establishing a Sainik School in Sindhanur has been fulfilled by the Centre, and acknowledged the efforts of former minister Venkatarav Nadagouda in this regard.

He said the approval of the school reflects the Centre's commitment to the development of Raichur district and the state.

Kumaraswamy emphasised that development should not be politicised. "Everyone must work together for the betterment of the state. On issues of development, I will always stand with the state government," he said.

He added that several development works are needed in Raichur and other parts of the state, and called for cooperation beyond political differences.

"Anyone can approach me freely for development-related work. I consider it my duty to contribute to the state's progress," he said.

He pointed out that there is a demand for establishing an AIIMS in Raichur and for constructing the Navile reservoir parallel to the Tungabhadra reservoir. "These are not small demands. We must work collectively to fulfil them," he said.

Responding to demands for industrial development in the region, the minister said he supports efforts to bring industries to the area and would work sincerely towards establishing at least one industry.

Reiterating his stance, he said, "Politics is different, development is different. On development matters, I will always stand with the state government."

On the proposal to construct the Navile reservoir, Kumaraswamy said it should not be treated as a political issue or burden placed on Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh.

He explained that due to silt accumulation in the Tungabhadra reservoir, around 30 TMC of water storage capacity has been lost, and the proposed reservoir would help utilise that water for irrigation.

Drawing from his experience as a former Chief Minister, he said irrigation issues are complex and require careful handling. "This is a sensitive matter that should be resolved through mutual understanding and dialogue between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It requires time and cooperation, else it could turn into a political conflict," he said.

He recalled that farmers in the region once cultivated two paddy crops a year, but now struggle to grow even one, attributing the problem to unregulated mining that led to silt accumulation in the reservoir. He said timely preventive measures should have been taken.

Kumaraswamy said the Navile reservoir project can be realised through trust, cooperation, and constructive discussions beyond politics.

Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, he said he had implemented several welfare measures, including farm loan waivers, but expressed disappointment that while people acknowledge his work, they do not always vote for him.

He also recalled that during his coalition government with the Congress in 2018, he had planned nine industrial clusters across the state under a "Compete with China" initiative to boost investment and employment. However, the plan was halted after his government fell.

The minister thanked Sanjay Seth and Nara Lokesh for attending the inauguration and also expressed gratitude to Visakhapatnam MP Sribharat for facilitating Lokesh's visit.

He praised Lokesh as a promising and humble young leader with a bright political future.

Several dignitaries, including MLAs, MPs, MLCs, and officials of the educational institution, were present at the event.

Earlier, Kumaraswamy, Sanjay Seth, and Nara Lokesh were given a grand welcome through a roadshow in Sindhanur. The dignitaries were felicitated with large garlands and taken in a procession through the main streets of the town. Later, they unveiled a statue of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao.
Vadodara, April 4 : Three persons were arrested with 267 grams of illegal hybrid ganja valued at around Rs 9.34 lakh during a raid by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Gujarat CID (Crime) in Vadodara district, officials said on Saturday.

The operation was carried out on Friday at Mosampura village near Kundhela Road on University Road under Dabhoi police station limits in Vadodara rural.

Acting on specific intelligence, an ANTF Vadodara Zone team conducted the raid.

"During the raid, three suspicious persons were found in possession of 267 grams of illegal hybrid ganja from the dickey of their two-wheeler vehicle," the ANTF said.

The arrested accused have been identified as Dinesh Thakor, 34, a resident of Krishna City, Kelanpur; Vishal Parmar, 32, a resident of Pratapnagar; and Raj Onganiya, 28, a resident of Sarvodaya Nagar, all in Vadodara.

A fourth accused, identified as Asif from Vapi, is currently absconding.

A case has been registered under Sections 8(c), 20(II)(A) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and further investigation is in progress.

Police said the seizure includes hybrid ganja worth Rs 9,34,500, three mobile phones worth Rs 15,000, one two-wheeler valued at Rs 80,000, cash amounting to Rs 4,270 and a DVD worth Rs 200, taking the total estimated value of seized property to Rs 10,33,970.

"The accused were arrested on the spot, and further investigation has been handed over to Dabhoi police station in Vadodara rural," the department stated.

The operation forms part of a broader crackdown on narcotics in Gujarat.

In a similar operation a day earlier, the ANTF's Gandhinagar Zone team intercepted a government bus near Chiloda crossroads and arrested two persons with nearly 12 kg of ganja valued at around Rs 5.97 lakh.

The accused were allegedly transporting the illegal narcotics for distribution, and a case was registered under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, with further investigation handed over to the local police.
Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar, April 4 : More than 2,000 food samples were collected across Ahmedabad in the first three months of 2026, with 74 found to be substandard, prompting enforcement action under food safety laws, officials said on Saturday.

According to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), its food department collected 2,049 samples between January 1 and March 31 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

"Out of the above samples, 74 food samples were declared substandard. Action has been taken against the concerned Food Business Operators as per the provisions," it said.

The samples included 85 of paneer, 59 of milk, 89 of milk products, 20 of mango milkshake and sugarcane juice, 56 of bakery products, 68 of sweets, 99 of namkeen, 61 of sugar-boiled confectionery, 178 of flours and grains, 85 of edible oil, 26 of beverages, 35 of sugar and related items, three of tea, 248 of spices and iodised salt, and 937 categorised as others.

During the same period, 4,294 food business units were inspected and 1,411 notices issued.

Authorities said an estimated 3,081 kg of unsafe food was destroyed, Rs 22,42,300 recovered as administrative charges, and 1,033 TPC tests conducted.

The corporation also highlighted a focused drive on paneer quality, stating that 85 samples were collected in the past three months, of which 25 were found to be substandard.

"These mainly included cases where the fat percentage did not meet prescribed standards or where analogue paneer was used instead of milk paneer," it said.

Penalties exceeding Rs three lakh have been imposed, and action has been initiated against 12 units where analogue paneer was found.

It added that more than 15,000 food business operators have been instructed via email to clearly display whether milk paneer or analogue paneer is being used.

"All food business operators must clearly indicate whether they are using milk paneer or analogue paneer (non-dairy product)," the AMC said, warning that non-compliance would invite action under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India rules and the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act.

Today, 22 additional paneer samples were collected and Rs 70,000 recovered as penalties.

Separately, the Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) has directed that the use of analogue or substitute products in place of paneer must be clearly disclosed on menu cards or notice boards in hotels, restaurants and ready food units.

In its order dated April 4, the authority said products made using vegetable fat, starch or other substitutes "should not be labelled or sold as 'Paneer'" and must instead be described as "Paneer Analogue" or "Analogue".

The FDCA added that operators must maintain transparency in production, packaging and labelling, and provide accurate information to consumers where analogue products are used.

It warned that "any attempt to mislead consumers or provide incorrect information will be considered a violation and strict legal action will be taken," adding that compliance with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations is mandatory.
Washington, April 4 : U.S. President Donald Trump Saturday warned Iran that "time is running out," giving what he described as "48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them," as lawmakers in Congress sharply criticised his strategy and authority in the escalating conflict.a Washington, April 4 (IANS) U.S. President Donald Trump Saturday warned Iran that "time is running out," giving what he described as "48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them," as lawmakers in Congress sharply criticised his strategy and authority in the escalating conflict.

In a social media post, Trump said: "Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!"

The warning comes amid intensifying debate in Washington over the administration's handling of the war, now in its fifth week, with lawmakers questioning both its objectives and execution.

Representative Brad Schneider, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the President had failed to provide clarity on his goals.

"Though he repeatedly stated his commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, his speech offered neither certainty nor clarity regarding his strategy," Schneider said.

He added that "the President did not define how he will set the region on a path to stability and peace," noting that Iran's "nuclear program is still in place" and its missiles "remain a threat to our allies, particularly the UAE and Israel."

Separately, Representative Joaquin Castro opposed the administration's request for additional war funding, sharply criticising both the rationale and consequences of the conflict.

"The president is asking for an extra $350 billion for his reckless war against Iran," Castro said. "I will vote not to fund this illegal war, and will vote no."

He said the war had been launched "under false pretenses and without congressional authorization," adding: "He claimed that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States. It didn't."

Castro warned of broader global and domestic fallout, saying Iran "has been able to effectively close the Straits of Hormuz, where 20 percent of the world's oil and significant amounts of fertiliser and other critical products flow through."

Castro cautioned against further escalation, warning of "the President's consideration of a significant ground invasion that will only cost more American lives and commit another generation of Americans to a regime change war in the Middle East."

Both lawmakers called for a shift towards diplomacy. Schneider said the path forward requires "working together with our allies, using both good faith negotiations and the threat of shared military might," while Castro urged "negotiating a ceasefire and a diplomatic agreement to re-open the Straits of Hormuz."


New Delhi, April 4 : The Supreme Court has formally notified the constitution of a nine-judge Constitution Bench, which will commence hearing from April 7 in the long-pending Sabarimala review matter.

As per the cause list published for April 7 on the official website of the apex court, the bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant will hear the reference arising out of review petitions filed against its September 2018 judgment permitting entry of women of all ages into the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, along with connected issues that raise significant questions on religious freedoms.

The proceedings before the nine-judge bench, which also comprises Justices B.V. Nagarathna, M.M. Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, A.G. Masih, Prasanna B. Varale, R. Mahadevan, and Joymalya Bagchi, are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Chief Justice's court at the Supreme Court.

Apart from the Sabarimala issue, the top court is also expected to examine broader constitutional questions relating to the scope of religious freedom under Article 25, including the entry of Muslim women into mosques and dargahs, the rights of Parsi women to access fire temples after interfaith marriage, the validity of excommunication practices, and the legality of female genital mutilation in the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Earlier, the CJI Surya Kant-led bench had fixed a detailed schedule for the hearing and clarified that the maintainability of the reference is conclusively settled. It also identified seven substantial questions of law for adjudication.

As per the schedule, arguments by parties supporting the review petitions will be heard from April 7 to April 9, followed by submissions from those opposing the review between April 14 and April 16.

Rejoinder submissions, if any, will be taken up on April 21, with final arguments by the amicus curiae expected to conclude on April 22.

The top court had directed all parties to file written submissions in advance and emphasised strict adherence to timelines, observing that Constitution Bench matters are of paramount importance.

In the run-up to the hearings, written submissions filed on behalf of the Travancore Devaswom Board have urged the apex court to adopt a "community-centric" understanding of religion, arguing that courts should refrain from reinterpreting faith-based practices and questioning the continued application of the "essential religious practices" doctrine.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the Centre's second-highest law officer, informed the apex court that the Union government supports the review petitions.
Agartala, April 4 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday urged people not to be misled by parties spreading "wrong messages" and called upon supporters of rival groups to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while there is still time.a Agartala, April 4 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday urged people not to be misled by parties spreading "wrong messages" and called upon supporters of rival groups to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while there is still time.

The Chief Minister asserted that people are ready to form a "triple-engine government" in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). 

The 30-member TTAADC, comprising 28 elected representatives and two members nominated by the state government, is scheduled to go to the polls on April 12.

While addressing an election rally at the Ganganagar-Gandachhara constituency in Dhalai district, Saha said: "We all have to create a new Tripura with the united efforts of all of us." 

He added that people's trust and confidence in PM Modi have increased significantly.

"Wherever I go, people are joining under the flag of the BJP. Saturday's rally also saw 710 voters from 251 families joining the BJP. I welcome them on behalf of the party. You have taken the right decision at the right time," he said.

He further appealed to those associated with the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and other parties, especially the youth, not to go astray. 

"Those who are in TMP or other parties, especially the youth community, should not go astray. Our double-engine government is moving towards the 2047 goal. Those who give wrong messages and mislead people do not follow these parties. Come to the BJP while you have time," he said.

Since March 7, 2024, the TMP has been a junior ally of the ruling BJP, and two of its MLAs, Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma, were inducted into the ministry led by Chief Minister Manik Saha.

Saha said the Prime Minister has spoken about building a "New India," adding that the state is working towards creating a "New Tripura."

"For that purpose, we are also talking about New Tripura. We want to create a new Tripura with the joint efforts of all. To build this, development must reach every section, caste, tribe, Manipuri minorities, and infrastructure must improve. Only then can we create a new Tripura and contribute to a developed India," he said.

He claimed that the BJP represents development, while accusing other parties of promoting unrest and violence. 

"People want peace; they do not want unrest. So let us stay away from parties that create unrest while we still have time. We want to reach everyone through development," he said.

Highlighting PM Modi's leadership, Saha said that after 2014, the nature of politics in India has changed. He also referred to the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat programme as a unique way of connecting with citizens.

The Chief Minister criticised opposition parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist), alleging corruption and neglect during their rule. 

"In Tripura, during the communists' 35-year rule, we saw corruption. Our tribal brothers and sisters are simple-minded, yet their development has been ignored. Even now, those in power in the ADC have established corruption," he said.

He added that the BJP is contesting 28 seats in the ADC elections for the first time and aims to secure a decisive mandate. 

"In the upcoming ADC elections, people are ready to ensure victory for the BJP in all 28 seats and form a triple-engine government. The ground beneath regional parties is slipping, leaving them in despair," he claimed.

Former MP Rebati Tripura, BJP Janajati Morcha President Parimal Debbarma, and other leaders were present at the rally.

--IANS

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Nagpur/Mumbai, April 4 : In the backdrop of the by-election necessitated by the demise of Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to all political parties to ensure that the Baramati Assembly contest is held unopposed.

Speaking to reporters, CM Fadnavis said, "All parties should support Sunetra Pawar. Maharashtra has a long-standing tradition of conducting by-elections unopposed when they are caused by the death of a sitting representative. When R.R. Patil (Aba) passed away tragically, the BJP showed magnanimity by deciding not to contest the election, ensuring it was unopposed."

He confirmed Sunetra Pawar as the Mahayuti candidate and urged the Opposition to support her candidature as a mark of respect to the late Deputy Chief Minister. He reiterated that such a gesture would uphold Maharashtra's political tradition of not fielding a candidate against the family of a deceased leader and would maintain decorum while honouring Ajit Pawar's contribution to the constituency and the state.

The appeal comes hours after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and party MP Sanjay Raut announced in Mumbai that the party would not field a candidate in the Baramati bypoll. NCP leader Sunetra Pawar also spoke to Uddhav Thackeray, requesting support for an unopposed election. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP has also indicated a similar stand.

Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare also appealed to all political parties in both the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi to cooperate to ensure that the Baramati bypoll is held unopposed.

In a post on X, Tatkare said, "The by-election for the Baramati Assembly constituency is about to take place. In the extremely emotional circumstances following the tragic demise of Ajitdada, the people of Baramati are facing this election. For the people of Baramati, this situation is as unfortunate as it is emotional. It has been my and the Nationalist Congress Party's honest wish from the very beginning that this election should be held unopposed. After the passing of Maharashtra's beloved and towering leader, this is a shared responsibility of everyone toward their leader and colleague. Moreover, this will also uphold the political culture of Maharashtra. Therefore, I appeal to all political parties in the Mahayuti as well as the Maha Vikas Aghadi to cooperate so that the Baramati bypoll can be held unopposed."

However, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said candidates have been scrutinised for the Baramati and Rahuri Assembly constituencies and that names will be finalised soon. He added that the Congress is firm on contesting the bypolls.

Meanwhile, NCP nominee and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination papers on April 6 in Baramati in the presence of senior party leaders, ministers, MPs, and office-bearers.
This story was originally published on Construction Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Construction Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

As the construction industry continues to struggle with poor data visibility and silos, contech giant Autodesk has finalized its acquisition of Rhumbix, a company that focuses on collecting accurate jobsite data across timekeeping, labor and payroll, according to a Tuesday post from Sidharth Haksar, Autodesks vice president and head of construction strategy and partnerships.

The deal will support Autodesks broader effort to connect processes across the entire lifecycle of a construction project from planning, design and execution, per Haksar. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Rhumbix doesnt anticipate any changes to its products, service offerings or customer support, according to a company announcement. The firm counts Turner Construction, Suffolk Construction and DPR Construction, which refined the solution on its jobsites, among its customers, according to its website.

More from Yahoo Scout What specific capabilities does Rhumbix bring to Autodesk? What does Autodesk's acquisition of Rhumbix mean for construction? How will Rhumbix improve construction data quality issues? How does this fit broader construction technology M&A trends?

Dive Insight:

Autodesk finalized the transaction after it reached a definitive agreement to acquire San Francisco-based Rhumbix last week. Before the acquisition, Autodesk led an $8 million funding round for Rhumbix in 2024.

Haksar emphasized that the issue with constructions data usage isnt the wholesale lack of it, but rather the quality, which can be messy, inaccurate and inefficient. Rhumbixs offering will help Autodesk provide a product that can streamline payroll, project controls and reporting processes.

Rhumbixs platform allows contractors to enter information across these functions through its mobile app and field forms, eliminating the emphasis on paper data collection. Once entered, builders can access the data in real time.

Indeed, contractors across the industry are continuing to use their proprietary data for functions that range from safety management to artificial intelligence adoption. But a lack of clean, organized data has been a massive thorn in their sides, which prevents them from leveraging robotics and other advanced tech on the jobsite.

To rectify that problem, Rhumbix offers solutions to track timekeeping and attendance, daily reports, compliance and health and safety reporting, according to its website.

With the acquisition, Autodesk will use Rhumbixs platform to deliver more accurate and timely cost tracking, better forecasting, earlier risk detection and stronger documentation for change orders, according to Haksars post.
Washington, April 4 : U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the green cards of two foreign nationals linked to the family of Qasem Soleimani, with U.S. authorities detaining them and initiating removal proceedings, the State Department said.a Washington, April 4 (IANS) U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the green cards of two foreign nationals linked to the family of Qasem Soleimani, with U.S. authorities detaining them and initiating removal proceedings, the State Department said.

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were arrested by federal agents after their lawful permanent resident status was terminated. Both are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"Until recently, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were green card holders living lavishly in the United States," Rubio said on X.

"This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter's legal status, and they are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States," Rubio said.

In a statement, the State Department said Soleimani Afshar is "an outspoken supporter of the totalitarian, terrorist regime in Iran," citing both press reporting and her own social media activity.

Qasem Soleimani, a senior IRGC commander, was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq in 2020.

"While living in the United States, she (Hamideh) promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against American soldiers and military facilities in the Middle East, praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced America as the 'Great Satan,' and voiced her unflinching support for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps," the State Department said, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Washington has designated as a terror organisation.

The statement added that Afshar "pushed this propaganda for Iran's terrorist regime while enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles," pointing to frequent posts on her now-deleted Instagram account.

Rubio further said the administration "will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes."

The State Department said Afshar's husband has also been barred from entering the United States.

The move is part of a broader action taken earlier this month, when Rubio terminated the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of former Iranian official Ali Larijani, and her husband, Seyed Kalantar Motamedi.

"Both Ardeshir-Larijani and Motamedi are no longer in the United States and are barred from future entry," the statement said.

The department thanked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE for "continued partnership and collaboration in keeping Americans safe."
Bhopal, April 4 : A sudden and severe change in weather triggered by a Western Disturbance brought havoc across several districts of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, with hailstones as large as lemons and chickpeas pelting down and blanketing roads in a thick white sheet.

The fury was most intense in Gwalior city and its surrounding areas, where heavy rains were followed by two successive rounds of hailstorms in the afternoon. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that between 3:50 pm and 4:05 pm, hailstones measuring approximately 2.5 cm in diameter fell, an extremely rare event that shattered a 50-year weather record in the region. 

Earlier, hailstones measuring 1.5 cm in diameter had fallen for about 10 minutes.

Six people, including two women, sustained injuries in various parts of Gwalior due to the storm. A wall at a private hospital collapsed amid the heavy downpour, while several vehicles were damaged. Roads across the city turned white, resembling a snow-covered landscape.

The unseasonal weather also affected other districts. In Bhind district's Lahar tehsil, strong winds accompanied light hail in dozens of villages, though the city itself saw only light drizzle. 

In Betul district's Multai tehsil and surrounding areas, fierce winds, storms, and heavy hailstorms turned fields, courtyards, and roads into a white blanket. 

Farmers reported complete destruction of standing wheat, gram, and other crops, leaving them devastated.

Morena district witnessed rainfall accompanied by chickpea-sized hailstones from Kailaras to the Kumheri region. 

In Barwani, unseasonal rains have threatened ripe wheat crops, along with Dollar Gram and maize. Increased moisture levels have raised fears of spoilage and reduced yields.

Farmers across the affected regions are deeply anxious. Many had already harvested crops that now lie exposed in the fields, while standing crops have suffered extensive damage. 

The picturesque white covering of hail has turned into a painful sight for the agrarian community.

The Meteorological Department, Bhopal Centre, has attributed the abrupt weather shift to a Western Disturbance. It has issued warnings of continued thunderstorms, lightning, and hail with strong winds.

"A hailstorm accompanied by lightning and winds up to 70 kmph is likely over Bhind, Shivpuri, Kuno National Park, and East Sagar. Moderate thunderstorms with hail and winds up to 60 kmph are expected in several other areas, including Morena, Gwalior, North Betul, and Damoh. Thunderstorm with lightning over Sheopur Kalan, East Raisen, Central Sagar, Central Betul, East Narmadapuram, Pachmarhi, West Jabalpur, Datia, Ratangarh, Nivari, Orchha, North Chhatarpur, Khajuraho, Seoni, Katni, Pandhurna, Pench, Central Chhindwada, Sehore, East Rajgarh, North Bhopal, Navibag, North Vidisha, South Dhar, South Indore, North Khargone, Maheshwar, and Central Khandwa in the night hours. These conditions are likely to persist until April 5, with temperatures expected to drop by 1 to 2 degrees," senior weather scientist and director of Bhopal IMD Centre Ved Prakash Singh said.

While the general public has welcomed the respite from the scorching summer heat, the agricultural community remains worried about significant losses to the rabi crop. 

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as farmers assess the extent of damage.


New Delhi, April 4 : In a significant step towards India's first fully digital Census, PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, completed his "self-enumeration" for Phase-I of Census 2027 (Houselisting and Housing Census) on Saturday.a New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) In a significant step towards India's first fully digital Census, PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, completed his "self-enumeration" for Phase-I of Census 2027 (Houselisting and Housing Census) on Saturday.

The development was announced by the official Census India handle, which expressed gratitude to Mishra for his active participation and support in this monumental national exercise. 

His timely action is being seen as a strong message from the highest levels of governance, encouraging citizens to take part in the process.

Phase I of Census 2027, which focuses on houselisting and housing census, began on April 1, 2026. For the first time in the history of Indian census operations, the government has introduced a convenient "digital self-enumeration" facility. 

This allows citizens to submit their household details online before enumerators visit homes for verification.

The self-enumeration portal (https://se.census.gov.in) is currently open in a phased manner across different states and J&K. 

In the initial phase, it covers eight states and J&K, including Odisha, Karnataka, Goa, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Sikkim, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and parts of Delhi. 

The 15-day self-enumeration window precedes the 30-day house-to-house survey in each region.

By completing self-enumeration, residents directly contribute to generating accurate and reliable data on housing conditions, household amenities, and assets. 

This information forms the foundation for effective planning, inclusive development programmes, and evidence-based governance. Officials have highlighted that the digital option makes the process quicker, more transparent, and accessible to a larger population. 

The portal is available in multiple languages and uses secure authentication through mobile numbers.

The Census authorities have strongly urged all eligible citizens to log on to the portal and complete their self-enumeration at the earliest.

"Your participation will help build a stronger, data-empowered Viksit Bharat," the appeal stated.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President, PM Modi, and several other dignitaries have already completed their self-enumeration, setting an example for the nation. Over 55,000 households reportedly used the portal on the very first day of its launch.

The second phase of Census 2027, Population Enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027. The entire exercise is expected to provide updated demographic, economic, and social data crucial for policy-making over the next decade.

--IANS

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Raipur/Raigarh, April 4 : In a major breakthrough, police in Raigarh district have cracked a well-organised network involved in the theft and sale of motorcycles, arresting nine accused, including the prime suspect, and recovering 21 stolen two-wheelers valued at approximately Rs 15 lakh.

The details of the operation were shared by Raigarh police during a press conference held on Saturday afternoon at the Police Control Room.

According to police, a rise in motorcycle theft cases across the district had prompted Station House Officers (SHOs) to maintain heightened surveillance. Acting on specific intelligence, a joint team from the Cyber Police Station and Punjipathra Police Station arrested Sukhdev Chauhan, a resident of Dhouradand village under the Lailunga police station area.

During interrogation, Sukhdev Chauhan confessed to stealing motorcycles in collaboration with his associate Shiv Nagvanshi from areas including Punjipathra, Dharamjaigarh, and parts of Odisha. He admitted to stealing a Passion Pro from Saraipali market in July 2025, a Pulsar from Tumidih market in August 2025, and an HF Deluxe from Poriya village in March 2026.

Sukhdev revealed that he sold the stolen motorcycles to nine persons a" Kartik Ram Dungdung, Ramkumar Vaishnav, Keshav Yadav, Bhojram Painkra, Jagdish Painkra, Shivcharan Chauhan, Sukhcharan Chauhan, Amit Kumar Nagvanshi, and Shivprasad Vishwakarma a" all of whom were subsequently arrested.

Police recovered 14 motorcycles from the arrested buyers and another seven bikes that Sukhdev had hidden in his backyard, taking the total recovery to 21 stolen motorcycles.

The accused, who are professional drivers and skilled in vehicle repair, reportedly used simple tools such as screwdrivers to break motorcycle locks. They would hide the stolen vehicles in secluded locations before selling them at throwaway prices.

Police said one more accused involved in the racket is still absconding.

Following the revelations, Section 112(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been added against the main accused for organised theft. The buyers have been booked under Sections 317(2) and 317(4) of the BNS for dealing in stolen property and have been sent to judicial custody.

The operation has brought relief to residents who had been facing frequent motorcycle thefts in the district. Police have appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to two-wheelers.
Kolkata, April 4 : West Bengal Police have initiated disciplinary action against IC Berhampore and taken lawful action against four accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) members for unlawful obstruction during the election campaign and for the filing of nomination by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, an official of Bengal Police, said on Saturday evening.a Kolkata, April 4 (IANS) West Bengal Police have initiated disciplinary action against IC Berhampore and taken lawful action against four accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) members for unlawful obstruction during the election campaign and for the filing of nomination by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, an official of Bengal Police, said on Saturday evening.

The action was taken after tensions flared in Berhampore, Murshidabad district, on Saturday morning over the Congress's election campaign.

Congress candidate Adhir Chowdhury from that constituency was out campaigning with his workers and supporters.

He allegedly faced obstacles from the TMC as soon as he entered ward number 19 of the city.

According to the senior Congress leader and former MP, "Trinamool Congress is systematically creating obstacles in the campaigning. They are scared of the election results; they have resorted to violence and intimidation."

However, local Trinamool councillor Bhishmadev Karmakar dismissed the allegations. He said: "He is a traitor. He is trying to create chaos by bringing in outsiders. Local people have protested against him."

It is alleged that Adhir was prevented from campaigning by local TMC members as soon as he entered ward number 19 with his workers and supporters. 

Slogans such as "go back" and "joy bangla" were raised against him. There was a scuffle between supporters of both parties, and the police tried to bring the situation under control.

Local Trinamool leadership alleged that Adhir Chowdhury is trying to disrupt peace and law and order in the area by bringing miscreants from outside. 

Bhishmadev said: "Our procession was going on when Congress workers tried to attack us. If Adhir Chowdhury thinks he will bring in outsiders and try to regain his lost ground, he is wrong. The people of the area do not want him." 

Both sides will file a complaint with the Election Commission.

Incidentally, Adhir Chowdhury was also the subject of protests on Friday night. A group of TMC leaders and workers shouted "go back" slogans on seeing him. The incident took place on Abdus Samad Road in Berhampore. 

A district Congress leader is admitted to a nursing home there due to illness. Adhir went to see him. On his return, Trinamool workers allegedly shouted "go back" slogans on seeing him.

District Congress spokesperson Jayanta Das said: "Trinamool will get the third position in the election. They are doing this knowing their assured defeat."

Following that incident, West Bengal Police initiated disciplinary action against IC Berhampore and took lawful action against four accused Trinamool members for unlawful obstruction caused during the election campaign.

--IANS

sch/dan


Baramati, April 4 : In a highly emotional gathering that left many supporters in tears, Jay Pawar on Saturday emphasised that while the opposition has the right to contest the election, the people of Baramati have already made up their minds.a Baramati, April 4 (IANS) In a highly emotional gathering that left many supporters in tears, Jay Pawar on Saturday emphasised that while the opposition has the right to contest the election, the people of Baramati have already made up their minds.

"Dada (Ajit Pawar) may not be with us physically, but he lives in our hearts and his qualities are within all of us," he stated. 

He credited the collective efforts of the Pawar family, including Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, and others, for Baramati's development over the years.

He was speaking at the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers' review meeting for the Baramati bypoll, slated for April 23, in which the party has fielded his mother, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. 

Jay Pawar said: "It is my misfortune that my last speech was in front of Ajit Dada, but it gives me peace that he saw me grow."

The event, marked by a somber atmosphere following the recent tragic loss of a senior leader (referred to as "Dada"), saw Jay Pawar pledging to uphold the family's political legacy. 

He recalled his first campaign speech in 2014, where the late leader had expressed surprise and pride in his speaking abilities. 

He also highlighted the late leader's legendary work ethic, noting that during his recent visits to hail-damaged farms, farmers remarked that if "Dada" were alive, government officials would have reached the spot overnight to provide relief.

Jay Pawar outlined his commitment to fulfilling the dreams left behind, specifically focusing on infrastructure by continuing the development seen at Vidya Pratishthan and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area, expanding the MIDC to bring more companies and employment to the region, and pledging to travel to every village to maintain the dialogue that the Pawar family has always held with citizens.

The meeting also touched upon the "Black Day" of January 28, 2026, the date of the tragic accident. 

Jay Pawar addressed the ongoing investigation, confirming that both "Black Boxes" have been recovered. 

Expressing the doubts of many supporters, he questioned whether the incident was a mere accident or something more sinister. 

"I don't know if it was an accident or foul play, but everyone who saw the video has doubts," he said. 

He called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for maintenance or oversight, comparing the situation to legal actions taken against engineers when buildings collapse.

The meeting concluded with a resounding show of support from party workers, who chanted unity slogans as the NCP prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle in the shadow of their late leader's legacy.

Meanwhile, Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination on April 6.

--IANS

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New Delhi/Islamabad, April 4 : Facing mounting pressure, Pakistan has agreed to fully repay approximately "USD 3.5 billion" in deposits and loans to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by the end of April, after the Gulf nation sought the immediate return of the money.

New Delhi/Islamabad, April 4 (IANS) Facing mounting pressure, Pakistan has agreed to fully repay approximately "USD 3.5 billion" in deposits and loans to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by the end of April, after the Gulf nation sought the immediate return of the money.

The development comes amid reports that the UAE asked for the swift repayment of the funds, reportedly due to regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Multiple media reports and senior Pakistani officials have confirmed that Abu Dhabi recently demanded the money back, ending the practice of repeated rollovers that Pakistan had relied on for years.

On Saturday, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement categorically rejecting what it called "misleading and unfounded commentary" on the matter.

The ministry described the repayment as a "routine financial transaction" under mutually agreed bilateral commercial terms and stressed that the deposits had demonstrated the UAE's support for Pakistan's economic stability.

However, the timing and nature of the UAE's request have raised questions about the strain on Pakistan's finances.

A senior cabinet minister confirmed the decision to clear the entire debt, with repayments scheduled in three tranches: $450 million on April 11, $2 billion on April 17, and $1 billion on April 23. One portion includes a decade-old $450 million loan from 1996-97.

Officials indicated that funds would likely be drawn from the State Bank of Pakistan's current foreign exchange reserves of around $16.4 billion.

Parallel discussions are reportedly underway to convert part of the amount into an investment rather than a full cash repayment. The episode has been viewed as somewhat embarrassing for Pakistan, which has long depended on friendly deposits from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China to bolster its reserves under the IMF programme.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had publicly admitted feeling "embarrassed" while seeking such external financial support, acknowledging that it often limits the country's policy manoeuvrability. Despite the outflows, Pakistani officials have maintained that reserves remain at "comfortable" levels.

The country has committed to keeping allied deposits intact until the current $7 billion IMF programme concludes in September 2027. The swift repayment  shifting from long-term or short-term rollovers to full settlement within weeks  highlights Pakistan's ongoing challenges in managing external debt and attracting fresh investment inflows while under IMF scrutiny.

The move comes as Pakistan's exports have declined and foreign investment remains weak, adding to the economic pressures on Islamabad.
Bhopal, April 4 : Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over a tragic incident in Anuppur district, where a four-story collapse resulted in the death of one person on Saturday evening.a Bhopal, April 4 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over a tragic incident in Anuppur district, where a four-story collapse resulted in the death of one person on Saturday evening.

Responding to the incident, the Chief Minister shared a message on his social media account (X), stating that he has directed Minister-in-Charge Dilip Ahirwar and other officials to reach the scene immediately and ensure relief and medical treatment for the affected persons.

"The collapse of a hotel building within the Kotma Municipal area of Anuppur district is a tragic incident. The loss of a citizen's life is deeply distressing," he wrote on X.

He shared that rescue operations were still underway (till 1:30 pm) by the local administration, police, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams.

"Three citizens have been successfully rescued and safely evacuated. A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has already departed for the site. I have issued instructions. I pray to God to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and to bestow upon the bereaved family the strength to bear this immense grief. I also wish for the speedy recovery of those who have sustained injuries," he wrote on X.

A four-story building of an old lodge (hotel) collapsed in Kotma town on Saturday evening, between 5:30 and 6 pm. At least six people are feared trapped under debris.

According to initial information from official sources, at the time of the incident, the area had passengers of the bus stand as well as those involved in construction work on an adjacent plot.

Anuppur's Superintendent of Police Moti ur Rehman said construction was underway in a 10-year-old building that may have contributed to the incident.

He shared that expert rescue teams from the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) facility in Jamuna Kotma and also from JMS, a coal mining firm, have joined.

--IANS

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Imphal, April 4 : Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday reiterated that his government is making all possible efforts to assist internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence, extending support in every capacity available to the state.

Accompanied by state BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi and nine party MLAs, the Chief Minister undertook his maiden visit to the mixed-population Jiribam district, which shares its border with southern Assam.

"I may not be able to fulfil all your wishes, but I will continue to support each one of you in whatever way I can. Everyone aspires to return home, and our government is making every effort to assist IDPs in building new houses," Singh said.

The Chief Minister and his delegation travelled over 220 km by road from Imphal to Jiribam via National Highway 37, completing the journey in around six hours. This marks the first such road visit by a sitting Chief Minister since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023.

The route passes through Kangpokpi district, a region predominantly inhabited by Kuki-Zo tribal communities, adding symbolic significance to the visit. Since the outbreak of the conflict, members of the Meitei and Kuki communities have largely refrained from travelling through areas dominated by each other.

Singh noted that Jiribam has set a precedent by becoming the first district in Manipur where communities have come together to restore peace after nearly three years of ethnic unrest.

Addressing a 'Community Interaction Programme' at New Alipur Rongmei Naga village in Bidyanagar, Jiribam, the Chief Minister said that as his government completes two months in office, he chose to visit the district because of its example of unity, where people from diverse communities have agreed to engage on a common platform.

"People of Jiribam are among the most broad-minded in the state," he said.

During the programme, Singh interacted with IDPs from Meitei, Kuki, Paite, and Hmar communities, listening to their concerns. A Meitei woman shared her fears about returning home, while a young Hmar tribal girl highlighted the challenges faced by people from remote areas in securing government jobs.

Explaining the intent behind his visit, Singh said it was aimed at bridging the trust deficit. He cited an example from his tenure as a minister, recalling steps taken to ensure transparent recruitment of 74 staff members in the Rural Development Department.

A Kuki village leader expressed willingness to return home, stating his trust in the government, and described the Meitei community in Jiribam as broad-minded. Similarly, a Paite community member urged the Chief Minister to continue peace-building measures, acknowledging the role of local leaders in supporting reconciliation efforts.

The Chief Minister also visited the Jiribam District Hospital at Ningshingkhul, where he reviewed available healthcare facilities. He noted that many specialist doctors are reluctant to accept postings in the district.

Emphasising the need for reforms in the health sector, Singh called for the implementation of a transparent transfer policy for healthcare professionals. He assured that the government would extend all necessary support to improve the functioning of the district hospital.
Ahmedabad, April 4 : Families of those killed in the Air India Flight AIa171 crash have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pressing for the immediate release of the aircraft's Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) data as they seek clarity on the cause of the accident.

Ahmedabad, April 4 (IANS) Families of those killed in the Air India Flight AI171 crash have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pressing for the immediate release of the aircraft's Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) data as they seek clarity on the cause of the accident.

The appeal is associated with the ongoing frustration with the pace of the investigation and the level of communication from authorities and the airline.

In their letter, families described access to the black box recordings as "extremely important" to understanding the truth about what happened when the Boeing 7878 Dreamliner crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad on June 12 last year.

The catastrophe claimed the lives of 241 people on board and 19 on the ground, with only one passenger surviving.

"We want to know the truth about what caused this crash and whether there was any technical problem," the letter states, urging that if the data cannot be released publicly, it should at least be shared directly with affected families.

The letter is in the process of being sent to the Prime Minister.

Copies of the letter will also be sent to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) Director General G.V.G. Yugandhar, and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai.

The letter follows a meeting on Saturday attended in person by about 25 family members, with more than 30 participating online, at which relatives discussed unresolved concerns about the investigation and support from Air India and the Tata Group.

Participants said telephone calls often went unanswered and communication was largely restricted to email, a medium they said was not accessible for all.

"Many people in villages don't even know how to use email," one relative said, calling for a dedicated contact number or better support system.

Family members also raised questions about when they would receive the digital belongings of their loved ones and emphasised the need for respectful and direct engagement from authorities.

After the gathering, one family member told reporters that releasing the black box data was vital for understanding "the truth and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident."

The formal investigation into the crash is being led by the AAIB under internationally accepted protocols.

Both the CVR and FDR were recovered from the wreckage days after the incident and transported to a laboratory in New Delhi for detailed examination.

An initial phase of data extraction was completed by late June, with technical experts analysing cockpit information and flight parameters to reconstruct the final moments before the accident.

In a preliminary report published in July last year, the AAIB noted that both engines lost thrust shortly after taking off when the fuel control switches were moved from the "RUN" to the "CUTOFF" position within seconds of liftoff, leading to a complete loss of power.

The report did not assign a definitive cause for the movement of the fuel control switches, with investigators continuing to review all available evidence.

Authorities have emphasised that a comprehensive investigation is being led with an impartial nature.
During the meeting, Deutsche Telekom connected live to an underground section of its AI computing center in Munich. A Deutsche Telekom representative in Munich described the environment as extremely loud due to ventilation, noting the installation contained hundreds of GPUs in a pod.

Hottges described the concept as an integrated stack combining Deutsche Telekoms connectivity and security capabilities, its sovereign T Cloud, and orchestration software from SAPs Business Transformation Platform. He said the initiative aims to address sensitive industrial and public-sector data requirements while keeping processing under German law and German staffing. He added that while the operation is designed to be sovereign, core hardware components such as GPUs are currently sourced externally, citing NVIDIA as the partner for processors.

In his address to shareholders, Hottges presented Deutsche Telekoms Industrial AI Cloud as a new business field intended to support German and European industrial AI use cases with what he described as unbeatable connectivity, maximum security, and sovereignty. He said the platform was built with partners in six months and is already in operation using 100% renewable energy.

Deutsche Telekom (ETR:DTE) used its annual general meeting in Bonn to outline an artificial intelligence-focused expansion strategy alongside updated shareholder returns and governance measures, after reporting what CEO Timotheus Hottges called yet another record year in 2025.

Financials and outlook: Deutsche Telekom reported its 48th consecutive quarter of growth with 2025 revenue >119bn, free cash flow 19.5bn and EPS 2.00, and guided 2026 to adjusted earnings of 47.4bn (+6%) and EPS 2.20 (+10%) alongside continued heavy network investment (EUR16.9bn in 2025).

Shareholder returns and buybacks : Management proposed a record dividend of 1 per share and continued buybacks, having repurchased ~65.4m shares for ~2.0bn in 2025 and launching a new buyback tranche of up to 2 billion for 2026, while targeting a net-debt ratio around 2.5 and prioritizing reinvestment.

Industrial AI Cloud : CEO Timotheus Hottges unveiled a sovereign "Industrial AI Cloud"  built in six months, running on 100% renewable energy with NVIDIA GPUs, already serving customers from a Munich AI center and reported at ~40% utilization.

Story Continues

 AMC's Easter Surprise: A Bullish New Act?

Later in the Q&A, Hottges said the AI factory had been running for three months, had won several customers, and was 40% utilized at that time. He credited T-Systems, led by Fabiara Hassan, with delivering the project in six months from the idea to the realization.

2025 results and 2026 outlook: growth, investment and dividend proposal

Hottges said 2025 marked a 48th consecutive quarter of growth. He reported that revenue rose 4.2% to more than EUR 119 billion, earnings increased 4.7% to more than EUR 44.2 billion, free cash flow rose 2% to EUR 19.5 billion, and earnings per share increased 5.2% to EUR 2 per share.

 Vertical Aerospace: The Milestone that Changes the Pitch

He also emphasized network investment, describing Deutsche Telekoms strategy as a flywheel that begins with investing more than competitors. Hottges said the group invested EUR 16.9 billion last year and added 10 million customers.

For 2026, Hottges said Deutsche Telekom expects adjusted earnings to rise 6% to EUR 47.4 billion, free cash flow to increase 3% to EUR 19.8 billion, and earnings per share to rise 10% to EUR 2.20. He reiterated the companys payout approach, stating that 40% to 60% of results are intended for shareholder distributions. Management proposed a dividend of EUR 1 per dividend-bearing share, which Hottges characterized as the highest in the companys history.

Network build-out, satellites and regulatory concerns

Hottges outlined progress in fiber and mobile expansion. In Germany, he cited 12.6 million homes passed with fiber, an increase of 2.5 million year over year, and reiterated a target of 25 million homes by 2030. He also described 5G coverage across Germany and said Deutsche Telekom continues to win network tests.

He said Deutsche Telekom plans to enhanc[e] our mobile network with satellite tech connectivity from 2027 on, citing hard-to-reach locations and permitting challenges. In Q&A, he described satellite connectivity as an addition to terrestrial networks, referencing a partnership with Starlink in the U.S. initiated in 2024 and expanded to Europe. He said direct-to-device satellite features would likely be integrated into devices in a next generation around 2028.

Hottges also criticized aspects of telecommunications regulation, including proposals around copper network shutdowns in Germany and what he called additional red tape in Europe. He argued Europe needs scale and consolidation, advocating same services, the same rules across regulated telecoms and unregulated over-the-top providers and satellite operators.

Capital allocation: buybacks, leverage and investment priorities

Chief Financial Officer Christian Illek provided details on Deutsche Telekoms share buyback activity. He said the 2025 buyback program ran from January 5 to December 11, 2025, with 65,412,156 shares repurchased at an average price of EUR 30.58 for a total of EUR 1,999,999,212, representing about 1.3% of share capital. Illek said most shares will be redeemed at year-end to mitigate dilution, with some used for executive compensation and employee programs.

For 2026, Illek said Deutsche Telekom announced a continued buyback program with a first tranche of up to EUR 2 billion. He said that tranche ran from January 5 to March 26, 2026, with 15,598,603 shares repurchased at an average price of EUR 30.22 for EUR 471,302,675.54, representing about 0.32% of share capital. He said most of those shares would be redeemed in the coming year to mitigate dilution from the 2021 capital increase, consistent with capital allocation plans discussed at Capital Markets Day 2024.

In response to shareholder questions, Illek said the group targets a net debt ratio of 2.5, noting it was 2.62 at year-end. He said investment competitiveness remains the top priority, with 21% of service revenue earmarked for reinvestment, and reiterated the dividend policy of 40% to 60% of adjusted earnings per share. He added that Deutsche Telekom does not discuss M&A too early, stating shareholders should not expect any major acquisitions right now.

Governance, personnel changes, and AGM votes

Supervisory Board Chair Frank Appel reported the board held 36 meetings in 2025, with a 97% participation rate, and said the auditor issued unqualified opinions on annual and consolidated statements. Appel said the Supervisory Board saw no reason to doubt the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management.

Appel also addressed leadership changes. He said Hottges was reappointed until the end of 2028. He reported that Claudia Nemat departed the Management Board at the end of September 2025 and that Dr. Abdurazak Mudesir, appointed effective October 1, 2025, had asked to terminate his mandate with immediate effect in 2026 to take a new professional role abroad. Appel said Illek assumed Mudesirs responsibilities on an interim basis while a successor search proceeds. Appel later said Mudesir received no severance.

Shareholders voted on a range of agenda items, including dividend appropriation, discharge of the Management Board and Supervisory Board, appointments of auditors, creation of authorized capital, and amendments to the articles of association. Appel announced that shareholders approved all proposed resolutions. Key votes included approval of the EUR 1 dividend proposal, discharge for both boards, election of Supervisory Board members including Appel and Stefan B. Wintels, and the election of new members Dr. Thomas Dohmke and Dr. Philipp Herzig. Shareholders also approved an increase in Supervisory Board base remuneration from EUR 100,000 to EUR 115,000 as part of an adjustment package. A proposed jurisdiction clause amendment (agenda item 10) passed with a narrower margin than other items.

Deutsche Telekom said the next annual general meeting is expected to be held on April 14, 2027, in Bonn.

About Deutsche Telekom (ETR:DTE)

Deutsche Telekom AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated telecommunication services. The company operates through Germany, United States, Europe, Systems Solutions, Group Development, and Group Headquarters and Group Services segments. It offers fixed-network services, including voice and data communication services based on fixed-network and broadband technology; and sells terminal equipment and other hardware products, as well as services to resellers. In addition, the company provides mobile voice and data services to consumers and business customers; sells mobile devices and other hardware products; and sells mobile services to resellers and to companies that purchases and markets network services to third parties, such as mobile virtual network operators.

The article "Deutsche Telekom AGM: CEO Unveils Industrial AI Cloud, Proposes Record 1 Dividend, $2B Buyback" was originally published by MarketBeat.
New Delhi, April 4 : National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo on Saturday said the Delhi Police must thoroughly investigate the leakage of sensitive official documents from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), including how a confidential internal inquiry report reached an individual against whom allegations of misconduct had reportedly been substantiated.

In a post on X on the alleged data breach at FSSAI, Kanoongo noted that the same individual had also filed a complaint with the Delhi Police. "We are keeping a close watch on the matter. Justice will prevail," he said.

Delhi Police has already registered an FIR following a complaint by an authorised FSSAI representative on March 12, 2026, at the I.P. Estate police station. The case pertains to unauthorised access, leakage, and circulation of official documents  some allegedly edited or misleading  on social media.

The FIR has been registered under Section 316 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal breach of trust and Section 72 of the Information Technology Act.

Investigations are under way to identify those responsible for the breach and the subsequent dissemination of the documents. Police have also issued notices seeking account details from social media platforms and are working to preserve digital evidence.

The leak has triggered concerns over possible internal collusion and attempts to damage the reputation of FSSAI, India's apex food regulator. Some reports suggest a coordinated effort involving social media influencers and others to create distrust in the organisation.

Kanoongo's remarks come amid growing scrutiny of the incident. He emphasised that the police must examine not just the leak itself but also the lapse that allowed confidential inquiry reports to reach a person facing allegations.

The NHRC member's statement signals that the human rights body is closely monitoring the investigation to ensure transparency and accountability in handling the sensitive matter.

The alleged FSSAI data breach has raised broader questions about the security of official documents in government regulatory bodies and the need for stricter safeguards against internal leaks and external misuse.
Silchar, April 5 : In a major anti-narcotics breakthrough, Assam Rifles troops, in coordination with Assam Police, carried out a swift intelligence-based operation in Silchar and seized heroin valued at Rs 2.10 crore, officials said on Saturday.

Three drug peddlers, including a woman, were also apprehended in connection with the seizure. Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that during the operation in the Meherpur area of Cachar district, suspicious movement was detected.

The suspects attempted to evade the security forces, leading to a brief chase before their vehicle was intercepted. The prompt action by the joint team led to the recovery of 30 soap cases containing heroin, weighing approximately 349 grams, with an estimated market value of Rs 2.10 crore.

The seized contraband, along with the apprehended individuals, has been handed over to the police for further investigation.

The three accused have been identified as Apu Saha, Parimal Das, and Manju Rani Biswas Datta, all residents of different districts of Tripura.

A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. According to Assam Police, the drugs are suspected to have been smuggled from Myanmar and entered southern Assam through Mizoram, before being trafficked onward to Bangladesh or other parts of India. Southern Assam shares a 164.6-km inter-state border with Mizoram, making it a critical transit route.

Mizoram, in turn, shares a 510-km-long unfenced international border with Myanmar and a 318-km-long porous and mountainous border with Bangladesh, rendering the region particularly vulnerable to cross-border smuggling of drugs and other illegal activities.

Myanmar's Chin State is considered a major hub for trafficking narcotics, arms and ammunition, exotic wildlife, foreign-made cigarettes, Myanmar areca nuts (betel nuts), and other contraband.

These illegal goods are often smuggled through six Mizoram districts -- Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.

Among the most commonly trafficked substances from Myanmar are methamphetamine tablets, widely known as Yaba or "party tablets."

Often referred to as the "crazy drug," these tablets contain a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine and are strictly banned in India.
New Delhi, April 5 : All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Shujaat Ali Quadri on Saturday strongly objected to the description of his party as "communal" by the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, calling the remark both "surprising" and "deeply unfortunate." New Delhi, April 5 (IANS) All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Shujaat Ali Quadri on Saturday strongly objected to the description of his party as "communal" by the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, calling the remark both "surprising" and "deeply unfortunate."

Quadri, while acknowledging that AIMIM's political policies are open to criticism and that he himself has differences with them, said the Jamiat's decision to categorise the party as communal was unacceptable.

"It is time that Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind takes responsibility for its statements and clarifies before the public the basis of such allegations. Silence is no longer an option; the truth must come out," he said.

His remarks came in response to a formal notice issued by the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind to Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Qasmi, seeking a written explanation within 24 hours regarding his alleged alliance with and open support for a communal political party during the recent election campaign.

The Jamiat's General Secretary, Maulana Mohammad Hakimuddin Qasmi, in the notice, recalled that the organisation had adopted a clear policy on elections and voting as early as August 1951, under the chairmanship of Maulana Syed Hussain Ahmad Madani, which prohibited members and office-bearers from associating with communal parties.

The policy, reaffirmed in subsequent meetings, directed members to align only with political forces committed to national unity, constitutional values, democratic principles, and India's plural social fabric.

According to the Jamiat, Ajmal's reported alliance and public endorsement of a communal party represented a "clear deviation" from its declared principles.

The notice warned that if his explanation was unsatisfactory, appropriate action would be taken under organisational rules.

Reiterating its stance, the Jamiat said it remained firmly committed to the principles laid down by its elders, to safeguarding constitutional values and to opposing communal politics in all forms.
Business

Rancho Cucamonga Residents Ask: How Is Quality of Life Measured as the City Continues to Grow?

As Rancho Cucamonga continues to experience growth and new development, residents are beginning to ask a practical question:

? How is quality of life being measured as the city expands?

The question comes as planning discussions and long-term vision documents continue to emphasize growth, development, and a forward-looking future for the city.

According to the City of Rancho Cucamongas General Plan, growth and development are often described using terms such as vibrant, connected, and forward-looking, which has led some residents to ask how those goals are reflected in everyday life.

Growth is expected in any successful city, said David VanGorden, candidate for Rancho Cucamonga City Council, District 2 the seat currently held by the incumbent Kristine Scott But residents are asking how that growth is being measured and whether it aligns with their day-to-day experience.

As new projects move forward, residents have raised a series of common-sense questions:

? Are roads, traffic flow, and infrastructure keeping pace with development?

? Do public services expand alongside new housing and commercial projects?

? How is quality of life definedand who determines those benchmarks?

? What does long-term success look like for Rancho Cucamonga residents?

These are not complicated questions, VanGorden said. Theyre the kinds of questions people naturally ask as their city changes around them.

Some residents have also observed that project approvals are often highlighted as signs of progress, which has led to an additional question:

? Are approvals being used as a primary measure of success, or are there broader benchmarks tied to resident experience?

VanGorden emphasized that the conversation is centered on understanding, not criticism.

? When residents see continued approvals, its reasonable to ask how those decisions are evaluated over time, he said. What does that growth look like five or ten years from now?

Infrastructure remains a central part of that discussion.

? Growth without infrastructure is not progress, VanGorden added. Thats something residents experience directly, whether its traffic, road work, or access to services.

He noted that asking these types of questions early can help support more informed decision-making.

? Good decisions come from listening early, not reacting late, he said. And that starts with open conversations.

VanGorden also highlighted the importance of clear communication between local government and residents.

? Transparency builds trust, he said. When people understand how decisions are made and how success is measured, they feel more connected to their community.

As Rancho Cucamonga continues planning for the future, residents are encouraged to stay engaged and take part in the conversation.

? This is about making sure growth reflects the people who live here, VanGorden said.

About David VanGorden

David VanGorden is a candidate for Rancho Cucamonga City Council, District 2, where the current seat is held by incumbent Councilmember Kristine Scott.

His campaign focuses on encouraging community engagement, asking common-sense questions, and promoting transparent, practical planning.

VanGorden believes residents deserve to be heard, informed, and representedand that strong communities are built through open, ongoing conversation. He welcomes questions, comments or concerns from residents by clicking Contact David VanGorden Here
After the success of her 2017 debut novel The Idea of You, which was adapted into a feature film starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine in 2024, Robinne Lee is getting back in the saddle with a new romanceand once again subverting the genres traditional tropes. Crash into Me (St. Martins, July), set against the glamorous backdrops of Los Angeles and Paris, follows Cecilia Chen, an artist who falls into a tumultuous affair with Anouk Ferrand, a model from her past, which has Cecilia questioning everything in her life, including her marriage. At BookCon, Lee will join a panel about page-to-screen adaptations on April 19.

Did you feel pressure about writing a novel after the success of The Idea of You?

After The Idea of You, I had writers block for three years. I was pressuring myself to come up with something that would feel like a natural progression but would not alienate fans. I tried to do what was going to make me happy as a writer and as a reader. And thats what Crash into Me became.

Why did you want to explore a queer relationship that Cecilia has in this? She doesnt necessarily come out, but her connection with Anouk is undeniable.

Im happily married to a man and have been for years. But theres a part of me that finds women attractive in a way that could be more than just, Shes pretty. I feel like if Id been born in a different time, I could explore that. I think a lot of women, especially my age, feel that way. I wanted to explore what it would be like to be a woman who thought, Im gonna follow my desire.

Crash into Me jumps between Annouk and Cecilias past and present. Having that context is important, not only for under-

standing their relationship but for seeing what they both dealt with as women.

My generation put up with so many little microaggressions and micro-assaults as women. We just did, because that was just the tax for being a woman in certain businesses. I wanted to hold a light up to that and explore it and see what its like in hindsight, knowing what we know now and knowing what people will not put up with now. How many of us have those stories of things that we brushed aside? Its important to remember where weve come from, and how far weve come, so that we dont fall back into that.

Im curious about your relationship with romance, because your two books are very romantic but dont necessarily have happily-ever-afters.

Those are the stories Ive always been attracted to. I dont need a happy ending. Romances, formulaically, have to end up in a certain place, right? I trust you as an author. Lead me somewhere, take me on a wild ride, and make me feel like Ive lived this adventure. I want it to be unexpected for my reader. I cant trust you that youre not going to be crying at the end, but its going to be interesting.
Jackie Dinas and Alexandra Sunshine at Kensington acquired, in a four-book deal, North American rights to the Fallen series by Melissa K. Roehrich (pictured l.) from Katie Shea Boutillier at Donald Maass Literary Agency. The series, per the publisher, is a sweeping enemies-to-lovers romantasy epic that follows a royal heiress and a vengeful warrior forced into uneasy proximity as they embark on a dangerous quest to recover a lost dragon eggone prophesied to save their dying realm. The first book is scheduled to publish in fall 2027. (photo: Staci Just)

Allie Merola at Hogarth won U.S. rights to two books by Souvankham Thammavongsa from Sarah Chalfant at the Wylie Agency. Crush is a story collection about often overlooked characters in the grip of desire who see through the lies, jokes, and postures that disguise and distract us, and It Was an Ordinary Name is a work of nonfiction dedicated to her nephew and the memory of her late brother that unfurls insights on memory and creation, per the publisher. Crush is set to publish in spring 2027.

John Glynn at Hanover Square took world English rights to Daniel Blacks The Arrival from Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. The kaleidoscopic novel, per the publisher, is set during antebellum America, shining a light on the everyday heroics of enslaved people who shaped our nation. Publication is slated for 2027.

Cindy Spiegel at Spiegel & Grau preempted, in a two-book deal, Hannah Morrishs Such Stuff from Rebecca Carter, who has an eponymous agency. The debut novella explores an actors psyche on the anniversary of her fathers death, just before taking the stage to play the role of Miranda in The Tempest, per the publisher. The second book is a novel about the director of a production of Antigone. Such Stuff is scheduled for spring 2027.

Emma Cole at Mira preempted world rights to Brooke Shadens debut duology from Kristen Terrette at Martin Literary Management. The first novel, Once Through the Heart, is a dark romantasy about two rival vampire hunters who discover forbidden orphaned vampire children, and who must uncover the mystery surrounding the origins of the children while learning to care for them and each other, per the publisher. A summer 2027 release is set.

David Ebershoff at Hogarth bought, at auction, North American rights to Christopher Bollens Paris Match from Bill Clegg of the Clegg Agency. The twisty, binge-y novel, per the publisher, centers on a delicious game of cat and mouse between two Americans across the arrondissements of Paris, where every form of beauty is for sale. A spring 2027 publication is planned.

In Brief

Sara Weiss at Ballantine acquired, at auction, world rights to naturopathic doctor Afrouz Demeri s Trimester Zero, a guide for readers to prepare their bodies, environment, and relationship for conception, from Sarah Phair at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Pub date TBA.

at Ballantine acquired, at auction, world rights to naturopathic doctor s Trimester Zero, a guide for readers to prepare their bodies, environment, and relationship for conception, from at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Pub date TBA. Marnie Cochran at Harmony took North American rights to Anna Byrne s The Messengers, a scientific, cultural, and personal investigation of the human endocrine system, from Rebecca Gradinger at UTA on behalf of Emma Finn at Curtis Brown, for release in December 2027.

at Harmony took North American rights to s The Messengers, a scientific, cultural, and personal investigation of the human endocrine system, from at UTA on behalf of at Curtis Brown, for release in December 2027. George Witte at St. Martins Essentials bought, at auction, U.S. and Canadian rights to Robert Lanza What Survives: What New Science Reveals About Death and Consciousness, drawing on quantum mechanics, neuroscience, and more, from Mel Berger at WME, for publication in spring 2027.

at St. Martins Essentials bought, at auction, U.S. and Canadian rights to What Survives: What New Science Reveals About Death and Consciousness, drawing on quantum mechanics, neuroscience, and more, from at WME, for publication in spring 2027. Rhett Bruno at Aethon netted world rights, in a three-book deal, to J.L. Mullinss Choose Your Apocalypse, about an IT worker thrust into an apocalypse of his own choosing where he must level up with game-like skills and uncover the hidden forces shaping his fate, for release in fall 2027. Lenny Herbert at Maximum Orbit handled the deal.


Following a six-year hiatus, BookCon will return to its former home, New York Citys Javits Center, April 1819. The consumer show, which was among the first large-scale fan events catering to younger genre readers, was retired by organizer ReedPop in 2020 due to the pandemic. This years event is expected to draw some 25,000 attendees over two days, as well as around 250 exhibitors.

Jennifer Martin, who headed up the earlier iteration of BookCon as well as the now-defunct trade show BookExpo, is serving as event director of the reborn BookCon, which she said will lean even more into its strengths as a show that embraces the role of publishing in pop culture. BookCon, she says, is not just about books themselvesits really about the entire ecosystem of storytelling.

ReedPop launched BookCon in 2014 as a New York Comic Coninspired consumer day at BookExpo, and later as a standalone event that followed BookExpo. (ReedPop also produces New York Comic Con.) The show is returning at a moment when fandom around genre fiction has reached a fever pitch.

In the past several years, BookTok has mobilized readers of romance, fantasy, and romantasy as never before, with authors Rebecca Yarros and Sarah J. Maas selling millions of books annually. Whats more, fans are clearly itching for in-person events, from the midnight release parties for Yarross Onyx Storm that swept the nation last year to the ongoing boom in book clubs and reading parties among Gen-Z readers.

Weve been very intentional about reflecting todays reading culture and including the influence of digital communities like BookTok, and bringing those things into real-life experiences, Martin says, noting that much of BookCons programming is aimed at millennials and zoomers who are tapped into the bookish corners of social media.

Like its earlier edition, the revived BookCon will feature book signings and panel discussions, including conversations on page-to-screen adaptations, genre tropes, book bans, and, of course, Heated Rivalry. Romance, fantasy, and romantasy are the hot topics for most of the events panels, along with thrillers, horror, and sci-fi. The program lineup also includes a series of author spotlights featuring such genre titans as Tomi Adeyemi, Leigh Bardugo, Alyssa Cole, R.F. Kuang, Veronica Roth, and Kennedy Ryan.

But Martin is perhaps most excited about BookCons more interactive offerings, she says. In addition to those panels and author talks, weve built a really robust slate of hands-on and community-driven experiences, including book trivia, a fantasy ball, a pajama party, a poetry slam, and workshops on book binding, sprayed edges, fantasy mapmaking, and crafting bookish mocktails.

Weve really kind of shifted from a passive to a more engaged show that were building for people, so theyre really participating, she adds.

Luckily, participation hasnt been a concern for this years BookCon, which sold out not long after tickets became available last fall. If anything, organizers are doing their best to handle the high demand. In the lead-up to the show, some ticketholders have vented on social media about difficulties securing reservations to certain book signings and other events.

Weve obviously seen the frustration, and we understand and hear people when it comes to that, Martin says, while also stressing the importance of preshow online reservation systems. Its a better route than just sort of leaving it to chance and letting people rush to things on site. You know, its a safety thing in our mind.

BookCons reservation system isnt the only thing thats caused a stir ahead of the show. In early February, dozens of authors slated to appear at BookConincluding TJ Alexander, Olivie Blake, R.F. Kuang, Casey McQuiston, and Kennedy Ryanpublished an open letter denouncing ReedPop parent company RELX, whose subsidiary LexisNexis currently has a contract with ICE. In recent weeks, such authors as Carmen Maria Machado and Sabaa Tahir announced they had dropped out of the event. In a statement shared to social media, ReedPop stressed that it operates independently from LexisNexis and do[es] not sell customer information to ICE.

Despite the hiccups, anticipation around BookCon remains high among both consumers and the trade. For publishing professionals, the shows revival augurs well for book culture and presents an opportunity to harness the enthusiasmand buying powerof legions of chronically online readers. And fans, it would appear, are jumping at the opportunity to participate in an event thats not pigeonholed by one specific genre but rather lets them to connect with fellow bibliophiles of all stripes.

Indeed, the scope and interactivity of the new and improved BookCon is what makes it special, Martin says. I think bringing that full fan convention mindset at the scale of the shows that we do, like Comic Con, with so many enriching different experiences, sets us apart.

Read more from our BookCon show guide feature.

I Dont Need a Happy Ending: PW Talks with Robinne Lee

Meet Me As I Am Now: PW Talks with Tomi Adeyemi

Book Con Program Picks
This Week at FDA: Makary reflects on first year, FDA working to lift peptide restrictions, and more

Welcome to another installment of This Week at FDA, your weekly source for updates  big and small  on FDA, drug and medical device regulation, and what were reading from around the web. This week, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary reflected on his first year, FDA is reportedly looking to drop peptide manufacturing restrictions, and more.

Its been a year since Makary took the reins as FDA commissioner, and Agency IQ did a comprehensive analysis of what he said he wanted to accomplish during his tenure. Some of his notable achievements over the past year include publicly releasing complete response letters (CRL), creating the Commissioners National Priority Voucher (CNPV) pilot program, and fulfilling certain key objectives of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., including labeling changes for acetaminophen that controversially link its use in pregnancy to autism. AgencyIQ further noted that FDA has fully implemented eight major policy announcements made by Makary and partially implemented another 16. Eight additional policy announcements have seen little progress.

AgencyIQ also reported in its FDA Today: Life Sciences newsletter that, according to FDA, the agency conducted 233 unannounced foreign inspections in FY2025, which is about 45% more than in FY2024. That meant that 90% of FY2025 inspections were announced, down slightly from 94% in FY2024.

One year ago this week, the Trump Administration severed 10,000 HHS workers, including 3,500 FDA employees, according to STAT News. It reported that it was officially Makary's first day as commissioner, and on the one-year anniversary, he gave a speech to agency staff acknowledging a "challenging start" to his tenure. While he thanked staff for their work and emphasized the need to ensure they are adequately resourced, he did not mention issues such as the fact that long-time agency experts have been pushed out over the past year and that their opinions have been overruled.

The New York Times reported this week that FDA is working to lift restrictions on compounding pharmacies from producing more than a dozen injectable peptides that were banned in 2023 due to safety concerns. According to the Times, the drugs have been promoted by Kennedy as good for healing, but critics say they have not been proven to be effective and instead come with significant risks.

Drugs & Biologics

Eli Lilly's Foundayo (orforglipron) is the fifth product and first new molecular entity (NME) approved under the Commissioner's National Priority Voucher (CNPV) pilot program. FDA noted that the drug, indicated for overweight and obesity in adults, was approved only 50 days after the marketing application was filed and 294 days before its Prescription Drug User Fee Amendment (PDUFA) target date.

The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) are seeking public feedback on digital health technologies (DHTs) for remote data acquisition intended for clinical research. The agency said that, as part of PDUFA VII, it wants information on the challenges and opportunities sponsors face when using DHTs for medical research.

CBER has updated its standard operating policy and procedure (SOPP) for filing applications when an applicant protests a refusal-to-file (RTF) action. The agency noted that the revision includes taking our reference to Appendix A of the SOPP and adding applicable regulations.

FDA issued a public safety alert for Amgen's drug Tavneos (avacopan), used to treat severe active anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, for drug-induced liver injury (DILI). The agency said it has received reports of vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) and fatalities associated with the drug and is continuing to monitor postmarketing cases, and recommended users look out for potential liver injury syndromes.

Richard Beger, branch chief at FDA's Division of Systems Biology in the Office of the Chief Scientist, will host a webinar on 9 April to discuss Systems Biology omics and biomarker concepts. The agency said he will present examples, including "metabolomics and miRNA analysis of serum during acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity, proteomic analysis of serum to predict kidney recovery from dialysis, baseline proteomics analysis of blood from patients receiving doxorubicin treatment, and method for discovery and validation of miRNA-proteins pairs in plasma associated with respiratory disease."

Medtech

The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) published minutes from its meeting with medtech industry representatives on 11 March as it negotiates the next iteration of the Medical Device User Fee Amendments program, MDUFA VI. According to the minutes, both sides have come to an agreement on issues such as review consistency, the Total Product Life Cycle Advisory Program (TAP) 2.0, trigger reform, carryover funds, and operating reserve, but still need to hash things out over issues such as data source development used for real-world evidence (RWE) and periodic reporting.

FDA published its first quarter FY2026 third-party review organization performance report, which shows that in Q1, third-party review organizations accepted 23 510 (k) submissions. The total number of submissions has been declining over the past few years, with 77 in FY2023, 68 in FY2024, and 67 in FY2025.

Two top CDRH officials, CDRH Director Michelle Tarver and Daniel Canos, director of CDRH's Office of Clinical Evidence and Analysis, published a blog post discussing the agency's work to allow use of real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE) in marketing applications. They listed 73 examples of medical devices that used RWE and received marketing authorization between FY2020 and FY2025.
In The Information State: Politics in the Age of Total Control, Jacob Siegel traces how we reached the point where anything that contradicts the dominant narrative can be labeled dangerous disinformation. As he charts how the technological infrastructure built to make society safer and more rational has steadily replaced democratic freedoms with systems of digital control, Siegel reports that commercial Internet applications now double as military-grade surveillance and influence tools. In this excerpt, adapted from the book, Siegel describes how the rise of Donald Trump triggered a new era of censorship  by his adversaries.

By Jacob Siegel

In his last days in office, President Barack Obama set America on a new course. On December 23, 2016, he signed into law the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act. Against the backdrop of the extraordinary and false allegations made about Donald Trumps collusion with Russia, it used the language of defending the homeland to launch an open-ended information war whose primary target would be the American public.

The act directed the State Department to expand the mission of the Global Engagement Center, an office established earlier that year by executive order whose mission was to counter the effects of foreign propaganda and disinformation. Under its new charter, the GEC would lead a whole-of-society campaign to align the most powerful actors in the public and private sectors with the policies of the ruling party. The agency was called to help train local journalists and provide grants and contracts to NGOs, civil society organizations, think tanks, private sector companies, media organizations, and other experts outside the U.S. government. Beyond coordinating policy goals, it became the GECs mission to ensure that the government and civil society believed the same things. Or, as the bill put it, to proactively advance fact-based narratives that support U.S. allies and interests.

By creating a mechanism to enforce a party line on matters related to fighting disinformation and defending US interests, the agency effectively created an official government office for coordinating the resistance to Trump who, after all, stood accused of being the primary beneficiary and spreader of disinformation. Thus countering disinformation, while nominally concerned with foreign threats, marshalled the federal bureaucracies against the incoming administration. The government was not only divided but at war with itself.

Leading the whole-of-society campaign, the GEC was technically not an office of the State Department but an interagency organization housed under State, where it coordinated across the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Security Agency, the CIA, DARPA, the militarys Special Operations Command, and whoever else it deemed relevant to its mission. The office evolved out of and replaced the Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications, an agency founded during the war on terror to counter the messaging coming from Islamist terrorist groups. Highlighting the continuities connecting counterterrorism and the ascendant counter-disinformation establishment, the person picked to head the GEC was a former Navy SEAL with a counterterrorism background named Michael Lumpkin.

A December 2016 article in the industry journal Defense One celebrated the GECs expansion as a sign that the US was finally getting serious about disinformation. The article quoted Lumpkin and a former program manager for DARPA named Rand Waltzman arguing that laws written to protect US citizens from state spying jeopardized national security. According to Waltzman, an information warfare specialist, Americas adversaries enjoyed a significant advantage as a result of legal and organizational constraints that we are subject to and they are not.

Lumpkin echoed that point. The new head of the GEC singled out the Privacy Act of 1974, which protected US citizens from having their data collected by the government, as an obstacle: The 1974 act was created to make sure that we arent collecting data on U.S. citizens. Well . . . by definition the World Wide Web is worldwide. There is no passport that goes with it. If its a Tunisian citizen in the United States or a U.S. citizen in Tunisia, I dont have the ability to discern that.  If I had more ability to work with that [personally identifiable information] and had access  I could do more targeting, more definitively, to make sure I could hit the right message to the right audience at the right time. Here was the familiar informational consensus that called for collecting all the worlds data but presented with new urgency. Instead of searching for terrorist needles hiding in haystacks, national security officials now confronted continuous waves of disinformation hordes streaming through Americas screens and colonizing the minds of its citizens on social media. Old-fashioned concepts of privacy and congressional oversight impeded ones ability to wage the existential conflict taking place in cyberspace. Winning required the US to dispense with outdated legal distinctions between foreign terrorists and American citizens.

Fourteen days after the GEC announcement, the Obama administration released a declassified version of an intelligence community assessment (ICA), on Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections, which asserted that Putin and the Russian government developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump. In the Columbia Journalism Review, the veteran journalist Jeff Gerth would later note how the heavily politicized ICA received massive, and largely uncritical coverage in the press. It was presented as the consensus view reached by the entire intelligence community, free of any particular agencys biases. In fact, the ICA was just the opposite: a selectively curated political document that deliberately omitted contrary evidence to create the false impression that the Russian collusion narrative was an objective fact. Later disclosures would reveal that Obama had personally ordered the ICA on December 6, 2016, when he had only six weeks left in office.

A classified report by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence on the creation of the ICA detailed how unusual and nakedly partisan it was. It wasnt 17 agencies, and it wasnt even a dozen analysts from the three agencies who wrote the assessment, said one senior intelligence official who read a draft version of the House report. It was just five officers of the CIA who wrote it, and Brennan handpicked all five. And the lead writer was a good friend of Brennans.

Derek Harvey, a former army intelligence officer who worked as a senior investigator for Devin Nunes, the Republican chair of the House intelligence committee, researched the origins of the ICA and drew similar conclusions. He found that Brennan kept senior Russia analysts at the CIA out of it while using a small, carefully selected group whom he trusted to produce the conclusions he was looking for. The document itself was remarkably thin on evidence given the extraordinary seriousness of its allegations about the incoming presidents ties to Vladimir Putin. The evidentiary bar was so low that the ICA included a summary of the rumor-filled Steele dossier, though that was initially kept a secret because the dossier was attached as a top-secret appendix. The dossier was a political weapon paid for by the Clinton campaign and funded for the specific purpose of damaging Trumps electoral chances. The first step in legitimizing Steeles shoddy research took place when the FBI drew on it in the agencys official investigation into Trump-Russia collusion. Now, the dossiers inclusion in the ICA marked the second time that an instrument of brazen partisan warfare was committed into the official US government record.

But the ICA was only part of a much larger political maneuver. On the same day that the declassified intelligence report was released, Obamas Department of Homeland Security head, Jeh Johnson, moved to unilaterally designate US election systems as critical national infrastructure in response to what he called Russian orchestrated cyber-attacks. Without any chance for debate or review, Johnson placed eight thousand election jurisdictions across the country under the control of the federal government. It was a coup he had been angling to accomplish for months while running into resistance from local stakeholders. Johnson recounted how local officials objected that running elections in this country was the sovereign and exclusive responsibility of the states, and they did not want federal intrusion, a federal takeover, or federal regulation of that process.

The grounds for the electoral takeover had been prepared by a rash of unsubstantiated scare stories in the media. Just two weeks before Johnsons move, The Washington Post published a breathless article attributed to anonymous government officials claiming that Russia had hacked the US power grid. In fact, nothing like that had occurred. Almost immediately, the utility company at the center of the claim debunked the Posts story. Far from being hacked in a critical breach of national security, the company detected malware on a single laptop that was not connected to the US electrical grid. The Post eventually issued a correction, but the fear and outrage stoked by the initial story helped justify Johnsons seizure of the election system. The question remains, Georgia secretary of state and future governor Brian Kemp told reporters at the time, whether the federal government will subvert the Constitution to achieve the goal of federalizing elections under the guise of security.

With three days until Trumps inauguration, Obama called a huddle with the press. A declassified record of the meeting describes the president addressing a hand-selected group of what the White House transcript calls progressive journalists. On four separate occasions during the meeting, Obama endorsed the false Russia collusion narrative. He chided the journalists for not having done enough to raise alarms about Trumps Russia ties. Intimating that Putin had ex parte influence over the President of the United States, Obama told the journalists, Ill let you speculate on where that could go.

With those parting words, Obama implored the journalists to do more. The press had fallen down on the job and shared responsibility for allowing a tacky fascist from Queens, who also happened to be a Russian asset, into the White House. Most members of the media required little convincing.

If youre a working journalist and you believe that Donald J. Trump is a demagogue playing to the nations worst racist and nationalistic tendencies, that he cozies up to anti-American dictators and that he would be dangerous with control of the United States nuclear codes, how the heck are you supposed to cover him? New York Times media reporter Jim Rutenberg had asked during the 2016 campaign. It was a rhetorical question. The only way to cover such a figure was in opprobrium. To do otherwise would be to sanction a great moral ill. The journalists job, Rutenberg insisted, was not to report mere facts about the world but to cover events in a way that would stand up to historys judgment.

We were invaded, declared Keith Olbermann, a former MSNBC host and figurehead for the anti-Trump Resistance movement, in January 2017. Just because there was not blood on the streets. If the Russians had come in with cossacks and put him in, I think we would have had a different kind of reaction. Thats the reaction we need now.

The liberal news channel MSNBC devoted its entire prime-time network to covering the minutiae of the Trump-Russia conspiracy as an unfolding soap opera. The channels top anchor, onetime Olbermann protege Rachel Maddow, was arguably the most reckless and dogged of all the Russiagate obsessives and covered every new claim in the lurid, paranoid style of a grocery store gossip rag. One analysis found that in a six-week period in early 2017, she devoted over half her programs time to Russia, more than to every other issue combined. Feeding Maddow the tidbits and blind items that fueled the drama were officials like Congressman Adam Schiff, who continually promised the imminent disclosure of a smoking gun that would put Trump in jail. Like a television soap opera, the episodes frequently ended in cliffhangers. The smoking gun never materialized, but millions of people tuned in to see what would happen next. The Rachel Maddow Show briefly became the most popular cable news show in the country.

Older ideals about reporters doggedly following leads and holding the powerful to account were out. Any publication that wanted to be on the right side of history and avoid being condemned as racist or pro-Putin would have to declare their loyalties by amplifying the anti-Trump stories spread by anonymous CIA sources. As journalists embraced their role as the megaphone for the Resistance, something else became evident. Measuring themselves against historys judgment did not make journalists braver or more moral. It made them meeker and more conformist.

***

Jacob Siegel

Claude Shannon became one of the most influential scientific minds of the last thousand years by upending the standard meaning of information. During the second world war, Shannon had worked on top secret US Army projects related to electronic communications and this led him to a new mathematical theory of communication. At the heart of that theory was a striking thesis: Information, according to Shannon, is not a measure of facts or of meaning, but rather of surprise. In effect, it meant that the higher the level of novel or surprising content in a given message or phenomenon, the more information it contained. Shannons paradoxical insight spawned the modern field of information theory and the digital revolution that continues to this day.

Measured by its level of surprise, the 2016 election contained more information than any other political event in modern history. Every pollster, pundit, academic expert, and respectable political figure confidently called the election for Clinton. Trump was not supposed to have a chance. In response, the Democratic party and its global affiliates who had come to see themselves as a permanent ruling party, immediately began reorganizing to prevent such a shock from ever happening again. Under the auspices of countering disinformation, they waged a war to lock down the Internet and reassert centralized control over popular narratives. The digital was inherently political. By controlling the flows of information, they presumed to prevent further eruptions of surprise. Facebook, the worlds largest social media platform, became the first front in this battle.

Trump had used Facebook to host live events where his campaign raised the bulk of its online contributions, totaling some $250 million. That allowed him to bypass his partys elites and connect directly with supporters. His success was reminiscent of Obamas winning digital campaigns in 2008 and 2012, but with an important difference. When Obama won by running what were touted as the first Facebook campaigns, it showed that digital technology was a force for good, while Trumps victory was offered as proof that the same technology was dangerous and out of control.

For Clinton and Obama in particular, the 2016 election result pointed to a profound betrayal. Through the 2000s and early 2010s, they had both evangelized for Silicon Valley while turning a blind eye to its flagrantly monopolistic business practices and ties to China. In return, they had expected the tech platforms to censor pro-Trump messaging under the guise of purging fake news. Instead, the social media companies partially resisted that pressure in 2015 and 2016. While agreeing to stricter moderation of content, Facebook and others insisted that they were neutral platforms and should not be policing protected speech. But like the ideological activists of the same era who dismissed free speech as a tool of white supremacy, leading Democrats attacked the platforms neutrality as a moral crime.

The irony, if one could appreciate it, was that Clinton lost by relying on informational strategies at the expense of traditional politicking. Timothy Shenk, editor of the left-wing magazine Dissent, describes the Clinton teams approach in his book Left Adrift. The campaigns most influential strategist wasnt a person at all. It was an algorithm, code-named Ada, that generated 400,000 simulations of the race per day. Ada was Clintons secret weapon. Her team planned to trot it out for a victory lap after beating Trump, to show off the sleek efficiency that had defeated his low-rent efforts. Adas electoral simulation had assured Clintons top advisers that the key battleground states Michigan and Wisconsin, which both broke for Trump, were safely in their column.

Rather than taking stock of their errors, senior Democrats blamed Facebook. Many of us are beginning to talk about what a big problem this is, Clintons chief digital strategist Teddy Goff told Politico the week after the election, referring to Facebooks alleged role in boosting Russian disinformation that helped Trump. Both from the campaign and from the administration, and just sort of broader Obama orbit . . . this is one of the things we would like to take on post-election, Goff said. The party message was then cycled through the press echo chamber, where it was repeated so often it took on the appearance of an objective fact.

Rapidly, a new narrative consensus took shape. Donald Trump Won Because of Facebook announced a headline in New York Magazine on November 9. Facebook, in Cross Hairs After Election, Is Said to Question Its Influence in The New York Times on November 12. Russian Propaganda Effort Helped Spread Fake News During Election, Experts Say in The Washington Post on November 24. Disinformation, Not Fake News, Got Trump Elected, and It Is Not Stopping, The Intercept reported on December 6.

And so on, in thousands of similar articles that appeared almost daily for the next two years. At first, Facebooks CEO Mark Zuckerberg dismissed as pretty crazy the charge that fake news posted on his platform influenced the outcome of the election, insisting that more than 99% of what people see is authentic. But Zuckerberg faced an intense pressure campaign in which every sector of the American ruling class, including his own employees, blamed him for putting Trump in the White House. And he faced Obama himself. At a press conference on November 17, Obama singled out Facebook in a speech addressing the danger posed by misinformation. Two days later, Obama confronted Zuckerberg in person at a meeting of world leaders in Peru. Hours after that meeting, Zuckerberg folded. Facebook announces new push against fake news after Obama comments, read the headline of a Guardian article published that day.

Conveniently, on the same day Obama accused Zuckerberg of allowing misinformation to run rampant on his platform, an organization called the International Fact-Checking Network published an open letter to the beleaguered CEO in which it made this generous offer: We would be glad to engage with you about how your editors could spot and debunk fake claims. The IFCNs mission, according to its website, was to bring together the growing community of fact-checkers around the world and advocates of factual information in the global fight against misinformation. The following month, Facebook announced that the IFCN would become its main partner in a new fact-checking initiative that would vet information on the worlds largest and most influential social media platform.

The new arrangement seemed to offer Zuckerberg a way out. He could mollify the angry elites blaming him for Trumps election while outsourcing the treacherous work of determining what counted as facts to an independent third party. Only, IFCN was not actually the independent civic initiative it claimed to be. In reality, it functioned as a private regulatory body, enacting ruling party policies from within the nonprofit wing of the information state.

The IFCN was launched in 2015 as a division of the Poynter Institute, a media nonprofit closely aligned with the Democratic Party. Poynters money came from the triumvirate that undergirds the US nonprofit sector: Silicon Valley tech companies, philanthropic foundations with political agendas, and the US government. Initial funders included the State Departmentbacked National Endowment for Democracy, the Omidyar Network, Google, Facebook, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foun-dation, and George Soross Open Society Foundations.

Unconstrained by congressional oversight or the Constitution, the IFCN did not require any statutory authority to pressure a company like Facebook into accepting its edicts. Rather, the large tech platforms sought to inoculate themselves from government regulatory pressure that would affect their profits and from the threat of lawsuits from the NGO sector by accepting the authority of the fact-checkers. It was a concession to the not-so-subtle threat that if the tech giants didnt start censoring themselves, they might get their windows, or their monopolies, broken by the state.

In its letter to Zuckerberg, the IFCN sold the idea that an army of professional fact-checkers stood ready to enter the fray and battle disinformation on behalf of the public good. The pitch rested on the false premise that a recognized hierarchy of prominent fact-checkers was a real thing. No such profession existed. In the American media landscape, fact-checking had long been an apprentice-level job mostly reserved for recent college graduates who ensured that busy reporters correctly reported the date of Moldovas first democratic election after the fall of the Soviet Union. What the IFCN offered was not fact-checkers in the traditional sense, but a cadre of compliance officers who would scour the Internet, flagging anything that threatened the interests of the ruling party.

This emerging public-truth infrastructure made up of party aligned fact-checkers and counter-disinformation agencies recalled policies implemented a century earlier during the first world war by the progressive president Woodrow Wilson. It was Wilson who created the countrys first propaganda office, the Committee on Public Information, in response to the public backlash he faced for bringing the US into that conflict. Aside from the historical analogies, a more immediate precedent for the post-2016 construction of public truth bureaucracies could be found in Europe.

In the same period the IFCN was founded, the United States and NATO were steadily building up a constellation of fact-checking bodies in eastern Europe to counter the threat of Russian hybrid warfare. This development was chronicled in a book by a researcher and national security official named Nina Jankowicz. A few years later, Jankowicz attained notoriety when she was picked to head a short-lived Disinformation Governance Board.

As Jankowicz tells the story, she arrived in Ukraines capital, Kyiv, in September 2016 on a Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship. Working as a strategic communications adviser in Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she gained an intimate view of the information apparatus being constructed there. Ukraine was home to the first fact-checking operation founded in response to Russian disinformation, created not long after Russia illegally annexed Crimea. Other elements of civil society joined in, using the power of social media to push back about Russian claims of peace.

The rapidly expanding network of civil society organizations turned Ukraines capital into a NATO messaging shop. Western governments had peppered the city with countless other communications advisers like me and funded technical assistance programs, writes Jankowicz. In Kyiv alone, there were no fewer than three major fact-checking initiatives, all funded by multiple Western governments. The effort encompassed the whole region. The number ballooned if the post-communist space was considered holistically, including countries beyond the former borders of the Soviet Union to the former communist bloc, such as the Czech Republic.

To her credit, Jankowicz also spoke with Czech journalists and intellectuals who had the experience of living under a Soviet police state in recent memory and were critical of the new narrative bureaucracy. She recalls them being most alarmed by the Centre Against Terrorism and Hybrid Threat, an institution established by the Czech government at the end of 2016 with the far-reaching mandate of countering terrorism, hybrid threats, and disinformation of all stripes. An open letter written by eight Czech academics argued that the center had flood[ed] the public debate with a vast number of expert studies characterized by interpretations strictly based on (neo-conservative) ideology.

We are absolutely not disputing that Russia is [conducting] some influence operations, a pair of Czech defense intellectuals told Jankowicz. But we are really uneasy with all the framing of these things in terms of hybrid warfare. Basically, you lump up intelligence operations and disinformation and put it all together in one package.

As Jankowicz recounts, the two Czechs described the buzz that built around hybrid warfare within the policy community throughout 2015, likening the growing anti-Russian coalition to a networking party that people attend out of obligation but stay when they realize theres something in it for them. Without using the term, the Czech intellectuals described the implementation of a whole-of-society approachthe same framework pioneered by the Obama administration to carry out sweeping social and political changes in the US, while bypassing the concerns of the electorate. The Czechs described how the networking party turned into a veritable party bus, with actors across Czech societycivil society, the media, the governmentworking in concert to create a comprehensive narrative and vocal political backing for countering the Russian hybrid threat.

Back in the US, in fall 2017, the FBI opened its Foreign Influence Task Force to identify and counteract malign foreign influence operations through strategic engagement with US technology companies. The office included representatives from the FBI, the CIA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

A dedicated Slack channel allowed security officials to communicate directly with social media executives about accounts they wanted to flag or take down.

Censorship became a routine and informal agreement between the various parties who had been brought together in the fight against disinformation. Fact-checkers, content moderators, nonprofit antihate speech representatives from groups like the Anti-Defamation League, counterterrorism veterans, trust and safety officials, countering violent extremism experts, social scientists, political operatives, FBI agents, millennial journalists, and CIA officers all rubbed shoulders on the counter-disinformation party bus housed inside the social media companies.

This excerpt is reprinted with the permission of Henry Holt & Co.
On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) praised Apple Inc. on its 50th anniversary, highlighting the company's innovation and resilience as other major corporations continue to leave the state.

Apple's Half-Century Milestone

On April 1, 2026, Apple celebrated 50 years since Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched the company from a California garage in 1976.

"For 50 years, @Apple has embodied and exemplified the best of California: thinking different,' boldly innovating, and empowering people to not only dream, but do," Newsom said on X.

Don't Miss:

He added, "Thanks to innovators like Apple, California is proud to be the global leader in technology and creativity."

For 50 years, @Apple has embodied and exemplified the best of California: thinking different,' boldly innovating, and empowering people to not only dream, but do.



Thanks to innovators like Apple, California is proud to be the global leader in technology and creativity. https://t.co/6Im8623aiq  Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) April 1, 2026

The Corporate Exodus From California

While Apple remains, numerous high-profile companies have relocated over the years due to high operating costs, strict regulations and business limitations.

Tesla Inc. moved to Austin in 2021, with CEO Elon Musk citing scaling challenges and disputes over pandemic restrictions.

Chevron Corp., with roots in California since the 1870s, relocated to Houston in 2024, pointing to policies that raise costs and create hardship for Californians.

McKesson left for Texas in 2019 to improve efficiency and collaboration.

Trending: This Startup Thinks It Can Reinvent the Wheel  Literally

Other notable departures include Oracle Corp, Palantir Technologies, Charles Schwab, SpaceX and Playboy, many seeking more business-friendly environments in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and beyond.

The departures highlight a growing tension between the state's innovation legacy and its business climate.

Sergey Brin, Peter Thiel And Others Scale Back In California

Several high-profile tech figures are scaling back their connections to California. Alphabet Inc.'s co-founder Sergey Brin also reportedly following in the footsteps of Larry Page and other billionaires.

Meanwhile, David Sacks, who served as the White House AI and crypto czar under President Donald Trump and Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel have also established new offices outside the state.
Amidst confrontations over islands in the South China Sea, the Philippines signed a defense agreement with France. This comes on the heels of China's militarization of islands in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This is the latest in Chinas global campaign to dominate the seas. The US should partner with nations threatened by China to counter Beijings maritime power in East Asia and beyond.

EEZs are internationally recognized as the ocean territory of a country extending 200 nautical miles from the shores of that country. Yet for decades, China has been building military installations on islands in the EEZs of countries in the South China Sea. This would be bad enough on its own without the aggravating circumstance that many of these islands are man-made, built and expanded through land reclamation. Thousands of acres of land have been reclaimed in the middle of the ocean, large enough for airfields.

Land reclamation is a process where new land is created in the middle of the ocean, often by moving sand and other fillers. Countries around the world have done it to create more living space in coastal areas. Dubai has famously used land reclamation for some of its iconic hotels and housing projects. What is new is the way China is using it to intimidate its neighbors.

Understandably, the countries whose territory is being violated are not happy about this. The Philippines feud with China over these islands goes back more than a decade. When an international court ruled that Chinas land reclamation projects were a violation of international law. China ignored the ruling, and the military buildup continues, thus forcing the Philippines to take matters into its own hands, resulting in confrontations between Filipino and Chinese naval vessels.

It isnt just Filipinos struggling with this problem; long-time China ally Vietnam is also on the receiving end of Chinas maritime bullying. Chinas man-made islands are being built in Vietnams EEZ as well, leading to Vietnam lodging a rare formal complaint against the Chinese. Although the Chinese brushed off the complaint, the Vietnamese are legitimately miffed about the violation of their sovereignty.

Chinas maritime trouble-making isnt limited to the South China Sea. Vast Chinese fishing fleets are illegally entering the EEZ of numerous countries and overfishing their waters. More than 90 countries have been the victim of unauthorized Chinese fishing, including Ecuador, South Korea, Argentina, Japan, and South Africa. The way countries ensure fishing remains viable long-term is by limiting how much fish local fishermen can catch, ensuring fish can be caught in the future. However, the sustainability of fishing in many of these places is questionable when unaccountable Chinese fishing fleets are flouting local rules.

What can be done to counter Chinas belligerence? Like any bully, China thrives by picking on smaller targets too weak on their own to resist. This is an area where the United States can provide leadership. By forming a naval coalition with these smaller countries, the United States can protect these countries while also hemming in Chinas expansionism. Not only that, such a coalition would protect global trade and protect the global fishing markets.

This is an area where Japan can be called upon to take on a greater leadership role. While the US is important here, global concerns prevent it from dedicating the entire US Navy to this project. A reinvigorated Japan could play a leading role in a coalition that defends against Chinese aggression.

Japan is already showing willingness to take on that role. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has repeatedly affirmed her goal of increased defense spending and supports amending the constitution to allow for proactive military deployments. To exemplify this willingness, Japan is sending 1,000 soldiers to the Philippines for drills. Japan has the will; they just need US support.

China is using its size and power to violate the sovereignty of nations not only in East Asia but around the world. This isnt just a problem for these countries; it is also a problem for the United States. If China is allowed to militarize man-made islands in the South China Sea, it will have a stranglehold on global trade. If the US and its allies mobilize countries victimized by China, it can end Chinas belligerence and secure global trade. President Trump should work to bring this coalition into being.
The University of Georgias Lamar Dodd School of Art offers a bachelor's degree in scientific illustration, one of fewer than 20 institutions worldwide to do so. The major is highly competitive and selective, with only 18 students in the concentration, all of whom are third- and fourth-years.
Brazil Potash CEO Matt Simpson warns that the ongoing West Asia conflict, coupled with the Russia-Ukraine war, could trigger a global food crisis by impacting fertiliser supplies and planting seasons in Europe and North America, urging countries to rethink global supply chains and foster long-term trade partnerships.

IMAGE: A women collect her ration from a government-run ration shop in Ahmedabad. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

Key Points Matt Simpson, CEO of Brazil Potash, warns of a potential global food crisis if the West Asia conflict continues until the end of April, impacting planting seasons in Europe and North America.

The ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Russia/Ukraine expose nearly half of the world's fertiliser supply to geopolitical instability, affecting key inputs like sulphur, urea, and potash.

Reduced fertiliser application rates by farmers due to higher prices and limited availability will lead to lower crop yields, impacting food availability and prices globally.

Countries, especially importers like India, face difficult decisions regarding fertiliser affordability, highlighting the fragility of the current food supply system.

Simpson advocates for 'selective globalisation' and long-term trade partnerships to diversify fertiliser supply chains, suggesting countries like India incentivise production in resource-rich nations like Brazil.

Global fertiliser rates have jumped due to the crisis in West Asia. In addition, supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the main ingredient in making urea, are running short.

In a virtual interview with Sanjeeb Mukherjee/Business Standard, Matt Simpson, CEO of Brazil Potash, said that the world might face a food crisis if the war continued till the end of April, as it could have a dramatic impact on planting in Europe and North America.

Simpson, the top officer of Brazil Potash, which is engaged in exploration and development of potash (one of the main plant nutrients) in Brazil, said to tide over crises like the Iran-Israel war, countries should look at long-term trade partnerships where one country, say India, incentivises production of fertilisers in another, say Brazil, and in return gets an assured supply of surplus agricultural goods like soybeans, etc.

Given that we are facing a lot of turbulence the world over due to the West Asia crisis, how do you see the fertiliser markets moving from here onwards?

Well, all depends on what happens, not only with the war in West Asia, but also in Russias war with Ukraine, because we have almost half of the world's fertiliser now exposed to global conflicts.

So, when you look at just West Asia, you have about half of the worlds sulphur, which is a key input to make the phosphate fertiliser. You have about 40-45 per cent of urea, which is key for nitrogen, and about 10 per cent of potash just in West Asia.

And if we now layer it on whats going on in Russia and Ukraine, you have almost 50 per cent of the worlds potash in countries that are sanctioned or at war. And, its a huge issue, although everyone right now is talking about gas prices, especially in North America.

What theyre not realising is that if this war continues even for just another month, it could have a dramatic impact on the planting season in Europe and North America, which will mean that later this year, theres going to be a food crisis.

Impact on Planting Seasons and Food Security

Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

So, youre saying, if the war continues even for a month, it will have a terrible impact on the planting season in Europe and North America?

Yes, I mean, the combination of lack of availability with much higher prices is going to force farmers to reduce application rates of fertiliser, and if they reduce application rates, then it will have an impact on the amount of crops that are grown, which then impacts availability of food and the prices of food later on.

If the war continues in April, what impact do you see for countries in Asia, particularly for India, which are big importers of both nitrogen and phosphatic fertilisers?

Its going to mean that farmers are put in a very difficult situation where they have to make a decision on how much fertiliser they can afford to apply to optimise how much they grow profitably.

So, I think, it really exposes just how fragile our food supply system is today, where people, at times, just look at supply versus demand, and dont always factor in where our supply comes from.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: Ritesh Shukla/Reuters

Lessons from Global Crises and Supply Chain Diversification

What lessons should the world learn from such crises as far as critical agriculture inputs are concerned? How should we move forward now that we have faced two crises back to back?

Well, I think this is a real eye-opener to the concept of selective globalisation.

And, what I mean by that is in economics class, a lot of people are taught this concept called globalisation, where goods and services should be made in the country that can provide it at the lowest cost.

While that theory works really well when we have reliable suppliers, it doesn't factor in some of these crazy geopolitical events, or things like Covid, that are completely unexpected. And when these unexpected things happen, we realise that there are certain goods and services  which are absolutely essential for our survival or for our economy  that should be produced domestically.

And when you do have that possibility, you should 100 per cent be doing it (produce locally) to protect your people and your economy.

So, Id say theres a lot of focus especially on things like rare earth metals.

These days, people are really focused on technology applications, but what they are not focused on enough is ensuring our food supply.

At the beginning of the discussion, you mentioned that 50-55 per cent of crop nutrients come from Russia, Belarus as well as West Asia. So, does this crisis nudge countries to go for indigenous production? But many countries like India have limited raw material that goes into making inputs like fertilisers

Yeah, definitely. I mean where you dont have the ability to produce domestically, I think you need to look to other countries that do have that capability to diversify your supply.

And what better example than potash, today 80 per cent of the worlds potash is produced in just three countries  Canada, Russia and Belarus.

Its an oligopoly, and Brazil has potentially the second-largest basin of potash in the world, but yet it only produces about 350,000 tonnes in a 65 million tonnes per year market.

So, its absolutely crazy that this basin in Brazil is not in production It can make Brazil a fourth major supplier of potash thats outside of conflict regions.

It gives us an option outside of those three countries to have a large scalable supply.

People might be very comfortable with Canada as a trade partner.

Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

The Role of Organic Fertilisers

So, you are suggesting wherever possible countries should be moving towards building more long-term partnerships in commodities

Exactly, it's better to diversify your supply chains.

But that can only really help if you deal with the key inputs to begin with, because that's where it all starts.

So, if you have the ability to produce more domestically, you should, but where you can't, you need to look to other countries.

Is this crisis an opportunity to scale up the use of organic fertilisers to reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers?

Look, I think the whole organic side is an important part of the equation, and that works well on smaller scale farming.

But when you get to large commercial scale, it really isn't an alternative to chemical fertilisers at this point.

So, you know, it could be part of the equation, but we haven't come anywhere close to being able to completely substitute chemical fertilisers with organic ones.
Indian refiners have access to only limited Iranian volumes compared with Russian oil, and even the barrels on offer come with 'too many hassles'.

IMAGE: The Liberia-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax, loaded with Saudi Arabian crude arrives at a port in Mumbai, March 12, 2026 after transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

India's latest potential source of crude oil is now headed to China after Washington allowed purchases of sanctioned Iranian oil held in floating storage and in transit, according to traders, refining officials and ship-tracking data.

Key Points Iranian crude available under US waiver is largely diverted to China, limiting India's access despite initial interest from refiners.

Indian refiners face major hurdles including sanctions-linked complexities, verification issues, and constrained timelines for procurement.

Major portion of Iranian oil is stored in or controlled by China, restricting availability for Indian buyers.

Short waiver window and unclear payment mechanisms make deals difficult for both private and State-run refiners.

China's independent refiners dominate sanctioned oil trade, reinforcing their advantage in accessing discounted crude supplies.

Iran oil flows shift to China

Indian refiners have access to only limited Iranian volumes compared with Russian oil, and even the barrels on offer come with "too many hassles", two senior traders at Indian refining companies said.

India has already concluded deals for more than 60 per cent of the 100 million barrels of Russian oil in storage for delivery in March and April, but less than a tenth of that volume is available from Iran.

Until US sanctions were reimposed in late 2018, Iran was India's third-largest oil supplier, after Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

US sanctions and waiver impact

Of the 140 million barrels of Iranian crude that Washington said were held in floating storage and available for sale and delivery until April 19, less than 10 million barrels are available to India, the two traders said.

The one-month window makes it difficult for state-run refiners to identify and validate sellers and arrange ships.

A senior refining official said oil sales were now largely controlled by traders linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Before sanctions, the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) was the sole supplier of Iranian oil.

But it now has little control over sales, which are instead handled by "shadowy" interests backed by the IRGC through a network of front companies used to sell sanctioned oil and charter ships, UK-based Energy Intelligence said in a note.

'At present, Iran effectively has no floating crude or surplus volumes available for international markets. The remarks by the US treasury secretary appear aimed at reassuring buyers and managing market sentiment,' the Iranian consulate in Mumbai said in a statement.

India faces crude supply hurdles

Indian refiners -- both State-run companies and Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) -- were keen to buy Iranian oil after Washington on March 20 granted a 30-day waiver for Iranian oil held in storage and in transit.

But traders said the supply chain was difficult to navigate, especially within the limited window set by Washington for the oil to be delivered and paid for by April 19.

It has been years since Iranian oil was freely traded, and the quality of the underlying crude is also unclear, said Vandana Hari, an international energy expert based in Singapore.

Reduced oil availability

The total quantity of Iranian oil in floating storage and transit is less than half of what Washington has claimed, global energy and geopolitics expert A F Alhajji said in a note.

He estimated that only 55 million barrels were in transit and about 15 million barrels were in floating storage.

Industry data providers Kpler and Vortexa estimate Iranian barrels in storage at 170 million.

But a third of that is out of bounds for India because it is stored in China.

More than 40 million barrels of crude oil are stored onshore in China in tanks in the Shandong province area, where China's independent refiners, also known as teapots, are located, Energy Intelligence said.

Another 16 million Iranian barrels are in floating storage in international waters near Malaysia, and 10 million are offshore China, according to the agency.

Teapots were the only buyers of sanctioned oil of any kind over the past several years, with close links to select traders selling Iranian oil, including Chinese trading houses.

Oil stored onshore in China is controlled by Chinese traders, Energy Intelligence said.

Historical supplies

At 830,000 barrels per day (bpd), Iranian supplies to India peaked in October 2016, led by more than 700,000 bpd of Iran Light and Iran Heavy, grades suited to generating high yields for Indian state-run refineries.

Towards the end of the US sanctions period in 2018-2019, Iran was offering India a freight discount that pushed imports in 2018 to a record 510,000 bpd, led by purchases by Indian Oil, Nayara Energy and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd, according to Kpler data.

RIL in talks to buy 3 to 5 million barrels of Iranian oil, but no agreement has been reached yet, a senior industry official said. RIL declined to comment.

For State-run refiners, it is proving difficult to verify the credentials of sellers of Iranian oil, an official said.

It is also unclear whether payments can be made in dollars to the NIOC or to other traders, another official said.

Some traders are seeking payment in Chinese yuan, he added.

NIOC remains under US sanctions for financial dealings, so direct payments may not be possible unless the US grants specific exemptions, Hari said.

The US order allows 'all transactions prohibited by the above-listed authorities that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the sale, delivery, or offloading of crude oil or petroleum products of Iranian origin loaded on any vessel, including vessels blocked under the above-listed authorities, on or before 12:01 am eastern daylight time, March 20, 2026, are authorised through 12:01 am eastern daylight time, April 19, 2026.'

But a top official at a State-run refiner said that while the order addressed transactions such as docking, repairs and insurance, it was silent on payments.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Facing industry pressure, the government has temporarily suspended its rule mandating airlines to offer 60% of seats for free, raising questions about airfare costs and airline revenue models.

Kindly note the images in this reports have only been posted for representational reasons. Photographs: ANI Photo

Key Points The government has suspended its mandate requiring airlines to offer 60% of seats for free due to industry concerns.

Airlines argued that seat selection fees are a crucial revenue stream to offset rising operational costs.

The Federation of Indian Airlines warned that the rule would lead to higher base fares for all passengers.

The civil aviation ministry will conduct a comprehensive review of the directive before making further decisions.

Airlines currently charge between 200 and 2,100 for seat selection, with only about 20% of seats available for free.

The government has put in abeyance its direction requiring airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats on flights without any additional charge. The move comes following industry representations over the likely impact on fares and the sector's pricing structure.

In a communication issued on Thursday, the civil aviation ministry said the provision mandating free selection of at least 60 per cent seats would be kept in abeyance till further orders, pending a comprehensive review.

The ministry noted that it had examined representations from the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) and Akasa Air, which highlighted operational and commercial implications, including concerns around fare structures and consistency with the deregulated tariff regime.

The directive, announced on March 18, had asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ensure that a minimum of 60 per cent of seats on every flight be made available for selection without any extra charge from April 20.

'It had also proposed that passengers booked under the same PNR be seated together. Airlines had opposed the move soon after it was announced.

Airline Industry Concerns

In a letter dated March 19, the FIA -- whose members include Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet -- described the directive as a regulatory overreach into commercial aspects of airline operations and warned that it would lead to higher airfares and reduced affordability.

The grouping argued that seat selection fees are a legitimate source of revenue, especially in a high-cost environment, and that airlines rely on ancillary streams such as baggage, meals and preferred seating to offset rising expenses, including fuel, maintenance, and airport charges.

It cautioned that any loss of such revenue would likely be recovered through an increase in base fares, affecting all passengers.

Industry executives say airlines typically charge between 200 and 2,100 for seat selection depending on factors such as seat location and legroom. At present, around 20 per cent of seats are available without charge.

The FIA also pointed to legal and regulatory considerations where optional offerings are priced separately from the base fare.
Only 2.5 per cent of the equity in Jio Platforms will be offloaded through the OFS route -- meant for secondary share sale.

Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters

Key Points Reliance Jio is set to file its DRHP soon, marking the beginning of what could be India's largest IPO.

The company is targeting a valuation of around $125 billion, with IPO size expected to exceed $3 billion.

Only 2.5 per cent equity will be offloaded through the offer for sale route, with no fresh capital raise planned.

In his annual general meeting speech on August 12, 2019, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani had given more than a hint, for the first time before the public, about listing the group's telecom and retail companies within the next five years.

Six-and-a-half years later, in the biggest project so far for Akash Ambani, RIL's Jio Platforms -- the holding company for the telecom operator of the group -- is ready to file its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).

"It could happen within days," a source indicated, adding that the new financial year 2026-2027 (FY27) could well begin with Jio's initiation into the initial public offering (IPO) process.

Mukesh Ambani-led Jio, which entered the telecom sector as a disruptor in 2016, is going for an IPO under the leadership of his elder son Akash in 2026.

In 2022, Akash took charge of Jio as chairman after Mukesh Ambani stepped down in a clear sign of succession planning.

It is learnt that 2.5 per cent of the equity in Jio Platforms will be offloaded through the OFS (offer for sale) route -- meant for secondary share sale.

While the valuation of the company at the time of listing, which could take some months, will depend on various factors including the market condition, RIL is considering a ballpark range of $125 billion or thereabouts at present.

At this valuation, the Jio IPO size could be at over $3 billion, making it the biggest in India so far.

The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) IPO in May 2022 was for $2.5 billion and Hyundai's in October 2024 stood at $2.97 billion.

RIL is unlikely to shed any stake and the company is not looking to raise fresh capital during the IPO.

Some of the existing investors in the company may divest their shares. There will be gains for shareholders on listing, according to a source.

Along with Akash Ambani, chairman of Reliance Jio, the team that's steering the conglomerate's first major IPO in some 20 years includes Chief Financial Officer Saurabh Sancheti, Managing Director Pankaj Pawar and Head of Strategy Anshuman Thakur.

A battery of 17 investment bankers would be seen backing the mega IPO.

Reliance Jio's IPO readiness follows a recent finance ministry circular relaxing the IPO rules.

Now, companies with a post-issue market value exceeding Rs 5 trillion can dilute a minimum of 2.5 per cent equity, down from 5 per cent earlier.

In India, Jio is the largest telco at over 491 million wireless. Its closest rival, Sunil Bharti-led Bharti Airtel is at 467 million mobile subscribers.

The average revenue per user (ARPU), which is a profitability benchmark for a telco, is pegged at Rs 213.7 a month per user for Jio against Rs 259 for Airtel.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients. Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
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Credit: Google

The trade-war between the U.S. and China has forced server makers out of the People's Republic, greatly reducing reliance of American companies on producers from Tianxia. However, China remains the world's largest producer of electrical equipment that is required to build power infrastructure inside and outside of AI data centers. To that end, shortages of power delivery equipment, including devices from China and other countries, are slowing project timelines, Bloomberg reports.

Despite the unprecedented level of investment in AI infrastructure  Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft are expected to spend more than $650 billion in 2026 to expand AI capacity  close to half of the planned U.S. data center builds this year are projected to be delayed or canceled, according to Bloomberg. One major reason behind these setbacks is the availability of key electrical components  such as transformers, switchgear, and batteries  that are used both at data center sites and outside of them, as AI companies must expand grid infrastructure to supply enough power to their data centers. Meanwhile, grid infrastructure is also stressed by electric vehicles and electrified heating systems.

Approximately 12 gigawatts (12 GW) of data center capacity is expected to come online in the U.S. in 2026, according to data by market intelligence firm Sightline Climate cited by Bloomberg. Yet only about one-third of that capacity is currently under active construction because of various constraints.

Electrical infrastructure represents less than 10% of total data center cost, but it is as vital as compute hardware. A delay in any single element of the power chain can halt the entire project, which makes transformers, switchgear, and similar devices critical items despite their relatively small share of CapEx.

Due to high demand, lead times for high-power transformers have expanded dramatically in the U.S.: delivery typically took 24 to 30 months before 2020, but waiting periods can stretch to as long as five years today, according to Sightline Climate cited by Bloomberg. For AI data centers, this is a catastrophe as their deployment cycles are under 18 months.

To address shortages, companies are turning to global markets. As a result, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea became the biggest suppliers of high-power transformers for AI data centers to AI data centers. At the same time, imports of high-power transformers from China surged from fewer than 1,500 units in 2022 to more than 8,000 units in 2025 through October, according to Wood Mackenzie data cited by Bloomberg.
The escalating conflict in West Asia is severely impacting Bikaner's renowned food export industry, leading to significant delays, soaring freight costs, and disruptions in the supply of popular snacks like bhujia and papad to crucial Gulf and European markets.

Key Points The West Asia conflict is causing significant delays and increased freight costs for Bikaner's food exports, including popular snacks like bhujia and papad, and spices.

Rising input costs, particularly a 20 per cent increase in edible oil prices, are severely impacting the production costs of Bikaneri namkeen and other snacks.

Container movement has slowed dramatically, doubling shipment times from Bikaner to Gulf and European countries from approximately 30 to 60 days due to longer, safer routes.

The disruption also affects the import of crucial raw materials such as palm oil and soybean, further increasing financial pressure on Bikaner traders.

Uncertainty over delivery timelines and escalating freight charges are forcing Bikaner traders to re-evaluate their export strategies, with consignments worth crores currently stalled.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has started to impact exporters in the Bikaner region, with shipments of popular food items, such as bhujia, papad and spices to Gulf and European countries facing severe disruptions, traders said.

Bikaner, known for its namkeen industry, exports large quantities of snacks, spices and other products to countries in the Gulf region and Europe.

Rising Costs and Logistics Challenges

However, exporters said, the war has led to delays, rising freight costs and container shortages, affecting exports and imports. Ashish Agarwal, a namkeen trader associated with the Bhikharam group, said escalating input and logistics costs are hurting the industry.

"Freight charges have increased sharply due to the war, and raw material prices are also rising.

"The cost of edible oil has gone up by around 20 per cent in the last one month, which is directly impacting production," he said.

Exporters said container movement has slowed significantly, with shipments that earlier took around 30 days now taking up to 60 days due to longer and safer routes being taken amid the conflict.

Rajesh Jindal, an exporter, said both incoming and outgoing consignments are facing delays, increasing financial pressure on traders.

"Goods coming in and going out are both getting delayed, and costs have increased substantially.

"Demand for Bikaneri snacks and spices remains strong in Arab countries, but supply chain disruptions are causing losses," he said.

Impact on Raw Materials and Future Strategies

Apart from exports, import of key raw materials, such as palm oil and soybean, has also been affected, traders said. Rising petroleum prices have further pushed packaging costs up by 30-40 per cent, adding to the burden on manufacturers.

Exporters said the current period is crucial for the namkeen trade, as preparations for peak export season usually begin around this time. However, uncertainty over delivery timelines and increased freight charges has forced traders to rethink their strategies.

According to industry estimates, around 15 to 20 containers of bhujia, papad and namkeen are exported every month from Bikaner, along with nearly 60 containers of other goods.

At present, much of this trade has come to a halt, with consignments worth crores reportedly stuck at ports or in transit.

Shipments from Bikaner are routed through sea to many countries, such as Iran, Iraq, Oman, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, as well as European nations, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

Traders warned that if the situation persists, it could have a significant impact on the city's export-driven economy, with businesses already grappling with rising costs and delayed payments.
This article was first published 1 year ago

Jaat is a full-on, South-infused entertainer that delivers exactly what it promises, cheers Rajesh Karkera.

Trying to review a film starring someone you adore? Now, that's walking a tightrope!

It's been more than a year since Sunny Deol's action juggernaut, Gadar 2, thundered through cinemas.

But hold onto your seats because his next, Jaat, opens up in the remote jungles of Sri Lanka -- that itself is a visual wonder -- and barrels in from the moment Sunny comes on screen. Once it does and doesn't let up even for a second, you are strapped in for a wild ride. Seriously, you will be glued to your seat until that intermission hits.

And that is when the title drops -- talk about building anticipation!

During that brief pause, as I tried to catch my breath, a thought struck me.

Is this a Sunny Deol show despite its vibrant ensemble cast, firing on all cylinders? Of course, yes!

Randeep Hooda, with that intense gaze of his, is utterly menacing as the relentless Ranatunga. You can practically feel his unforgiving nature radiating off the screen.

But the real scene-stealer is Regena Cassandrra, playing Ranatunga's wife, Bharahi.

She embodies this stark, dangerously alluring character with such unapologetic conviction. It's captivating!

You actually find yourself rooting for her even in the darkest moments -- a testament to Regena's compelling portrayal.

When Makarand Deshpande, a truly phenomenal actor, makes an appearance, it feels like a fleeting glimpse.

You can't help but wish his character had more room to breathe.

Saiyami Kher brings a steely resolve to her role as a police officer though some of her lines have a distinct South Indian flavour and don't suit her.

Viineet Kumar Siingh as Somulu, Ranatunga's bad boy brother, blends into the tone of negativeness in the movie well, a role he hasn't been seen doing till now.

The second half of the film leans into preachy territory but its overall tone manages to elevate it.

It's like the puzzle pieces slowly click into place, revealing the motivations behind the on-screen chaos.

The narrative neatly ties up all loose ends, which is always satisfying.

Zarina Wahab also steps into the action arena with this film, but just like Deshpande, Saiyami, Ramya (as the President of India) and Jagapathi Babu (as CBI officer Satyamurthi), her screen time too feels limited.

Honestly though, in this full-throttle action spectacle designed purely for adrenaline junkies, there isn't much room for anyone else to steal Sunny Paaji's thunder.

And let's be real, who does over-the-top action with such endearing soft-spoken moments and eyes that could charm *anyone*, even little ones?

That's the Sunny Deol magic.

So if you're craving a crowd-pleasing, action-packed movie and felt a bit let down by Bhai's Sikander, then Jaat is your ticket!

It's a full-on, South-infused entertainer that delivers exactly what it promises.

Jaat Review Rediff Rating:
Riteish Deshmukh brings earnestness to the role, but the gravitas of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj calls for a towering presence, resonant voice and sharp, piercing gaze, which are somewhat missing in Raja Shivaji, notes Mayur Sanap.

Key Points Riteish Deshmukh plays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his second directorial Raja Shivaji.

Raja Shivaji also stars Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, Genelia Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Fardeen Khan, Boman Irani, and others.

The film is set to release in Hindi and Marathi On May 1.

The larger-than-life persona of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has always carried a natural cinematic pull.

As the first Chhatrapati of the Maratha empire, his life story is seen with a lot of reverence, and it is no surprise that filmmakers return to this subject to present a fresh perspective.

Over the years, several actors have portrayed Shivaji Maharaj in different ways. Performances by Sharad Kelkar in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, as well as Chinmay Mandlekar and Subodh Bhave in Marathi films Sher Shivraj and Har Har Mahadev respectively have set the bar higher.

With Raja Shivaji, Riteish Deshmukh steps into this iconic role while also directing the film, making it his second directorial venture after Ved.

At its core, Raja Shivaji carries immense potential. It tells the story of a legendary figure whose journey deserves to be known across generations. The intent behind making the film bilingual, in Marathi and Hindi, is clearly to bring this important story to a wider audience, and that effort deserves appreciation.

Riteish has already proved himself as a bankable leading man in Marathi cinema with films like Lai Bhaari, Mauli, and Ved, and taking on the role of Shivaji Maharaj feels like both an ambitious and challenging bet.

Raja Shivaji Teaser: A Powerful Story

From what we see in its two-and-half-minute teaser, Raja Shivaji takes a more grounded approach in its storytelling with more focus on the characters.

It chronicles the rise of the Maratha warrior king to the founder of the Maratha empire as he fought to establish Swarajya (self-rule). It showcases the tumultuous chapter from the history with the Marathas going toe-to-toe against the Bijapur sultanate and the Mughal empire.

But the casting is a mixed bag.

Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan is such an uninspired casting choice! His antagonist here feels all-too-familiar especially after his role of Ahmad Shah Abdali in Panipat. The same goes for Marathi veterans Sachin Khedekar and Jitendra Joshi, who seem to be playing the version of roles they have played many times before.

On the other hand, Vidya Balan stepping into a darker role certainly adds curiosity. When I read up the cast list, I initially assumed she might be portraying Jijabai, but the teaser shows Bhagyashree in the role of Maharaj's mother.

Abhishek Bachchan is presented in an angry man avatar as Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale, Shivaji Maharaj's elder brother. The character shouldn't be confused with Vicky Kaushal's portrayal in Laxman Utekar's Chhaava, which was based on Maharaj's son and the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha empire, Sambhaji Maharaj.

Riteish Deshmukh as Shivaji Maharaj: Lacks A Punch

Riteish breaks the rut of his usual light-hearted films and takes on what seems to be his most demanding role yet.

The teaser shows his earnestness, but the gravitas of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj calls for a towering presence, resonant voice and sharp, piercing gaze, which felt somewhat missing in his portrayal.

Hopefully, the film will have a different impression of him.

Interestingly, the teaser lands better in Marathi than Hindi, especially with the way the actors deliver their dramatic dialogues. But Genelia Deshmukh's Marathi diction as Saibai Bhonsale, Maharaj's wife, carries the same awkwardness as seen in Ved. She looks lovely, though.

Star Cast and Scale: Falls Short of Grandness

Stories like this are inherently violent, but unlike the stylised violence seen in Chhaava, this film appears to keep the action choreography more restrained in its treatment of gore and violence. That could work in its favour, though it also risks feeling less dramatic for viewers expecting a larger-than-life spectacle.

On the technical front, Raja Shivaji raises some concerns.

The visual effects, in parts, seem uneven, with noticeable green screen usage. There is also a certain lack of grandeur that audiences have come to expect from the genre, especially after films by directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ashutosh Gowariker, who are known for their scale and grandness.

For Marathi audiences, this toned-down approach may feel acceptable, but Hindi viewers might find it less visually impressive.

The music in the teaser, composed by Ajay-Atul, is definitely a strong point of anticipation, as their work has often elevated stories as seen in films like Sairat, Natarang and Bollywood hits like Agneepath, Tanhaji, and Dhadak.

If anything, Raja Shivaji is poised to be their grand comeback, and I am all for it!

Raja Shivaji is set to release on Maharashtra Day, May 1.
'Never before has the Congress been part of a rainbow coalition, and the response from the people has been overwhelming.'

'Assam's diversity cannot be represented by a single voice -- it requires a collective effort, and that is what we are building.'

IMAGE: Congress candidate for the Jorhat constituency Gaurav Gogoi during the nomination rally for the Assam assembly election, in Jorhat, March 23, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points 'This is not just Congress vs BJP -- it is Tarun Gogoi's Congress vs Himanta Biswa Sarma's Congress.'

'You cannot run a state on publicity -- people are facing unemployment and rising costs.'

'There is also increasing centralisation of power, where decisions are taken by a few and dissent is discouraged. That is not healthy for a democracy.'

As Assam moves closer to a high-stakes assembly election, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi is seeking to reposition his party -- invoking legacy while arguing for a shift in governance, and taking on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

In this interview with Sabir Nishat, Gogoi speaks about the Opposition alliance, his idea of a 'New Greater Assam', and why he believes the coming election represents a choice between two contrasting political approaches.

What is your strategy going into the assembly elections?

In the run-up to the elections, we are trying to build a campaign that blends legacy with a call for change. A key focus has been to bring together a broad Opposition alliance to take on the BJP.

Never before has the Congress been part of such a rainbow coalition, and the response from the people has been overwhelming.

Assam's diversity cannot be represented by a single voice -- it requires a collective effort, and that is what we are building.

The Congress has kept the AIUDF out of this alliance. How do you view that decision?

Our focus is on building a wider, inclusive platform. Assam is a diverse state, and our effort is to ensure that different voices come together in a meaningful way.

The objective is to create a coalition that reflects the aspirations of all sections of society.

You've framed this election as 'Tarun Gogoi's Congress vs Himanta Biswa Sarma's Congress'. What do you mean by that?

This election is not just Congress versus BJP. It is also about two interpretations of a political legacy. People remember how Assam was brought out of insurgency and moved towards stability during Tarun Gogoi's tenure.

On the other hand, Himanta Biswa Sarma also comes from that Congress background. So this is a contest between two very different visions emerging from the same legacy.

IMAGE: Gaurav Gogoi during the nomination rally for the Assam assembly election in Jorhat, March 23, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

What are your main criticisms of the current Assam government?

The government today is focused more on projection than performance. You cannot run a state on publicity alone. People are facing unemployment, rising costs, and shrinking opportunities.

There is also increasing centralisation of power, where decisions are taken by a few and dissent is discouraged. That is not healthy for a democracy.

Governance has shifted from consultation to imposition.

'Development cannot be selective'

What is your vision for Assam? You've spoken about a 'New Greater Assam'.

'Natun Bor Asom' or New Greater Assam is about inclusive development. It means investing in education and healthcare, creating jobs for youth, and ensuring that no region or community is left behind.

Development cannot be selective -- uneven growth only creates frustration and divides society. We want to combine continuity with change, learning from the past while addressing present challenges.

Do you think voters are looking for an alternative?

Yes, there is a growing fatigue with divisive politics. People are tired of being divided along identity lines. They want governance that is fair, transparent, and focused on everyday concerns.

There is a quiet but unmistakable yearning for change. People may not always express it openly, but they are looking for an alternative they can trust.

IMAGE: Gaurav Gogoi felicitates Congress Screening Committee Chairperson and Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during a party meeting in Guwahati, February 19, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

Your campaign has seen sharp personal attacks from the chief minister. How do you respond?

The allegations linking me and my wife to Pakistan's ISI are completely baseless and irresponsible, especially when they touch upon something as serious as national security.

Such claims should not be made lightly. In contrast, the concerns we have raised regarding his family, assets, and alleged benefits to his wife's company are based on information available in the public domain.

Matters of national security must remain above political discourse, and those in high office should exercise restraint and responsibility in their statements.

At a personal level, these allegations have only made my family stronger. They have made us realise the strength of our bond -- everyone has stood firm, including my wife, who has faced these attacks with great resilience.

It has only deepened our appreciation for each other's roles and values.

'Politics of fear and intimidation'

You've also spoken about a climate of fear in Assam. Could you elaborate?

If you criticise the government, there is a perception that you may face consequences -- whether through legal action or denial of benefits.

This creates a politics of fear and intimidation, which is not how a democracy should function.

In contrast, we are trying to build a campaign based on what I call 'moral courage'.

IMAGE: Gaurav Gogoi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others offers prayers at the Maa Kamakhya temple in Guwahati. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Singapore coroner has ruled that Zubeen Garg's death was due to drowning. What is your immediate reaction?

It is a very serious and surprising development. The Singapore coroner clearly stated that this was an accidental death caused by drowning under the influence of alcohol.

This stands in sharp contrast to what the Assam chief minister had earlier claimed inside the assembly -- that it was a case of plain and simple murder.

What concerns does this raise about the earlier investigation?

It raises fundamental questions about credibility. The state government took a firm stand earlier, and even sent an SIT to Singapore.

Now, with a completely different conclusion coming from the coroner, people are naturally questioning what basis those earlier claims were made on.

You have referred to a statement made by the chief minister earlier. Could you elaborate?

The chief minister had publicly said that if justice was not delivered to Zubeen Garg before the assembly elections, people should not vote for the BJP.

Today, I would like to ask him if he stands by that statement and how he views it in light of the latest verdict.

IMAGE: Gaurav Gogoi with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the North East Music Festival in New Delhi, February 22, 2026. Photograph: @RahulGandhi/ANI Photo

Did you expect such a verdict from the Singapore coroner?

We did not expect this outcome. Like many people in Assam, we are finding it difficult to believe. That is why clarity and accountability are now more important than ever.

What, in your view, should happen next?

There must be full transparency. All findings, including those of the SIT, should be made public. Only then can public trust be restored and the truth be clearly established.

What key message you want to send to voters?

Ultimately, this election is about the kind of Assam we want to build. It is a choice between two models of governance, two styles of leadership, and two visions for the future.

People will decide based on what resonates with them. For us, the focus is on offering a credible, inclusive, and forward-looking alternative.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Following a blast outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh, police have arrested five individuals and are investigating potential links to Pakistan's ISI in what they believe was a foiled terror plot.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the Chandigarh BJP headquarters blast.

Preliminary investigations suggest the module was backed by Pakistan's ISI, with foreign-based handlers identified.

A grenade and other materials have been recovered by the police.

The operation has foiled a major terror conspiracy aimed at disrupting peace in the region.

Police are continuing operations to apprehend remaining suspects involved in the Chandigarh blast case.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav announced on Saturday that five individuals have been arrested in connection with the blast incident that occurred outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh.

The Counter-Intelligence wing of Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Chandigarh Police, solved the Chandigarh grenade attack case, DCP Yadav.

"Five persons involved in the incident have been arrested, and the two perpetrators involved in the attack have been identified," Yadav said on X.

One grenade and another cache have been recovered so far, he further said.

Police teams are conducting operations to nab the absconding accused, the DGP added.

ISI Link Suspected in Chandigarh Blast

Preliminary investigations revealed that the module was backed by Pakistan's spy agency- ISI. Foreign-based handlers in Portugal and Germany have been identified, he said.

"Multiple cutouts and sub-modules were used," Yadav mentioned.

"This operation has effectively foiled a major terror conspiracy aimed at disrupting peace and harmony in the region. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the main accused involved in the case," said Yadav.

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.

The Punjab BJP headquarters is located in Sector 37 in Chandigarh.

An unverified video that surfaced on social media on Wednesday evening shows a man pulling the pin from a blue-coloured grenade and throwing it, while another person records the act. The duo is seen fleeing just moments before the blast.

Their faces were not visible in the 10-second video, and the authenticity of the footage has yet to be verified. CCTV camera recordings also captured suspects running across the road immediately 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.
A tragic car accident in Nashik, Maharashtra, claimed the lives of nine family members, including six children, after their vehicle plunged into a well while returning from a function.

IMAGE: The car falls into a well in Maharashtra's Nashik district. Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points Nine members of a family, including six children, died in Nashik after their car fell into a well.

The accident occurred in the Shivaji Nagar area of Dindori town around 10 pm on Friday.

The victims were returning home from a function at a banquet hall when the accident occurred.

Local police and emergency services retrieved the car and its occupants with the help of cranes and swimmers.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the tragic car accident in Nashik.

Nine members of a family, including six children, were killed after their car fell into a well in Maharashtra's Nashik district, police said on Saturday.

The accident occurred in the Shivaji Nagar area of Dindori town around 10 pm on Friday, an official said.

The victims were heading home after attending a function at a banquet hall in the area when their car fell into a well near the venue, he said.

Personnel from the local police and emergency services arrived at the scene and retrieved the car and its occupants with the help of two cranes and swimmers around midnight.

All Victims From One Family

The victims were members of the Dargude family from Indore village in Dindori taluka, the official said.

According to the police, the deceased were identified as Sunil Dattu Dargude (32), his wife Reshma, Asha Anil Dargude (32), and six children from the family, five girls in the age group of seven to 14 years and an 11-year-old boy.

Their bodies were brought to the government hospital in Dindori, the official said, adding that a case has been registered and a probe is underway to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Amidst ongoing tensions, Iran is hinting at potential action in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising concerns about disruptions to global trade and escalating regional conflict.

IMAGE: An aerial view Port of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates in the Strait of Hormuz. Photograph: Reuters

Key Points Iran is considering targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, potentially disrupting global shipping routes.

This move could significantly impact the transit of oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertiliser.

The threat coincides with increased military action, including strikes on Israeli military staging grounds.

Iran's actions are described as a response to recent hostilities and a show of support for Islamist groups.

The IRGC claims to have precisely hit strategic locations in the occupied territories.

Amidst the ongoing maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to hostile vessels, a senior Iranian legislator has suggested that Tehran could further escalate pressure on its adversaries by targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, hinted at the potential for significant disruption in a series of questions posted on the social media platform X on Friday.

His remarks come as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to exert intense economic and logistical strain on international shipping.

Raising the stakes regarding global supply chain vulnerabilities, Ghalibaf questioned the extent of the world's reliance on the passage. He asked, "What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertiliser shipments transits the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?"

The Speaker further suggested that specific nations and corporate entities might be particularly exposed to such a strategic move.

"Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait?" the post continued, implying that the Islamic Republic is evaluating the most impactful ways to exert leverage.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, with Yemen located along one side of the waterway.

Escalation on the Battlefield

This strategic posturing on the maritime front coincides with a major escalation on the battlefield.

Iranian and allied forces have launched "Wave 93" of a sustained retaliatory campaign, striking critical Israeli military staging grounds deep within the occupied territories, state broadcaster Press TV reported.

The strikes are described as a direct response to recent hostilities, marking a significant escalation in the regional confrontation.

According to a statement from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), carried by Press TV, this latest phase of "Operation True Promise 4" was carried out on Friday afternoon.

The mission targeted strategic locations in the north and the heart of the occupied territories, with the IRGC dedicating the actions to Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah and Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, who were two of the most prominent leaders of Islamist "resistance" movements against Israel in the Middle East.

The "fierce assault" reportedly saw Zionist troop gatherings and combat support hubs in Western Galilee, Haifa, Kafr Kanna, and Krayot "precisely hit." Press TV noted that the operation was designed to degrade the military capabilities of the forces stationed in these sectors through highly coordinated strikes.
NASA's Artemis II mission, launched on April 1, 2026, marks humanity's return journey to the Moon with four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft.

Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch,and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen are on an approximately 10-day mission around the Moon.

Stunning images from Orion's windows capture breathtaking views of Earth after the historic translunar injection burn.

IMAGE: Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman took this picture of Earth from the Orion spacecraft's window on April 2, 2026, after completing the translunar injection burn. Photograph: NASA/Reid Wiseman

IMAGE: A view of a backlit Earth taken by Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman from one of the Orion spacecraft's windows after completing the translunar injection burn on April 2, 2026. Photograph: NASA

IMAGE: A view of Earth taken by Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman from one of the Orion spacecraft's four main windows after completing the translunar injection burn on April 2, 2026. Photograph: NASA

IMAGE: The Artemis II crew answers questions from reporters during the first downlink event of their mission. Photograph: NASA

IMAGE: Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, and Reid Wiseman work together inside the Orion spacecraft on their way to the Moon. Photograph: NASA

IMAGE: NASA Flight Directors Rick Henfling, right, and Judd Frieling, left, in Mission Control's White Flight Control room during NASA's Artemis II mission launch on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Photograph: Robert Markowitz/NASA-JSC

IMAGE: A view of the Earth from NASA's Orion spacecraft as it orbits above the planet during the Artemis II test flight. Photograph: NASA

IMAGE: A view over the shoulders of Astronauts Victor Glover, left, and Reid Wiseman, right, pilot and commander, respectively, inside the Orion spacecraft as they participate in a proximity operations demonstration.

This demonstration tests the spacecraft's ability to manually maneuver relative to another spacecraft, the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, after separation, using its onboard navigation sensors and reaction control thrusters. Photograph: NASA

IMAGE: A view from the docking camera on NASA's Orion spacecraft looking at the interim cryogenic propulsion stage as the Artemis II crew participates in a proximity operations demonstration.

The demonstration tested the spacecraft's ability to manually maneuver relative to another spacecraft using its onboard navigation sensors and reaction control thrusters. Photograph: NASA

IMAGE: A view of the Earth's horizon from NASA's Orion spacecraft as it orbits above the planet during the first hours of the Artemis II test flight. Photograph: NASA

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Mahipal Soni/Rediff
Two Bangladeshi women were arrested in Delhi for illegally residing and working as househelps, highlighting ongoing concerns about immigration and employment verification in the city.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points Two Bangladeshi women were arrested in Delhi's Shalimar Bagh for illegally residing in the city.

The women were working as househelps and initially claimed to be Indian citizens.

Investigation revealed they were Bangladeshi nationals without valid travel documents.

One of the women is a graduate who came to Delhi seeking better employment opportunities.

Deportation proceedings have been initiated by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

Two Bangladeshi women, including a graduate, were apprehended for illegally residing in Delhi, police said on Saturday.

The accused were intercepted on April 1 in the Shalimar Bagh area following a tip-off about foreign nationals working as househelps, they said.

During questioning, the women initially claimed to be Indian citizens and said they were employed in households in the area. However, their inconsistent replies raised suspicion, prompting further verification, police said.

Subsequent investigation, including scrutiny of documents and digital evidence, revealed that both women were Bangladeshi nationals residing here without valid travel or identity papers.

Police said one of the accused is a graduate who had come to Delhi in search of better earnings.

The women have been produced before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), and deportation proceedings have been initiated, police added.
An investigation is underway after a robbery suspect died in police custody in Katihar, Bihar, leading to the suspension of two police officers and sparking protests from local residents.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points A robbery suspect, Rakesh Kumar Yadav, was found dead in a police lockup in Katihar, Bihar.

The death occurred on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, with the suspect allegedly hanging himself.

Local residents protested the death, blocking roads and confronting police.

The station house officer (SHO) and investigating officer have been suspended pending investigation into the incident.

A man arrested in a case of robbery allegedly hanged himself to death inside the police lockup in Bihar's Katihar district, following which the SHO and the investigating officer were suspended, an official said on Saturday.

Rakesh Kumar Yadav (24) was arrested on Friday.

According to a police statement, the man hanged himself inside the lockup on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. "He was immediately taken to the nearest government hospital, where doctors declared him dead," it said.

When the locals came to know about Yadav's death, they staged a protest, blocking a road by burning tyres and also beat up a police personnel.

A video, purportedly on the incident, has been shared widely on social media. PTI, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

Following the accused's death, Katihar's superintendent of police suspended the station house officer of Phalka police station and also the investigating officer of the case, the statement said.
Open AI CEO Sam Altman predicted the one person AI startup. We are now seeing it happen. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images) Getty Images

AI is rewriting who builds billion dollar companies. More than 30.4 million Americans now operate as solopreneurs per CNBC . Together they generate over $1.75 trillion in economic output.

According to Inc.co , the number of mid-sized companies employing between 250 and 499 people has declined by 22.5% since 2020. The workforce is not just shrinking at big companies. It is reorganizing entirely around something smaller, faster, and increasingly powered by AI.

Three founders in the last six months put a face on that data.

William Lindholm is 20 years old and Norwegian. He dropped out of law school, opened a no-code platform, and started sending cakes to strangers instead of cold emails. Five months later his startup Daymaker was generating over $110,000 a month. He had none of the things the old playbook said you needed.

That story has been circulating online this week. But Daymaker is not the story. Daymaker is a symptom.

Something fundamental has shifted in how companies get built. The old startup playbook required a team, a runway, and years of grinding toward product-market fit. The new one requires a clear problem, the right AI tools, and the willingness to ship before you feel ready.

In 2024, Sam Altman told Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian that he had a betting pool in his tech CEO group chat for "the first year that there is a one-person billion-dollar company, which would have been unimaginable without AI and now will happen."

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Getty Images

Three AI Founders Who Already Proved It

Peter Steinberger is an Austrian software developer who built OpenClaw as a side project in November 2025.

The AI agent could actually do things on your computer, book flights, manage calendars, send emails, rather than just generate text about how to do them. He had no team, no funding, and no company. Within 60 days OpenClaw had over 145,000 GitHub stars and became the fastest-growing open-source AI agent in history.

On February 15, 2026, Sam Altman announced OpenAI had acquired it. They were acquired by the most valuable AI company in the world in under three months.

The competitive advantage was the same one every lean AI founder shares right now: he moved before the room finished debating whether it was possible.

The open-source AI agent OpenClaw was acquired by OpenAI. (Photo by Qin Zihang/VCG via Getty Images) VCG via Getty Images

Maor Shlomo built Base44, an AI app building platform, entirely alone and bootstrapped. By May 2025 the company pulled in $189,000 in profit in a single month. Wix acquired it for roughly $80 million in cash in June 2025, just six months after launch. He did not sell because the company was failing. He sold because it had outgrown one persons bandwidth.
The Punjab BJP is intensifying its pressure on the AAP government, demanding a CBI investigation into the suicide of a warehousing official allegedly harassed by a state minister, sparking widespread protests and calls for justice.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Punjab BJP stages protest demanding CBI investigation into the suicide of a warehousing corporation official.

BJP alleges harassment by Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar led to the official's suicide, prompting calls for accountability.

BJP leaders criticise the AAP government's handling of law and order and accuse them of shielding the accused.

The party insists only a CBI probe can ensure justice and transparency in the case, citing lack of trust in the state police.

BJP leaders claim the AAP government is providing VIP treatment to the accused minister in jail.

The Punjab BJP on Saturday held a state-level protest against the AAP government over the recent suicide of a warehousing corporation official, pressing for a CBI probe into his death.

The entire state leadership, including Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, national general secretary Tarun Chugh, Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma, participated in a 'dharna' at the Hall Gate in Amritsar.

Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the district manager of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar, allegedly ended his life by consuming poison on March 21.

A video later surfaced in which he allegedly claimed harassment by Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, who resigned from the Cabinet later that day on the direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann amid the row.

Bhullar, the AAP MLA from Patti, was arrested two days after Randhawa ended his life.

The Amritsar police has booked Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar and personal assistant Dilbag Singh under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide), 351 (3) (criminal intimidation) and 3 (5) (common intention) of BNS.

BJP Demands CBI Investigation

During the protest on Saturday, the Punjab BJP leaders shouted slogans against the AAP government and Chief Minister Mann, pressing for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death.

"It is not a political fight, it is a fight for justice for the family of Randhawa," Jakhar said, while addressing the gathering at the protest site.

"We stand by the Randhawa family," he added.

Slamming the chief minister, Jakhar alleged that Bhagwant Mann himself is "compromised".

Punjab is not being run by Mann but by Arvind Kejriwal, and Mann is merely a "nominal chief minister", he alleged.

Punjabis have now decided that outsiders will not be allowed to exploit the state; it will be run by Punjabis, he further said.

Jakhar accused the government of being insensitive and failing to hear the voices of people seeking justice.

Referring to the blast incident outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh on April 1, Jakhar said such attempts will not deter BJP and it will continue its struggle for justice for Randhawa's family. He further said the party will ensure no innocent person is killed in "fake" encounters.

BJP leader Chugh lashed out at the AAP government over the law and order situation, calling it an "ineffective" dispensation.

"At least 20 grenade attacks took place in Punjab; police stations were targeted. Who is responsible?" Chugh asked.

People are fed up with the Mann government, he claimed.

Punjab BJP working president Sharma said his party decided to stage the protest to ensure justice for the Randhawa family.

"The family does not trust the Punjab government and the Punjab Police investigation. This is why it has been seeking a CBI probe into the death," Sharma said.

Attacking the Mann government, he said the state police had not taken any steps in the last four years to inspire public confidence in the justice system.

"Why are you (Mann) trying to save Bhullar?" Sharma asked.

He warned that the BJP would continue its agitation against the AAP government unless a CBI probe is ordered into Randhawa's death and justice is delivered to the family.

The BJP leaders also alleged that Bhullar was being given "VIP facilities" in jail and criticised the AAP government for not arresting his father and assistant so far.

Union Minister Bittu attacked CM Mann, saying he should have immediately ordered a CBI inquiry into the death of Randhawa, given the seriousness of the allegations and the emotional appeals made by the family.

"Instead, there is a growing perception that the state machinery is being misused to shield those in power. Serious allegations have also emerged regarding Laljit Bhullar, and concerns are being raised about preferential treatment being extended," he alleged.

I reiterate my demand that all MPs from Punjab, including those from AAP, must come forward and sign a request for a CBI inquiry to ensure justice for the deceased and his family, he said.

Bittu said only a BJP government in Punjab can effectively curb the menace of drugs and dismantle the growing network of gangsters in the state.

"Under the able leadership of Narendra Modi ji and Amit Shah ji, Punjab can be transformed into a prosperous and 'Sunehra Punjab', ensuring safety, development, and a brighter future for its people, he said.
A 14-year-old boy's murder in Nagpur after being reported missing has ignited public anger, with residents accusing the police of a delayed response in the investigation.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Atharva Dilip Nanore, a 14-year-old boy missing for two days, was found murdered in Nagpur.

The boy's body was discovered in a sack on a railway bridge, with signs of strangulation suspected.

Local residents gathered at Gittikhadan police station, alleging delayed response from the police after the missing complaint was filed.

The victim was last seen on Thursday night after going out to buy ice cream following the Hanuman Jayanti procession.

A 14-year-old boy who had gone missing two days ago was found murdered here on Saturday.

Angry local residents gathered at Gittikhadan police station, alleging that police did not act quickly enough after the missing complaint was filed by the family.

The body of Atharva Dilip Nanore was found in a sack left on a railway bridge on the Bharatwada bypass, police said.

Locals noticed a foul smell and informed police. When the sack was opened, officials found the boy's body with hands and legs tied and injury marks on his face.

It is suspected that he was strangled, but the autopsy report was awaited, said a police official.

The Class 8 student had been last seen on Thursday night after the Hanuman Jayanti procession when he went out to buy ice cream. When he did not return, his family filed a missing complaint.

Public Outcry and Investigation

After learning about the discovery of his body, angry residents gathered at Gittikhadan Police Station, accusing police of delay.

Probe is on, the official said.
Amidst opposition allegations of illegal land deals, the Himachal Pradesh government has ordered a fresh inquiry into the Chester Hill land case in Solan, focusing on potential violations of land laws and 'benami' transactions.

Key Points Himachal Pradesh government orders a fresh inquiry into the Chester Hill land case in Solan following opposition pressure.

The inquiry will investigate allegations of 'benami' land deals and violations of Section 118 of the HP Land Reforms and Tenancy Act.

The government withdrew a previous order that had questioned the legality of the initial inquiry conducted by the Subdivisional Officer (Civil), Solan.

Opposition parties are demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged land mafia activities and the removal of the chief secretary.

The Deputy Commissioner of Solan has been requested to institute a case of violation of Section 118 and pass appropriate orders after hearing all parties involved.

Under attack from the opposition over the Chester Hill land case in Solan, the Himachal Pradesh government on Saturday directed a fresh inquiry into allegations of a 'benami' land deal and violation of Section 118 of the HP Land Reforms and Tenancy Act.

Section 118 restricts the purchase of land by non-Himachalis without prior permission.

The state government also withdrew the earlier order of December 6, 2025, in which the Chief Secretary (Revenue) had dubbed the inquiry conducted by Subdivisional Officer (Civil), Solan, as prima facie violative of settled law.

The inquiry by the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) into the Chester Hills housing project had revealed several irregularities during the land acquisition and benami land transactions.

Opposition Demands Investigation

The opposition BJP and CPI(M) have claimed violation of land laws in the project and demanded an investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into alleged land mafia activities, including benami land deals, in the state. They also demanded the removal of the chief secretary from his position.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta had dismissed the allegations concerning the Chester Hill housing project in Solan as baseless and said he had no role in it. He had alleged that two former IAS officers and an engineer are behind the "conspiracy" to malign him.

Fresh Directives Issued

In a fresh communication to the Deputy Commissioner, Solan, sent on Saturday, the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) stated that the letter of December 6, 2025, had been re-examined and consequently, it was decided that the aforesaid letter be withdrawn with immediate effect.

It further requested the Deputy Commissioner to institute a case of violation of Section 118 of the Land Reforms and Tenancy Act and pass appropriate orders after hearing the parties concerned.

In the earlier letter of December 6, 2025, the Chief Secretary (Revenue) had told the Deputy Commissioner that the sub-divisional officer had ignored the basic intent of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, which provides protection to agriculturists.

In this case, the source of funds for the land purchased by the aforementioned agriculturists, viz., loans from financial institutions, has been shown in the representation. The letter added that the report of the SDO (Civil), Solan, is prima facie violative of settled law and any action by the DC Solan on the report would hurt the interests of agriculturists.

Political Fallout

Meanwhile, alleging a violation of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, Left leaders had said that a fair investigation is impossible unless the chief secretary is removed from his position.

The BJP had also raised the issue inside and outside the Assembly and had urged the chief minister to call for the inquiry report prepared by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Solan pertaining to the acquisition of 274 bighas of land.

The LOP Jai Ram Thakur had said that "serious allegations have been levelled against the chief secretary who has now levelled counter-allegations of corruption against other officials".

"The CM is completely compromised and unable to take any punitive action," the BJP leader had alleged.
The son of a jailed kingpin has been apprehended in Kanpur for his alleged involvement in a massive codeine-based cough syrup trafficking network, exposing a multi-state drug racket.

Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Key Points Shivam Agarwal, son of jailed kingpin Vinod Agarwal, arrested for involvement in a large-scale codeine-based cough syrup trafficking network.

The investigation revealed a racket supplying codeine-laced cough syrup across multiple states and even Bangladesh.

Police uncovered the use of shell companies and fake billing, including a fictitious firm, to facilitate the illegal transactions.

Transactions worth 42 crore have been traced, with the total racket estimated to be around 100 crore, and properties worth 9 crore seized.

The special investigation team is focusing on large consignments from Himachal Pradesh and Panipat to further investigate the supply chains.

The son of jailed kingpin Vinod Agarwal was arrested for his alleged role in the large-scale codeine-based cough syrup trafficking network, officials said.

According to police, Shivam Agarwal, a chartered accountant, was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 and had been absconding for nearly five months.

Kanpur police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said six of the 11 accused named in eight FIRs in the case have been arrested so far, including Shivam. His father, believed to be the mastermind of the "Agarwal brothers" syndicate, is already in jail, he said.

Details of the Cough Syrup Trafficking Racket

The probe revealed a racket supplying codeine-laced cough syrup across several states and even Bangladesh. What began as a suspected diversion of 26 lakh bottles has expanded to around 1.12 crore bottles over two years, police said.

Investigators have found the use of shell companies and fake billing, including a fictitious firm named "Shriram Medical Agency".

Transactions worth Rs 42 crore have been traced so far, while the total racket is estimated to be around Rs 100 crore. Properties worth about Rs 9 crore have been seized, police added.

They said the special investigation team is verifying documents and supply chains, focusing on large consignments from Himachal Pradesh and Panipat.

Several firms have been booked, while at least five accused remain absconding. Further investigation is underway, police added.
Six individuals have been arrested in Ludhiana in connection with the murder of a Congress leader, with investigations revealing a land dispute as the primary motive.

Key Points Six individuals have been arrested in connection with the axe murder of Congress leader Parminder Tiwari in Ludhiana.

The primary suspects, Vijay Kumar and Lucky, were apprehended in Bihar.

Preliminary investigations suggest the murder was motivated by a dispute over illegal occupation of panchayat land.

The axe used in the crime and the motorcycle used to escape have been recovered by police.

Six persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of Congress leader Parminder Tiwari, who was hacked to death with an axe on Sunday in Machhiwara here.

Tiwari, the block president of the Congress party from Machhiwara in Ludhiana, was murdered on March 29 while sitting outside his rented quarters near Takhran village.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Jaskaranjit Singh Teja stated the case is neither linked to politics nor gang rivalry.

The main accused, Vijay Kumar and Lucky, were apprehended in Jamalpura village in Munger district, Bihar, by a special team dispatched there, police said.

Motive: Land Dispute

Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects aimed to illegally occupy a piece of panchayat land in the Machiwara area, but Tiwari opposed their plans. The accused allegedly visited Tiwari at his rented quarters on March 29 and attacked him with an axe, resulting in his immediate death, officials said.

The other four individuals arrested are relatives of the main accused and were aware of the murder plot, the DCP added.

Police have recovered the axe used in the crime, as well as the motorcycle the accused used to flee the scene.
Police are investigating the deaths of two brothers found in their Uttam Nagar flat in Delhi, with the elder brother's son being treated as a prime suspect after he went missing following a reported quarrel at the residence.

Key Points Two brothers, Devender Kumar and Amit, were discovered dead in their rented flat in Uttam Nagar, Delhi.

Police suspect Devender Kumar's son is a prime suspect in the double death case, as he is missing and unreachable.

A quarrel was reported at the flat the night before the brothers were found dead, with the landlord complaining about the disturbance.

Initial assessment suggests the victims may have sustained head injuries, but the postmortem report will confirm the cause of death.

Police have initiated inquest proceedings and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the brothers' deaths in Delhi.

Two brothers were found dead inside a rented flat in southwest Delhi's Uttam Nagar area, official sources said on Saturday.

The deceased have been identified as Devender Kumar (aged around 50) and his younger brother Amit (aged around 45).

Police in a statement said that the brothers lived in a rented accommodation owned by Naresh.

At 6.55 pm, they received a call from Naresh alerting them about the victims being found dead. They, along with the FSL team, rushed to the spot and sent the bodies for a postmortem, police said.

Investigation Details

According to the source, prima facie, Devender's son is a prime suspect in the case. He was present at the spot, but has since gone missing, and his phone too is not reachable.

Preliminary inquiry has revealed that a quarrel had taken place in the flat on Friday night. The landlord had also objected to the disturbance caused during the altercation, the source said.

According to the initial assessment of the crime scene, it appears that both victims may have sustained injuries after their heads were pushed against a wall, the source said.

However, the exact sequence of events and cause of death will be confirmed after the postmortem report, the source added.

Inquest proceedings have been initiated, police said.
In a shocking incident in Delhi's Uttam Nagar, two brothers were found dead in their rented flat, with police investigating the elder brother's son as a prime suspect in the apparent double homicide.

Key Points Two brothers, Devender Kumar and Amit, were found dead in their rented flat in Uttam Nagar, Delhi.

Police suspect Devender Kumar's son is a prime suspect in the double homicide case.

A quarrel was reported at the flat the night before the brothers were found dead.

Initial assessment suggests the victims sustained fatal head injuries.

The exact cause of death will be determined after the postmortem report as the investigation continues.

Two brothers were found dead inside a rented flat in southwest Delhi's Uttam Nagar area, official sources said.

The deceased have been identified as Devender Kumar (aged around 50) and his younger brother Amit (aged around 45).

According to police sources, the two had recently moved into the flat as tenants.

They received information from the deceased's landlord and reached the spot where the bodies were found.

The source said that prima facie, Devender's son is a prime suspect in the case. He was present at the spot, but has since gone missing, and his phone too is not reachable.

Preliminary inquiry has revealed that a quarrel had taken place in the flat on Friday night. The landlord had also objected to the disturbance caused during the altercation, sources said.

According to the initial assessment of the crime scene, it appears that both victims may have sustained fatal injuries after their heads were pushed against a wall, the source said.

However, the exact sequence of events and cause of death will be confirmed after the postmortem report, the source added.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.
A Delhi court acquitted a man and his parents in a dowry death case, highlighting the critical importance of proving dowry-related harassment beyond a reasonable doubt for convictions under Indian law.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi court acquits a man and his parents in a dowry death case due to lack of evidence.

The prosecution failed to prove allegations of cruelty or dowry harassment against the accused.

Key witnesses, including the deceased's family, testified that she lived a peaceful married life and denied any dowry demands.

The court found the death unnatural but lacked proof of harassment related to dowry demands.

The deceased's family attributed her death to depression caused by her child's medical condition.

A Delhi court has acquitted a man and his parents in a dowry death case, saying the prosecution failed to establish allegations of cruelty or dowry harassment against them.

Additional Sessions Judge Deepak Wason acquitted Kartik Sharma, his father Ravi Dutt Sharma, and his mother Veena Sharma in the case of Shivali Sharma, who died by suicide in March 2023.

The accused were facing trial under Sections 498A (cruelty by husband or relatives) and 304B (dowry death) of the IPC.

In the April 1 order, the court said, "There is nothing on record to establish the culpability of the accused persons in the commission of the offences charged against them. The prosecution has failed to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt."

It held that while the death was unnatural and occurred within seven years of marriage, the key elements of dowry death, particularly proof of harassment connected to dowry demands, remained unproven.

According to the prosecution, the deceased's family alleged she was subjected to harassment and repeated dowry demands, including cash and a vehicle, which allegedly drove her to commit suicide.

The police registered the FIR after her parents made statements before an executive magistrate.

Key Witness Testimony

However, during the trial, key prosecution witnesses, including the deceased's mother, father, brother, uncle and grandmother, did not support the allegations in the court.

They consistently stated that Shivali was living a "peaceful and happy" married life and denied any dowry demand or harassment by the accused.

The witnesses further attributed her death to depression caused by her child's serious medical condition.

The court noted that the testimonies of close relatives, considered the most material witnesses, revealed no evidence of cruelty or dowry-related harassment "soon before her death," a crucial requirement to establish an offence under Section 304B IPC.

The court observed that the medical evidence confirmed death due to asphyxia caused by hanging.

Giving the benefit of the doubt, the court said this alone was insufficient to implicate the accused without corroborative evidence of cruelty.
Delhi is set to launch a comprehensive drone policy to regulate drone usage, enhance traffic management, promote research, and support the growing drone ecosystem in the region.

Key Points Delhi's drone policy will focus on safe and regulated drone operations, including preventing misuse and enabling government surveillance.

The policy aims to integrate with the DGCA's Digital Sky platform and establish a digital monitoring system for effective governance.

Key objectives include public awareness campaigns, zoning regulations, safety frameworks, and counter-drone standard operating procedures.

The government plans to use drones for policing, disaster response, and traffic management, as well as in real estate, telecom, and media projects.

The policy will support the drone ecosystem through research clusters, flight testing facilities, subsidies, and capacity-building initiatives like drone awareness workshops and pilot training programs.

The Delhi government's proposed drone policy is likely to focus on creating drone research clusters, establishing dedicated flight testing facilities, enabling the use of drones in traffic management, and providing subsidies to support the drone ecosystem, officials said on Saturday.

According to officials, in a recently held meeting, the policy framework was discussed, where plans to rope in the Drone Federation of India (DFI), a leading non- government organisation in this area, were approved.

Earlier this year, the government set up a committee under the chairmanship of the IT department secretary to examine the feasibility of the Delhi Drone Policy.

"A comprehensive drone policy is being planned to ensure safe and regulated drone operations. Along with this, the government is working on an IT dashboard, a digital monitoring system to provide effective governance," IT minister Pankaj Singh said.

Key Objectives of the Delhi Drone Policy

According to officials, the policy's key objectives include regulating drone usage to prevent misuse, enabling government agencies to use drones for surveillance and mapping, and strengthening integration with the DGCA's Digital Sky platform.

"The Delhi Drone Policy is focused around five focus areas, including public awareness and enforcement under these events, outreach, zoning signage, sensitisation workshops, safety framework and counter-drone standard operating procedures will be worked out," the official said.

Additionally, government drone usage will involve policing, disaster response, and traffic management in the city.

"The policy also intends to plan the sector usage of drones in real estate projects, telecom and media," officials added.

Supporting the Drone Ecosystem

According to the plan, the government is considering capacity-building initiatives like drone awareness workshops in schools, establishing centres of excellence, setting up Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTO), and launching pilot training projects.

"A supporting drone ecosystem, facilities like drone clusters for research, flight testing facilities, and subsidy and state GST reimbursement could be part of the policy," the official further said.

The framework is also expected to provide financial support for drone research and other development activities.
Delhi Police have apprehended two individuals from Jhansi for their involvement in an e-commerce customer care scam, where they allegedly defrauded a Delhi resident of Rs 1.25 lakh by impersonating customer service representatives.

Key Points Two men arrested in Delhi for allegedly defrauding a man of Rs 1.25 lakh through an e-commerce customer care scam.

The victim was tricked into sharing his phone screen and granting accessibility permissions, leading to unauthorised debits from his bank accounts.

Police investigation revealed a network involving multiple individuals across different locations, including Jharkhand and Jhansi.

The gang uploaded fake customer care numbers on internet search platforms to target victims.

Delhi Police recovered mobile phones and SIM cards used in the scam, and further investigation is underway to apprehend other members of the gang.

Delhi Police has arrested two men from Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi for allegedly cheating a man here for Rs 1.25 lakh by posing as customer care executives of an e-commerce brand, an official said on Saturday.

"The case came to light after complainant Arvind purchased an electronic shaver online on Oct 2, 2025, and found it defective. While searching for customer care details online on Oct 4, he contacted a number that appeared genuine and was assured a refund," a senior police officer said.

The caller later reached out through social media and convinced the victim to share his phone screen and grant accessibility permissions. Soon after, the phone screen went blank, and Rs 85,000 was debited from one bank account, followed by Rs 40,000 from another, police said.

An FIR was registered in Shahdara on Nov 13, 2025, and an investigation was launched.

Investigation and Arrests

During the probe, police analysed the money trail and NCRP data, which led them to bank accounts linked to the accused, Pankaj Yadav and Satyam Yadav (19), in Jhansi.

Both were subsequently traced and arrested.

"Interrogation revealed that Pankaj Yadav had provided his bank account to an associate identified as Vansh in exchange for money. He withdrew Rs 85,000, handed over around Rs 55,000 to Vansh and transferred Rs 40,000 to Satyam," the officer added.

Satyam withdrew Rs 20,000 and transferred the remaining amount to another associate, Kamal. The accused also disclosed that calls to victims were made by gang members operating from Jharkhand, while bank accounts were arranged in Jhansi and nearby areas, police said.

Modus Operandi

Police said that the gang used to upload fake customer care numbers of e-commerce companies on internet search platforms. Victims were then tricked into sharing the screen.

Two mobile phones and two SIM cards used in the offence have been recovered from them. Further investigation is underway, police added.
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Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, released a statement early on Saturday threatening devastating strikes against American and Israeli assets.

IMAGE: The Iranian state media showed fragments of a downed U.S. jet in this picture said to be taken in central Iran and released on April 3, 2026. Photograph: IRNA/Handout via Reuters

The central headquarters of the Iranian armed forces has issued a stark warning to the United States and its regional partners following recent threats made by President Donald Trump, state broadcaster Press TV reported.

Key Points The warning specifically extended to the infrastructure of nations that continue to host US military bases, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions.

According to Press TV, the Iranian military command has warned that any execution of these threats will be met with overwhelming force by the Islamic Republic's armed forces.

The Iranian military further cautioned that its retaliatory operations would go beyond military assets.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, released a statement early on Saturday threatening devastating strikes against American and Israeli assets.

The warning specifically extended to the infrastructure of nations that continue to host US military bases, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions.

This military posturing is a direct response to President Trump's recent assertions that the US would continue targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure, including bridges, power plants, and energy facilities. According to Press TV, the Iranian military command has warned that any execution of these threats will be met with overwhelming force by the Islamic Republic's armed forces.

"In response to the US President's inflammatory rhetoric and his repeated threats regarding the destruction of bridges, power plants, and Iran's electricity and energy infrastructure, we warn once again," the spokesperson asserted.

The Iranian military further cautioned that its retaliatory operations would go beyond military assets. The spokesperson noted that the armed forces would target "more important and extensive sectors of their capital, as well as those of the host countries and allies of the US and the Zionist regime."

As per the statement, these potential strikes would focus on fuel, energy, and economic centres, as well as power plants across the region and the occupied territories. Press TV reported that the promised response would be "more severe and crushing than ever before."

Addressing the regional nations that provide facilities for American forces, the Iranian command delivered a clear ultimatum. "The countries hosting US military bases in the region must force the Americans to withdraw from their territory if they do not wish to be harmed," the spokesperson stated.

The current conflict follows the launch of an unprovoked and illegal war by the US-Israeli coalition on 28 February. Press TV highlighted that the initial offensive targeted the country's top civilian and military leadership, resulting in the death of the former Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The Iranian military command maintained that the withdrawal of foreign forces is now the only way for host nations to avoid being caught in the crossfire of the ongoing war, Press TV reported.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserts India's resilience against global shocks, including the West Asia conflict, emphasising the need for robust national capabilities to navigate an increasingly volatile world.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaks at the convocation ceremony of IIM Raipur. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar/X

Key Points S Jaishankar highlights India's strong resilience in the face of recent global economic shocks and geopolitical instability.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has significantly impacted global fuel supply and hydrocarbon availability, testing international stability.

Building robust national capabilities is crucial for India to de-risk its economy and develop leverage in the changing global order.

Jaishankar identifies COVID-19, conflicts, and climate change as key challenges of the current decade.

Inclusive growth, representative politics, and decisive leadership are creating a new foundation for India's global role.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India has come through solidly from global shocks that recently tested its resilience, an apparent reference to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of IIM Raipur, Jaishankar emphasised that India has managed both domestic and external challenges fairly successfully.

He observed that the impact of conflicts on even distant societies has been profound, which is a testimony to the extent of globalisation.

"No one can dispute that multiple global shocks have recently tested our resilience and that India has come through them solidly," Jaishankar added.

Middle East Crisis

The crisis in West Asia, which began in February after the US and Israel attacked Iran, has impacted global fuel supply and triggered a shortage of hydrocarbons.

Jaishankar stressed that there is no getting away from building robust national capabilities, which he noted is the most effective way for de-risking and developing leverage.

He further said that the global order is changing with visible shifts in relative power and influence of countries, adding that the turbulence in the world is currently structural in many ways.

"New developments in technology, energy, military capability, connectivity and resources have encouraged risk-taking in an increasingly competitive environment. Everything today is being leveraged if not weaponised," the external affairs minister said.

He said the world is confronted with the prospects of securing itself in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable environment.

"This has necessitated a larger inclination to hedge, to derisk and diversify, whether it's a business choice or a foreign policy part," Jaishankar added.

Key Challenges and India's Response

He identified the COVID pandemic, conflicts, and climate change as the three challenges in the decade.

He said more inclusive growth, representative politics and decisive leadership have created a new foundation.
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.

IMAGE: File image of a US Air Force A-10 aircraft. Photograph: Courtesy CentCom on X

Key Points 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.

Neither the Pentagon nor the White House provided an "immediate comment" regarding the status of the aircraft or the veracity of the claims.

The reproted downing of the US A-10 aircraft took place in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz

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 reported 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.
Iran has also called the list of demands from the US unacceptable, pushing the possibility of an early resolution to the crisis to the back burner.

IMAGE: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (left) and Field Marshal Asim Munir (right) meets US President Donald Trump at the White House. Photograph: Courtesy White House

Islamabad's attempt to position itself as a mediator in the West Asia conflict has come to naught with the Iranian side refusing to meet any US-led delegation in Pakistan, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Key Points Iran has also called the list of demands from the US unacceptable, pushing the possibility of an early resolution to the crisis to the back burner.

It appears that with this significant trust deficit, the Iranians are reluctant to let Islambad play any role in negotiations.

Tensions escalated after reports of a missing US airman after a US aircraft was downed by the Iranians and the taking down of another plane.

Iran has also called the list of demands from the US unacceptable, pushing the possibility of an early resolution to the crisis to the back burner. Pakistan had staked its diplomatic heft by pitching itself as a mediator, claiming to have been behind messaging to both the Iranian and US sides. However, it appears that with this significant trust deficit, the Iranians are reluctant to let Islambad play any role in negotiations.

However, some hope was ignited as reports suggested that Iran could move towards a mediation effort brokered by Qatar, another key player in the region.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the region after reports of a missing US airman after a US aircraft was downed by the Iranians and the taking down of another US A-10 plane.

US President Donald Trump withheld details regarding the potential US response should a missing crew member, forced to eject over Iran, be harmed or captured, The President declined to specify a course of action during a brief telephone interview with The Independent on Friday.

When questioned by The Independent about the measures he might take if the airman is mistreated by Iranian forces, Trump stated, "Well, I can't comment on it because we hope that's not going to happen."

The Iranians say their forces have now executed Wave 93 of their retaliatory campaign against the US and Israel. IRGC claimed to have dealt precise blows to critical Israeli military staging grounds deep inside the occupied territories.

During this IRGC said that centres of gathering and combat support of the Israelis in Western Galilee, Haifa, Kafr Kanna, and Krayot were precisely hit.

In what will spell further trouble for the US and its allies, Iran said it has the ability to sustain the current situation in the Strait of Hormu for years,

A senior Iranian security official told Press TV that Iran's heightened sensitivity over the strategic waterway stems from the fact that the majority of equipment used to supply US military bases and garrisons across the region has historically been transported by sea.

"Iran has the capability to sustain this situation for years," the official said, referring to the effective shutdown of the strategic waterway to US and allied vessels.

The official further stated that Iran believes it should no longer allow such logistical support to continue.
In a tragic incident in Jaipur, a man is accused of murdering his wife following a domestic dispute before attempting to take his own life, prompting a police investigation.

Key Points A man in Jaipur allegedly murdered his wife by slitting her throat after a domestic dispute.

The accused, Ramavatar, allegedly attacked his wife, Sunita, with a knife during an argument.

After allegedly killing his wife, Ramavatar attempted suicide by attacking his own neck.

Police have registered a case against the accused and his family members, and an investigation is underway.

A man allegedly killed his wife by slitting her throat following a domestic dispute and later attempted suicide in Rajasthan's Jaipur, police said.

The incident occurred late Friday night in Swami Ka Bas village under the Chaksu police station area, they said.

Station House Officer Manoharlal said the accused, Ramavatar, quarrelled with his wife, Sunita, following which he allegedly attacked her with a knife.

"The accused allegedly slit his wife's throat during the altercation and later tried to kill himself by attacking his own neck," he said.

According to police, the incident came to light Saturday morning when family members woke up and found the couple.

Police rushed to the spot and shifted the body and the injured accused to a hospital, he added.

The officer said the woman's post-mortem has been conducted, while the accused is undergoing treatment and his condition is stated to be stable.

A case has been registered against the accused and his family members on a complaint filed by the victim's brother, and further investigation is underway, police said.
'Nearly 80 of 85 JD-U MLAs are not in favour of a CM from the BJP. They are strongly rooting for Nishant to replace Nitish Kumar.'

IMAGE: Janata Dal-United leader Nishant Kumar during his visit to the JD-U office in Patna, March 11, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Political uncertainty grows as Nitish Kumar prepares to step down, triggering intense speculation over Bihar's next chief minister.

BJP leaders remain confident of securing the CM post, citing numerical strength.

Nishant Kumar's rising role within the JD-U is seen as a strategy to retain party unity and prevent potential splits.

After Bihar's longest-serving chief minister Nitish Kumar resigned as a member of the legislative council and is likely to step down as CM by mid-April, the big question is, who will replace him as the next CM?

Amid political buzz that a Bharatiya Janata Party leader will replace Nitish as the next CM and even as the names of a few BJP leaders are being floated as frontrunners, all eyes are on Nitish Kumar's 85 MLAs -- only three less than the BJP's 88.

Upbeat BJP leaders have been claiming repeatedly in private that a deal has been done to replace Nitish with a BJP leader as the next CM.

However, according to sources in the Janata Dal-United, most party MLAs want Nitish Kumar's son Nishant Kumar as the next CM.

80 out of 85 JD-MLAs favour Nishant Kumar

"Nearly 80 of 85 JD-U MLAs are not in favour of a CM from the BJP. They are strongly rooting for Nishant to replace Nitish Kumar. The dominant view is that the CM should be from the JD-U, and not from the BJP, as during the last 20 years," JD-U sources said.

This clamour from within the JD-U indicates that a transfer of power to the BJP won't be an easy task.

Nishant Kumar, who officially joined the JD-U last month, has been active in the party since then.

"Going by Nishant's growing clout in the JD-U, he will be the power centre in the party and Nitish's political heir to take his legacy forward," a JD-U leader said.

"It will help the party minimise the threat of a split after Nitish's exit from the CM's post and will ensure its social support base is intact. Nishant will be given a powerful position in the party in April itself," the JD-U leader added.

Bihar CM Race Intensifies

BJP leaders believe the party is close to fulfilling its decades-old dream to have its own chief minister in Bihar for the first time.

Bihar is the only state in the Hindi heartland where the BJP does not have its own chief minister.

Prominent among the BJP frontrunners for the chief ministership are the two deputy chief ministers, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Bihar assembly Speaker Prem Kumar, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai and a few low-profile party MLAs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will finally decide the CM's name, as has been the norm in other BJP-ruled states.

IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurates the newly constructed administrative and arts faculty buildings at Patna University, March 30, 2026. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary is also present. Photograph: CMO Bihar/ANI Photo

Why Samrat Choudhary is important for BJP

A former state BJP president considered a favourite of Amit Shah, Samrat Choudhary is a Kushwaha or Koeri, an agrarian OBC that is the second largest social group after Yadavs in the caste-ridden politics of Bihar.

During last year's Bihar assembly polls, Amit Shah announced that Samrat Choudhary will be made a 'big man' (bada aadmi) by Modi.

After the National Democratic Alliance led by Nitish Kumar returned to power with a thumping majority and the BJP emerged as the single largest party, Samrat Choudhary bagged the important home department.

This was the first time in 20 years that Nitish Kumar has given up the home department that is responsible for law and order as well as control of the police.

Samrat's weak link is that before joining the BJP eight years ago, he was in the Rashtriya Janata Dal and JD-U and is thus an outsider in the BJP.

Samrat does not have an RSS background; rather, he is the son of a veteran Socialist leader.

IMAGE: A hoarding greets Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son Nishant Kumar on joining the JD-U in Patna, March 11, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

Other BJP leaders whose names are being discussed as the next CM are Nityanand Rai, who belongs to the same caste as RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Rai is seen as a leader with the potential to make a dent in Lalu's traditional social support base. Besides, he enjoys the confidence of the BJP's top leadership.

Another name is Prem Kumar, a former minister, who has won the Gaya assembly seat since 1990 without a break, and was elected unopposed as speaker of the Bihar assembly in November.

Prem belongs to the Chandravanshi caste of extreme backward castes. For the BJP, EBCs matter more than OBCs because they are a big vote bank.

A senior BJP leader told this correspondent that no one can say with confidence who will become the next CM of the state.

"No doubt there are several capable leaders in the BJP but the party's top leadership will decide the question. They will pick anyone up and place him or her on the CM's chair."

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
The Maharashtra Congress is demanding an investigation into alleged data leaks in the Ashok Kharat rape case, raising concerns about potential misuse of power by the state government and the integrity of investigative agencies.

Key Points Maharashtra Congress alleges sensitive information is being leaked in the Ashok Kharat rape case.

Congress questions if the Mahayuti government is misusing state machinery to settle personal scores.

Call Detail Records (CDR) of Ashok Kharat are allegedly being leaked, raising concerns about investigative integrity.

Activist Anjali Damania claims Deputy CM Eknath Shinde exchanged calls with the accused godman.

Congress demands accountability for the leaks and their impact on the lives of those involved.

The Maharashtra Congress on Saturday said sensitive information related to arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat was being leaked and asked if the Mahayuti government was using state machinery to settle personal scores.

Kharat was arrested on March 18 for allegedly raping a woman for three years, with a subsequent probe uncovering a host of crimes, including sexual assault and financial irregularities. A total of eight FIRs have been registered against him so far.

In a statement, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant claimed that names of several leaders from the ruling Mahayuti had surfaced in the case.

Recent developments involving Call Detail Records (CDR) appeared to substantiate earlier claims, he added.

He asked how such crucial and confidential evidence, which is part of an ongoing probe, was entering the public domain.

"Is this a case of negligence by investigative agencies, or are they being misused to selectively leak information for settling scores?" he asked.

Calling the issue "extremely serious," he said the alleged involvement or failure of agencies in preventing such leaks was "unfortunate" and undermined public trust.

He also referred to earlier instances in the case where videos involving women had gone viral, claiming they were linked to the investigation and had caused significant distress to those involved.

Demanding accountability, Sawant said the lives and families of several people had been adversely affected and described the situation as "deeply unfortunate" for the state.

Sawant questioned whether the leaks were a result of "sheer negligence" by investigative agencies or a "deliberate strategy" by the ruling parties.

"Is the Mahayuti using state machinery to settle personal scores through selective leaks? This is a very serious trend. The role of the investigative agencies in this mess is deeply concerning and unfortunate for Maharashtra," he asserted.

"Earlier, videos of women, which were part of the probe, went viral, destroying lives and families. Who will take responsibility for this?" Sawant asked.

Allegations Against Deputy Chief Minister

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 on phone, she told a Marathi news channel.

Damania claimed that she received Kharat's CDR (Call Detail Records) on WhatsApp from an unknown number.
Kolkata Metro's North-South line experienced a temporary disruption after a woman's suicide attempt at Kalighat station, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and safety measures on public transport.

Key Points A 40-year-old woman attempted suicide at Kalighat station, disrupting Kolkata Metro services.

Metro services on the North-South corridor were truncated for approximately 20 minutes.

The woman was rescued after the train was stopped and was immediately hospitalised.

Normal metro services resumed after a brief disruption.

Services along the North-South corridor of the Kolkata Metro were disrupted for 20 minutes on Saturday after a 40-year-old woman made a suicide attempt at Kalighat station, a Metro spokesperson said.

The incident took place at 1.06 pm and the woman, who had jumped on the tracks, was rescued after the motorman stopped the train on time. She was rushed to a hospital.

Truncated services were run from Maidan to Dakshineswar, and Mahanayak Uttam Kumar to Sahid Khudiram station for 20 minutes. Normal services resumed along the entire stretch at 1.29 pm.
In a crackdown on illegal liquor trade, Kaij police in Beed, Maharashtra, seized liquor worth over 1.5 lakh being transported without proper permits, leading to the arrest of one individual.

IMAGE: Photograph: Flavio Lo Scalzo/Reuters

Key Points Kaij police seized illegal liquor worth over 1.5 lakh in Beed district, Maharashtra.

The liquor was confiscated from a car intercepted on Kaij-Kallam road.

The seized liquor included country liquor worth 88,000 and foreign liquor valued at 71,860.

The accused, Shrikrishna Rakh, was transporting the liquor illegally without a valid permit.

Shrikrishna Rakh has been taken into custody by the police.

Kaij police in the district has seized liquor worth more than Rs 1.5 lakh, officials said on Saturday.

Acting on a tip-off, a car was intercepted at Malegaon on Kaij-Kallam road on Friday night.

Upon search, police recovered country liquor worth Rs 88,000 and foreign liquor valued at Rs 71,860.

Arrest and Investigation

Shrikrishna Rakh (32), the accused, was allegedly transporting the liquor illegally from Kalamb to Kaij without a valid permit. He was taken into custody, police said.
Two madrassa teachers in Saharanpur, India, face arrest after a disturbing video surfaced online, allegedly showing them beating a 10-year-old student and igniting widespread condemnation.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Two madrassa teachers in Saharanpur were arrested for allegedly beating a 10-year-old student.

A video showing the child being beaten and begging for mercy sparked public outrage.

Police have registered a case and initiated legal action against the accused teachers, identified as Junaid and Shoaib.

The incident occurred at Darul Uloom Zakaria madrassa, and police are investigating the exact date.

Authorities are also searching for the individual who recorded the video of the alleged child abuse.

Two madrassa teachers were arrested here on Saturday for allegedly beating up a 10-year-old student with a stick, police said. A purported video of the incident showing the child begging for mercy as he is hit repeatedly has triggered public outrage.

The incident, alleged to have happened at Darul Uloom Zakaria madrassa, came to light on Friday after the video surfaced online. Police said the child fled the madrassa after the incident, while authorities are trying to find out the exact date of the incident.

The video shows a teacher raining blows on the child after he was told to lie flat on the floor, while another teacher is seen holding him down.

Amid the boy's cries for mercy, the second teacher at one point holds the boy's legs up, with the teacher holding the stick hitting the 10-year-old repeatedly on the soles of his feet.

The clip which is circulating widely on the internet has sparked outrage.

Arrests and Legal Action

Circle Officer (Gangoh) Ashok Sisodhiya told PTI that the police have registered a case and arrested both the teachers. The accused have been identified as Junaid (28) and Shoaib (30), and appropriate legal action has been initiated.

A case was registered following a written complaint by Qari Sajid Hasan, a resident of Khanpur Gurjar village, who said that the madrassa is attended by the children from surrounding villages.

Police are also looking for the person who recorded the video. Sisodhiya said strict action will be taken against the culprits.
Producers on Jonathan Majors new movie have played down the severity of his fall through a window on set.

Producers play down severity of Jonathan Majors accident on movie set

After a video published by Deadline appeared to show Majors and co-star JC Kilcoyne accidentally tumbling out of a window while filming a scene, producers Bonfire Legend insisted it was a minor incident.

Dallas Sonnier of Bonfire Legend told The Hollywood Reporter: The actors fall was shorter than the failed movie careers of the now-union reps.

Sources alleged to Deadline that Kilcoyne required stitches all over his hands after the fall, which was reportedly around six feet to the ground.

One crew member told Deadline: When I got there, nobody mentioned anything about people falling out the windowIt seemed weird to me.

Sources told the publication that the accident occurred after the window was replaced with an unsecured sheet of tempered glass to be shattered in a later stunt, which was not expected to involve any actors.

Meanwhile, the unnamed movie is set to be Majors comeback film, his first in four years.

The Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania star was dropped from several projects after being found guilty of assaulting his former girlfriend Grace Jabbari in 2023.

The title, plot and other casting details are being kept under wraps for the time being  but the story is said to be in the vein of '80s and '90s action movies such as Red Dawn and Toy Soldiers, both about groups of teenage boys who had to come together to defeat invading enemies.

Kyle Rankin is directing the movie from his own screenplay, with Ben Shapiro and Dallas Sonnier producing for The Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend respectively.

Majors has been trying to rebuild his career since his assault conviction and is also set to star in supernatural revenge thriller Merciless from director Martin Villeneuve  which was first announced in 2024.

The 36-year-old actor portrayed villain Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) before being dropped after his conviction but suggested last year that he would be keen to reprise the role if the chance arose.

In an interview with USA Today, Majors said: "Yeah, of course I say yes. Disney, Marvel Studios, I love them!"

He then gushed about his Loki co-stars Tom Hiddleston and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, as well as Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania's Paul Rudd, describing how he "loved working" with all three actors.

Majors added: "Tom Hiddleston, loved working with that guy. Loved working with Paul Rudd. Loved working with Gugu Mbatha-Raw. I love the industry so much, and now Im in the place where I can feel the love from them and actually express my love for them."

The Lovecraft Country star also felt that it was unfair that he had been shunned by Hollywood, when Robert Downey Jr  who was previously arrested for possessing drugs  and The Flash star Ezra Miller  who was charged with disorderly conduct and harassment in 2022  were given second chances in the industry.

Majors said: "I think its fair that Mr. Downey is being and has been greeted with patience and curiosity and love, and that Mr. Miller has gotten the same treatment.

"And that theyre being allowed to work their art and be creative at that level  I didnt really get that."
2026 Tesla Model Y Performance

The American EV brands sales rebounded in the first quarter, but a new problem is making its presence felt.

Tesla has never had so many new cars sitting on lots.

The company experienced an uptick in sales during the first quarter, but production significantly exceeded deliveries.

Recently, Tesla discontinued the Model S and Model X to focus more on robotics and automation.

Tesla manufactured significantly more electric cars in the first quarter than it delivered, leading to a new record number of cars on lots. The American EV brand is sitting on 50,363 unsold vehicles, more than the company has ever had since going into business two decades ago.

The company manufactured 408,386 cars in the first quarter, a nearly 13% increase year-over-year. Meanwhile, deliveries accounted for 358,023 units, Tesla said in its latest quarterly report.

The Tesla Model X and Model S were discontinued on April 1.

The Elon Musk-led EV maker has traditionally been quite good at matching production numbers with deliveries, striking a delicate balance between manufacturing and demand. The last time it had such a big difference was in the first quarter of 2024, when production surpassed deliveries by 46,500 units, according to Business Insider.

Teslas sales performance is a win for the company, as the American car industry is facing a slowdown. That said, the companys figures did not live up to analysts expectations, with a recent forecast by Bloomberg forecasting 372,160 sales.

After the Trump administration scrapped the $7,500 federal tax credit for new EVs last year, several automakers have been reevaluating their electrification plans. Ford has discontinued the F-150 Lightning pickup truck, Honda has canceled three upcoming electric models, and Stellantis has scrapped all of its U.S.-bound plug-in hybrid models.

Tesla, too, is slimming down its portfolio. The Model S and Model X were discontinued on April 1, after over a decade in service, leaving just the Model 3 and Model Y to bring in the money. The Cybertruck is available, too, but its sales numbers pale compared to the companys breadwinners, with fewer than 16,000 units reaching new customers from January through March.

Overall, 28% fewer EVs have been sold in the U.S. in the first three months of 2026, according to Cox Automotive estimates, and car companies are feeling the heat. However, not all brands are slashing models left and right. Rivian is gearing up for the launch of the R2, BMW is bringing the new iX3 and i3, and Volvo is on track to start deliveries of the new EX60 later this year.

Related Stories




A man in Nagpur faces legal action for allegedly posting defamatory content on social media targeting Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, sparking a police investigation into the false claims.

Key Points A man has been booked in Nagpur for allegedly posting defamatory content against Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and his family on social media.

The accused allegedly claimed the minister and his family owned a large amount of land and used objectionable language in a video posted on Facebook.

The case was registered based on a complaint filed by the minister's social media coordinator, who alleged the content was false and defamatory.

Police have registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and are investigating the matter.

Police in Nagpur have registered a case against a man for allegedly posting "false" and "objectionable" content against Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and his family members on social media, officials said on Saturday.

The accused, Rameshwar Shivaji Darekar (39), is a resident of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, they said.

The case was registered based on a complaint lodged by Nikhil Ingle, the social media coordinator of Bawankule, an official said.

Darekar runs a Facebook page, where he uploaded a video on April 3, claiming that Bawankule and his family own around 1,147 acres of land in three villages in Kamptee tehsil of Nagpur. The video also contained objectionable language against the minister and his family, the complaint said.

Ingle approached the Koradi police and filed a complaint, stating that the content was false and defamatory. Acting on the complaint, the police registered a case against Darekar under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The matter is being investigated and further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, the police officials said.
A Budaun court sentenced a man to life in prison for the brutal 2019 murder of his nephew, resolving a long-standing case involving a financial dispute and violent crime.

Key Points A man in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his nephew in a case dating back to 2019.

The victim, Farooq, was killed with construction tools following a dispute over money with his uncle, Shahid.

Evidence presented in court included witness testimonies and blood-stained tools, leading to Shahid's conviction.

Shahid was found guilty under Sections 302 (murder) and 452 (house trespass) of the Indian Penal Code.

A court here on Saturday sentenced a man to life in prison for the murder of his nephew in a seven-year-old case, officials said. Additional District and Sessions Judge (Court Number 1) Rinku Kumari pronounced the verdict, holding the accused Shahid guilty of murder.

Details of the Crime

According to Special Public Prosecutor Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, the incident dates back to February 5, 2019, in the Bisauli area. The complainant, Mohammad Miyan, had received information that his nephew Farooq, was killed while he was asleep at his house.

The victim was brutally attacked with sharp construction tools, including a chisel-like implement and an iron tool, causing fatal head injuries, the prosecution said.

Investigation and Evidence

During investigation, police identified the accused Shahid, who is Farooq's uncle. Evidence and witness statements revealed that a dispute over money had taken place between the two on the night of the incident.

Shahid had also allegedly stolen the victim's mobile phone and later killed him out of fear of being caught.

The court relied on witness testimonies and material evidence, including blood-stained tools, to convict the accused under Sections 302 (murder) and 452 (house trespass) of the Indian Penal Code.
A 39-year-old man in Kerala was killed in a gang attack, prompting a police investigation into a possible revenge motive and raising concerns about rising crime rates in the region.

Key Points A 39-year-old man named Sharath was killed in Kadakkal, Kerala, after being attacked by a gang.

The attack occurred in the evening when Sharath was stopped by a group arriving in an autorickshaw.

Police have launched an investigation and taken two people into custody in connection with the murder.

Preliminary investigations suggest the attack may have been retaliation for a recent brawl at a bar.

The victim, Sharath, died from his injuries after being transferred to a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

A 39-year-old man was killed after being attacked by a gang at Kadakkal on Saturday, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Sharath, a native of Vayala.

Officials at the Kadakkal police station said the incident occurred in the evening when Sharath was stopped by a group that arrived in an autorickshaw.

Following the attack, Sharath sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

He was later shifted to a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police Investigation Underway

Police have launched a probe and taken two people into custody. Preliminary investigations suggest the attack may have been retaliation for a recent brawl at a bar.

The body will be handed over to relatives after the postmortem, police said.
A 21-year-old man was injured in a Delhi shooting outside a Preet Vihar club after an argument, prompting a police investigation to apprehend the suspects.

Photograph: Courtesy @mybmc/Twitter

Key Points A 21-year-old man was shot in the leg outside a club in Preet Vihar, Delhi, after an argument.

The shooting occurred after an altercation inside the club escalated and moved outside.

The victim, Sameer, is in stable condition at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital.

Police are investigating the shooting and searching for the unidentified shooter and their associates.

The incident highlights concerns about violence and security around nightlife venues in Delhi.

A 21-year-old man sustained a gunshot injury outside a club in east Delhi's Preet Vihar in the early hours of Saturday following an altercation, an official said.

The incident was reported around 4.30 am when Preet Vihar police station received a PCR call regarding the admission of a man with gunshot wounds at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital.

According to the police, the injured, Sameer, is a resident of Noor-e-Ilahi in northeast Delhi, and his condition was stated to be stable.

Preliminary inquiry revealed that Sameer had gone to a club in Preet Vihar along with his friends. Later, two of their acquaintances joined them at the venue.

During their time inside the club, an argument broke out between one of Sameer's friends and another man who was present there along with his associates, an officer said.

"The verbal altercation soon escalated into a quarrel. The parties then moved towards the service road outside the club premises," the officer said.

Police said that while the situation was unfolding outside, an unidentified person, who was already present there with his associates, allegedly opened fire.

"One gunshot was fired, which struck Sameer on his right leg below the knee. The accused fled the spot immediately after the incident," he added.

Sameer was rushed to a hospital by his friends. He is currently stated to be out of danger and stable.

During questioning, the injured told police that he did not know the identity of the person who fired the shot.

A crime team was dispatched to the scene, police said, adding that an inspection of the spot was carried out.

Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the suspects, police said, adding that further investigation in the case is in progress.
The Bombay High Court has clarified that marital discord alone is not sufficient to prove abetment of suicide, requiring evidence of direct instigation or intent to hold a spouse liable.

Key Points The Bombay High Court ruled that marital discord alone does not constitute abetment of suicide by a spouse.

The court emphasised that direct instigation or incitement is necessary to prove abetment in suicide cases.

The ruling highlights the importance of 'mens rea' (intention) in establishing abetment of suicide.

Words uttered in anger during marital disputes are insufficient to prove abetment, according to the High Court.

The suicide note's content, or lack thereof, plays a crucial role in determining abetment; if the note clears everyone of blame, it is difficult to prove abetment.

The Bombay High Court has said a spouse cannot be accused of abetting the suicide of his or her partner merely because there was marital discord between the two, while quashing a case lodged against a woman for abetting the suicide of her husband.

The HC's Nagpur bench, in its order passed last week, held that matrimonial discord is common in domestic life and suicide cannot be attributed to any of the spouses merely because there was a matrimonial dispute. It added that there has to be instigation or direct incitement from the accused to the victim to end life.

"In such cases, it cannot be held that due to abetment from one partner the other committed suicide," the court said.

The bench allowed the plea filed by a 49-year-old woman, a teacher by profession, seeking to quash the abetment of suicide case filed against her in 2019 by the Amravati police.

A single bench of Justice Urmila Joshi Phalke said that in the present case both the husband and the wife had levelled allegations of ill-treatment and abuse against each other and hence at the most it can be said that the woman might have been the reason for frustration of the man.

"Such types of discord and differences are common in domestic life and until and unless some guilty intentions are there, it is ordinarily not possible to show that the woman was responsible for the death of her husband," the HC said.

Key Considerations for Abetment Charges

In its order, the court noted that to charge a person for the offence of abetment, the prosecution must prove that the accused played a role in the suicide or had encouraged the individual to take their life or conspired with others to ensure that the person committed suicide.

There has to be instigation or direct incitement from the accused to the victim to commit suicide, the HC said.

"In order to attract the offence of abetment, there must be mens rea (intention). Without knowledge or intention, there cannot be any abetment," the court remarked.

The bench said words uttered by any of the spouses in a fit of anger would not be sufficient to constitute the offence of abetment.

The suicide note left behind by the man nowhere reflects that he committed suicide due to the abetment by the woman, the court said, adding it in fact clearly states that no one is to be held responsible for his death.

Background of the Case

The couple got married in December 1996. The man and his parents alleged that the woman used to abuse them and also used to assault the man. She used to also threaten to commit suicide and implicate them in false cases.

The in-laws also alleged that she was in an illicit relationship with another man and used to leave the matrimonial house for several days without informing.

In November 2019, the man under pressure committed suicide after which his parents lodged a case against the woman for abetment.

The woman claimed that she too was physically assaulted and abused by her husband and his parents during the marriage.

The court noted that in the present case there was marital discord between the couple and allegations of ill-treatment.
Four militants were arrested near the India-Myanmar border in Manipur, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and criminal activities in the region.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Four militants from different insurgent groups were arrested in Manipur's Tengnoupal district near the India-Myanmar border.

The arrests included members of the People's Liberation Army, NRFM, and Kangleipak Communist Party (MFL).

The operation was part of intelligence-based combing and search efforts to curb extortion and criminal activities in Manipur.

The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen security in the Manipur border region.

Four militants were arrested near the India-Myanmar border in Manipur's Tengnoupal district, police said.

The arrests were made from Yangoubung village in the Moreh police station area.

Those arrested were identified as Keisham Sumanta Meitei (25) of the People's Liberation Army, Angom Somorjit Singh (32) of NRFM, and Yumnam Naoba Singh (26) and Khundrakpam Shyamson Meitei (25) of Kangleipak Communist Party (MFL).

Security Operations in Manipur

Intelligence-based combing, cordon and search operations are being carried out extensively to nab those involved in extortion and criminal activities in the state, police said.
Maharashtra's Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is fighting back against accusations of illegal land ownership, promising a defamation suit and vowing to expose corruption in housing schemes.

Key Points Chandrashekhar Bawankule denies owning 1,147 acres of land as alleged in a social media video, stating he only owns 28 acres.

Bawankule plans to file a Rs 10 crore defamation suit against those spreading false information about his land ownership.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate alleged housing irregularities in Nashik, with a report due in 15 days.

Bawankule clarified his remarks on farm loan waivers, stating they are intended for poor farmers, not financially well-off individuals.

The Maharashtra government will provide assistance to the families of the nine people killed in the Dindori accident.

Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday refuted allegations that he and his family owned hundreds of acres of land and asserted these were deliberate attempts to malign his image.

The state revenue minister said he would file a defamation suit of Rs 10 crore against those behind such insinuations.

His comments come in the backdrop of a person being booked in Nagpur for allegedly uploading a video on social media that contained such claims.

Rameshwar Shivaji Darekar (39), a resident of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, who runs a Facebook page, uploaded a video on April 3 claiming Bawankule and his family own around 1,147 acres of land in three villages in Kamptee tehsil of Nagpur.

Darekar was booked on the complaint lodged by Nikhil Ingle, the social media coordinator of Bawankule, a police official said.

Ingle approached Koradi police and filed a complaint, stating that the content was false and defamatory. Acting on the complaint, the police registered a case against Darekar under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The video also contained objectionable language against the minister and his family, the complaint said.

"I am being falsely accused of owning 80 acres of land, whereas I actually own only 28 acres. There is a deliberate attempt to defame me and a case has already been registered. I will file a defamation suit of Rs 10 crore against those concerned," Bawankule told reporters in Nashik.

Investigation into Housing Irregularities

Answering media queries about alleged grabbing of houses reserved for economically weaker sections in a scheme in Nashik, Bawankule said it was a serious matter and those involved would not be spared, regardless of their influence.

He said a Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising one IPS officer and two IAS officers, has been constituted to probe the matter and would submit its report within 15 days. He urged people to submit any evidence related to revenue irregularities to the SIT.

The minister alleged that 20 per cent of houses meant for the poor had been usurped and pointed to a nexus involving rapid land subdivision, record entries and approval of layouts within a single day.

Strict action will be taken against officials, including those from the revenue and land records departments, if they are found to be involved, he added.

"Efforts would also be made to recover such properties from builders and restore them to eligible beneficiaries," Bawankule said.

Clarification on Farm Loan Waivers

Referring to certain videos circulating on social media, Bawankule said his remarks on farm loan waivers were being misrepresented to malign his image. Misleading content was being created to damage his reputation, the minister added.

He clarified his comments were aimed at ensuring financially well-off individuals do not seek loan waivers meant for poor farmers.

Dindori Accident and Government Initiatives

He also expressed grief over the Dindori incident. Nine members of a family, including six children, were killed after their car fell into an open well in Shivaji Nagar area of Nashik's Dindori town.

The accident occurred around 10 pm on Friday when the victims were returning home after attending a function at a banquet hall in the area.

Bawankule said the state government would provide assistance to the kin of the deceased and the well would be permanently closed.

He also said various outreach initiatives were being conducted to deliver government schemes to beneficiaries and that efforts were underway to ensure their implementation across the state within the next three months.
Three juveniles have been arrested in Delhi for the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old man following a petty dispute over a 4 debt, raising concerns about youth violence and social media influence.

Photograph: Niek Verlaan/Pixabay

Key Points Three juveniles were arrested for allegedly stabbing a 26-year-old man to death in Dayalpur, Delhi.

The stabbing occurred after a dispute over a debt of Rs 400 (approximately 4).

The accused juveniles filmed the attack and uploaded the video online, prompting investigation into social media's role.

Police recovered three knives used in the stabbing from the juveniles.

The accused appeared to be influenced by a recent Bollywood movie, according to police sources.

Three juveniles were apprehended for allegedly stabbing a 26-year-old man to death in northeast Delhi's Dayalpur area following a dispute over Rs 400, an official said on Friday.

The deceased, identified as Kaif, a resident of New Mustafabad, was attacked on Friday evening by persons known to him.

He was rushed to JPC Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Police said that a case was registered. Subsequently, crime and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence.

Investigation and Arrests

"Teams worked on various leads, and based on the information gathered, three juveniles aged about 16 years were apprehended," the officer said.

During interrogation, the minors, all aged around 16 years, revealed that Kaif had borrowed Rs 400 from them, which had led to an ongoing altercation.

"The argument escalated on the day of the incident, culminating in the fatal stabbing," the officer said.

At their instance, three knives used in the commission of the offence were recovered, police said.

Social Media and Bollywood Influence

The source also said that they are probing the role of social media in the case after police found that the accused had filmed the attack and uploaded the video online.

He also said the accused appeared to be influenced by a recent Bollywood movie. Further investigation is underway.
Uttarakhand Police have apprehended two more suspects after a shootout, bringing the total arrests to nine in the ongoing investigation into the murder of a retired Brigadier.

Key Points Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a retired Brigadier in Uttarakhand, following a police encounter.

A total of nine individuals have been arrested in the case so far, with one suspect still at large.

The incident involved a shootout between two groups, resulting in the death of the retired Brigadier.

During the arrest, one suspect opened fire on the police, leading to retaliatory fire and injuries.

Uttarakhand Police have arrested two more men involved in the murder of a retired Brigadier following an encounter on early Saturday morning, officials said.

Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramendra Singh Dobal said that a total of nine individuals have been arrested in the case so far.

According to the police, the incident occurred on Monday at Mussoorie Road, when Mukesh Joshi, 74, a resident of Tula Apartments in Johri village, had gone out for a morning walk. During which a shootout erupted between two groups travelling in two separate SUVs.

Following the shootout, the former army officer sustained a gunshot wound and subsequently died.

Police Operation and Arrests

Dobal said the police received input on Friday night that the two accused, Shantanu Tyagi and Kavish Hussain Tyagi, were returning to their home in the Rajpur area to retrieve some belongings.

During the operation, police personnel spotted two men near Guniyal village who, upon seeing the police vehicle, attempted to flee. Acting on suspicion, the police gave chase and apprehended one of them, he said.

Dobal added that when the police team attempted to capture the second individual, he opened fire on them, discharging two rounds. In the ensuing retaliatory fire by the police, he sustained a gunshot wound to his leg and was injured.

Subsequently, the police arrested both of the accused and recovered a pistol, three live cartridges, and two spent casings from them.

The SSP said that Kavish Hussain has been admitted to a hospital.

Before this, the police had already arrested seven accused individuals in connection with the incident.

Dobal said that one more accused remains at large in this case and will be arrested shortly.
The Election Commission has mandated pre-certification for all political advertisements in Kerala's print media before the assembly elections to ensure fair and accurate information reaches voters.

IMAGE: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Vivek Joshi and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. Photograph: @ECISVEEP/X

Key Points The Election Commission mandates pre-certification for all print advertisements by political parties in Kerala before the Assembly elections.

This directive aims to prevent misleading or inflammatory advertisements from influencing voters during the critical final stages of the election.

The Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at the state or district level will handle the pre-certification process.

Political parties and candidates must submit their proposed advertisements to the MCMC at least two days before publication.

The Election Commission's authority to issue these directives is derived from Article 324 of the Constitution.

The Election Commission has directed all political parties and candidates contesting in the Kerala Assembly polls on April 9, not to publish any advertisements in print media, on polling day and its eve, without getting the contents pre-certified by the MCMC committee.

The directive, issued by Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar late Friday night, stated that offending, misleading, or inflammatory advertisements published in print media during the final stages of an election can vitiate the entire electoral process.

"At such a critical juncture, affected parties and candidates often lack the opportunity to provide necessary rebuttals," it said.

New Regulations for Print Advertisements

Therefore, exercising the powers under Article 324 of the Constitution, the EC directed that no political party, candidate, organisation, or person shall publish any advertisement in print media on April 8 and 9 unless the contents are got pre-certified from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at the state or district level as the case may be, the order issued by the CEO said.

Article 324 vests the power of superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the EC.

It further said that the applicants must submit their proposed advertisements to the state or district MCMC not later than two days prior to the date of publication of the advertisement.
A notorious criminal known as 'Ganja' Salim, wanted in connection with numerous murder and burglary cases, has been apprehended by Delhi Police after a dramatic shootout, marking a significant victory in the fight against crime in the capital.

Photograph: PTI Photo

Key Points Notorious criminal Mohammad Salim, known as 'Ganja', was arrested in Delhi after a shootout with police.

Salim, who has nearly 75 cases against him, including murder and theft, opened fire on the Special Task Force (STF).

The STF retaliated, overpowering and apprehending Salim.

The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by Delhi Police to combat crime and apprehend dangerous criminals.

Police said a notorious criminal with several murder and burglary cases against him was arrested after a brief shootout here with cops, official sources said on Saturday.

Mohammad Salim alias "Ganja" opened fire at a team of Special Task Force (STF), prompting retaliatory action, they said.

He was overpowered and apprehended. Salim has nearly 75 cases, including for murder, attempt to murder and theft, against him. Further investigation is underway, police added.
Pakistan's Foreign Office strongly denies reports that its efforts to mediate peace talks between the US and Iran have stalled, dismissing the claims as unfounded speculation amid heightened regional tensions.

IMAGE: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photograph: @CMShehbaz/X

Key Points Pakistan denies media reports that its initiative to facilitate talks between the US and Iran has stalled.

The Foreign Office spokesperson called the reports 'baseless' and a 'figment of imagination'.

Pakistan urges media to avoid speculation and rely on official statements for accurate information on regional diplomacy.

Unnamed officials claimed Iran has not responded positively to calls for negotiations despite urging from Pakistan and China.

Pakistan maintains contact with Iranian leaders despite the lack of a clear signal from Tehran regarding peace talks.

Pakistan on Saturday rejected media reports that its initiative to facilitate talks between the US and Iran to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia had hit obstacles after the initial exchange of peace proposals.

Speculation emerged after a senior Foreign Ministry official briefed a select group of journalists on Pakistan's efforts to find a negotiated settlement of the ongoing conflict.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi rejected the media reports as "baseless" and a "figment of imagination."

"We have noted several reports in the media, including on social media, citing so-called official government sources regarding the ongoing conflict in the region and Pakistan's efforts to promote peace and dialogue," he said in a statement.

Iran Ready For Talks

Similarly, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi dismissed Western media reports suggesting a stalemate in Pakistan-facilitated talks between Iran and the US, labelling it as "misrepresented."

"We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad," he said in a social media post.

"What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us," Araghchi added.

Pakistan Calls Media Reports 'Baseless'

Pakistan took action following the onset of the war, driven in part by its obligation to defend Saudi Arabia against potential attacks from Iran. While Pakistan has struggled to broker a ceasefire, it has managed to distance itself from direct involvement in the conflict.

"We categorically reject these false insinuations attributed to purported official sources as baseless and a figment of imagination. Any attribution to official sources in this regard is incorrect," Andrabi said, commenting on media reports.

He said that it was a matter of concern that the briefing held on Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been "misrepresented".

He said that at a time of heightened regional sensitivity, diplomacy requires both discretion and responsibility.

"We therefore urge all media platforms to exercise due diligence, avoid speculation and rely exclusively on officially issued statements and media readouts for accurate and timely information," he said.

Challenges in Achieving a Breakthrough

Quoting an unnamed official, the Dawn newspaper had reported that some ground had been covered, with messages relayed between Washington and Tehran, but the absence of a clear Iranian signal has slowed momentum at this critical stage.

"It is surprising that despite the obliteration of significant naval, air force, and other military and civilian infrastructure, Iran has not responded positively to calls for negotiations," the official, who is familiar with the discussions, was quoted as saying.

He said both Pakistan and China had urged Iran to engage, but "Tehran has so far not conveyed its readiness to take part in the dialogue."

He added that Pakistani leaders, despite Tehran not giving a reply, have remained in contact with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araghchi.

Pakistan's Role Amid Regional Conflict

Earlier Pakistan sprang to action after the war started, partially out of necessity, as it was supposed to defend Saudi Arabia in case of an attack by Iran.

Though it has failed so far to arrange a ceasefire but succeeded to keep itself away from the war.

The US and Israel jointly attacked Iran on February 28, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top commanders.

The retaliation by the Islamic Republic extended the war to the entire Gulf region. The conflict has taken a major toll on energy supply chains, especially across the Strait of Hormuz.
India dismisses reports of payment problems affecting Iranian crude oil imports, affirming that its refiners can source oil from diverse global suppliers and that rerouting of tankers is standard industry practice.

IMAGE: Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Omans Musandam governance, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in United Arab Emirates. Photograph: Reuters

Key Points India denies payment hurdles for importing crude oil from Iran, ensuring continuous supply.

Indian refiners have the flexibility to source crude oil from over 40 countries, including Iran.

Reports of an oil tanker rerouting from India to China are attributed to standard trade optimisation practices.

India's crude oil requirements are fully secured for the coming months, even amidst Middle East supply disruptions.

The US recently waived sanctions on Iranian oil purchases for 30 days, impacting global oil trade.

India said on Saturday that there are no payment issues with Iran for crude imports and that refiners continue to source oil from the country, as well as from a wide range of global suppliers.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas dismissed reports that an oil tanker carrying Iranian crude had rerouted mid-voyage from its previously indicated destination of India, which would have marked the first such shipment in nearly seven years, to China, saying the claims overlooked standard industry practice where cargoes can change destination during transit based on trade optimisation and operational flexibility.

Government Says No Payment Issues With Iran

Terming as "factually incorrect" assertions that the cargo was diverted from its previously indicated destination of Vadinar in Gujarat to China due to payment hurdles, the ministry said, "there are no payment hurdles for Iranian crude imports".

"India imports crude oil from 40+ countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources and geographies based on commercial considerations," it said.

"Amid Middle East supply disruptions, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran, and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports, contrary to the rumours being circulated."

Ship-tracking firm Kpler on Friday stated that 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.

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.

Clarification on Vessel Rerouting

The ministry clarified that changes in vessel destinations during transit are common in global oil trade, as bills of lading often indicate tentative discharge ports and cargoes may be rerouted mid-voyage for operational and commercial reasons.

"Claims on vessel diversion ignore how the oil trade works. Bills of Lading often carry indicative discharge ports, destinations and on-sea cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage based on trade optimisation and operational flexibility," the ministry said.

"It is reiterated that India's crude oil requirements remain fully secured for the coming months."

The ministry also said that an LPG vessel, Sea Bird, carrying about 44,000 tonnes of Iranian LPG, berthed at Mangalore on April 2 and is currently discharging cargo.

Historical Context of India-Iran Oil Trade

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 in 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 5,18,000 barrels per day of Iranian oil in 2018, which slowed to 2,68,000 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.

Impact of US Sanctions Waiver

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 are on vessels at sea, of which around 51 million barrels could be sold to India, and the remaining are better suited for buyers in China and Southeast Asia.

Ping Shun is estimated to be carrying about 6,00,000 barrels of oil that was loaded from Kharg Island around March 4. Its declared ETA to Vadinar was April 4, according to Kpler.
A projectile strike near Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant has sparked international concern over nuclear safety and potential regional fallout, prompting calls for restraint and highlighting the vulnerability of nuclear facilities in conflict zones.

IMAGE: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed the Bushehr facility had been bombed four times since the war erupted on February 28. Photograph: @araghchi/X

Key Points A projectile struck near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran, resulting in one security personnel casualty and damage to an auxiliary building.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claims the Bushehr facility has been 'bombed' four times, criticising Western 'double standards' compared to reactions to similar incidents near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant.

The IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern and reiterated a call for maximum military restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident.

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) confirmed the incident, stating that the main sections of the power plant were unaffected.

A projectile struck near the perimeter of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on Saturday morning, leading to the casualty of one security personnel.

According to Tasnim news agency, the incident did not damage the main parts of the plant, but it did damage an auxiliary building. The production is reported to be unaffected, as claimed by the news agency.

Bushehr is located in southern Iran on the Persian Gulf and is the country's first commercial nuclear power station.

Iranian Official Claims Repeated Attacks

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed the Bushehr facility had been bombed four times since the war erupted on February 28, criticising what he described as a lack of concern for its safety.

In a post on X, Araghchi warned that any radioactive fallout from such strikes could have severe regional consequences, particularly for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while asserting that the attacks reflect broader strategic intentions.

Araghchi slammed what he termed as Western 'double standards' drawing comparisons in the difference in reactions by the West to hostilities near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant amid the Ukraine-Russia war.

"Remember the Western outrage about hostilities near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine? Israel-U.S. have bombed our Bushehr plant four times now. Radioactive fallout will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran. Attacks on our petrochemicals also convey real objectives," he stated.

IAEA Expresses Concern

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern about the reported incident and says (nuclear) sites or nearby areas must never be attacked, noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment, the statement read.

Grossi also reiterated a call for maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident, the IAEA added.

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) confirmed the incident in a post on X.

An auxiliary building on the site was damaged, but the main sections of the power plant were not affected by the strike, the government agency said, adding that the person killed was a member of security personnel.
Following the Chandigarh BJP office blast, Punjab Police have successfully dismantled a Pakistan ISI-backed terror module, arresting five individuals and uncovering a network of foreign-based handlers.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points Five individuals linked to a Pakistan ISI-backed module have been arrested in connection with the Chandigarh BJP office blast.

The module operated under the direction of foreign-based handlers in Portugal and Germany.

Police recovered a hand grenade, a pistol, and ammunition from the arrested individuals.

Investigations are ongoing to identify all individuals involved and establish forward and backward linkages.

The banned Babbar Khalsa International claimed responsibility for the Chandigarh BJP office blast in an unverified social media post.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced on Saturday that five individuals, part of a module backed by Pakistan's ISI, have been arrested in connection with the blast incident outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh.

The Counter-Intelligence wing of Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Chandigarh Police, solved the Chandigarh grenade attack case, DGP Yadav said.

Police recovered one hand grenade and one .30 bore Zigana pistol along with ammunition from their possession, the officer mentioned further.

Those arrested have been identified as Balwinder Lal alias Shami of village Majari in SBS Nagar, Jasvir Singh alias Jassi of village Bharapur in SBS Nagar, Charanjit Singh alias Channi of village Sujawalpur in SBS Nagar, Rubal Chauhan of village Thana in Shimla and Mandeep alias Abhijot Sharma of Dhuri in Sangrur.

Investigation Details and ISI Connection

According to DGP Yadav, preliminary investigations revealed that the module was backed by Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence and operated under the directions of foreign-based handlers located in Portugal and Germany. The accused were part of a structured network involving multiple operatives to execute the attack.

Furthermore, the DGP stated that two key perpetrators involved in the attack have also been identified, and ongoing investigations aim to establish both forward and backward linkages in this case.

Sharing further details, Assistant Inspector General, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar, Deepak Pareek said the investigation further revealed that the accused had transported a consignment containing hand grenades, arms and live cartridges. This consignment was circulated through multiple operatives before reaching the final perpetrators.

The AIG stated that, acting on the instructions of a handler based in Portugal, the accused coordinated the delivery and execution of the attack. Police teams are currently conducting raids to apprehend the absconding individuals involved in the incident.

An FIR has been registered under relevant Sections of the Arms Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC SAS Nagar.

The Blast and Aftermath

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.

The Punjab BJP headquarters is located in Sector 37 in Chandigarh.

An unverified video that surfaced on social media on Wednesday evening shows a man pulling the pin from a blue-coloured grenade and throwing it, while another person records the act. The duo is seen fleeing just moments before the blast.

Their faces were not visible in the 10-second video, and the authenticity of the footage has yet to be verified. CCTV camera recordings also captured suspects running across the road immediately 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.
The Punjab BJP is demanding a CBI probe into the suicide of a warehousing official, alleging harassment by a state minister and criticising the AAP government's handling of the case, sparking protests in Amritsar.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Punjab BJP leaders protested in Amritsar, demanding a CBI investigation into the suicide of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, a Punjab State Warehousing Corporation official.

The protest was triggered by allegations that Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar harassed Randhawa, leading to his suicide.

BJP leaders criticised the AAP government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing them of protecting Bhullar and failing to inspire public confidence in the justice system.

The BJP is demanding a CBI probe, claiming the family of the deceased does not trust the Punjab Police investigation.

The BJP has alleged that Bhullar is receiving VIP treatment in jail and criticised the AAP government for not arresting his father and assistant.

The Punjab BJP on Saturday staged a protest in Amritsar against the AAP government over the recent suicide of a warehousing corporation official, demanding justice for his family.

The entire state leadership, including Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, national general secretary Tarun Chugh, Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma, participated in the 'dharna' at the Hall Gate in Amritsar.

Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the district manager of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar, allegedly ended his life by consuming poison on March 21

A video later surfaced in which he allegedly claimed harassment by Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, who resigned from the Cabinet later that day on the direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann amid the row.

Bhullar, the AAP MLA from Patti, was arrested two days after Randhawa ended his life.

The Amritsar police has booked Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar and personal assistant Dilbag Singh under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide), 351 (3) (criminal intimidation) and 3 (5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Protest and Demands

During the protest on Saturday, the Punjab BJP leaders shouted slogans against the AAP government and Chief Minister Mann, pressing for a CBI probe into the death.

"It is not a political fight, it is a fight for justice for the family of Randhawa," Jakhar said, while addressing the gathering at the protest site.

"We stand by the Randhawa family," he added.

Punjab BJP working president Sharma said his party decided to stage the protest to ensure justice for the Randhawas.

"The family does not trust the Punjab government and the Punjab Police investigation. This is why it has been seeking a CBI probe into the death," said Sharma.

Criticism of the AAP Government

Attacking the Mann government, Sharma said the state police had not taken any steps in the last four years to inspire public confidence in the justice system.

"Why are you (Mann) trying to save Bhullar?" Sharma asked.

He warned that the BJP would continue its agitation against the AAP government unless a CBI probe is ordered into Randhawa's death and justice is delivered to the family.

The BJP leaders also alleged that Bhullar was being given "VIP facilities" in jail and criticised the AAP government for not arresting his father and assistant so far.

Earlier, BJP leader Chugh lashed out at the AAP government over the law and order situation, calling it an "ineffective" dispensation.
Punjab Jails Minister Ravjot Singh is implementing stronger measures to combat illegal activities within the state's prisons and improve overall correctional services.

Key Points Punjab Jails Minister Ravjot Singh reviewed the state's prison system, focusing on curbing illegal activities and improving operations.

Key initiatives discussed included addressing prison overcrowding and managing high-risk prisoners more effectively.

The proposed Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill and the Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners Bill were reviewed.

Infrastructure projects, such as the high-security jail in Ludhiana and a women's open jail in Patiala, are being expedited.

The minister emphasised integrity and dedication in service, calling for improved correctional and rehabilitation efforts for inmates.

Punjab Jails Minister Ravjot Singh on Saturday reviewed the functioning of the state prisons department and called for stronger measures to curb illegal activities in prisons while chairing a meeting of jail superintendents at the District Administrative Complex here.

Senior officers, including Additional Director General of Police (Jails) Arun Pal Singh, Deputy Inspector General (Jails) Surinder Pal Singh Mand (Ferozepur and Patiala range), DIG (Jails) Sukhmander Singh Mann (Amritsar range) and DIG Headquarters Manmohan Kumar, along with all jail superintendents and officials of the prison headquarters, attended the meeting.

The interaction focused on the overall functioning of the department and key initiatives undertaken to address challenges such as overcrowding and management of high-risk prisoners, officials said. The minister was also briefed on the proposed Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill and the Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners Bill, being considered by the state government.

Addressing Prison Challenges and Infrastructure

Discussions on restructuring the department, including the need for additional posts to strengthen operations across jails in Punjab, were also held. Jail superintendents raised issues related to staff shortages and infrastructure, including the functioning of sewerage treatment plants, repair of toilets inside prisons and renovation of residential complexes.

Officials also apprised the minister of ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, including the construction of a high-security jail in Ludhiana and a proposed women's open jail in Patiala.

Singh directed that both projects be expedited to make them operational at the earliest. Addressing the officers, the minister emphasised integrity and dedication in service and called for stronger measures to curb illegal activities in prisons while improving correctional and rehabilitation efforts for inmates.
During his Kerala election campaign, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of aligning with forces attacking minorities and criticised his government's handling of economic and social issues.

Photograph: Sanjay Sharma/ANI

Key Points Rahul Gandhi alleges Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan is aligned with forces attacking minorities, including Christians and Muslims.

Gandhi accuses Vijayan of being 'afraid' of PM Modi to protect his children, referencing an alleged corruption case.

Gandhi claims the LDF is no longer a Left formation and is guided by a 'hidden hand' that is communal and divisive.

Gandhi criticises the LDF government's handling of economic issues, including farmer debt, unemployment, and the decline of key industries like coir.

Gandhi highlights local issues in Idukki, including agrarian distress, land rights, human-animal conflict, and the need for improved healthcare.

Top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday raised the alleged attacks on minorities in Manipur and Chhattisgarh during his election campaign in central Kerala districts, and claimed that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was aligned with forces behind such incidents.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha addressed multiple election rallies in Alappuzha, Kattappana in Idukki district, and Fort Kochi and Kunnathunad in Ernakulam district ahead of the April 9 Assembly election.

His remarks on attacks on minorities come amid concerns expressed by sections of the Christian community over proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), which seek stricter monitoring of foreign funds.

In Alappuzha, former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, contesting as a UDF-backed candidate, was also present on the stage.

Gandhi alleged that minorities were facing widespread attacks in different parts of the country.

"Two nuns from here were attacked in Chhattisgarh. In Manipur, churches were burnt. The chief minister has a partnership with the people who are doing this. The very people who are attacking minorities-Muslims, Christians and Sikhs-have a partnership with the CM," he alleged, adding that the BJP and LDF has a nexus in the polls to defeat the UDF.

He repeated similar allegations at other campaign venues.

Attacks on Faith

In Kochi, Gandhi said the LDF was no longer a Left formation but a partner of a political force that attacks people because of their faith-whether they are Christians, Muslims, Sikhs or Jains.

"How can the chief minister stand with them? How can he not be ashamed after his Left training? He is aligned with this force," the Congress leader said, adding that Vijayan must answer to the people of Kerala.

He also directly targeted Vijayan, alleging that the CM was "afraid" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in order to protect his children. Rahul made an apparent reference to the Exalogic case allegedly involving the CM's daughter, without naming anyone.

"Which father will not try to protect his children? But the problem is you allowed things that require protection now. You did things that require protection," he said.

Gandhi said it was important to understand whose protection a Left Front leader was seeking.

"He is taking the protection of the most right-wing people in the country. That is the nature of politics in Kerala," he alleged.

"He sacrifices to protect his children and Kerala is being affected because of it," he added.

Gandhi further claimed that the chief minister's past actions had "trapped" him and that people in Kerala were suffering as a result.

At Kunnathunad, he described Vijayan as a "right-wing puppet". "He will do exactly what the right wing says," he alleged.

He reiterated that the LDF was no longer a Left formation.

"What does LDF stand for-Left Democratic Front. Now, frankly, there is nothing Left in the LDF. After election, there will be nothing left in it," he said.

Gandhi alleged that a "hidden hand" was guiding the LDF.

"That hidden hand is communal, does not accept the Constitution of India, divides people and spreads hatred. Everyone in Kerala can see the connection between BJP, RSS and CPI(M)," he claimed.

Criticism of Modi and Economic Concerns

Taking a dig at Modi, Gandhi said the Prime Minister speaks about religion and temples in his speeches elsewhere but avoids such issues in Kerala.

"But when he comes to Kerala, he forgets all that because he wants to help the LDF. The truth is he knows the LDF will never challenge him nationally," he alleged.

He also alleged that Modi was influenced by US President Donald Trump.

Gandhi criticised a trade deal with the United States, alleging it would harm small farmers, and claimed that developments in the Middle East could lead to fuel shortages, affecting India's energy security.

"India cannot buy oil from any country without the permission of the US President. Who is Donald Trump to tell us where to buy oil and gas from," he asked.

Raising local issues, Gandhi alleged that Kerala had become a "drug capital" and claimed that 75 per cent of paddy farmers were in debt.

"Coir, which was a fundamental industry in the area, has been destroyed. Around 1.3 lakh workers do not have work," he said in Alappuzha.

In Idukki, a district with a large number of farmers and plantation workers, Gandhi highlighted issues such as agrarian distress, land rights and human-animal conflict.

"If they were truly Left, workers and plantation sectors would not have been suffering," he said.

He claimed that crops such as tea, rubber and cardamom were on the decline and alleged that the LDF had failed to fulfil its promise to raise the rubber MSP.

Gandhi said thousands of families were denied land rights and could neither build homes nor cultivate land.

He also claimed that the healthcare system in Idukki had "collapsed", citing the absence of a super-speciality hospital and the need for residents to travel to Kottayam for treatment.

Referring to human-animal conflict, he said the UDF would address the issue if voted to power.

Gandhi alleged rising unemployment, claiming that "one out of three" people were jobless and that political affiliation influenced job opportunities.

He said the UDF's five guarantees would be implemented once it comes to power.
Despite legal and economic advancements, the Supreme Court of India underscores the persistent issue of domestic abuse and crimes against women, attributing it to deep-rooted patriarchal norms and a 'disease-afflicted social order'.

IMAGE: Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Key Points The Supreme Court notes that domestic abuse persists in India as an indication of a 'disease-afflicted social order', despite legal reforms and welfare schemes.

Empirical data reveals a 'sobering picture' with over 4.48 lakh crimes against women recorded in 2023, and dowry-related violence claiming over 6,000 lives annually.

The court acknowledges India's economic growth and increased female participation in education and the workforce, but highlights the continued prevalence of patriarchy, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

The Supreme Court emphasises that welfare schemes alone cannot alter deeply ingrained beliefs about women's roles within marriage and family.

Dying declarations hold significant weight in court proceedings, considered truthful due to the imminence of death, and can lead to convictions if deemed consistent and believable.

Practices like domestic abuse persist not as aberrations but as indications of a "disease-afflicted social order" and empirical data of crimes against women in the country presents a "sobering picture", the Supreme Court has said.

The apex court said India has experienced significant economic growth, rising literacy and increased participation of women in education and workforce, yet patriarchy remains a facet of everyday life in rural and semi-urban scenarios.

The observations came from a bench of justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh which upheld the conviction and life sentence awarded to a man for killing his wife by setting her ablaze in October 2012.

The bench said the Constitution promises equality, non-discrimination on the basis of sex and the right to life and liberty amongst others but such cases demonstrate that even after so many years, rights enshrined in the founding charter were still elusive for many.

It said parallel to legal reform, the State has invested in welfare and social transformation schemes and programmes such as 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' are aimed at correcting gender imbalances and improving girls education, while initiatives like 'Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana' and 'Ujjwala Yojana' aim to enhance financial security and improve living conditions for women.

"Yet, despite this sustained intervention from different branches of government, empirical data shows that all is not well. It presents a sobering picture indeed. As per the National Crime Records Bureau, more than 4.48 lakh crimes against women were recorded in 2023," the bench said.

"Dowry-related violence continues to claim over 6,000 lives annually, revealing the persistence of practices that have long been outlawed," the top court said in its April 2 verdict.

It said complaints before the National Commission for Women also consistently show domestic violence as one of the most reported grievances.

The Paradox of Progress and Violence

The bench observed what makes this reality particularly troubling is the context in which it exists.

"India has experienced significant economic growth, rising literacy, and increased participation of women in education and the workforce. Gender roles do not apply strictly anymore in many urban areas. One cannot assume that all house-hold related work falls to the woman, whereas it is only the male who is tasked with bread winning," it said.

"Yet, in rural and semi-urban scenarios, patriarchy remains a facet of everyday life. Authority within the household is still overwhelmingly male, and women's autonomy is often conditional and constrained," it said.

The bench noted that even if the woman earns, it would still be expected of her that she would set the house right before leaving for work, and busily engage herself in similar work including preparation of meals, when she returns from work.

"The coexistence of progress and violence signals to a paradox. Legal and economic advancements are visible on a macro-level, but patriarchy still permeates the everyday," it said.

It said dowry is outlawed and has been for decades but the social legitimacy that sustains it is yet to be dismantled.

The bench observed that welfare schemes can incentivise education, but cannot alter long-held beliefs about women's roles within marriage and family.

"As a result, practices such as domestic abuse or even extreme acts like burning a wife (such as in this case) persist not as aberrations, but as indications of a disease afflicted social order," it said.

The bench said, "After decades of laws, schemes, reforms, and judicial recognition of equality across workplaces, homes, personal relationships, and even the armed forces, why does the control over women's bodies, choices, and lives still persist so deeply within society? Perhaps, the answer lies only with 'We, the People of India'".

Dying Declarations and Legal Considerations

Dealing with the appeal filed by the man challenging his conviction in the case, the bench noted the courts below had relied on the dying declaration of the deceased.

"Generally speaking, these declarations enjoy a special position given the timing and the nature thereof. This position rests on a philosophical understanding that when a person is about to meet his maker or in other words the oncoming of death and its finality is imminent, considerations which may force a person to speak other than the truth pale into insignificance and what does fall from them would, therefore, be only the truth," it said.

The bench said they are exceptions to the rule of hearsay and if a court finds them consistent, believable and free of tutoring, it can convict the person named in it.
A violent clash between rival gangs in Nanded, Maharashtra, resulted in the deaths of three people, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about gang activity in the region.

Key Points Three individuals died in Nanded, Maharashtra, following a clash between the Sada gang and the Sai Lala gang.

The gang violence involved the use of daggers and sharp weapons, resulting in fatalities at the scene and in a hospital.

Police have detained five people in connection with the Nanded gang clash and are investigating the long-standing dispute between the rival groups.

The victims have been identified as Arjit Singh, Sayyed Avez and Mohammad Arbaz.

Three persons were killed after members of two rival gangs clashed with each other in Maharashtra's Nanded city in the wee hours of Saturday, police said.

Police have detained five people in connection with the incident that occurred around 1.30 am near a mall in the city, an official said.

Superintendent of Police Abinash Kumar said that members of the Sada gang and Sai Lala gang attacked each other with daggers and sharp weapons, killing two persons on the spot.

The third victim, who was rushed to a government hospital with grievous injuries, was allegedly attacked again inside the facility and killed, he told reporters.

The deceased have been identified as Arjit Singh, Sayyed Avez and Mohammad Arbaz, he said.

According to the police, the rival gangs had a long-standing dispute.

Details of the Nanded Gang Clash

On Friday night, Singh and his friends were returning after watching a movie, when members of a rival gang, who were allegedly tracking their movements, intercepted them.

Singh and Arbaz were killed on the spot, they said.

The third victim, Avez, was allegedly fatally stabbed by Singh's brother in the casualty ward of the hospital, police said.

Teams from the local crime branch, forensic experts, and a dog squad arrived at the scene, and further investigation is underway.

The process of registering a cross FIR is underway, the SP said.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee fiercely criticises the BJP's 'double engine' governance model in West Bengal, accusing them of misusing democratic institutions and fueling communal tensions for political gain.

Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

Key Points Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of misusing democratic institutions and the Election Commission to manipulate elections in West Bengal.

Banerjee alleges the BJP is recruiting local agents to incite communal discord and divide votes in Bengal.

Banerjee criticises the Modi government's policies, including demonetisation, for causing hardship to the people.

Banerjee asserts that the TMC will play a crucial role in forming a democratic and inclusive government at the Centre after the next election.

Banerjee accuses the BJP of trying to label Bengali-speaking people as illegal immigrants and dictating their food habits.

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday targeted the BJP for its "double-engine" pitch, saying one engine runs on misusing democratic institutions and the other on recruiting "local agents" like AIMIM, ISF and AJUP to stoke "communal discord".

In a play of words, he said in a social media post that the people of Bengal will choose a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people and not a dispensation that is "off the people, buy the people, and far from the people".

"Double engine this, double engine that. You know what the BJP's real double engine is? One engine runs on misusing democratic institutions, weaponising the Election Commission to delete genuine voters, transferring honest officers to destabilise the state machinery, and illegally importing outsiders to rig the electoral rolls," Banerjee said.

"The second engine runs on recruiting local agents like AIMIM, ISF and AJUP to stoke communal discord, create unrest, split votes, and hand over advantage to the BJP. But the people of Bengal have seen through this dirty game completely," the Diamond Harbour MP alleged in the social media post.

Banerjee, the national general secretary of the TMC, said Bengal will choose "Maa-Mati-Manush", a political slogan coined by party supremo Mamata Banerjee.

Banerjee's Allegations Against the Modi Government

Later, addressing a political rally in Birbhum, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the Narendra Modi government at the Centre has forced people to stand in queues for hours during demonetization, LPG crisis and Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

"The BJP takes hasty decisions every time without considering the consequences and their effect on people."

Accusing the BJP of plotting to omit lakhs of names from the electoral rolls under the garb of SIR, he said anyone whose name does not figure in the electoral rolls post-SIR, the TMC will extend help for them for re-inclusion of names into the poll list.

"From roads, to Parliament and in the Supreme Court, the TMC has always stood by the people," he said.

Banerjee alleged that the BJP has been trying to enrol names of people from outside Bengal into the electoral rolls here and asked everyone to remain vigilant.

"Several Form 6s have been submitted to the CEO's office. But we won't allow any wrongdoing. I scrutinise it in the evening, and our party is keeping a tab on such activities," he said at the rally at Hansan in Birbhum district in support of TMC candidate Kajal Sheikh.

Controversies and Accusations

Accusing the Modi government of labelling Bengali-speaking people as "Bangladeshis", Banerjee recalled that they had even pushed Sonali Khatun into Bangladesh, even though she and her family had been living here for ages.

Khatun, a pregnant woman who, along with two of her family members and others, was pushed into Bangladesh in June last year on suspicion of being an illegal immigrant, had returned to India through the Malda border on December 6 with her eight-year-old son following the Supreme Court's intervention.

Arrested in Delhi in June, these migrants are residents of Murarai in Birbhum district.

Banerjee said, "It was we who had managed to bring her back, offering her legal support."

Accusing the BJP of dictating people's food habits, the Daimon Harbour MP claimed Prime Minister Modi had once commented on eating non-vegetarian food during certain religious occasions.

"Will the BJP dictate whether we will eat fish, chicken or mutton? Will the rioters, rumour mongers, fake news creators, and outsiders dictate what we should eat?" he posed.

Banerjee claimed the TMC's return to power in Bengal for a fourth term will set the stage for the ouster of the Modi government in Delhi. The TMC will play a crucial role in installing a democratic, liberal, progressive and inclusive government at the Centre, he asserted.

At an election meeting at Barabani in Paschim Bardhaman earlier in the day, he said, "When Yuva Sathi was announced, the BJP made sarcastic comments. But consider its overwhelming response, in Paschim Bardhaman alone, an estimated 1.42 lakh have enrolled for the scheme."

Accusing the BJP of blocking Central funds for various welfare projects, he said, "They stopped allocation for housing schemes, but Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has introduced Banglar Bari project under which 1.5 lakh families have roofs over their heads in Paschim Bardhaman."
In Arunachal Pradesh, a ULFA-I militant's surrender highlights ongoing efforts to encourage militants to renounce violence and return to mainstream society, potentially impacting regional security.

Key Points A ULFA-I militant, Jintu Gogoi, surrendered to security forces in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district.

Gogoi surrendered a 7.65 mm Italian-made pistol, one magazine, and 10 rounds of live ammunition.

The surrender occurred at the Superintendent of Police's office in Khonsa.

Authorities are encouraging militants to abandon violence and reintegrate into mainstream society.

The surrender is part of ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

A militant of the banned ULFA-I surrendered before security forces in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district, an official said.

The surrendered militant was identified as self-styled private Jintu Gogoi (23), alias Arun Asom, a resident of Hachara village under Singhadawar Police Station in Assam's Sivasagar district.

He laid down arms before the police, Assam Rifles, and Central Reserve Police Force at the Superintendent of Police's (SP's) office in Khonsa on Friday.

During the surrender, Gogoi handed over a 7.65 mm Italian-made pistol along with one magazine and 10 rounds of live ammunition.

Efforts to Encourage Surrender

The official said the move is part of sustained efforts to encourage militants to shun violence and return to the mainstream. Further investigation is underway, the official added.
A farmer in Uttar Pradesh is battling a massive tax bill after becoming the victim of identity theft, with fraudsters using his credentials to operate a business and evade taxes.

Key Points A farmer in Budaun, UP, received tax notices totalling Rs 14.66 crore due to a fraudulent firm using his identity.

The fraudulent firm, 'Ram Store,' operated in Delhi, accumulating significant income tax and GST liabilities.

The farmer claims he never operated any business in Delhi and that his Aadhaar and PAN were misused.

An official investigation has been launched to probe the fraud and identify the culprits.

The farmer has been advised to file a cyber crime complaint, but claims his initial reports were not registered.

A farmer in Budaun district of Uttar Pradesh was left stunned after receiving tax notices of Rs 14.66 crore, allegedly for a fraudulent firm operating by using his name in Delhi.

After the farmer submitted a formal application, a two-member team, comprising the Additional District Magistrate (Finance) and the Deputy Commissioner (GST), has been constituted to investigate the matter," Budaun District Magistrate Avneesh Rai said on Saturday.

Upon inquiring about the matter with departmental officials, they said that a firm named "Ram Store" was being operated under his name in Delhi's Naraina Industrial Area (Phase-1), which has outstanding income tax dues amounting to Rs 1.02 crore, the farmer Bhola Singh told PTI.

Meanwhile, the GST office also issued a notice to Singh, citing a Goods and Services Tax liability amounting to Rs 13.63 crore, he said.

Singh, a resident of Khurrampur Bhamori in the Wazirganj area, said that on March 29, he received a notice from the Income Tax Department in Budaun, directing him to deposit a sum of Rs 1.02 crore.

He claimed that he had never travelled to Delhi, nor had he ever established any firm or business enterprise.

Subsequently, he submitted a formal complaint to the Budaun District Magistrate, Singh said.

Taking the matter seriously, the District Magistrate issued directives to the concerned departments to conduct an investigation and resolve the issue.

Investigation into the Fraud

During their preliminary investigation, GST officials discovered that the firm against which these tax dues are pending used the farmer's Aadhaar and PAN numbers.

It is evident from this that an unidentified individual misused his documents to set up a fraudulent firm and conducted transactions worth crores, officials said.

Officials advised the farmer to file a complaint at the Cyber Crime police station or the nearest police station, the farmer said.

However, when the aggrieved farmer approached the Wazirganj Police Station and the Cyber Police Station, his report was not registered there, thereby further compounding his troubles, he claimed.

Budaun District Magistrate Avneesh Rai on Saturday said that a farmer has received a notice from the Income Tax and GST department informing him to pay the taxes.

"The farmer has apprised the authorities of the notice by submitting a formal written application. A two-member team, comprising the Additional District Magistrate (Finance) and the Deputy Commissioner (GST), has been constituted to investigate the matter," the DM said.

"The case appears to involve fraud and forgery. The team will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, and legal action will be initiated against the guilty parties," the DM said.

The farmer also asserted that he would be unable to repay such a colossal sum even if he sells off all his land and assets. He has appealed to the administration to conduct an impartial inquiry into the matter, take strict action against the culprits, and ensure that he gets justice.
An Uttar Pradesh farmer is battling a massive tax bill after becoming a victim of identity theft, with a fraudulent firm using his credentials to evade taxes, prompting an official investigation.

Key Points A farmer in Budaun, UP, received tax notices totalling 14.66 crore due to a fraudulent firm using his identity.

The firm, 'Ram Store,' allegedly operated in Delhi, accumulating significant income tax and GST liabilities.

The farmer claims he never established any business in Delhi and that his Aadhaar and PAN numbers were misused.

An investigation has been launched by district authorities to uncover the fraud and take action against the perpetrators.

The farmer has appealed for justice and an impartial inquiry into the misuse of his identity for tax evasion.

A farmer in Budaun district of Uttar Pradesh was left stunned after receiving tax notices of Rs 14.66 crore, allegedly for a fraudulent firm operating by using his name in Delhi.

After the farmer submitted a formal application, a two-member team, comprising the Additional District Magistrate (Finance) and the Deputy Commissioner (GST), has been constituted to investigate the matter," Budaun District Magistrate Avneesh Rai said on Saturday.

Upon inquiring about the matter with departmental officials, they said that a firm named "Ram Store" was being operated under his name in Delhi's Naraina Industrial Area (Phase-1), which has outstanding income tax dues amounting to Rs 1.02 crore, the farmer Bhola Singh told PTI.

Meanwhile, the GST office also issued a notice to Singh, citing a Goods and Services Tax liability amounting to Rs 13.63 crore, he said.

Singh, a resident of Khurrampur Bhamori in the Wazirganj area, said that on March 29, he received a notice from the Income Tax Department in Budaun, directing him to deposit a sum of Rs 1.02 crore.

He claimed that he had never travelled to Delhi, nor had he ever established any firm or business enterprise.

Subsequently, he submitted a formal complaint to the Budaun District Magistrate, Singh said.

Taking the matter seriously, the District Magistrate issued directives to the concerned departments to conduct an investigation and resolve the issue.

Investigation into the Fraud

During their preliminary investigation, GST officials discovered that the firm against which these tax dues are pending used the farmer's Aadhaar and PAN numbers.

It is evident from this that an unidentified individual misused his documents to set up a fraudulent firm and conducted transactions worth crores, officials said.

Officials advised the farmer to file a complaint at the Cyber Crime police station or the nearest police station, the farmer said.

However, when the aggrieved farmer approached the Wazirganj and Cyber police stations, his report was not registered there, thereby further compounding his troubles, he claimed.

The DM said that a farmer has received a notice from the Income Tax and GST department informing him to pay the taxes.

"The farmer has apprised the authorities of the notice by submitting a formal written application. A two-member team, comprising the Additional District Magistrate (Finance) and the Deputy Commissioner (GST), has been constituted to investigate the matter," Rai said.

The case appears to involve fraud and forgery. The team will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, and legal action will be initiated against the guilty parties," the DM said.

The farmer also asserted that he would be unable to repay such a colossal sum even if he sells off all his land and assets. He has appealed to the administration to conduct an impartial inquiry into the matter, take strict action against the culprits, and ensure that he gets justice.

Rai told PTI, "The report of the investigation is expected to come within 3-4 days, following which action will be initiated against the individual or firm involved in the fraudulent activity, and the outstanding Income Tax and GST dues will be recovered from them."

He further explained that the farmer Bhola Singh's PAN card was misused to commit tax fraud. He also said that all details will come to light during the course of the investigation, and appropriate legal action will be taken.
A man in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested and booked for allegedly murdering his wife with an axe following a heated domestic dispute, sparking a police investigation into the tragic incident.

Key Points A man in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, is accused of killing his wife with an axe after a domestic dispute.

The accused, Nepal Singh, allegedly attacked his wife, Sheelavati, during an argument at their home.

Police have registered a case based on a complaint from the victim's son and are searching for the accused.

Family members reported that the couple frequently argued over the husband's drinking and land disputes.

The exact motive for the murder is still under investigation by the police.

A man has been booked for allegedly killing his wife with an axe following a domestic dispute in a village here on Saturday, police said.

Station House Officer of Chirgaon police station, Rahul Rathore, said the accused, identified as Nepal Singh, a resident of Aatepai village, had an argument with his wife, Sheelavati (50), around 3 pm.

In a fit of rage, he attacked her with an axe, and she died on the spot.

Police reached the spot after receiving information, took the body into custody and sent it for post-mortem examination. A case has been registered based on a complaint filed by the deceased's son, Saurabh, and efforts are underway to trace the accused, the officer said.

Background to the Dispute

According to family members, the couple frequently quarrelled over the Singh's drinking habit and disputes related to the transfer of land in his name.

On the day of the incident, he had returned home intoxicated and got into a fight with his wife, the family said.

Police said the exact motive behind the murder is yet to be ascertained, and further investigation is underway.
Two tourists from Uttar Pradesh have been arrested in Shimla after a road rage incident escalated into assault and the brandishing of a fake pistol, sparking a police investigation.

Key Points Two tourists from Uttar Pradesh were arrested in Shimla after a road rage incident.

The tourists allegedly assaulted a local resident following a dispute over overtaking.

The accused reportedly threatened locals with what appeared to be a pistol, later identified as a Chinese lighter.

Police apprehended the tourists in Theog, and an investigation is ongoing.

Two tourists from Uttar Pradesh were apprehended for allegedly assaulting a local following a road rage in the Matiana area here on Saturday, police said.

The accused, Ujjwal Jain (36) and Sohil Arora (36) -- residents of Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh -- allegedly hit a resident following a road rage over wrong overtaking on National Highway-5, they said.

As more locals started to gather, they threatened them with a pistol -- later found to be a Chinese lighter -- and fled the scene, they added.

Arrest and Investigation

However, police nabbed the accused from Premghat Chowk in Theog. Further investigation is underway, SSP Shimla Gaurav Singh said.
The Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission is considering a review of a college professor's acquittal in a sexual exploitation case, potentially reopening the investigation if new evidence or complaints surface.

Key Points The Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission may review the acquittal of a professor accused of sexually exploiting students.

The review will only occur if the complainant or aggrieved parties formally approach the Women's Commission.

A Hathras court acquitted the professor due to a lack of evidence and corroboration from alleged victims.

The case originated from an anonymous complaint alleging inappropriate behaviour with students.

During the trial, witnesses and alleged victims did not confirm the allegations in court.

The chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh State Women Commission, Babita Singh Chauhan, on Saturday said the panel can take up the acquittal of a college professor accused of sexually exploiting female students if the complainant or the aggrieved parties approach it.

After launching an HPV vaccination drive in Hathras, Chauhan told PTI, "We respect the verdict delivered by the honourable court. If the complainant or the aggrieved parties approach the women's commission, we will take up the matter."

A court in Hathras recently acquitted a college professor accused of sexually exploiting female students on the pretext of helping them clear competitive examinations and secure jobs, citing a lack of evidence.

The court of Additional District Judge Mahendra Kumar passed the order on March 24, acquitting the professor citing a lack of evidence and absence of corroboration by the alleged victims in their statements.

The case stemmed from an FIR lodged in March 2025 after the UP State Women Commission forwarded an anonymous complaint addressed to the prime minister, chief minister and other authorities.

The complaint included photographs allegedly showing the accused, a geography professor at a degree college, behaving inappropriately with students.

However, during the trial, none of the witnesses or victims confirmed the allegations in court.

Officials said that although some witnesses and students were produced, only one recorded her statement before a magistrate, while no other "victim" substantiated the charges of sexual exploitation during court proceedings.

The court observed that the allegations could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. It also did not rule out the possibility of evidence fabrication to implicate the professor.

After lodging the FIR, the police arrested the accused, who had absconded, in Prayagraj.

The professor was out on bail during the trial.
Two family members of the late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani have been arrested in the US after their residency permits were revoked due to their support for the Iranian regime and anti-American sentiments.

IMAGE: An Iranian holds a picture of late General Qassem Soleiman. Photograph: Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA/Reuters

Key Points Two relatives of Qassem Soleimani were arrested in the US after their residency permits were revoked.

The US State Department confirmed the arrests following the termination of their green card status.

Senator Marco Rubio stated that one of the arrested individuals supported the Iranian regime and celebrated attacks on Americans.

The arrested individuals are now in ICE custody and face deportation from the United States.

The US has also barred the husband of one of the arrested individuals from entering the country.

Two family members of slain Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a United States strike in January 2020, have been arrested in the US after their residency permits were rescinded, the State Department said.

"Last night, the niece and grand niece of deceased Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Qassem Soleimani were arrested by federal agents following Secretary of State Marco Rubio's termination of their lawful permanent resident status," a department statement said.

Rubio too announced the action on X, stating that both of them had been living in the United States on green cards until recently.

"Until recently, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were green card holders living lavishly in the United States. Afshar is the niece of the late Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani. She is also an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the 'Great Satan'," he said.

"This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter's legal status, and they are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States. The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes," he wrote.

The State Department said in a statement that Afshar's husband has also been barred from entering the United States.

Earlier, Rubio also revoked the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of the former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Larijani, and her husband, Seyed Kalantar Motamedi.

Ali Larijani was killed in Israeli strikes in the ongoing war.

Who Was Qasem Soleimani?

Soleimani, who led the IRGC's foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike while he was in the Iraqi capital Baghdad in January 2020.

He was widely popular inside Iran and regarded as a dangerous adversary by the United States and its allies.

Soleimani was considered one of the most powerful military figures in the region.
Police are investigating the suspected murder of a veterinarian found dead in a forest in Jharkhand's Chatra district, with evidence suggesting foul play.

Key Points A 58-year-old veterinarian, Yogendra Yadav, was discovered dead in Tudag forest in Jharkhand's Chatra district.

Police suspect the death was a murder, citing injury marks and signs of torture on the victim's face.

A forensic team and dog squad are investigating the scene to gather evidence related to the suspected murder of the veterinarian.

The victim's family reported him missing after he left home on his motorcycle and did not return.

Police said a 58-year-old veterinarian was found dead in a forest in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Saturday morning.

Police suspected the veterinarian was murdered, as injury marks were found on his face.

The deceased, identified as Yogendra Yadav, was a resident of Gandhariya village in Sadar police station area and his body was found in Tudag forest, around 4 km from his residence.

Investigation Details

Chatra Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sandip Suman said, "Prima facie, it appears to be a case of murder. There are injury marks on his face, and it appears the deceased was subjected to severe torture."

A forensic team and dog squad are reaching the spot to collect evidence, he said.

The body has been sent to Sadar hospital for post-mortem examination.

The veterinarian's family members said he left home late on Friday evening on his motorcycle. When he did not return that night, they searched for him, but he was not found anywhere.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's allegations regarding his involvement in the Chhattisgarh nuns attack, accusing the Congress party of enabling the legal framework that led to the incident.

Photograph: Sanjay Sharma/ANI

Key Points Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan refutes Rahul Gandhi's claim of his involvement in the Chhattisgarh nuns attack.

Vijayan accuses Congress of enabling laws misused against minorities in BJP-ruled states.

The CM questions Congress's inaction during violence against tribal Christians in Chhattisgarh.

CPI(M) opposed the laws under which the nuns were arrested and demanded their repeal.

Vijayan challenges Rahul Gandhi on whether Congress will repeal similar laws in states where it is in power.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegation that he had sided with those who attacked nuns in Chhattisgarh, terming the remarks "ignorant and an instance of excessive rhetoric."

The arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala in BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh in July last year on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion triggered a political row in the state, with Congress and CPI(M) targeting the saffron party over the incident.

In a strongly worded statement, Vijayan said Rahul appeared to have forgotten the Congress party's role in enabling legal provisions that are now being "misused" against minorities, including nuns, in BJP-ruled states.

The CM's remarks came soon after Rahul, while addressing various poll rallies in the state, referred to attacks on minorities in Manipur and Chhattisgarh, and claimed that Pinarayi Vijayan was aligned with forces behind such incidents as part of a BJP-LDF nexus.

Vijayan's Counter-Arguments

Vijayan alleged that the law under which the nuns were arrested in Chhattisgarh traces its origins to the period when the state was formed in 2000 after being carved out of Madhya Pradesh, and was retained by the then Congress government led by Ajit Jogi.

He said the legislation has been widely misused against minorities, but successive Congress governments "failed to repeal it despite being in power for years."

Referring to incidents during the 2022a 23 Christmasa New Year period, Vijayan also accused the Congress of inaction when thousands of tribal Christians were allegedly displaced amid violence in the state, and questioned whether Rahul had distanced himself from the party leadership at the time.

He reiterated that the Left has consistently opposed such "unconstitutional" laws and demanded their repeal, noting that the CPI(M) had included the issue in its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Vijayan said the CPI(M) had strongly protested the arrest of the nuns in Chhattisgarh and that senior party leaders had intervened on the ground.

In contrast, the Left veteran alleged that the Congress response lacked sincerity, with only some Kerala leaders reacting, while the party's leadership in Chhattisgarh remained largely silent.

Posing a question to Rahul, the CM asked whether the Congress would be willing to repeal similar laws in states where it is in power, including Himachal Pradesh.

"As far as the CPI(M) is concerned, Rahul Gandhi need not attempt to judge the party by the Congress's political standards," Vijayan added.
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.

IMAGE: United States President Donald John Trump addresses the nation on the Iran war, April 1, 2026. Photograph: Alex Brandon/Pool/Reuters

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.

Key Points Dismissing the notion that the event would impede negotiations, the President stated, "No, not at all. No, it's war. We're in war."

Trump refused to elaborate on the particulars of the "search-and-rescue efforts," noting the delicate nature of the matter.

Amidst this diplomatic friction, Tehran has intensified its military claims.

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.
Even before a provincial Russian city court had banned his film about the indoctrination of Russian schoolchildren, and even before the government slapped the contemptuous "foreign agent" label on him, Pavel Talankin was exuberant.

The film Mr. Nobody Against Putin had won one of the industrys highest honors just days earlier: an Oscar for best documentary film.

Now, condemned by the government as a foreign agent, and his film banned by a court: all the more reason to celebrate.

Everything thats banned gets even more attention. In fact, its a perfect promotional campaign, he told Current Time. They ban everything, and everyone watches it.

You couldnt dream up a better advertising campaign, he said in an interview on March 30.

Russians will have to work harder to see the 90-minute film, which is based on hours of footage that Talankin shot when he worked as a schoolteacher in Karabash, a city located in the Ural Mountains region, about 1,700 kilometers east of Moscow.

But in theaters, and on computer screens, around the world, the film, which was released in January 2025, has struck a chord, offering a window into Russias education system and its evolution since the all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

It's nice on the one hand, and on the other hand, its unpleasant, he said about the decision by the Chelyabinsk regional court. Its a nice thing, you know, but the question is: why a year later? I mean, they didnt believe me, but so they banned it only after the Oscars?

His former colleagues, the local authorities back in Russia: they cant believe all this happened, he said.

Talankin, who moved to Prague in 2024, shot hours of video of students and teachers at School No. 1 in Karabash. The videos documented how teachers and administrators organized lectures and presentations for children amplifying Kremlin propaganda about the Ukraine war as well as President Vladimir Putins wider military and political views.

Lessons included topics like denazification and demilitarization -- rhetoric used by the Kremlin to justify its war on Ukraine -- and presentations by soldiers from the notorious private mercenary company Wagner Group.

Among Russians, not to mention Ukrainians, the film -- which was co-directed with American filmmaker David Borenstein -- has sparked both praise and criticism.

Is it the work of a fearless anti-war activist who gathered footage undercover? Anton Dolin, a film critic for the exiled Russian news outlet Meduza, wrote. Or is it an immoral stunt that could have harmed Talankins own colleagues and students?

Is it the unfiltered truth about todays education system in a totalitarian state, or opportunistic garbage by a small-town narcissist chasing an Oscar? An act of love, or maybe a hit job commissioned by the hateful West?

During his Oscar acceptance speech, Talankin broadly condemned all wars, but observers noted he specifically omitted mention of the actual war that is at the heart of the film and the Kremlin indoctrination being taught to Russian schoolchildren: Ukraine.

Asked why, Talankin explained that his acceptance speech had been written based on messages he had received from students in Russia.

The children evidently wrote this, he said, referring to the wider anti-war message, and they thought it was important to say.
US President Donald Trump on April 4 told the Iranian regime that time is running out and that it must make a deal or open the crucial Strait of Hormuz to shipping or face hell, renewing an earlier threat in which he vowed to send Iran back to the stone ages.

Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!, he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Later, Trump posted a video of what he said was a "massive strike" on Tehran that killed many of Iran's military chiefs.

"Many of Irans Military Leaders, who have led them poorly and unwisely, are terminated, along with much else, with this massive strike in Tehran!" he wrote.

The remarks came as US forces searched for a missing crew member after an F-15E jet fighter was shot down a day earlier over Iran. One crew member has been rescued, US officials said.

Trump has previously set deadlines for Iran to make a deal or to open the Strait of Hormuz, through which some 20 percent of global oil and natural gas supplies pass. Tehran has effectively blocked the passage, leading to a worldwide energy crisis.

On March 30, Trump said that "if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached" by April 6. US forces will react " by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!)

Trump on March 21 originally gave Tehran a 48-hour deadline, but then extended it, saying he wanted to give talks a chance to succeed.

Iran has rejected a 15-point US plan presented to it through Pakistani mediators but on April 4 left open the possibility of further negotiations.

In an April 1 televised address, Trump also suggested peace talks -- either directly or indirectly -- were still possible, but he also threatened to bomb Iran "back to the stone ages" and "hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks."

After Trump's latest remarks, General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi said Trump's threat was a "a helpless, nervous, unbalanced, and stupid action."

In a statement through Iran's central military command, Aliabadi warned he US president that "the simple meaning of this message is that the gates of hell will open for you."

Frantic Search For Crew Member

Meanwhile, US forces frantically searched to rescue a second crew member of an F-15E fighter jet that was shot down on April 3 over Iran. One crew member, who ejected from the crippled aircraft, has been recovered, US officials said.

Iran was also scrambling to capture the US aviator and have offered rewards to anyone who can find and turn the crew member over to the authorities. There has been no word on the potential condition of the second crew member.

A US official 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.

US officials told reporters that the A-10 was damaged by Iranian fire during the rescue of the F-15E crew member but managed to fly into Kuwaiti air space, where the US aviator safely ejected and the aircraft crashed into Kuwaiti territory.

So far during the conflict, 13 US service members have been killed and 365 have been injured, according to the Pentagon's online database of US military casualties.

Bushehr 'Shockwaves'

Meanwhile, nuclear experts expressed concerns when an air strike reportedly hit the grounds of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant. Neither the US nor Israeli militaries have confirmed any involvement in an attack on the facility.

According to a post on X, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that Iran had 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."

Russia on April 4 said it was evacuating an additional 198 members of its staff from the nuclear power plant. The operator of the plant, Rosatom, has been evacuating staff since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran war broke out on February 28.

With reporting from RFE/RL's Radio Farda, RFE/RL's Alex Raufoglu in Washington, Reuters, and AFP
Marking the 1,500th day of the full-scale invasion, Russia launched a massive wave of air strikes across Ukraine during the night of April 34.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the assault as an Easter escalation, following the Kremlins formal rejection of his earlier proposal for a temporary holiday truce.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian forces targeted Ukraine with 286 drones, including around 200 Shahed drones. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 260 of these, according to the air force, while 11 drones struck 10 locations and debris fell in six locations. Fourteen people were reported dead across Ukraine.

Five people were killed and 19 injured when Russian forces struck a market in Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region, with drones on the morning of April 4, the Office of the Prosecutor General (OGP) reported. Prosecutors and law enforcement are investigating the site, with the OGP calling it another Russian war crime.

One Killed, Hundreds Of Homes Damaged In Russian Attack On Ukraine's Korosten by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:01:07 0:00

Russian forces attacked Ukraines Naftogaz infrastructure in the Poltava region on April 4 with drones, sparking a fire and a second strike later, but no one was injured. Naftogaz facilities have been hit more than 40 times since the start of the year.

In the Zhytomyr region, west of Kyiv, rescuers searched for survivors beneath the rubble of homes destroyed in Russian strikes, while in the Sumy region, attacks early on April 4 injured 11 people, including a 15-year-old child, after drones hit a 16-story apartment building and private homes, according to the National Police of Ukraine and the State Emergency Service.

Police also reported that in the past 24 hours in Sumy, Russian strikes killed three people and injured 22 others, including children.

Ukrainian Condemnation

In an April 3 post on her official X account, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko condemned Russia's daylight attacks.

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, Svyrydenko said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine launched drone and missile strikes deep into Russian territory. Russia claimed to have intercepted a total of 192 Ukrainian drones overnight.

According to Reuters, a combined attack on the Rostov region killed at least one person, injured four others, and damaged a logistics warehouse in Taganrog, a port city in southwestern Russia.

Significant damage was reported in the Morozov industrial zone in the Leningrad region, where a strike on a facility producing solid fuel for Topol-M missile systems and high-grade explosives hospitalized two people, according to regional Russian authorities.

Further north, drones targeted Togliatti in the Samara region, home to the major chemical fertilizer producer TogliattiAzot, according to Russian regional authorities.

Additionally, a Ukrainian drone strike sparked a fire on a foreign-flagged commercial vessel in the Sea of Azov, Reuters reported.

On April 4, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that its air defense systems shot down a Flamingo cruise missile and 308 Ukrainian drones in the past 24 hours.

Zelenskyy: Record Russian Losses In March

Following the overnight attacks, Zelenskyy announced on his official X account that Russian losses this March have reached their highest level since the start of the war."

"Our drone strikes alone resulted in 33,988 Russian service members killed or seriously wounded, while artillery and other strikes eliminated another 1,363 Russian occupiers," the Ukrainian president said.

"That means more than 35,000 Russian losses in just one month, and these are clearly verified losses. We have video documentation of every such strike in our system.

All war casualty estimates are difficult to independently confirm due to the challenges of verification in active combat zones.

Zelenskyy also noted that the number of Russian air defense systems destroyed has increased, with 274 such systems hit in March.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported on the morning of April 4 that since the start of Russias full-scale invasion, approximately 1,302,370 Russian service members have been killed or wounded, including 1,110 in the past 24 hours.

Russia has not officially released updated figures of soldiers killed since September 2022, but NATO sources estimate that as many as 1.15 million Russian have been killed or wounded since the full-scale invasion began.

Zelenskyy said in February that Ukraine has lost 55,000 soldiers, with many additional personnel listed as missing.

The Ukrainian president on April 4 met in Istanbul with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who told Zelenskyy that Turkey would continue to support negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

The Turkish presidency office said Erdogan told Zelenskyy that Ankara attaches great importance to maritime safety in the Black Sea and that the security of energy supplies remains crucial.

Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram that "we agreed on new steps in security cooperation. This concerns, first of all, those things with which we can support Turkey: expertise, technology, experience."

"There is a fundamental political willingness to work together, and our teams will finalize the details in the coming days," he added.
Planning permission has been granted to alter and extend a local church in South Roscommon.

The green light for the development was given by Roscommon County Council subject to ten conditions.

The council gave approval to the Romanian Orthodox Church in Ireland to carry out alterations and erect an extension to a chapel at the Orthodox Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring, at Raghrabeg, Shannonbridge. The development will also see the installation of a secondary waste water treatment unit at the location.

The application was made in September of last year, with the local authority seeking further information.
An immediate recall of the Dail has been called for by Independent Ireland agriculture spokesperson Michael Fitzmaurice who is warning that the escalating fuel crisis is now having a direct and severe impact on farming, housing, the cost of living and the wider economy.

Deputy Fitzmaurice said the situation has worsened significantly in recent days, with green diesel now reaching 1.70 per litre, and petrol and diesel heading back towards costs seen before excise cuts, placing unsustainable pressure on householders and key sectors.

Ten days ago I outlined the key issues we would face if the Government did not act. We are now seeing that crisis escalate in real time. We must act urgently. That is why the Dail must be recalled immediately," he said.

"We also must have clarification on what reserves we have in place. We have always been told that we have three months' emergency supply. If you listen to some ministers, it would make you wonder if in fact we do? If we don't have 90 days supply in reserve why are we paying NORA for the last number of decades? We must have urgent clarity on that issue," he stressed.

Deputy Fitzmaurice warned that rising green diesel costs are impacting every stage of housing delivery and agricultural production. Every digger, every dumper, every machine on a building site is running on green diesel. At current prices, that is adding significant daily costs that will ultimately be passed on to homebuyers, he warned.

You cannot build houses, roads, or infrastructure without this fuel. If costs continue to rise unchecked, the housing crisis will worsen.

Deputy Fitzmaurice also highlighted the serious implications for agriculture, particularly as the silage season approaches. A silage harvester can take up to 1,000 litres to fill. At current prices, that is an additional 700 per fill, often twice in a single day, he pointed out.

There is no support to offset this. Farmers and contractors simply cannot absorb these costs.

Deputy Fitzmaurice criticised what he described as the Governments refusal to address carbon tax, despite its direct impact on fuel costs.

Green diesel has risen dramatically, yet the response has been minimal. The reality is that carbon tax is adding to these costs, and it must now be eliminated as one of measures enacted to reduce the current hardship being faced across the board, he said.

Deputy Fitzmaurice went on to say that the current situation requires urgent political intervention.

The crisis is escalating. Costs are rising daily, and the impact is being felt across housing, agriculture, haulage and the wider economy, he said.

We cannot wait. The Dail must be recalled and we must see action on fuel costs and carbon tax  before further damage is done.

He warned that failure to act will have lasting consequences. If this continues, it will drive up the cost of living, increase food prices, and further delay housing delivery. The Government has the power to act  it must do so now."
Roscommon University Hospital has announced the appointment of Meabh Casey as advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) in emergency nursing at the Roscommon Injury Unit.

In her new role, Meabh provides comprehensive, autonomous care across the full patient pathway, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, prescribing, referral, follow-up and discharge. She is responsible for the clinical management of a wide range of injuries in patients aged over five years, essentially non-life-threatening and non-limb-threatening injuries and non-complex soft tissue injuries including sprains and strains, suspected fractures of the arm or leg, minor scalds and burns, cuts and lacerations, and the removal of foreign objects from the nose, eyes and ears.

She also has the authority to refer patients directly, where appropriate, to specialist services including orthopaedics, plastics, ophthalmology, ENT, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and frailty services.

After graduating from University College Dublin (UCD) with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing in 2011, Meabh began her career as a staff nurse in the emergency department at the Mater Hospital, Dublin. During her time there, she developed a strong interest in the fast-paced and diverse environment of emergency nursing and completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing through UCD.

After six years at the Mater Hospital, Meabh relocated closer to her home in Moate, County Westmeath, where she joined the emergency department at the Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore. She later progressed to the role of clinical nurse manager. During this time, she completed a Professional Certificate in Referring for Radiological Procedures and a Professional Diploma in the Prescription of Medication, further enhancing her clinical expertise.

She joined Roscommon University Hospital in 2023 as a candidate advanced nurse practitioner in emergency nursing. During her two-year candidacy, she completed a Master of Science in Advanced Practice (Nursing) at the University of Galway, enabling her to register and practise as an advanced nurse practitioner.

Speaking about her appointment, Meabh said: I am honoured to take up the role. I am passionate about providing timely, high-quality care and enhancing the patient experience. The varied nature of minor injuries is especially rewarding, and I look forward to working with colleagues to continue developing the injury unit and ensuring patients receive safe, efficient and compassionate care close to home.

Director of nursing at Roscommon University Hospital Ursula Morgan noted that the Roscommon Injury Unit is constantly evolving in response to increasing demand for patient care. With a strong emphasis on high-quality, patient-centred care, the unit continues to demonstrate excellence in the delivery of urgent care services. In 2025, the unit treated 19,693 patients, representing a 20.4% increase compared to 2024."
Book.art.est #2  2nd Edition

Book.art.est #2  2nd Edition is an international project based on the idea that a book can transcend its traditional role as a medium for text and become an artistic object, a visual concept, or a creative experiment

Book.art.est #2

Ion Puican, 04.04.2026, 14:00

Book.art.est #2  2nd Edition is an international project initiated by Celula de Arta (The Art Cell), based on the idea that a book can transcend its traditional role as a medium for text and become an artistic object, a visual concept, or a creative experiment. The project invites visual artists, illustrators, sculptors, typographers, writers, and poets to submit works in which the book is reinterpreted at the intersection of visual arts, literature, and typographic design. An open call for artists from Romania, Poland, and Ukraine was open until April 3. The selected works will be presented in a multidisciplinary exhibition in Bucharest, alongside performative and collaborative interventions.

We spoke with Anca Spiridon, cultural PR, about Book.art.est, the 2025 edition:

The first edition of Book.art.est, organized in 2025 by the Unconventional Gallery in Bucharest, The Art Cell, presented the public with an international and multidisciplinary exhibition dedicated to the book as an art object. Following an open call, 53 Romanian and international artists were selected to exhibit, for three weeks, at the Mihai Eminescu Cultural Center, dozens of works that explored multiple visions and techniques through which the book became more than a mere carrier of text, thus transforming into a sculptural object and a unique medium for visual artists. The event aimed to serve as a meeting point between literature lovers and art enthusiasts. It also hosted a series of related performative, collaborative, and/or informative events, ranging from creative workshops at the intersection of poetry and visual art, to presentations on the inner workings of the publishing industry in relation to the arts, and poetry recitals.

Anca Spiridon told us about the most surprising thing about the first edition of Book.art.est:

Beyond the feedback from the large audience we were delighted to welcome at the Book.art.est, we were truly amazed by the openness of the artistsespecially the visual artistswho got involved in the project and wanted to experiment with new media and techniques, with the book at the forefront, which they transformed into very different, very interesting art objects. And it seems to me that many of them pushed their boundaries, embracing and rising to this challenge.

Anca Spiridon also told us what it actually means to view the book as an art object:

I believe that viewing the book as a work of art greatly broadens the perspective of both the artists who undertake the creation of such objects and the public. In a multidisciplinary universe where we no longer view an object or an artistic act from a one-dimensional perspective, but instead assign it multiple meanings and multiple ways in which it can be experienced and interpreted. The book as an art object places these works on a far more valuable map, especially for those who create them and those who own them, where the book is no longer merely a carrier of text, but an artistic object to which we return, which we constantly revisit, and which enriches us every time we open it.

The organizers vision of what this years open call might bring visually remains the 2025 edition of Book.art.est. Anca Spiridon spoke of the freedom to reinterpret the concept of the book that this project proposes:

In last years Book.art.est exhibition, I saw very free interpretations of the notion of the book, in which the concept of the book as a carrier of information was extraordinarily condensed, sometimes transformed into a visual presentation, into a suggestion of what the book might be, into a presentation of how the information might look. The dialogue between those books and the viewer was much more actively engaged by the latter. The viewer was both responsible for and challenged to piece together the language, possessing a much greater capacity and a much greater contribution to the interpretation of the information.

The Book.art.est project aims to foster cultural dialogue and provide a platform for experimentation and visibility for new generations of creators. In the end of our talk, Anco Spiridon told us about the organizers expectations for the 2026 edition, Book.art.est #2.

We wanted to extend this years call to Ukraine as well. Collaborative international projects have always brought with them a sense of broadening horizons. Its interesting to see how artists from other countries respond to the challenge of reimagining and rethinking books, and were very, very curious to see what the submissions will look like. Weve already received quite a few submissions, and as is often the case with open calls for artists, we cant wait to see what the final days of submissions bring. The final exhibition in Bucharest, which we plan to hold in May, will offer yet another multidisciplinary context bringing together various art forms, allowing the public to broaden their perspective and explore multiple forms of artistic expression. We hope to complement the event with a series of related events, featuring both the visual arts and literature. (MI)
April 4, 2025

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 04.04.2026, 13:55

Ordinance  The Romanian government has approved the second package of intervention measures on the fuel market, after the decision to cap the commercial markup on gasoline and diesel, which came into force on April 1. This involves reducing the excise duty on standard diesel by 36 bani including the VAT per liter, after more than a month of price increases at the pump, during which it approached 11 lei (approx. 2.2 Euros). The ordinance will enter into force next week and will be in effect as long as the fuel price crisis persists, both internationally and domestically. The regulatory law also introduces a solidarity contribution for companies that extract oil from Romania, funds from which part of the excise duty reduction would be supported. The government will take money to cover this decrease from three sources, namely the additional VAT collected during the period of price increases, the state budget and the solidarity fund. 60% of the exceptional profits that certain companies in the sector have made since prices began to rise will go into that fund. The President of IMM Romania (the SMEs sector), Florin Jianu, claims that the Governments measure to reduce the excise duty on diesel is insufficient and says that there is room for a more consistent decrease. He recalls that Romania has one of the highest excise duties on oil in the EU. In his opinion, a broader intervention by the government is needed.

Rating  The reconfirmation of Romanias sovereign rating highlights the confidence of international agencies in the authorities ability to continue fiscal consolidation and to maintain macroeconomic stability, said Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare. On Friday, the financial rating agency S&P Global Ratings reconfirmed Romanias sovereign rating at BBB-/A-3 for long-term and short-term debt, while maintaining a negative outlook. The decision reconfirms Romanias placement in the investment-grade category and reflects, according to the agency, the authorities continued efforts to consolidate fiscally, in the context of domestic and external economic challenges. According to the agencys assessment, the budget deficit is estimated to be reduced to 6.5% of GDP in 2026 and to 5.5% of GDP in 2027, compared to 7.7% in 2025, against the backdrop of fiscal adjustment measures already implemented. At the same time, investments financed from European funds continue to represent an important factor supporting economic growth. The report highlights that Romanias economy is going through a period of moderate growth, with an estimated advance of 0.25% in 2026, with the growth rate expected to improve in the period 2027-2029, to an average of approximately 2.5%.

Religious holidays  In Romania, approximately 24 thousand employees of the Interior Ministry, police officers, gendarmes, firefighters and border guards, are mobilized at national level in the context of Sundays celebrations: the Orthodox Palm Sunday and the Catholic Easter. They will act to prevent incidents and efficiently manage operational situations, especially in areas with high levels of people. Special attention is paid to places of worship and religious events, where over 1.2 million believers are expected to participate. In Bucharest, on Saturday, over 15 thousand people are expected to participate in the traditional Palm Sunday pilgrimage. The Interior Ministry crews will ensure the necessary measures for the safe conduct of the event. For good organization, temporary traffic restrictions will also be established. We remind you that Orthodox Easter (the Resurrection of Jesus Christ), the greatest celebration of Christianity, is marked on April 12. It is the holiday that brought humanity the hope of salvation and eternal life, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Easter has been celebrated since the apostolic era.

Pfizer  The Romanian Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete (from the Social Democratic Party) has said that he is considering opening direct negotiations with Pfizer so that, on account of the 600 million Euros owed by Romania, it could receive innovative medicines from the company and thus introduce modern therapies into the public health system. He explained that the Romanian authorities ordered more doses of anti-COVID vaccines during the pandemic than would have been necessary for the entire population of the country. We recall that a court in Brussels sentenced Romania, in the first instance, to pay 600 million Euros, the remaining balance for 29 million anti-COVID vaccines ordered from Pfizer and which were no longer purchased. Pfizer sued the two countries in 2023 to enforce the execution of the procurement contracts, which, following the end of the pandemic, Poland and Romania refused to completely fulfill. The American manufacturer complains that after signing the contract in 2021, the authorities in Bucharest invoked logistics and storage problems and had an indecisive behavior in successively accepting and refusing the renegotiation options they received.

Iran  Iran and the United States have today entered a race against time to find one of the two occupants of the first American plane to crash on Iranian soil since the start of the war, AFP reports. The Iranian army said it shot down the aircraft, an F-15E fighter-bomber. US media reported that one of the two pilots ejected mid-flight and was evacuated during a Special Forces raid in southwestern Iran, while the fate of the second remains unknown. Tehran urged locals to search for the American pilot and offered a reward for his surrender. The Iranian military also said it had shot down another American plane, an A-10 Thunderbolt II close air support aircraft, which then crashed in the Persian Gulf. US President Donald Trump has refused to discuss the rescue operation, but said it would not affect negotiations to end the month-long conflict with Iran. He has threatened to attack Iranian civilian infrastructure, such as power plants. On the other hand, Tehran has rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, an Iranian source told the Iranian Fars news agency on Friday, Reuters reports. Also on Friday, the US newspaper Wall Street Journal wrote that current mediation efforts led by several countries, notably Pakistan, for a ceasefire between the US and Israel, on the one hand, and Iran, on the other, are at an impasse. (LS)
If you think your passwords are pretty secure, youre not aloneand thats exactly the problem. Most people follow what seems like smart advice, yet millions of accounts are hacked every day, often because of small habits that quietly weaken security. In fact, the majority of breaches still come down to simple password mistakesnot elite hacking skills. This guide breaks down eight safe password habits that hackers actually loveand what to do instead before your accounts become easy targets.

1. Reusing Passwords Because Theyre Strong Enough

You might think reusing a strong password is safe, but its one of the biggest risks online. If just one website gets breached, hackers can use your credentials to access multiple accounts instantly. This tactic, called credential stuffing, is incredibly effective because people reuse passwords across dozens of sites. Even a complex password becomes useless when its reused. Experts compare it to handing hackers a master key to your digital life. The safer move is to use a unique password for every account.

2. Adding 1! to the End of Every Password

It feels smart to add symbols or numbers, but hackers already expect this pattern. Modern AI-powered tools are trained to recognize common substitutions like Password1! or Summer2024! instantly. These predictable tweaks barely slow down automated attacks. What looks complex to you often looks obvious to a machine. Hackers test these patterns first because they work so often. Instead, use longer passphrases that dont follow common formulas.

3. Saving Passwords in Your Browser for Convenience

Browser autofill feels like a lifesaver, especially when you have dozens of logins. However, storing passwords this way can expose them if your device is compromised. Malware, shared devices, or even physical access can put those saved credentials at risk. Many people assume browsers are fully securebut theyre a frequent target. Hackers know where to look and how to extract stored data. A dedicated password manager is a much safer option.

4. Using Personal Info That Only You Would Know

Your pets name, birthday, or favorite team might feel uniquebut theyre often easy to find. Social media profiles, public records, and even casual conversations can reveal these details. Hackers actively search for this information to guess passwords quickly. What feels personal to you is often publicly available to them. This makes creative passwords surprisingly predictable. Avoid using anything tied to your identity.

5. Relying on Short but Complicated Passwords

A short password packed with symbols used to be considered secure. Today, length matters far more than complexity. AI-driven cracking tools can break shorter passwords faster than evereven if they include special characters. Longer passphrases create significantly more resistance against attacks. For example, a random sentence is stronger than a short, scrambled word. Hackers prefer short passwords because theyre easier to brute-force. Think longer, not just more complicated.

6. Skipping Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Many people skip 2FA because it feels like a hassle. Unfortunately, that extra step is one of the strongest defenses you have. Without it, a stolen password is often all hackers need to access your account. With 2FA enabled, attackers need a second form of verificationusually something they dont have. This drastically reduces the chances of unauthorized access. Convenience shouldnt outweigh security here.

7. Never Updating Old Passwords

If you havent changed your passwords in years, youre taking a risk. Data breaches happen constantly, and your credentials may already be floating around online. Once leaked, passwords can be reused in automated attacks across multiple platforms. Many people dont realize theyve been compromised until its too late. Regularly updating critical accounts adds an extra layer of protection. Focus especially on email, banking, and shopping accounts.

8. Thinking Im Not Important Enough to Hack

This mindset is one of the most dangerous of all. Hackers dont target individualsthey target vulnerabilities at scale. Automated attacks scan millions of accounts looking for easy wins. Even small pieces of personal data can be valuable when combined with others. Everyone is a potential target, regardless of income or status. Assuming youre safe makes you more vulnerable.

Why These Safe Password Habits Are Putting You at Risk

The truth is, most password mistakes come from convenience, not carelessness. People are managing hundreds of accounts, so shortcuts feel necessary. But those shortcuts create predictable patterns that hackers exploit every day. Cybersecurity has evolved, and so have the tools used to break into accounts. What worked five or ten years ago simply isnt enough anymore. The safest approach today is combining long, unique passwords with tools like password managers and 2FA.

Have you checked your passwords recentlyor are you still using one of these risky habits without realizing it?

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A massive health care fraud case is making headlines, and its raising serious concerns about how taxpayer-funded care is being used. Federal authorities recently arrested eight individuals, including licensed medical professionals, in connection with an alleged hospice fraud scheme worth more than $50 million. The case centers on patients who were reportedly enrolled in hospice care even though they were not terminally ill. For seniors and families who rely on hospice services, this news is both shocking and unsettling. Heres what happened and what it means for you.

What the Hospice Fraud Scheme Allegedly Involved

At the center of this case is a large-scale health care fraud bust involving sham hospice operations. Prosecutors say the defendants billed Medicare for services that were either unnecessary or never provided. In many cases, patients were enrolled in hospice care despite not being terminally ill. Hospice care is meant for end-of-life support, making these allegations particularly serious. The scheme reportedly generated tens of millions in fraudulent payments.

The bust included a mix of professionals, not just administrators. Authorities say those arrested include nurses, a chiropractor, and even a psychologist. Some defendants allegedly worked together across multiple hospice facilities. All are now facing federal charges that could result in significant prison time.

How Fake Hospice Enrollment Works

How the scheme worked in the background was alarming when it came to light. Patients were allegedly signed up for hospice care even though they were not dying. In some cases, individuals were reportedly incentivized or misled into participating. Additionally, fraudulent medical records were created to justify the claims. This allowed providers to collect ongoing payments from Medicare.

Unlike other scams, hospice fraud affects both finances and patient care. Medicare pays for hospice services with the expectation of compassionate, end-of-life treatment.

When fraud occurs, resources are diverted away from patients who truly need care. It can also lead to unnecessary or inappropriate medical treatment.

The Financial Impact on Taxpayers

The scale of this case is significant. Authorities estimate the scheme attempted to defraud Medicare of more than $50 million. Health care fraud overall costs taxpayers billions each year. These losses can contribute to higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Investigators say Southern California has become a high-risk area for hospice fraud. Hundreds of questionable hospice providers have been identified in recent years. Some were even operating out of fake or empty office locations. The rapid growth of hospice providers has made oversight more difficult.

Were All Paying For It

This isnt the first time California has been in the news regarding a wide-scale scam like this, even in recent history. During the pandemic, tens of billions of dollars were spent on unemployment insurance fraud. Additionally, the workers comp system has been plagued by organized fraud schemes for years, and COVID relief programs were full of fraudulent applications, too. When public money is lost, the cost is ultimately shifted back onto the taxpayers, and it goes beyond California in this case. Because Medicare funds are federal, taxpayers across the United States will wind up paying for it.

Does this case change how you view hospice care or make you more cautious about medical recommendations?

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Deep inside a limestone cave in western Cuba, paleontologists have found the most complete ichthyosaur skeleton yet found on the island.

The ichthyosaur skeleton was discovered in 2023 in a fluvial cave in El Cuajani, within the Vinales Geopark and National Park in western Cuba.

The exposed segment of the skeleton includes the U-shaped curved vertebral column with associated ribs, isolated vertebrae, and a single hindlimb.

The specimen is preserved in the rock slab that forms the ceiling of the fluvial cave now known as Cueva del Ictiosaurio, at approximately 60 m from its entrance, said Dr. Manuel Iturralde-Vinent from the Academia de Ciencias de Cuba and his colleagues from Cuba, Argentina, Poland and the United States.

The fossil dates back roughly 145 million years ago to the Tithonian age of the Late Jurassic epoch.

Until now, Cubas ichthyosaur record was largely confined to older, Oxfordian deposits.

This fossil represents the most complete ichthyosaur recovered from Cuba to date, the paleontologists said.

It extends the temporal record of ichthyosaurs on the island, which previously only included specimens from the Oxfordian.

Though the El Cuajani ichthyosaur, as the researchers informally call it, cannot yet be assigned to a specific species, its anatomy suggests affinities with a family of ichthyosaurs called Ophthalmosauridae.

Its hindlimb morphology is comparable to that of Tithonian platypterygiine ophthalmosaurids, resembling Caypullisaurus bonapartei and Aegirosaurus leptospondylus, they explained.

According to the scientists, the animal lived in a deep, open-marine within the early Caribbean seaway, a key marine corridor connecting distant parts of the Jurassic world.

The Caribbean seaway became an important marine corridor since the mid Oxfordian, connecting the Eastern and Western Tethys, playing a pivotal role in the marine faunal dispersal since the Late Jurassic between Europe, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific, they said.

This corridor had a latest Triassic-Early Jurassic ancestry represented by intercontinental rift valleys which should not be considered part of the early Caribbean basin or the Gulf of Mexico per se, but were precursors located in west-central Pangea.

The El Cuajani ichthyosaur adds to the growing body of Tithonian ichthyosaur recently discovered in the region and could contribute to a better understanding of the biogeographic history of the group, they concluded.

Their paper was published on February 6 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

_____

Manuel Iturralde-Vinent et al. A partial ichthyosaur (?Ophthalmosauridae) skeleton from the Tithonian (Upper Jurassic) of western Cuba. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, published online February 6, 2026; doi: 10.1080/02724634.2025.2609717
India commissions its third indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, strengthening its naval defense capability

The induction significantly boosts the underwater leg of Indias nuclear triad, improving second-strike deterrence

Reinforces Indias position among a select group of nations with advanced nuclear-powered submarine technology

India has inducted its indigenously built nuclear-powered submarine INS Aridhaman into the Navy, further strengthening its strategic defense capabilities. The submarine enhances the countrys nuclear triad, which includes land, air, and sea-based nuclear delivery systems.

SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear) program. It follows INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2016, and INS Arighaat, which joined service in August 2024. With this addition, India continues to expand its underwater nuclear strength. INS Aridhaman is part of Indias closely guarded. It follows INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2016, and INS Arighaat, which joined service in August 2024. With this addition, India continues to expand itsstrength.

The submarine completed several months of sea trials before entering service. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh attended the commissioning ceremony at a naval base in Kerala. While the government has not officially released full details, Singh hinted at the development in a brief social media post.

With this move, India strengthens its position among a select group of nations that operate nuclear-powered submarines. This group includes the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China. These submarines are considered critical for maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent due to their stealth and long endurance.

India has already demonstrated strong nuclear capabilities on land and in the air. The focus is now clearly shifting toward enhancing underwater capabilities, which are harder to detect and provide second-strike assurance in case of a conflict.

The induction of INS Aridhaman marks another step in Indias long-term defense strategy, emphasizing self-reliance and advanced military technology.
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Review Eating outPunchbowl Its one of Sydneys most exceptional desserts, and its in Punchbowl This western suburbs cafe keeps the lights on, the coffee pouring, and the pans frying until after midnight. Bianca Hrovat April 5, 2026 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

1 / 7 Knafeh at Afandi Cafe. Dion Georgopoulos 2 / 7 Sahlab, a creamy, drinkable milk pudding. Dion Georgopoulos 3 / 7 A single portion serves two. Dion Georgopoulos 4 / 7 The interior is simple and comfortable. Dion Georgopoulos 5 / 7 Little details make the space special, like the doll-house furniture, the tapestries on the wall, and the painted scenes of Palestine. Dion Georgopoulos 6 / 7 The cafe makes its own cheese and ghee. Dion Georgopoulos 7 / 7 Inside Afandi, which started out as a food cart. Dion Georgopoulos Previous Slide Next Slide Afandi Cafe, Punchbowl Middle Eastern$$$$ Were in Punchbowl after dark, on a quiet suburban street overlooking the T3 railway line. There are a few empty shopfronts, a funeral home, and a small cafe where the lights will stay on and the coffee will keep pouring until well after midnight. This is Afandi Cafe, and its said to serve the best knafeh in Sydney. You might know knafeh from the annual Lakemba Night Markets, which concluded this week. The Middle Eastern dish is a highlight each year  a visual spectacle of gold spun pastry, sliced and pulled from warm pans to reveal a layer of molten cheese, stretching as high as the vendors arm allows. Lots of yelling, lots of fun, lots of people filming for social media. People line up to eat at the Ramadan night markets in Lakemba. Wolter Peeters

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But its popularity as a dessert (and originally, a predawn breakfast) extends far beyond the advent of TikTok. Yes, knafeh might have been the precursor to 2025 confectionery craze Dubai chocolate, but it was also a sought-after dish among the political and religious elites of medieval Arabia. One bite, and youll get it. Theres something in the textural interplay of soft, elastic cheese and the crunch of shredded, burnished pastry; something instinctively satisfying when the sweetness of sugar syrup mingles with the gentle salt, lingering in the washed cheese. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Afandi Cafe owner Mohammad Ismail never planned to make knafeh for a living, but he serves it year-round. He was born in Palestine, studied to become a pharmacist in Jordan and migrated to Australia in search of opportunity. But his qualifications werent recognised here, and like so many migrants before him, he turned to hospitality. I always liked street food more than fine dining, so I started a street cart in Lakemba, Ismail says. For two years, he worked to perfect his uncles recipe for knafeh Nabulsiyeh, handing out free samples to customers, listening to their feedback, and making the necessary tweaks. I tried to get it as close to the authentic knafeh as I can, but its not quite there, he says. Its maybe 85 per cent.

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Knafeh at Afandi Cafe. Dion Georgopoulos Thats because of the cheese. Knafeh Nabulsiyeh originates from Nablus, a Palestinian city on the West Bank of the Jordan, where its made using local cheese: a firm white sheeps milk cheese flavoured with mahleb, brined with added mastic (the same ingredient that gives Turkish ice-cream that chew and stretch), and soaked in water to reduce its salt content. Ismail said it proved too difficult, and expensive, to source in Australia. Instead, he makes it from scratch, using cows milk. It takes three days each week, and the final product is creamy, mild and has an incredible stretch. Ismail also makes his own ghee (clarified butter). Its used to carefully coat each strand of shredded kataifi pastry before the knafeh hits the pan, creating that light, golden crunch. Theres something in the textural interplay of soft, elastic cheese and the crunch of shredded, burnished pastry. The final dish, made to order, is Ismails own: delicate and delicious, garnished with chopped green pistachios and served with a small glass jug of unflavoured qatir (sugar syrup) to pour over the top. The single size is generous, but you can order them as large as a market paella pan.

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We dig into it with spoons and the cheese keeps stretching, and stretching, far beyond what we expected. Its a fun dish to eat, and the signature Afandi black spiced tea has just enough tannin to cut through. Afandi Cafe started as a Lakemba food stall. Dion Georgopoulos Ismail also serves atayef (also pronounced qatayef). Theyre plump, golden dumplings with a pancake shell filled with your choice of cheese, ashta (clotted cream) or mixed nuts. Allow a bit of time for them to be shaped and fried to order. The sticky savoury chew of the mixed nuts made it an easy favourite. Ismail said hes come a long way since the street cart. There are plans to open a backyard courtyard, and expand the menu to include a few savoury options. I started with nothing, he said. I heard Australia was a nice place where you can make your dreams come true. And now, Im married, I have three children, and have been in this business for [almost 10] years.

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A miniaturised scene at Afandi Cafe. Dion Georgopoulos At 9pm on a weeknight, Afandi Cafe is a date spot, and all four indoor tables are taken. The couples talk quietly, drinking Turkish coffee and occasionally glancing up at the TV on the wall. A variety show is playing in Arabic, and you can smell the fresh cinnamon as its grated to make sahlab  a thick, creamy milk pudding topped with crushed walnuts and raisins. The interior is simple  red-cushioned bench seating, glass-topped bistro tables, and two plastic olive trees. But there are also little details that feel a bit special, like the miniature doll-house furniture with prayer book and shisha, the tapestries on the wall, and the painted scenes of Palestine. Its important to me to speak up as a Palestinian, to say we are not only people in conflict, he says. We have brains, and passion, and feeling. And great food. Three more to try Yummy Yummy Knafeh This knafeh is a textural treat: finely chopped pistachios and tangled shreds of golden, fried kataifi pastry layered atop soft, slightly salty Akkawi cheese. Owner-operator Mohammed Zarqa has it down to a fine art, serving his Palestinian family recipe with smiles and showmanship at markets across Sydney. instagram.com/yummyyummyknafeh Kanafandi Nabulsi Knafeh House Another hot contender for Sydneys best Palestinian knafeh. The Lakemba cafe attracts queues during Ramadan, but its open year-round. Order an oversized slice of knafeh, heavy and sweet with a generous drizzle of pistachio spread. 60 Haldon Street, Lakemba, instagram.com/kanafandi.sydney Knafeh House The knafeh is a specialty, offered with an option of smooth semolina or coarse kataifi on top. The best part, though, is that you can order it with scoops of booza (mastic ice-cream), stretchy and sweet, made in-house. 315 Parramatta Road, Haberfield, knafehhouse.com.au Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.
In the beauty sphere, a beautiful package doesnt always mean a winning formula, but often, great design is a signal that whats inside the box, tube or bottle is the business. Here are six favourites.

Map of the Heart Gold Heart V.4; Amouage Gold Woman 100ml EDP; Dior Forever Glow Luminizer.

Map of the Heart Gold Heart V.4 ($295). This Australian-designed, French-made fragrance brand was launched in 2014 by filmmakers Sarah Blair and the late Jeffrey Darling. The distinctive bottle, which was designed by Pierre Dinand, is based on an anatomically correct heart and fits perfectly in the palm of a hand. At the core of this fragrance, which was developed by master perfumer Jacques Huclier, are notes of cardamom, cinnamon and pink pepper, which give way to a heart of warm milk overdosed with saffron.

Amouage Gold Woman 100ml EDP ($599). While we are on fragrances, a standout for both bottle and contents is this hard-hitting floral comprising lily-of-the-valley, rockrose, frankincense, iris, jasmine, myrrh, civet and musk. The distinctive golden, hand-finished bottle is a pure joy to have and to hold. This is a keeper on all fronts.

Dior Forever Glow Luminizer in Blue Strobe ($102). When it comes to make-up packaging, we can always rely on Dior to raise the bar. The silver compact looks great in any handbag, while inside, the highlighter is packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid. While its on the cutting-edge of make-up technology, the quilting detail harks back to the chairs used at Christian Diors first couture show in 1947.
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LifestyleLife & relationshipsSunday Life Before you renovate, visit these destinations for the best in design inspiration Elana Castle April 5, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

This story is part of the April 5 edition of Sunday Life. See all stories .

If travel once offered escape, it now also offers perspective. A beautifully resolved hotel room, the sensory pull of time-worn stone and timber, the quiet choreography of light and shadow  authentic experiences like these are subtly recalibrating our expectations about where and how we travel and, in turn, conjuring a sharper sense of how space, light and materials shape everyday life. Travel served as a series of pilgrimages for me as an architecture student, says Robert Davidov of Melbourne practice Davidov Architects, and it still remains a soulful and informative pursuit. Having travelled extensively  including to Morocco, Israel, Egypt, Peru and Italy  Davidov is known for his sketchbooks filled with intricate drawings of ancient ruins and villages. Hes also fascinated by the vernacular, saying, Enduring materiality and the idea of timelessness have been incredibly influential on my design career. Le Sirenuse, a hotel on the Amalfi Coast, is a favourite of interior designer Nina Maya. Unsurprisingly, Davidovs practice has become known for a refined, almost monastic aesthetic and attention to the way spaces are carefully sequenced and slowly revealed. I draw on travel to define how I control views, explore materials and create sensory experiences, he says. Most materials are more beautiful the less you touch them, so we tend to use them sparingly, which unleashes their true potency.

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Davidov continues to travel overseas each year, with his current focus on Japan and Mexico. Examining Tadao Andos work in Japan, particularly at Naoshima  how he controls the experience of entering a space  has been very informative in my design thinking, he says. Doorways are emblematic of how I design. They mark the genesis of any journey into a home, and we take extraordinary care to make that experience meaningful and multisensory for the client. How it feels, how it looks and its patinas over time are integral to the design. Robert Davidov is inspired by Benesse Park Hotel in Naoshima, Japan. For Georgia Ezra, TV personality and director of interior design firm Studio Ezra, travel has migrated from being a source of cultural references in her work to becoming the backbone of her ceramics import business and shop, Tiles of Ezra. Working with artisans in countries like Vietnam, Morocco, Spain, Turkey and Thailand, Ezra uses time-honoured techniques to create sustainable handmade tiles. My father is from Calcutta and I gravitate towards places and communities that have a certain authenticity to them, she says. Places like India, Mexico and Morocco are very humble in their offerings, yet they embody great depth and value. In a place like Jaipur [in India], I can really delve into the history, examining the finer details like the plasterwork and mouldings, which ultimately inform how I design my joinery and my tile ranges. I am drawn to storytelling, history and culture and these ideas are filtered into my design consciousness and into my interiors. For some designers, travel offers a form of escapism. My ideal destination is one that allows for total immersion, says Nina Maya of Nina Maya Interiors in Sydney. I need it to offer something different from my everyday, whether in the form of a respite or as maximalism.

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Mayas interiors are notoriously sleek and restrained, so her mention of maximalism might be considered curious. But as she explains, its become an alternate form of visual stimulation. I head to Europe every year in their summer, usually to the Amalfi Coast, and Hotel Le Sirenuse remains my favourite hotel in Positano, she says. It couldnt represent a style more different to mine, yet somehow it piques my creativity and pushes me to look at options that sit in direct contrast to my own style. We are working on a project in Puglia and my exposure to this maximalist aesthetic has started to filter into my work. For Melbourne interior designer Danielle Brustman, travel became the catalyst for a profound career transformation. I had an epiphany a few years ago in New York while I was working in set and theatre design, she says. I went to investigate the hot spot at the time  Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel  and the experience was a complete revelation for me. For Melbourne interior designer Danielle Brustman, travel was the catalyst for a career transformation. Phoebe Powell The interior seemed so wild at the time; so dangerous and outrageous relative to the austerity of the 90s and the early 2000s. There was a playfulness and irreverence that evoked joy. I thought, this is what I want to create for people.

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The experience thrust Brustman almost immediately into the world of interior architecture, a discipline she studied and has since synthesised with exhibition and multisensory experiential design. It stands to reason that New York remains one of my favourite destinations, she says. It is such a hotbed of creativity and diversity in life, art and music. I seem to make most sense there. I also love Hotel Costes in Paris because it offers one a completely different version of oneself  it is such a thrill. All travel should offer a different take on reality. Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Sunday Life
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Exclusive NationalOrganised crime Black market in the red: How the Iran war is rippling through Melbournes underworld Chris Vedelago April 5, 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

Black market cigarette prices have soared up to 50 per cent as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a series of major seizures and worsening violence in the nationwide tobacco war squeezes local supplies and leads to price gouging. Illicit tobacco shops across Melbourne are jacking up prices on illicit brands such as Manchester and Double Happiness as the market faces shortages for the first time in years and some operators have begun profiteering. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial shipping lane for the global economy. Getty Images The increase of $4 to $5 a packet to $16 to $25  compared with more than $50 for legitimate brands  comes as there has been a fresh outbreak of violence between warring gangs in the illicit tobacco market following the arrest of kingpin Kaz Hamad. The most popular cigarette in Australia is the UAE-made brand Manchester, which is shipped from Dubai and has now been cut off for more than a month by Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Underworld sources say the crunch started more than a month ago  before the outbreak of the war  when retailers were told there were supply problems and prices would rise. There has also been confusion inside the illicit supply and retail chain following Hamads arrest in Iraq in January, sources say. There have been nearly 30 firebombings and shootings in the new tobacco war. Photograph by Chris Hopkins Everything is getting jammed up, so theyre raising prices, an underworld source said. Theyre catching more of them  its harder to get them in. Reality is hitting. There have been nearly 30 arson attacks and shootings nationwide since the 42-year-olds arrest, as former rivals and new players attempt to push into the multibillion-dollar illicit tobacco market.

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New suppliers, more money, one illicit retailer told this masthead. Theres just not as much around, and theyre charging more. Prices remained stable over the past year after Hamad forced the creation of an illicit tobacco cartel known as The Commission. Minimum and maximum prices were set for wholesalers and retailers across large swaths of the country, which were enforced through fear and violence. In suburban Melbourne, prices for Manchester packets were about $12 to $14. They were permitted to be set higher at $18 to $20 in the CBD and inner-city nightlife precincts. Initially, the recent supply problems were limited to increases of about $2 a pack. But in the past two weeks, prices have been forced up again by another $2 to $3 as the once-abundant supply in shops has begun to dry up with no new shipments arriving and uncertainty around distribution.

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This means the cost has jumped up to 50 per cent for black market Manchester packs, depending on the retail location. Related Article Tobacco The inside story of how Australia became one of the most lucrative illicit tobacco markets in the world Tobacco industry sources say there has also been an element of profiteering from the chaos, with even Chinese-made brands such as Double Happiness commanding double recent prices for a carton. Over the past week, this masthead found significant price variations for packets of Manchester between shops even in close proximity. Sources say some retailers are taking advantage of the instability to make bigger profits. In the past few months, federal and state law enforcement agencies have been blitzing illicit importers and retailers following significant political pressure to crack down on the $8 billion black market.

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Seizures by the Australian Border Force have been at record highs, although crime groups have been sending hundreds of millions of cigarettes towards Australia each month from the UAE. The new state regulator, Tobacco Licensing Victoria, has said it seized about 3.1 million cigarettes in its first month of operation from the start of February. Supply issues are expected to become a critical problem for the syndicates with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed as the war rages in the Middle East. It takes about a month for a ship leaving the Dubai port of Jebel Ali to reach Australia, often after transiting through a South-East Asian port first. More than 4.4 billion Manchester cigarettes were sent to Asia and onwards to Australia between 2023 and 2025.

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The strait was effectively closed to commercial shipping on February 28 with the start of the US and Israeli bombing campaign. Forecasts based on known smuggling routes and shipping schedules suggest the last containers of Manchester to be sent from Dubai before the strait was closed will probably arrive in an Australian port this week. A police raid at a Cambodian cigarette counterfeiting plant. The factories that manufacture Manchester churned out nearly 500 million cigarettes in February, according to records obtained by this masthead. That supply is now sitting in warehouses and on ships in the UAE port of Jebel Ali waiting to be sent to Asia and then on to Australia. It will take almost a month for new tobacco supplies from the UAE to arrive in Australia once the strait is reopened.

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Related Article Investigation

Organised crime We handed over billions to organised crime: How official neglect and incompetence fuelled the tobacco war Criminal intelligence sources said smugglers were now looking at alternative routes to get the product to Australia  including sending containers from Dubai to Kuwait and then overland to ships transiting the Red Sea via the Suez Canal. This rerouting will also probably force up prices. Law enforcement sources and industry analysts say the gangs will now be scrambling to grab a larger slice of the made-to-order counterfeit cigarette market based in South-East Asia. These are factories run by local crime groups that manufacture cigarettes that appear to look like conventional brands but cost only a fraction to produce. They are commonly slipped into the market where customers are unaware they are paying regular prices for a knock-off product.

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The centre for the production of counterfeit cigarettes is the Cambodian coastal town of Sihanoukville. There is a cluster of more than 20 factories that churn out knock-offs of major brands such as Marlboro, Benson & Hedges and Winfield. Counterfeit cigarettes being sold in Melbourne. The packets are high-quality copies that often mimic the health warnings and other labels required for products to be legally distributed in destination countries. Loaded onto ships in Sihanoukville, the cigarettes are trans-shipped through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam and then on to the US, Europe and Australia.

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The counterfeit problem is big and growing, but it doesnt come close to the amount of cigarettes that are pumped out legally by Manchester (from Dubai) or Double Happiness (from China) for the black market in Australia, an industry source said. Industrial-grade cigarette machine seized by Australian Border Force in January 2026. Australian Border Force Estimates put production levels out of Cambodia in the tens of millions of cigarettes, compared with billions for the UAE and China. A number of unusual bespoke fake brands have also appeared on the streets of Melbourne recently. These include a new entrant called Royal Oak, which mimics the appearance of Manchester cigarettes but combines the branding of British American Tobacco and Philip Morris International.

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Others use the Manchester name but conceal its illicit origins by using plain packaging labels. One counterfeit doesnt have a name but is simply labelled Classic Original and contains nonsensical product and health messages. The seemingly insatiable demand for cut-price cigarettes has also resulted in the syndicates trying to build up a domestic tobacco growing and manufacturing industry. In January, Australian Border Force seized an industrial-grade cigarette rolling machine from a storage locker in Sydney. The million-dollar device was capable of producing 3.6 million cigarettes a day when running at full capacity. The raid also found suspected counterfeit tobacco packaging that used the Manchester brand.

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This masthead has previously reported that crime syndicates, including Hamads 313s, had begun taking over illicit tobacco crops on farms across Victoria in a bid to guarantee a steady and ready access to supply. 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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NationalHeroes Opinion Im hooked on competency porn. I wish our leaders were too Julia Baird Journalist, broadcaster, historian and author April 4, 2026  9:30am

April 4, 2026  9:30am 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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Exclusive NationalNSWBondi shooting Sydney council warned of illegal prayer hall years before Bondi attack Mostafa Rachwani April 5, 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 controversial prayer hall allegedly linked to one of the Bondi shooters was flagged as operating illegally more than two years before the local council finally shut it down. Al Madina Dawah Centre closed in January after Canterbury-Bankstown Council issued a cease-use directive, claiming the centre did not have the appropriate approvals to operate as a prayer hall. Controversial Islamic preacher Wissam Haddad. Edwina Pickles But documents obtained under freedom-of-information laws reveal the council had received numerous complaints about the centre, with one as far back as November 2023. The prayer hall was until recently run by radical preacher Wissam Haddad, who was in the spotlight late last year over his links with Naveed Akram, one of the Bondi shooters.

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Akram and his father, Sajid, killed 15 innocent people on December 14 after opening fire on a Hanukkah event held on Bondi Beach. Sajid was shot dead by police, while Naveed has been charged with almost 60 offences, including 15 murders. His case returns to court on Wednesday. The documents obtained by this masthead also indicate that the council suspected the centre was operating a Saturday school on the premises at the time. The locked gates of the Al Madina Dawah Centre in Bankstown. Kate Geraghty In an email chain discussing the complaint, council staff noted the centre was probably operating without development consent, with one staff member writing that they suspected the centre was breaching consents by operating a place of worship and running a Saturday school on the weekends. The council then launched an investigation that included a council officer attending the premises on a Friday, when Muslims pray the noon prayer in congregation. The officer saw no evidence of congregation, and the investigation was shelved.

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Council officers noted that the centre would appear on the Go Pray app, used by Muslims to find congregations or mosques, signifying it was being used as a place of worship. Despite that, and finding that the premises was last approved as a medical centre in June 1989, the council took no further action. Loading Haddad and his alleged followers were involved in numerous street preaching groups in Sydneys west, one of which was attended by Akram in 2019. He was pictured preaching with a program called the Dawah Van, affiliated with Al Madina Dawah Centre, as well as appearing in a video for another program called Street Dawah that had previously been attended by convicted terror offenders. Al Madina Dawah Centre was operating for about four years and was where Haddad gave lectures and lessons. Haddad has not faced serious charges or been directly linked to terrorist acts. There is no suggestion he was involved in the Bondi attack. It is unclear if Akram attended the centre while it was open.

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The prayer hall was brought to the councils attention numerous times through media requests, including one email chain focusing on a Daily Telegraph front page featuring Haddad from May 2025. In the discussion, council staff again mentioned the prayer hall did not have the appropriate consent to operate as a place of worship but did nothing. In the week after the Bondi terror attack, council workers reopened their investigation into the prayer hall, and sent another officer to the premises for surveillance. The officers saw men dressed in religious attire walking into the building about 1pm on the Friday after the Bondi attack. The officers also noted that they could see the congregation through the first-floor windows. They did not enter the building, instead making observations from across the road. They stayed for 15 minutes, but left as they reported they did not feel safe to remain any longer as the premises was clearly being used as a prayer hall.

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Council officers again noted the premises only had approval for a medical centre, that no recent approvals had been issued for its use, and that the centre was still popping up on the Go Pray app. Editor's pick Exclusive

Extremism Neo-Nazi protesters outside parliament did not incite racial hatred, police find It was only then that the council finally issued a cease use directive to the centre. In that directive, the council refers to a schooling/tutoring centre for K-3 years, a detail omitted from the ensuing media releases. The centre was shut down less than a month later. The council did not respond to a request for comment. The centre sought to distance itself from Haddad after the Bondi attack, with the organising committee saying at the time that Haddad holds no management role, has no operational authority and is not involved in the administration or decision-making of the current organisation.

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However, the centre also shared a statement from Haddad in which he denied any involvement in the attack. He said in the statement that there were no verified photos of him and Akram together, but he did not address whether he knew the alleged shooter. He added that it was misleading to call Akram one of his followers and denied any prior knowledge of the attack. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Space may be the final frontier, but that hasnt stopped writers across the ages from turning to it for inspiration, imagining what could be out there, says award-winning sci-fi author Omara Williams.

Night Sky Credit: WikiImages/Pixabay

Throughout history, the night sky has been a source of inspiration for human enquiry. Before developments in astronomy and scientific understanding, early civilisations did not interpret celestial objects simply as distant stars but as deities, mythical figures, and symbols reflecting their beliefs and values.

From the Hindu cosmic egg and the Olympian Greek gods to the Mayan sacred calendar and the Aboriginal celestial emu, ancient peoples did more than watch the sky. They wove it into their beliefs about life, death, morality, and nature. In the eternal lights above, they saw their own humanity magnified.

The night sky can be seen as humanitys first cinema, our earliest myth-making canvas, and the oldest library of mysteries.

For science fiction writers, it offers a limitless passport for the imagination.

With this rich history in mind, lets explore how the enigmatic cosmos continues to inspire the stories we create and lead us to new frontiers.

1. The Canvas for Limitless Imagination

Writers gaze skyward and see more than stars. We imagine entire worlds. The universes staggering scale suggests that no idea is too bizarre. Somewhere in all that vastness, it could exist.

Alien Worlds: Every star is a potential sun, and every point of light could be a solar system. The variety of exoplanets we now know existsfrom scorching hot Jupiters to diamond planetsconfirms what sci-fi has long assumed: the universe is filled with places stranger than we can imagine. This allows writers to build civilisations on desert planets, such as Dune's Arrakis or the lush jungle moon of Avatar's Pandora.

Alien Life: The night sky sparks constant questions about the life that might dwell there. Could the unusual infrared emissions from distant stars indicate the alien megastructures known as Dyson spheres? Is it possible that interstellar objects entering our solar system are alien spacecraft cleverly disguised? Such mysteries inspire stories of first contact, from the incomprehensible heptapods in Arrival to the terrifying predator in Alien.

Alien Invasions: The alien invasion is one of the most enduring and versatile concepts in science fiction. It's a narrative framework that has been used to explore a vast range of human fears, hopes, and social status, evolving dramatically alongside our own history and technology. The nature of the invader defines the story, from Martians trying to eliminate mankind and occupy Earth in The War of the Worlds to slug-like creatures controlling humanity and turning us against ourselves in The Puppet Masters.

In my own novel, sci-fi romance The Space Travellers Lover, I tell the story of an unstoppable alien soldier from a distant oceanic world and a brave human woman. They are locked in a battle between love and duty, and their choices will decide the fate of both humanity and the technologically advanced, human-like race determined to reign supreme in our universe.

As I crafted the sci-fi elements of my story, I drew inspiration from real astronomical phenomena as well as the deep emotions we feel beneath the stars. I explored how ancient myths shape our visions of alien worlds and wondered how love and loyalty might unfold in a truly alien setting. For us authors, this is a powerful toolletting the cosmos stir your fears, hopes, and questions, then allow those emotions to breathe life into your plot, your characters, and the worlds they inhabit.

Rom-Enjie, the distant oceanic world as described in The Space Travellers Lover by Omara Williams. Credit: Omara Williams/Gemini Software

Ultimately, the night sky stands as the perfect metaphor for the future itself: vast, mysterious, full of danger, but dazzling with the promise of discovery. As we look ahead, science fiction remains the art of building a new world and sailing into itconnecting myth, fear, ambition, and discovery.

2. The Unknowable and Existential Fear

The night skys beauty is rivalled only by its vast, chilling emptiness. This haunting contrast fuels both conflicting ideas and profound philosophical arguments.

Lovecraftian Horror: American author H.P. Lovecraft masterfully tapped into the fear of the unknown. He took the idea that we could be alone in a meaningless universe and created a new style of science fiction horror. In his work, the stars aren't just distant, they are home to incomprehensible beings (like Cthulhu, from his classic short story The Call of Cthulhu). The night sky becomes a veil, hiding a terrifying reality that can shatter the human mind.

The Fermi Paradox: The renowned Italian-American physicist Enrico Fermi famously asked, "If the universe is so big, where is everybody?" as a direct result of considering the silent stars.

This paradox has spawned countless explanations, such as the Dark Forest Theory, which suggests that civilisations hide in silence because revealing their location is suicidal in a universe of unknown threats, the Zoo Hypothesis, which suggests were deliberately being isolatedperhaps because Earth is considered a cosmic wildlife reserveor the Great Filter. This is particularly sinister as it implies that some inevitable catastrophe wipes out civilisations before they can travel the stars. It begs the question, will it happen to us?

The Drakes Equation: American astronomer Frank Drake's famous equation, devised in preparation for the first scientific meeting on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), is used to estimate the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilisations in the Milky Way galaxy. It is not a precise formula but rather a systematic way of breaking down the complex question Are we alone? into a series of smaller, more workable steps. Its real worth lies in directing our thinking on the key factors we need to consider to answer the Fermi Paradox.

The search for extraterrestrial life is currently experiencing a revolutionary transformation. This effort now comprises multiple approaches integrating next-generation telescopes and a broader scope of potential targets. While scientists cant collect samples from remote exoplanets, they can examine their atmospheres using spectroscopy, which involves studying how starlight passes through those atmospheres. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the largest telescope in space, is among the most effective instruments for this purpose, enabling the detection of chemical compositions within the atmospheres of exoplanets.

Illustration of the James Webb Space Telescope. Credit: NASA

3. A Source for Scientific Breakthroughs

Science fiction has consistently acted as a significant driver for innovation. The connection is mutually beneficial: Science fiction offers stories of the future we should strive for or avoid while inspiring researchers and engineers to pursue practical solutions and set future objectives. For instance

Geostationary Satellites: These were first proposed by author Arthur C. Clarke (who wrote 2001: A Space Odyssey) in a 1945 article in Wireless World magazine titled Extra-Terrestrial Relays". He proposed that a satellite in a geostationary orbit (35,786 km above the equator) would orbit the Earth at the same speed as the planet's rotation, making it appear fixed in the sky. A network of three such satellites, spaced 120 degrees apart, could provide global communication. This conceptual blueprint became the basis for all modern satellite communications, including TV broadcasting, GPS, and global internet. The orbit itself is now officially known as the "Clarke Orbit".

The Helicopter: In Robur the Conqueror (1886), writer Jules Verne featured a fictional heavier-than-air flying machine called the Albatross, which used multiple rotary wings (rotors) for lift and propulsion. His mechanical descriptions captured the public imagination and it's widely believed that his work influenced pioneers such as Igor Sikorsky, who built the first practical, mass-produced helicopter in the 1940s.

The Cell Phone: Captain Kirk and his crew famously used a handheld, wireless communicator in Star Trek, The Original Series (created by Gene Roddenberry in 1966). Martin Cooper, a Motorola executive, drew inspiration from this iconic device when he developed the first handheld mobile phone in 1973. His goal was to design a pocket-sized phone that echoed the compact look featured in the show.

Fuelled by Wonder

As we have seen, science often strives to turn yesterdays fiction into tomorrows reality, proving that storytellers' imagination can be one of the most powerful engines of scientific progress.

At its core, science fiction is fuelled by wonder. Who can look up at a clear, star-strewn sky and not feel awe, humility, and curiosity? Writers chase that feeling, hoping to share it. The night sky brims with potential, promising new energies, new physics, and new ways of being. It reminds us that reality is not fixed, and the future may be unimaginably different.

Why not turn this inspiration into action? Lift your eyes to the stars and let your imagination roam free. Your next tale could begin with a single glimmer in the night sky.

Omara Williams is a nuclear and software engineer whose multi-award-winning debut science-fiction novel, The Space Travellers Lover, shot to international bestseller status. Outside of her literary pursuits, she enjoys stargazing and chasing total solar eclipses.

Tagged in Sci Fi

Omara Williams is a nuclear and software engineer whose multi-award-winning debut science-fiction novel, The Space Travellers Lover, shot to international bestseller status. Outside of her literary pursuits, she enjoys stargazing and chasing total solar eclipses.
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Exclusive NationalNSWHealthcare The children waiting years for a 15-minute procedure Angus Thomson April 5, 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

Demand on the NSW surgical system is forcing one in 10 patients to wait more than a year for a 15-minute ear procedure, leaving children at risk of learning delays and long-term hearing loss. The problem is most acutely felt by children in regional areas  where hospitals are struggling to recruit specialists  and Indigenous children, who experience some of the highest rates of chronic ear disease in the world. Two-year-old Ashton Mitchell waited twice as long as recommended for ear surgery at Dubbo Base Hospital. Kate Geraghty Hearing loss is a developmental emergency, said Kelvin Kong, Australias first Indigenous ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon and a professor at the University of Newcastle. Our kids spend approximately 32 months of their first five years of life with no hearing because of glue ear  [it] is appalling.

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Glue ear, or otitis media, is a common childhood condition where fluid builds up inside the middle ear and cannot drain away, gradually becoming thick and sticky. The condition typically happens after an ear infection and can cause temporary hearing loss. Some children with chronic ear infections require grommets, which are tiny ventilation tubes  typically made of plastic or metal  inserted into the eardrum. These help air get into the middle ear and thick fluid drain out, preventing chronic ear infections and restoring hearing.

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The surgery, called a myringotomy, involves creating a small hole in the eardrum and inserting the grommet. It is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes. National hospital data shows patients in NSW are waiting almost twice as long as those in other states for the procedure. Half of NSW patients wait 120 days for the surgery, compared with 69 days in Victoria and 50 days in Queensland. One in 10 wait at least 367 days. In Queensland, fewer than one in 100 children wait longer than a year. A NSW Health spokesperson said the majority of myringotomy procedures were performed within the recommended 365-day window.

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NSW Health is spending $30 million on short-stay surgeries to reduce the number of overdue patients. The spokesperson said this was leading to an increase in median wait times, which are recorded only once a surgery is performed. Three-year-old Rowdy has been waiting for ENT surgery since September 2024, forcing him to wear a bone conduction hearing aid. Kate Geraghty Kong said this increased demand for operating theatres was leaving patients waiting longer for less-urgent procedures. Theyve probably already been waiting two years  to actually see [a specialist], let alone get on the waitlist, he said. Jenna, who asked to withhold her surname due to her husbands employment in the justice system, has been waiting since September 2024 for son Rowdy to have grommets fitted at Dubbo Hospital in the NSW Central West.

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The three-year-olds paperwork sat in his specialists office for almost a year because the hospital was not accepting referrals. Rowdy was accepted onto the public waitlist in July  almost a year later. Dubbo Hospital has been unable to say when his surgery will be performed. We have a very big hospital with lots of specialists, Jenna said. Why is this happening out here? Until the surgery, Rowdy will need to wear a bone conduction hearing aid and rely on a special sound system in the classroom to help his learning. Two services offer free hearing tests and referrals to children in the Dubbo region, but those who need surgery can get on the waitlist only through a private appointment with one of two ENT specialists in the town.

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Bureau of Health Information data shows no myringotomy procedures were performed at Dubbo Hospital between October and December. In a statement, a Western NSW Local Health District spokesperson said there were 175 children on the ENT waiting list at present, 12 of whom were listed for grommet surgery. The hospital was attempting to increase its ENT surgical capacity but had not been able to find the staff, they said. Recruiting specialists to regional areas is a long-standing challenge, the spokesperson said. We do everything possible to manage waitlists and reduce waiting times.

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Kong said ASOHNS, the representative body for ENT doctors, had proposed a number of potential solutions, and workforce shortages should not be used as a bartering chip to delay surgeries for children in regional areas. Monique Mitchell with her son Ashton at home in Dubbo. Kate Geraghty Monique Mitchell said her two-year-old son Ashton, who has a rare genetic condition called 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, waited more than six months for a surgery that was recommended to take place within 90 days. Despite the wait, his speech skills have improved dramatically with the help of the grommets and hearing device. If it wasnt for his aid, you probably wouldnt know he has a hearing problem, Mitchell said.

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Kong said the surgery can be life-changing for children. One recently described the excitement of hearing a toilet flush like listening to a waterfall. You help them out at an early stage, and the parents and the kids come back as different people, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Shocking report blows the lid on where government funding is being spent

A damning report is blowing the lid on where government funding, meant for vulnerable Queensland children, is really being spent.
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Homicide detectives have charged a 67-year-old man with murder after a womans body was discovered south-west of Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.

Victoria Police said the woman, aged 53, was reported missing on Thursday before an investigation was carried out.

Enquiries by local police and detectives confirmed the Dandenong woman had not contacted family as expected and the circumstances were deemed suspicious, police said.

The Missing Persons Squad found a womans body near the intersection of Little River Road and the Princes Freeway in Little River on Saturday. A formal identification process is yet to be carried out, but police believe it is that of the missing woman.

As part of their investigation, police said a man from Patterson Lakes was arrested on Friday while attempting to board an international flight at Melbourne Airport.
At 93, the Labor legend and former science minister is eyeing the exit ramp. But he isnt going quietly.

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Weighing a life as sprawling as Barry Jones is no simple task  least of all for the man himself. At 93, with what he calls an eye on the exit ramp, Jones is not inclined to dwell on the accolades. After decades at the front line of politics and ideas, he knows he mightnt be around much longer. What matters to him now is not what he has done, but what endures  and what has been left undone. Im preoccupied with what hasnt been achieved, he says. It is a disarming starting point for a figure whose career has few parallels in Australian public life. Long before he entered parliament, Jones was a household name as the brilliant TV quiz show champion of Pick-a-Box  a polymath whose recall dazzled audiences. But even then, knowledge was only part of the story. Im always interested in making linkages, says Jones, one of the National Trusts Australian Living Treasures. I can see patterns. I can see relationships between things somehow which other people havent.

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That instinct  to connect ideas, to think across disciplines and timeframes  became the defining thread of his career. It took him from high school teacher in Melbournes working-class suburbs to pioneering talkback radio host, to state politics, into federal parliament, into cabinet as science minister under Bob Hawke, to the presidency of the Australian Labor Party, and onto the global stage through UNESCO and the World Heritage Committee. In September last year, Jones suffered a ridiculous fall while out to breakfast with friends in Melbourne, with a three-point landing. I hit my head, right buttock and base of spine, he says. What followed was 40 days in a Melbourne hospital and respite care. In a piece for The Saturday Paper, penned while recuperating, he said his leg had done an Optus. The lines of communication were cut and I could no longer walk. My life changed forever. Jones says politics is now more transactional, more cautious  shaped by money, factional deals and a relentless focus on the immediate. Ruby Alexander Hes now home and recovering, but frail. His famous mind, however, is sharp as ever. Among those to debate the world by his hospital bed were Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty, philosopher Rai Gaita, ex-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, climate campaigner and political disruptor Simon Holmes a Court, ex-union boss Bill Kelty, former media executive Ranald Macdonald, teal MP Monique Ryan and champions of the arts such as Jill Smith and Ralph and Ruth Renard.

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Hes keeping a close eye on the rise of Queensland senator Pauline Hanson and of growing anti-immigration sentiment. His stint in respite care sharpened his view in a way no policy paper could. Related Article NSW Votes From a hypothetical to existential political threat: Inside the rise of One Nation in NSW Of his 21 nurses while in care, only two were Anglo, he says. The other 19 were Nepalese, Hong Kongers, Indonesian or Somali heritage. If we didnt have them, wed be in diabolical trouble, he says. I will be increasingly dependent on that kind of skill. You cant look at the whole question of [immigration], whether its good or bad, have a particular fixed number of people coming in, before you make a decision about how many people you want, like me, living on into their 90s. The experience reinforces his long-held belief that Australias future depends on its ability to remain open  even as politics often drifts in the opposite direction. He fears too many people have picked up one of US President Donald Trumps observations that empathy is a very bad word. Empathy means weakness, he says. If you think about somebody elses interest rather than just your own, then youre weak in the situation. Its quite troubling.

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Jones renowned curiosity has placed him at unlikely intersections of history. He has known or met every Australian prime minister since Robert Menzies first stint in office in 1939, give or take a few. A chance meeting with Dame Patti in a suburban supermarket led to a friendship and many long conversations with her husband. The recordings remain in Jones vast personal archives. A close friendship with Malcolm Fraser nearly created a new political party. He missed a chance to chat with Scott Morrison at the funeral of former Nationals leader Tim Fischer, but he can boast Billy Hughes, Australias seventh prime minister, on the list. Australian polymath and future MP Barry Jones (left) during his record run on quiz show Pick-a-Box in the 1960s. John Dabinett What was Hughes like, I ask. Doddery, but interesting, he replies. Of course, he wrecked every party he joined. Hughes  the fiery wartime leader  was still in parliament when Jones encountered him, a living relic of an earlier political age. Decades later, in a collapsing Soviet system, Jones would meet another figure who at the time seemed entirely unremarkable. In 1990 he was in St Petersburg to meet with the citys mayor, Anatoly Sobchak, but when he arrived was greeted by his assistant.

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Mr Putin will represent him instead, Jones recalls being told. This sort of colourless figure came in and we sort of looked at our watches and thought, Oh, God, how long were going to sit here talking to him? We sort of waved him off after a while and thought, well, thats the last well ever see of him. Explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau (left) with then environment minister Graham Richardson and then science minister Barry Jones at Jervis Bay in February 1990. David Bartho He pauses, almost amused by the memory. Well, we couldnt have been more wrong. From Hughes to Vladimir Putin  an odd couple that captures the sweep of Jones life as both participant and observer. If there is a consistent theme, it is foresight. He pioneered the campaign for homosexual rights and successfully advocated for the abolition of the death penalty as an MP in the Victorian parliament in the 1970s. He also dedicated much of his career to reviving the Australian film industry and preserving Antarctica from the threats of mining. Hansard, the official transcript of federal parliament, shows Jones was the first person to speak of pending climate change. He spoke early about artificial intelligence, the genetic revolution and the implications of an ageing population  often decades before those ideas entered mainstream debate.

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PoliticsVictoriaVictorian election Bendigo publican launches high-profile challenge against Jacinta Allan Annika Smethurst April 4, 2026  7:27pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A well-known Bendigo publican has thrown his hat in the ring to challenge Premier Jacinta Allan in Novembers state election, ending months of speculation after he nearly pinched the overlapping federal seat from Labor last year. Andrew Lethlean confirmed on Saturday that he would seek to be preselected as the National Party candidate in Bendigo East, a seat Allan has held since she was first elected in 1999. Andrew Lethlean behind the bar at his Bendigo pub last year. Penny Stephens Ive had enough of this government and I dont think I am alone, Lethlean said in a social media post. So many people are doing it tough and things have to change.

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The preselection closes on April 9, but Lethlean has drawn strong support from the partys leaders in recent months after his strong showing in last years federal election, and looms as the most likely candidate. At the 2022 federal poll, Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters convincingly won the seat with a 12.1 per cent margin. But her primary vote dropped to 33.6 per cent last year, as Lethlean polled 29.7 per cent and left Chesters hanging on with a narrow 1.4 per cent margin. That came despite a nationwide swing to Labor, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese won a thumping majority with 94 seats in the House of Representatives. Lethlean argued on Saturday that the state government was city-centric and had its priorities all wrong. Crime is out of control, cost of living through the roof, local businesses are battling when they should be thriving, he said.

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I grew up in this fabulous town. I remember the vibrant city, the busy streets where you felt safe and I had opportunity. Sadly my kids dont understand that. Jacinta Allan has brushed aside speculation about her leadership in recent weeks. Wayne Taylor Allan was re-elected in Bendigo East with a convincing 10.8 per cent margin four years ago. This year, however, her government is facing widespread voter malaise as Labor seeks to win a fourth consecutive term in power in Victoria.

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The latest Resolve Political Monitor, conducted for The Age over the first two months of this year, found Labors primary vote was flat-lining at 28 per cent. Related Article Exclusive

Jess Wilson Wilson faces fresh teal threat as voters abandon major parties Only one in five respondents nominated Allan as their preferred premier  her lowest score on that measure since she took over from Daniel Andrews in 2023. Her net satisfaction rating registered at -37. Poor poll numbers have fuelled speculation about Allans leadership in recent weeks, with Labor sources  speaking anonymously to detail internal deliberations  saying backroom discussions had taken place about whether a change was needed to boost Labors chances. The premier last month dismissed such speculation as anonymous gossip from a few scallywags.

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Opposition Leader Jess Wilson is facing her own challenge in her seat of Kew, with former Boroondara mayor Sophie Torney recently confirming she would run as a teal candidate. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Footage shows Iranians firing at low-flying helicopters

It was in the area in southwest Iran where the rescue mission was being conducted after an US F15-E fighter jet was shot down by Iran.
Hide, find water: US ex-pilot details how to survive being shot down



Washington, United States, April 3 (AFP) Apr 03, 2026



As American forces race against time and Iran's military to locate a missing fighter jet crew reportedly shot down Friday, a retired Air Force general told AFP what it takes to hide and survive if parachuted into enemy territory.

"You're like, 'Oh my God, I was in a fighter jet two minutes ago, flying 500 miles an hour, and a missile just exploded, literally 15 feet from your head,'" said retired brigadier general Houston Cantwell, who is now at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

That said, his or her training -- known as search, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE) -- would likely kick in before parachuting to the ground.

"The best intelligence you're going to get is as you're floating to the ground," Cantwell said in a telephone interview. "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."

Cantwell logged 400 hours of combat flight experience, including missions over Iraq and Afghanistan, and he trained at length for hard parachute landings.

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.

"It gives you tremendous peace of mind, knowing that you know they're going to do everything they can to come get you," Cantwell said. "But at the same time they're not going to come on a suicide mission."

That's where the missing crewmember can, potentially, increase the odds of a safe rescue.

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."

Cantwell said that when he flew an F-16 jet, he also carried a pistol.

On Friday, an F-15E Strike Eagle crashed in southwestern Iran, according to media reports, with the pilot rescued by US special forces. The fate of the weapons operator -- who sits behind the pilot during flight -- remains unknown.
Iran hunts crew member of crashed US jet after one reported rescued



Tehran, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



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.

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' -



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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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
Explosion rocks Khartoum, police blame war-era landmine



Khartoum, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



A large explosion was heard Friday in the military-controlled Sudanese capital Khartoum, an AFP journalist and witnesses said, with authorities blaming a landmine left behind from the war.

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.

Sudanese police said in a statement the explosion occurred in the Burri neighbourhood in eastern Khartoum and was caused by a landmine, a remnant of the war, which detonated after "some residents set fire to waste" in the area.

Police added no casualties or material damage were recorded.

Burri lies near several strategic and military sites, including the military's General Command headquarters and Khartoum International Airport.

The UN has previously warned that Khartoum is "heavily contaminated by unexploded ordnance", reporting that landmines have been found across Khartoum.

Many of the unexploded devices were left behind by RSF fighters who took control of the city in the early days of the war.

After the army recaptured the capital last March, the RSF carried out drone strikes targeting military bases and civilian infrastructure in the capital.

But none have been reported 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 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.
Israel says striking Hezbollah sites in Beirut after destroying bridge



Beirut, Lebanon, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



The Israeli military said Saturday it had begun striking "Hezbollah infrastructure" in Beirut after it destroyed a bridge in eastern Lebanon to prevent the Iran-backed group's reinforcements from crossing.

An AFP journalist heard two loud explosions in the capital within half an hour early Saturday and saw smoke billowing from one of them.

Local media reported two strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, a locality that has been a target of Israeli strikes in recent days as the military presses on with its ground invasion in the country's south.

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.

On Friday, 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, the third similar incident in days.

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".

The Lebanese state-run National News Agency (NNA) said: "Israeli warplanes targeted the bridge that links Sohmor with Mashghara, leading to its destruction."

Lebanese local media reported that a second bridge was also hit.

The strikes in Sohmor continued into early Saturday, with the NNA reporting the town's centre being hit twice as warplanes roared in the skies.

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".

Also in Sohmor, two people were killed and 15 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 say more than 1,300 people have been killed in a month of hostilities.



- 'No longer afraid' -



UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said an explosion inside a UN position injured three peacekeepers, adding that the origin was unknown.

Israel's army accused Hezbollah of launching a rocket that hit the post.

On the edge of the southern suburbs of Beirut, Christians marked Good Friday in Shiyah with a procession around Saint Maroun Church.

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 was no longer afraid of the bombardments.

"We got used to it, unfortunately," she said.

Israel's army has said it has 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/abs/pst
Drone, missile strike kills one in Russia's Rostov: governor



Moscow, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



A drone and missile attack killed one person and seriously wounded four in Russia's southern Rostov region, its governor said Saturday, and a cargo ship was damaged in the Sea of Azov.

The drone attack took place in the port city of Taganrog, Rostov regional governor Yuri Slyusar posted on Telegram, adding that the wounded people were in "critical condition".

A missile struck a "commercial facility", Slyusar added.

Falling drone debris also hit a foreign-flagged cargo vessel in the Sea of Azov, causing a fire, while air defences destroyed drones over Taganrog Bay and other districts, the governor said.

Slyusar did not specify the origin of the attacks.

Kyiv regularly carries out strikes within Russia in response to Russian attacks -- which have targeted Ukrainian territory daily since Moscow's full-scale offensive began in February 2022.

The attacks came a day after Russian daytime strikes killed 14 people in Ukraine on Friday.
Shrapnel from intercepted drones injures four in Bahrain



Manama, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Shrapnel from intercepted drones injured four people in Bahrain, authorities said on Saturday, as Iran pressed its attacks on its Gulf neighbours.

Separately, two buildings in Dubai were hit by debris, including one housing the US cloud computing firm Oracle, authorities in the United Arab Emirates said.

Bahrain's interior ministry said on X: "As a result of Iranian aggression, 4 citizens sustained minor injuries & several houses in Sitra were damaged by shrapnel from the interception of Iranian drones."

It added that civil defence and ambulance teams were still present at the site.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Media Office said: "Authorities confirm that they responded to a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception that fell on the facade of the Oracle building in Dubai Internet City. No injuries were reported."

It added on X that debris hit the facade of another building in the Dubai Marina area, also reporting no injuries.

Earlier this week, Iran's Revolutionary Guards had threatened to target American tech firms in the region.

Tehran has been attacking countries in the Gulf since the start of the Middle East war sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

The Islamic republic has targeted both military and civilian infrastructure in the region, including energy facilities.

On Friday, debris from a projectile killed one person and wounded four in the Habshan gas complex in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

bur/saa/jsa/smw

ORACLE
US-Israeli strikes on Iran petrochemicals hub wound five: media



Tehran, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



US-Israeli strikes on Saturday targeted a petrochemicals hub in southwestern Iran, wounding five people, Iranian media cited an official as saying.

"Explosions occurred in the Special Petrochemical Zone of Mahshahr," said Fars news agency, citing the deputy governor for Khuzestan province Valiollah Hayati.

He said the "US-Israeli attack on Mahshahr" hit three companies in the area, while Tasnim news agency quoted him as saying that the "the extent of the damage remains unknown".

Five people were wounded as a result of the strikes but it was not immediately clear if there were any deaths, he added.
Strike kills one Iraqi fighter near Syria border



Baghdad, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



An attack killed one fighter from the former paramilitary coalition Hashed al-Shaabi in Iraq on Saturday, the alliance said, blaming the United States and Israel.

Iraq has been dragged into the war between the United States, Israel and Iran, with strikes targeting both US interests and pro-Iran groups in the country.

"This treacherous attack resulted in the martyrdom of one PMF fighter and the wounding of four others, as well as a member of the ministry of defence," said a short statement from the group, which is also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, adding it was a "Zionist-American attack".

The PMF is a coalition of armed groups -- formed in 2014 to fight jihadists -- that is now part of Iraq's regular army. But it also contains pro-Iran factions with a reputation for acting independently.

PMF positions have been repeatedly targeted since the outbreak of war, with the group consistently blaming the attacks on the United States and Israel.

According to the PMF statement, the latest attack targeted a position in western Anbar province of the 45th Brigade, which belongs to the US-blacklisted, pro-Iran Kataeb Hezbollah group.

Kataeb Hezbollah is part of the umbrella movement known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which has been claiming daily attacks since the start of the war on US interests in Iraq and the region.

The Pentagon has said helicopters have carried out strikes against pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq during the war.

Washington has strongly denied claims that it has targeted Iraqi security forces.

On Saturday, two drones caused a fire after they hit the southern Burjesia oil complex which houses foreign companies, a security source told AFP.

Many foreign oil facilities in Iraq have paused operations since the war began.
Iran's oil exports from Kharg island increase despite war: media



Tehran, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Iran's oil exports from the key island of Kharg have increased even as the war with the United States and Israel rages, Iranian media reported on Saturday.

"Following the visits carried out and meetings held on Kharg island, I must say that in recent days not only have oil exports not decreased, but they have increased," ISNA news agency quoted Moussa Ahmadi, the head of the Iranian parliament's energy commission, as saying.

Kharg Island, located off Iran's western coast, is a vital oil export terminal for the country.

US President Donald Trump has recently threatened to destroy the island if a deal to end the war is not reached soon and the Strait of Hormuz does not "immediately" reopen.

On March 13, the US said it had bombed military targets on the island but refrained from hitting oil infrastructure there.

Iranian officials have in recent days warned that the United States may be planning a ground attack, particularly targeting one of Iran's islands, and have repeatedly cautioned against such a move.

The warnings came as the USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship carrying around 3,500 Marines and sailors, arrived in the Middle East last week.
Israeli strikes damage hospital in Lebanon: ministry



Beirut, Lebanon, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



A hospital in the coastal Lebanese city of Tyre was damaged by Israeli airstrikes on nearby buildings that wounded 11 people, the health ministry said on Saturday.

The director of the Lebanese Italian Hospital told the state-run National News Agency (NNA) that it would "remain open to provide the necessary medical care" despite the damage.

Strikes destroyed two buildings nearby, an AFP correspondent saw, shattering windows and causing suspended ceilings to collapse in the hospital, the facility's management said.

A series of attacks hit the Tyre region on Saturday, including one on its port that struck a small boat and damaged others moored nearby, the AFP correspondent said.

Israel has been carrying out strikes across Lebanon and launched a ground invasion in the south after Hezbollah entered the war in the Middle East on the side of its backer Iran on March 2.

Tens of thousands of people have left Tyre, but around 20,000 remain, including 15,000 displaced from surrounding villages, despite Israeli evacuation warnings covering most of the city and a broad swathe of southern Lebanon.

The NNA also reported that Israeli forces abducted a man in Shebaa, near the Israeli border in the east, at around 3:00 am on Saturday.
Israel issues evacuation warnings for Tyre in south Lebanon



Beirut, Lebanon, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Israel's military issued an evacuation warning for several neighbourhoods in and around Tyre in south Lebanon Saturday, after the health ministry reported a hospital damaged in strikes on nearby buildings.

"Urgent warning to the residents of the city of Tyre... Hezbollah's terrorist activity compels the IDF to operate against it with determination," the Israeli military's Arabic-language spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee said on X.

Israel has carried out strikes across Lebanon and launched a ground invasion in the south after Hezbollah entered the war in the Middle East on the side of its backer Iran on March 2.

Tens of thousands of people have left Tyre, but around 20,000 remain, including 15,000 displaced from surrounding villages, despite Israeli evacuation warnings covering most of the city and a broad swathe of the south.

Saturday's warning on follows strikes that wounded at least 11 people, including three civil defence members, and damaged a major hospital, the health ministry in Beirut said.

The director of the Lebanese Italian Hospital told the state-run National News Agency (NNA) that it would "remain open to provide the necessary medical care" despite the damage.

Overnight strikes destroyed two buildings nearby, an AFP correspondent saw, shattering windows and also causing suspended ceilings to collapse in the hospital, management said.

A wave of attacks hit the Tyre area on Saturday, including one on its port that struck a small boat and damaged others moored nearby, the correspondent said.

Another Israeli airstrike targeted and completely destroyed a mosque in the town of Baraashit in the Bint Jbeil district, the NNA reported.



- 'Unacceptable' attacks -



Dawn strikes also targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, a largely evacuated Hezbollah stronghold that has been hit repeatedly during more than a month of war.

In a statement on Saturday, the Israeli military said it had "completed an additional wave of strikes targeting command centres belonging to the Quds Force Lebanon corps in Beirut", referring to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, and "two headquarters of the (Palestinian Islamic Jihad)".

After attacking a bridge in the West Bekaa region in eastern Lebanon on Friday "to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and military equipment", Israel hit it again on Saturday, destroying it completely, the NNA said.

West Bekaa is right above Lebanon's south, where Israeli troops have been advancing on the ground.

The NNA also reported that in Shebaa near the eastern side of the Israeli border, Israeli forces abducted a man at around 3:00 am on Saturday.

It was at least the third time Israeli forces have seized someone from southern Lebanon after infiltrating their home since the war with Hezbollah began.

The Iran-backed group claimed responsibility Saturday for a series of attacks on northern Israeli towns and Israeli troops in Lebanese border towns, particularly Marun al-Ras, Hula and Ainata.

The war has displaced upwards of a million people in Lebanon and killed more than 1,300 people in the country, including 53 medics and three Indonesian UN peacekeepers in the south.

The United Nations force said on Friday that three peacekeepers were wounded in a blast inside a UN facility near Odaisse, and were rushed to hospital.

Jakarta slammed the incident as "unacceptable" after the UN office there confirmed the wounded were Indonesian.

Indonesia's government said "these events underscore the urgent need to strengthen protection for UN peacekeeping forces amid an increasingly dangerous conflict situation".
Israeli forces destroy 17 UN peacekeeper cameras in south Lebanon: UN official



Beirut, Lebanon, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Israeli forces destroyed 17 surveillance cameras linked to the United Nations peacekeepers' main headquarters in southern Lebanon in 24 hours, a UN security official told AFP on Saturday.

Since the start of the Israel-Hezbollah war on March 2, the UN force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been caught in the crossfire in the country's south, with Hezbollah launching attacks on Israel and its troops, and Israeli forces pushing into border towns.

The official, who requested anonymity, said "17 of our headquarters' cameras have been destroyed by the Israeli army" in the coastal town of Naqura.

On Thursday, UNIFIL spokeswoman Kandice Ardiel told AFP peacekeepers had seen "Israeli soldiers conducting demolitions of large parts" of Naqura since the start of the week.

"Not only have these demolitions destroyed civilian homes and businesses, but the strength of the blasts have caused damage to UNIFIL's headquarters," she added.

Three Indonesian peacekeepers from the UN force have been killed in two separate incidents over the past week.

UNIFIL also reported Friday an "explosion" in one of its bases near Odaisseh in south Lebanon that wounded three personnel, adding that they "do not yet know the origin of the explosion".

The Israeli army accused Hezbollah of firing " a rocket that landed in a UNIFIL outpost".

The UN office in Jakarta said on Saturday the wounded were Indonesian.

Indonesia condemned the incident as "unacceptable", saying "these events underscore the urgent need to strengthen protection for UN peacekeeping forces amid an increasingly dangerous conflict situation".

According to the UN, 97 force members have been killed in violence since its establishment in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces after they invaded Lebanon.

"This has been a difficult week for peacekeepers working near the central part of UNIFIL's area of operations," Ardiel said in her statement.

She added that UNIFIL "reminds all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, including by avoiding combat activities nearby that could put them in danger".
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



The latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Iran sites hit -



US-Israeli strikes on Iran targeted a nuclear plant, a petrochemical hub, a trade terminal and a cement factory, Iranian media reported.

An attack near the Bushehr nuclear power station killed one of the facility's guards but caused no damage, the official IRNA news agency said. The IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog, said there was no increased in radiation levels.

An attack on a petrochemical hub in the southwestern port city of Mahshahr wounded five people, the Fars news agency said.

Iranian media said a strike on a trade terminal in Khorramshahr, on the border with Iraq, killed one person. The ISNA news agency said the fatality was an Iraqi driver, and two Iranian workers were wounded.

Another strike hit a cement factory in the southern port of Bandar Khamir, without causing casualties or disrupting operations, Tasnim news agency said.

Iran's science minister, Hossein Simai Sarraf, said that "more than 30 universities" had been targeted since the war began.



- Ships through Hormuz -



An Indian-flagged LPG tanker transited through the Strait of Hormuz -- the latest of several vessels to make it through the Gulf chokepoint in recent days.

Turkey said a second Turkey-flagged ship also went through the strait. On Friday, tracking data showed one French-owned ship and one Japanese-owned vessel had passed through.

But Iran's Revolutionary Guards also said on Saturday they targeted an Israel-linked ship in a drone attack in the strategic strait, setting it on fire. They said the ship was called the MSC Ishyka.



- Israel tells Lebanese to evacuate -



Israel, which is simultaneously going after the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon, issued an "urgent warning" for residents in parts of the Lebanese city of Tyre and nearby areas to evacuate.

Earlier, Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli airstrikes in Tyre that wounded 11 people damaged several buildings, including a major hospital.



- Italy PM talks energy -



Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on a visit to the Gulf, spoke with leader of gas-rich Qatar about energy issues, and "possible measures to mitigate the shocks suffered", according to her office.



- Iraqi fighter killed -



An attack killed a fighter in the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq, near the Syria border, the former paramilitary coalition said, blaming a US-Israeli strike.

The PMF -- now part of Iraq's regular army but containing pro-Iran factions -- has been repeatedly targeted since the outbreak of war on February 28.



- Iran executions -



Iran executed two men convicted of membership in a banned opposition group and carrying out actions aimed at overthrowing the Islamic republic.

They were the latest in a series of executions targeting the banned People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK). Four other members were executed earlier in the week.



- Four injured in Bahrain -



Shrapnel from intercepted drones injured four people in Bahrain, authorities said. Separately, two buildings in Dubai were hit by debris, including one housing the US cloud computing firm Oracle, United Arab Emirates authorities said.



- Peacekeepers wounded -



Indonesia slammed as "unacceptable" an explosion that wounded three of its UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, just days after three other Indonesians were killed in separate incidents.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said the blast occurred inside a UN facility near El Adeisse on Friday. Indonesia said there was an "urgent need to strengthen protection for UN peacekeeping forces".

A UN security official told AFP that Israeli forces in 24 hours destroyed 17 surveillance cameras linked to UNIFIL's main headquarters in southern Lebanon.



- Missiles fired at Israel -



The Israeli army said its air defences responded to missiles fired from Iran, which medics reported wounded one person.

Israel's emergency services said a 45?year?old man was treated for minor injuries from glass shrapnel in the central city of Bnei Brak.



- 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 US confirmation or denial. US media said the pilot was rescued.

burs-rmb/
Iran Guards say targeted Israel-linked ship in Gulf



Tehran, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday they targeted an Israel-linked ship in the Gulf in a drone attack, setting it on fire.

On their Sepah News website, the Guards said they targeted a commercial vessel, the MSC Ishyka, "owned by the Israeli regime and flying the flag of a third country" at the Khalifa Bin Salman port in Bahrain.

The Guards naval forces had earlier said in a post on X that the ship was attacked "in the Strait of Hormuz".

"A drone struck the vessel ... linked to the Zionist regime in the Strait of Hormuz; the ship caught fire," they said.

The MarineTraffic website said the Liberian-flagged ship was still moored at the port in Bahrain on Friday night.

bur/mz/rh
CORRECTED: War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



The latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Iran sites hit -



US-Israeli strikes on Iran targeted a nuclear plant, a petrochemical hub, a trade terminal and a cement factory, Iranian media reported.

An attack near the Bushehr nuclear power station killed one of the facility's guards but caused no damage, the official IRNA news agency said. The IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog, said there was no increased in radiation levels.

An attack on a petrochemical hub in the southwestern port city of Mahshahr wounded five people, the Fars news agency said.

Iranian media said a strike on a trade terminal in Khorramshahr, on the border with Iraq, killed one person. The ISNA news agency said the fatality was an Iraqi driver, and two Iranian workers were wounded.

Another strike hit a cement factory in the southern port of Bandar Khamir, without causing casualties or disrupting operations, Tasnim news agency said.

Iran's science minister, Hossein Simai Sarraf, said that "more than 30 universities" had been targeted since the war began.



- Ships through Hormuz -



An Indian-flagged LPG tanker transited through the Strait of Hormuz -- the latest of several vessels to make it through the Gulf chokepoint in recent days.

Turkey said a second Turkey-flagged ship also went through the strait. On Friday, tracking data showed one French-owned ship and one Japanese-owned vessel had passed through.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards also said on Saturday they targeted an Israel-linked ship in a drone attack in a Bahrain port, setting it on fire. They said the ship was called the MSC Ishyka.



- Israel tells Lebanese to evacuate -



Israel, which is simultaneously going after the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon, issued an "urgent warning" for residents in parts of the Lebanese city of Tyre and nearby areas to evacuate.

Earlier, Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli airstrikes in Tyre that wounded 11 people damaged several buildings, including a major hospital.



- Italy PM talks energy -



Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on a visit to the Gulf, spoke with leader of gas-rich Qatar about energy issues, and "possible measures to mitigate the shocks suffered", according to her office.



- Iraqi fighter killed -



An attack killed a fighter in the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq, near the Syria border, the former paramilitary coalition said, blaming a US-Israeli strike.

The PMF -- now part of Iraq's regular army but containing pro-Iran factions -- has been repeatedly targeted since the outbreak of war on February 28.



- Iran executions -



Iran executed two men convicted of membership in a banned opposition group and carrying out actions aimed at overthrowing the Islamic republic.

They were the latest in a series of executions targeting the banned People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK). Four other members were executed earlier in the week.



- Four injured in Bahrain -



Shrapnel from intercepted drones injured four people in Bahrain, authorities said. Separately, two buildings in Dubai were hit by debris, including one housing the US cloud computing firm Oracle, United Arab Emirates authorities said.



- Peacekeepers wounded -



Indonesia slammed as "unacceptable" an explosion that wounded three of its UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, just days after three other Indonesians were killed in separate incidents.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said the blast occurred inside a UN facility near El Adeisse on Friday. Indonesia said there was an "urgent need to strengthen protection for UN peacekeeping forces".

A UN security official told AFP that Israeli forces in 24 hours destroyed 17 surveillance cameras linked to UNIFIL's main headquarters in southern Lebanon.



- Missiles fired at Israel -



The Israeli army said its air defences responded to missiles fired from Iran, which medics reported wounded one person.

Israel's emergency services said a 45?year?old man was treated for minor injuries from glass shrapnel in the central city of Bnei Brak.



- 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 US confirmation or denial. US media said the pilot was rescued.

burs-rmb/
Indonesia receives bodies of peacekeepers killed in Lebanon



Jakarta, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Indonesia received the bodies of three peacekeepers on Saturday who were killed while on deployment in Lebanon and called for security guarantees for blue helmets a day after another three of its soldiers were injured.

The soldiers' coffins, draped in the Indonesian flag, arrived at the international airport and were carried into a hall on the shoulders of uniformed comrades for a ceremony attended by President Prabowo Subianto.

Family members of the men wept over the coffins, each fronted by a photograph of the dead soldier in a gold frame.

Prabowo saluted each portrait and held the hands of grieving loved ones, some weeping unconsolably.

Another three Indonesian peacekeepers were injured in Lebanon Friday, two seriously, officials said.

Foreign Minister Sugiono told reporters after Saturday's ceremony that Indonesia wanted a thorough UN investigation.

"This is a peacekeeping mission. Incidents such as this should not happen," the minister, who like many Indonesians has only one name, told reporters at the airport.

"There must be a security guarantee for peacekeeping soldiers," he added.

Peacekeeper Farizal Rhomadhon, 28, died when a projectile exploded on March 29 in southern Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah have been fighting since Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war.

A UN security source told AFP on condition of anonymity Tuesday that fire from an Israeli tank was responsible for that attack.

A day later, two more Indonesian peacekeepers -- 33-year-old Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and Muhammad Nur Ichwan, 26 -- died after an explosion struck a UNIFIL logistics convoy, also in southern Lebanon.



- 'Unacceptable' -



As Indonesia mourned its fallen soldiers, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said three more peacekeepers were wounded in a blast at a UN facility near El Adeisse on Friday afternoon, and rushed to hospital.

The UN Information Centre in Jakarta said the "origin of the explosion" was unknown but identified the injured soldiers as Indonesian.

"Repeated attacks or incidents of this kind are unacceptable," the Indonesian foreign ministry said in a statement.

The government urged the UN Security Council "to immediately convene a meeting of troop-contributing countries to UNIFIL to conduct a review and take measures to enhance the protection of personnel serving with UNIFIL".

The father of fallen soldier Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, said this week he was shocked that peacekeepers were losing their lives in the conflict.

"We were really sad and regretful, because this is a UN troop, a peacekeeping troop, not deployed for war," 60-year-old Iskandarudin told reporters at his house in West Java province.

The military has promised financial support for the bereaved families.

All three men are to be laid to rest on Sunday.

After the latest attack that injured three more soldiers, Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto ordered Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon to enter bunkers and refrain from activities outside.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces has said it will deploy more than 750 personnel to Lebanon next month as part of the scheduled UNIFIL peacekeeping troop rotation.
Russia evacuates 198 workers from Iran nuclear plant amid airstrike



Moscow, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Russia started a planned evacuation of 198 workers from Iran's Bushehr atomic plant shortly after a US-Israeli projectile hit near the facility, Russian state media said on Saturday.

This was a third evacuation from the facility in southern Iran on the Gulf coast, which was built with Moscow's help, with about 100 Russian staff remaining there by now.

The area around Bushehr has been struck four times during this war. The latest attack on Saturday saw one person -- a guard at the facility -- killed, but did not damage the plant itself, according to Iranian state media.

"As planned, we began the main phase of the evacuation today," Russia's nuclear agency Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev was quoted as saying by Russia's TASS news agency.

"About 20 minutes after that ill-fated strike, buses set off from Bushehr station towards the Iranian-Armenian border (with) 198 people, to be precise -- this is the largest evacuation," he added.

Likhachev also said that Russia informed the US and Israel about the evacuation.

"The likelihood of a risk of damage or a potential nuclear incident is, unfortunately, only increasing, as has been confirmed by this morning's events," the Rosatom CEO said.

The agency plans to keep only a skeleton staff at Bushehr amid the threat of further strikes.

The Russian foreign ministry slammed the "evil" US-Israeli attack and urged a cessation of hostilities on Iranian nuclear facilities immediately.
Blasts over Jerusalem after Iran missiles detected: AFP journalists



Jerusalem, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Several loud explosions were heard over Jerusalem on Saturday after the Israeli military warned it had detected missiles inbound from Iran.

AFP journalists heard at least six blasts, more than a month into a conflict that was triggered by Israel and the United States striking Tehran.

Earlier in the day five Israelis were wounded in missile attacks on Tel Aviv and parts of central Israel, according to the rescue services.
Several injured in Israel by Iran missile fire: medics



Jerusalem, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Israeli emergency services said its crew treated five people who were injured Saturday in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas after Iran fired several rounds of missiles toward Israel.

Since midnight, seven waves of Iranian missiles have been launched towards Israel, according to the Israeli military.

Israel's Magen David Adom emergency services said a 45?year?old man was treated for minor injuries from glass shrapnel in the central city of Bnei Brak and taken to hospital.

As the day progressed, rescue teams said they had treated three additional casualties -- two men in their 20s hit by glass fragments and one injured by blast.

A 52-year-old man "lightly injured by the blast wave" was also transferred to a hospital in Ramat Gan, in central Israel, the emergency service said.

In a residential neighbourhood of Ramat Gan, AFP images showed the top floor of a house completely blown out, exposing its gutted interior, with a crushed bookcase and an exercise bike amid the debris.

Numerous impact marks were visible on the walls.

Nearby, another home was largely destroyed, stripped of its outer walls, according to AFP photographs.

"All this is from shrapnel," Joy Frankel, a social worker told AFP near one of the impacted sites.

According to several local media outlets, including The Times of Israel, a cluster munition missile fired from Iran on Saturday morning landed near the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, not far from the defence ministry.

The military said its air defences were working to down missiles fired from Iran, each a time it announced incoming projectiles.

Since February 28, the United States and Israel have conducted joint strikes against Iran, prompting the Islamic Republic to retaliate with daily missile barrages targeting Israel and several neighbouring countries across the region.
Israel strikes Tyre in south Lebanon after evacuation warnings



Beirut, Lebanon, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Israel's military renewed its strikes on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on Saturday after issuing evacuation warnings, following attacks on nearby buildings that damaged a hospital in the city.

Israel has carried out strikes across Lebanon and launched a ground invasion in the south since March 2, when Hezbollah entered the war in the Middle East on the side of its backer Iran.

The Israeli army struck three buildings it had warned people to evacuate, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA).

An AFP correspondent said a missile hit an 11-storey building northeast of Tyre, completely destroying it and reducing it to a pile of rubble that covered a nearby gas station.

A second raid on a five-storey building near the city levelled half of it, leaving the other half standing.

The third strike was on the Burj al-Shamali Palestinian refugee camp, southeast of the city.

Tens of thousands of people have left Tyre, but around 20,000 remain, including 15,000 displaced from surrounding villages, despite Israeli evacuation warnings covering most of the city and a broad swathe of the south.

Saturday's Israeli warning followed strikes that wounded at least 11 people, including three civil defence members, and damaged a major hospital, the health ministry in Beirut said.

The director of the Lebanese Italian Hospital told the NNA that it would "remain open to provide the necessary medical care" despite the damage.

Overnight strikes destroyed two buildings nearby, an AFP correspondent saw, shattering windows and also causing suspended ceilings to collapse in the hospital, management said.

A wave of attacks hit the Tyre area on Saturday, including one on its port that struck a small boat and damaged others moored nearby, the correspondent said.

Another Israeli airstrike targeted and completely destroyed a mosque in the town of Baraashit in the Bint Jbeil district, the NNA reported.



- 'Unacceptable' attacks -



Dawn strikes also targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, a largely evacuated Hezbollah stronghold that has been attacked repeatedly during more than a month of war.

In a statement on Saturday, Israel's military said it had "completed an additional wave of strikes targeting command centres belonging to the Quds Force Lebanon corps in Beirut", referring to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, and "two headquarters of the (Palestinian Islamic Jihad)".

After attacking a bridge in the West Bekaa region in eastern Lebanon on Friday "to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and military equipment", Israel hit it again on Saturday, destroying it completely, the NNA said.

West Bekaa is right above Lebanon's south, where Israeli troops have been advancing on the ground.

The NNA also reported that, in Shebaa near the eastern side of the Israeli border, Israeli forces abducted a man at around 3:00 am on Saturday.

It was at least the third time Israeli forces have seized someone from south Lebanon after infiltrating their home since the war with Hezbollah began.

The Iran-backed group claimed responsibility Saturday for a series of attacks on northern Israeli towns and Israeli troops in Lebanese border towns, particularly Marun al-Ras, Hula and Ainata.

The war has displaced upwards of a million people in Lebanon and killed more than 1,400 people in the country, including 54 medics and three Indonesian UN peacekeepers in the south.

On Saturday, a strike on al-Hawsh near Tyre wounded 18 people, and a strike on Habbush in the Nabatiyeh district killed at least two children and wounded 22 people, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

The United Nations force said on Friday that three peacekeepers were wounded in a blast inside a UN facility near Odaisse, and were rushed to hospital.

Jakarta slammed the incident as "unacceptable" after the UN office there confirmed the wounded were Indonesian.

Indonesia's government said "these events underscore the urgent need to strengthen protection for UN peacekeeping forces amid an increasingly dangerous conflict situation".

On Saturday, a UN security official told AFP that Israeli forces destroyed 17 surveillance cameras linked to UNIFIL's main headquarters in Naqura.

The UN peacekeeping force has been caught in the crossfire in southern Lebanon since the start of the war, with Hezbollah launching attacks on Israel and its troops, and Israeli forces pushing into border towns.
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



The latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Blasts over Jerusalem -

Several loud explosions were heard over Jerusalem after the Israeli military warned it had detected missiles inbound from Iran.

AFP journalists heard at least six blasts. Earlier in the day, missile attacks on Tel Aviv and parts of central Israel wounded five Israelis, said the rescue services.



- US arrests relatives of slain Iranian general -

Two family members of slain Iranian general Qassem Soleimani have been arrested in the United States after their residency permits were rescinded, the US State Department said Saturday.

Federal agents detained the niece and grand niece of Soleimani, killed in a US drone strike in the Iraqi capital Baghdad in January 2020 -- the final year of US President Donald Trump's first term in office.



- Trump threatens 'Hell' if no deal in 48 hours -

Trump said Iran had 48 hours to make a deal on opening the vital Strait of Hormuz or face "Hell".

"Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"Time is running out -- 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them," the president said Saturday.



- Israel hits Tyre after evacuation warnings-

Israel's military renewed strikes on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre after issuing evacuation warnings, following attacks on nearby buildings that damaged a hospital.

Israel has carried out strikes across Lebanon and launched a ground invasion in the south after Hezbollah entered the war in the Middle East on the side of its backer Iran on March 2.



- Turkey's Erdogan calls for end to war -

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the war had led to a "geostrategic impasse" and called for new efforts to end the conflict, during a telephone conversation with NATO chief Mark Rutte, his office said.



- Iran sites hit -

US-Israeli strikes on Iran targeted a nuclear plant, a petrochemical hub, a trade terminal and a cement factory, Iranian media reported.

A strike near the Bushehr nuclear power station killed a guard but caused no damage, the official IRNA news agency said. The UN's nuclear watchdog said no increased radiation levels had been detected.



- Ships through Hormuz -

An Indian-flagged LPG tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz -- the latest of several vessels to make it through the Gulf chokepoint in recent days.

Turkey said a second Turkey-flagged ship also went through the strait. On Friday, tracking data showed one French-owned ship and one Japanese-owned vessel had passed through the previous day.



- Italy PM talks energy -

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on a visit to the Gulf, discussed energy issues with leader of gas-rich Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and "possible measures to mitigate the shocks suffered", said her office.



- Iraqi fighter killed -

An attack killed a fighter in the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq, near the Syria border, the former paramilitary coalition said, blaming a US-Israeli strike.

The PMF -- now part of Iraq's regular army but containing pro-Iran factions -- has been repeatedly targeted since the outbreak of war on February 28.



- Iran executions -

Iran executed two men convicted of membership of a banned opposition group and carrying out actions aimed at overthrowing the Islamic republic.

They were the latest in a series of executions targeting the banned People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK). Four members were executed earlier in the week.



- Four injured in Bahrain -

Shrapnel from intercepted drones wounded four people in Bahrain, authorities said. Separately, two buildings in Dubai were hit by debris, including one housing the US cloud computing firm Oracle, United Arab Emirates authorities said.



- Peacekeepers wounded -

Indonesia slammed as "unacceptable" an explosion that wounded three of its UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, just days after three other Indonesians were killed in separate incidents.



- Missiles fired at Israel -

The Israeli army said its air defences responded to missiles fired from Iran, which medics reported wounded one person.

Israel's emergency services said a 45?year?old man was treated for minor injuries from glass shrapnel in the central city of Bnei Brak.

burs-pdw/jj
Tens of thousands of Sadr supporters rally in Baghdad against war



Baghdad, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Tens of thousands of supporters of Iraqi Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr rallied in Baghdad and across the country on Saturday, condemning Israel and the United States and demanding an end to the war.

The massive crowds came as the Middle East war was due to enter its sixth week after strikes launched by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28.

Iraq has been unwillingly drawn into the conflict, with strikes targeting US interests on its soil as well as attacks against pro-Iran groups in the country.

Tens of thousands of men and some women packed into the streets around Baghdad's central Tahrir Square on Saturday, waving the national flag and chanting: "No, no to Israel" and "No, no to America".

"What America and Israel are doing in their aggression against the countries of the region is not a war of a military nature, but a senseless war," Dhirgham Samir, attending the rally, told AFP.

"Today's demonstration is an expression of rejection of aggression, arrogance, and injustice throughout the world, not just in Iraq," he said.

Samir, who was in his forties, added that "this is a senseless war, targeting civilians".

Across the region since the onset of war thousands have been killed.

In a statement, Sadr called for peaceful demonstrations "to condemn the Zionist-American aggression and to establish peace in the region".

Under the giant Freedom Monument, commemorating Iraq's declaration of independence, demonstrators also railed against what they said was US and Israeli meddling in the region.

"They violate the rights of all the peoples of the region first, and then the world," cleric Ali Al-Fartousi told AFP.

"Humanity must speak out against these people and stop them," he said, adding: "The time has come for the entire world to stand united against global Zionist-American arrogance."

Sadr retains a devoted following of millions among Iraq's majority Shiite population, and has previously mobilised huge crowds.

As well as popular support, Sadr also has representatives among Iraqi ministries and official institutions, despite opposing several governments over the years.
Israeli forces destroy 17 UN peacekeeper cameras in south Lebanon: UN official



Beirut, Lebanon, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Israeli forces destroyed 17 surveillance cameras linked to the United Nations peacekeepers' main headquarters in southern Lebanon in 24 hours, a UN security official told AFP on Saturday.

Since the start of the Israel-Hezbollah war on March 2, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been caught in the crossfire in the country's south, with Hezbollah launching attacks on Israel and its troops, and Israeli forces pushing into border towns.

The official, who requested anonymity, said "17 of the headquarters' cameras have been destroyed by the Israeli army" in the coastal town of Naqura.

UNIFIL spokeswoman Kandice Ardiel told AFP on Saturday that "the cameras appear to have been destroyed by some kind of laser".

She added that "(Israeli) soldiers are present in Naqura and have been undertaking massive demolitions of buildings in the village this week".

Earlier this week, Ardiel told AFP that "not only have these demolitions destroyed civilian homes and businesses, but the strength of the blasts have caused damage to UNIFIL's headquarters".

Three Indonesian peacekeepers from the UN force have been killed in two separate incidents over the past week.

UNIFIL also reported Friday an "explosion" in one of its bases near Odaisseh in south Lebanon that wounded three personnel, adding that they "do not yet know the origin of the explosion".

The Israeli army accused Hezbollah of firing "a rocket that landed in a UNIFIL outpost".

The UN office in Jakarta said on Saturday the wounded were Indonesian.

Indonesia condemned the incident as "unacceptable", saying "these events underscore the urgent need to strengthen protection for UN peacekeeping forces amid an increasingly dangerous conflict situation".

According to the UN, 97 force members have been killed in violence since its establishment in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces after they invaded Lebanon.
The stethoscope has always been more than a tool for auscultation; it is a physical bond between two human beings that no government has the authority to sever. In early 2026, as the Iranian regime launched a brutal crackdown on its own citizens, we witnessed the most extreme test of this bond. When the state demanded that physicians become extensions of the secret police, our colleagues in Iran chose the higher calling. They chose the patient.

The statistics from this period are harrowing. With thousands of citizens killed and tens of thousands injured, hospitals were transformed from places of healing into zones of surveillance. Security forces patrolled emergency departments, waiting for the wounded to arrive so they could be identified, arrested, and often disappeared. In this environment, the act of treating a gunshot wound became a revolutionary act.

Active defiance in the face of state violence

The medical mentality displayed by Iranian physicians like Dr. Alireza Rezaei and Dr. Alireza Golchini was not a passive adherence to a code. It was an active, dangerous defiance. By treating protesters in clandestine basements and private homes, they faced the very real threats of arrest, torture, and execution. They refused to provide patient names to intelligence officers, effectively standing between their patients and the machinery of state violence.

This is the purest expression of our professional society. It is the realization that our primary loyalty is never to a flag, an ideology, or a ruling party, but to the vulnerable human being on the exam table. These healers did not just practice medicine; they protected the sanctuary of the clinical encounter. They proved that the primum non nocere mandate is not a suggestion for peaceful times, but a shield for the darkest ones.

A moral mirror for global medicine

For the rest of us, practicing in far safer conditions, the sacrifice of our Iranian colleagues serves as a profound moral mirror. It is easy to talk about patient advocacy during board meetings or in insurance disputes. It is an entirely different matter to advocate for a patient when a soldier is standing at the door. Their courage highlights a universal truth: The physician is the last line of defense for human dignity when all other social structures have failed.

We must find our own moral courage in their example. While we may not face the gallows for our clinical decisions, we face constant pressures to prioritize metrics, politics, or institutional convenience over the soul of our work. Let the memory of the physicians of 2026 be our North Star. We side with the patient, always and without exception, because if we do not, the white coat loses its meaning and becomes just another uniform of the state.

Their legacy is a reminder that our integrity is the only thing the state cannot take unless we give it away. By standing with our patients, we do not just save lives; we save the very heart of what it means to be a physician.

Farid Sabet-Sharghi is a psychiatrist.
Israel army says identified missile launched from Yemen



Jerusalem, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



The Israeli military said Saturday it had detected a missile launched from Yemen towards Israeli territory, the fifth time it has detected such an attack since the start of the Middle East war.

"The IDF has identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory, aerial defence systems are operating to intercept the threat," the military said.
'Don't bomb': Israelis call for ending Iran war



Tel Aviv, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Carrying anti-war banners and chanting slogans against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hundreds of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday to protest the war with Iran.

Demonstrators gathered in a central square, holding signs that read: "Don't bomb - talk! End the endless war!" despite restrictions on mass gatherings imposed during the conflict with Iran.

"Police are trying to silence our voice," Alon-Lee Green, the co-director of Israeli-Palestinian grassroots group Standing Together, told AFP.

"We are here to demand an end to the war in Iran, the war in Lebanon, and the war in Gaza which is still going on, as well as an end to the pogroms in the West Bank.

"In Israel, there's always a war. So, if we're not allowed to demonstrate, we will never be allowed to speak," he added.

Green and several other protesters were soon detained by police, an AFP correspondent reported.

Protesters also voiced scepticism about the government's justification for the war with Iran.

"I'm very suspicious of the reasons. I think the main reason is that Bibi wants to stop his trial," said Cecile, 62, who gave only her first name, referring to Netanyahu with his nickname.

Netanyahu is on trial in a long-running corruption case and has sought a presidential pardon, with US President Donald Trump repeatedly pressuring Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant one.

In a video statement released on Saturday evening, Netanyahu vowed to press ahead with the military campaign against Iran.

"I promised you that we would continue to strike the terror regime in Tehran, and that is exactly what we are doing," Netanyahu said.

"Today, we attacked their petrochemicals hub," he added, after announcing strikes on Iran's steel-producing facilities the day before.

"These two things are their cash machine for funding the war of terror against us and against the entire world. We will continue to strike them," he said.

Protester Cecile said the reasons for the war kept shifting.

"The reasons for the war keep moving and changing all the time. We don't know what will be considered a success or a failure, and we don't know how long it's gonna take," she said.

Since midnight, several waves of Iranian missiles have been launched towards Israel, including targets in Tel Aviv and other areas of central Israel.

At least five people were injured after the missile fire, according to Israeli medics.

Later on Saturday evening, demonstrators began leaving the square following an alert warning of an incoming missile.

Minutes later, the military reported it had detected an incoming missile from Yemen.

Since February 28, the United States and Israel have conducted joint strikes on Iran, prompting the Islamic Republic to retaliate with daily missile barrages targeting Israel and several neighbouring countries across the region.
Several injured in Israel by Iran missile fire: medics



Jerusalem, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Israeli emergency services said its crew treated five people who were injured Saturday in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas after Iran fired several rounds of missiles toward Israel.

Since midnight, eight waves of Iranian missiles have been launched towards Israel, according to the Israeli military.

The military also detected a missile fired from Yemen, the fifth such attack from there on Israel.

Israel's Magen David Adom emergency services said a 45?year?old man was treated for minor injuries from glass shrapnel in the central city of Bnei Brak and taken to hospital.

As the day progressed, rescue teams said they had treated three additional casualties -- two men in their 20s hit by glass fragments and one injured by a blast.

A 52-year-old man "lightly injured by the blast wave" was also transferred to a hospital in Ramat Gan, in central Israel, the emergency service said.

In a residential neighbourhood of Ramat Gan, AFP images showed the top floor of a house completely blown out, exposing its gutted interior, with a crushed bookcase and an exercise bike amid the debris.

Numerous impact marks were visible on the walls.

Nearby, another home was largely destroyed, stripped of its outer walls, according to AFP photographs.

"All this is from shrapnel," Joy Frankel, a social worker, told AFP near one of the affected sites.

According to several local media outlets, including The Times of Israel, a cluster munition missile fired from Iran on Saturday morning landed near the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, not far from the defence ministry.

Police also said missile debris fell in east Jerusalem, causing no casualties.

The military said its air defences were working to down missiles fired from Iran, each time it announced incoming projectiles.

In a separate statement, the military said a rocket was fired from Lebanon, but its launch was not detected due to a malfunction in the warning system.

The rocket landed in an open area and caused no casualties.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has been launching rockets daily toward northern Israel since entering the war on March 2.

Since February 28, the United States and Israel have conducted joint strikes against Iran, prompting the Islamic Republic to retaliate with daily missile barrages targeting Israel and several neighbouring countries across the region.
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"'It will also impact the cost of flights in the long run but not necessarily yet because large airlines hedge fuel prices and will be protected on price for most of 2026 but that's only good if you can actually get the stuff into the country in the first place isn't it."
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Patient advocate Eric Goldfarb discusses the article How a pregnancy test on a male patient revealed health care flaws. Eric shares the absurd and heartbreaking story of finding a pregnancy test charge on his 88 year old fathers final hospital bill. He explains how this error was merely a symptom of a larger, systemic failure where institutional momentum often overrides common sense and patient safety. Eric details the struggle to stop a dangerous premature discharge after his fathers brain surgery and the subsequent bureaucratic fog that prevented the hospital from correcting a biologically impossible billing error. The conversation explores how patients become ticket numbers and how the simple act of noticing can be the difference between a system that heals and one that harms. Discover why advocacy often requires repeating the obvious until the system finally listens.

Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Lets work together to tell your story.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi. Welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Eric Goldfarb. He is a patient advocate. Todays KevinMD article is How a pregnancy test on a male patient revealed health care flaws. Eric, welcome to the show.

Eric Goldfarb: Kevin, thank you, and a warm hello to your listeners. Thanks for having me.

Kevin Pho: All right, so this is kind of an attention-grabbing story for those that didnt get a chance to read your article. Tell us about the story and what exactly happened.

Eric Goldfarb: Well, thank you. First off, I will start a little bit about my background. I am not a clinician. I spent 30 years of my life as a chief information officer responsible for large complex systems and later worked in private equity as an operating partner. My career has been about how complex systems, processes, and people perform under pressure. So when I walked into the hospital as a family member, I wasnt just seeing medicine for me; I was seeing system behavior. I am not here to tell you or your listeners how to practice medicine. This is about really good doctors and health care professionals working inside of strained systems. I am speaking from the family side of the bed, not the chart. As somebody my age, we are taking care of parents now, and I have had experience beyond just this one.

What struck me wasnt that this was just an isolated moment. It is how easily things can drift, and there is a momentum that gets a wave all of its own. I am not asking you or your listeners to do more. I am asking how we can protect the moments that still belong to us. With that, my father was 88 years old. He worked his way through school, was in the military, and built a life in academia. He was incredibly active, traveled regularly, went to the doctors regularly, was in wonderful health, read constantly, and was constantly on the move. Then one day, out of nowhere, he developed a brain tumor. There was pressure, and he had to immediately be scheduled for brain surgery.

That was on a Friday. We went in and were told that he would be in the hospital for six days or so. The next day, 12 hours later, someone who wasnt even on his core team basically signed a weekend discharge to get him out of the hospital. My mom is exactly the person you want taking care of you, but she is 88, and as you can imagine, he really couldnt stand. There wasnt a social worker, and there was no real plan. It just didnt seem right. It almost felt unsafe that he would be discharged without some kind of thoughtful plan.

So I spoke to a very overwhelmed nurse and a new resident. Ownership was not very clear to me, so I pushed. I just said we have got to get a solution here. It wasnt a complicated solution; it just required some persistence. Eventually, they did have a plan, and he was there for the six days. Then we moved him to a skilled nursing facility. Sadly, he did deteriorate, and it was clear that he was not going to come out of it. Hospice was the next option. As you can imagine, as a family member, you are out of breath. When a doctor tells you that hospice is the next option and that they will be the captain of the ship, it does feel like for a brief moment you can step back and realize that somebody is going to take control of this and help you through it. But sadly, we never saw her again.

To me, a promise made should be a promise kept. There was a pattern that was starting to form here. There was one quick post-surgery follow-up review from the brain surgeon, but then that was it. Then 45 days later, after my father had died, his office scheduled a visit with my dad, who was dead. That starts to become a pattern. Having said that, we had extraordinary nurses and extraordinary physicians, but they were clearly operating under extreme pressure. After he died, we paid the bill in full. Keep in mind that we were grieving. We paid the bill, and afterward, as my wits were slowly coming back to me, I started to look a little deeper. Lo and behold, there was a charge for a pregnancy test.

I said this couldnt possibly be right. So I called up and we found that sure enough, no test was ordered. They told us we would get a refund from the insurance company and it would take 30 days. We marked our calendar and heard nothing. Thirty days passed. We came back, followed up with them, and they said: Nope, it is correct. I wrote back a note and said it is impossible because an 88-year-old man cant get pregnant and something is wrong. They wrote back again stating it is correct. Trying to be very calm, I stated this is not proper. I wrote back again, and this time they were going to send it up for the review that reviews the reviewers. With physicians apparently looking into this thing, and remembering we were told there was no test ordered, lo and behold, they came back and said it is correct.

At this point, I am practically apoplectic. I called them up, tried to be as calm as I could, and they basically told me to resolve it through MyChart. That was impossible because once he passed away, his account became locked. Eventually, we gave up. The pregnancy test here is important in the article because I am using it more as a signal. It is not the point of the piece. The point of the piece is to highlight these gaps in communication that occurred here. One of the motivations behind writing this was that I just let it go for a couple of years. What was a cocktail joke and funny with my friends, including many physicians and people in the health care profession whom I would tease about this, suddenly came back to me. I decided I had to take this a little bit more seriously.

I spent a career watching how small process gaps compound in a complicated system, and what I saw in the hospital felt familiar. The billing error wasnt surprising. It was the certainty after the reviews that was surprising. People spoke with authority that the test was correct, and people spoke with authority that he should be discharged even though he was unconscious, couldnt stand, and couldnt go to the bathroom. That inability to apply common sense after escalation is what prompted me to write the article. Particularly in this day and age, even with all the technology that we have, artificial intelligence, and all these wonderful tools, the basics still matter. People, process, and communication are what counts, and all of that is what drives the technology. Sadly, what I saw a lot was the technology driving really smart people. I felt like I had to get out of my chair and say something. I wrote the article thinking that of all these tools in a hospital and at a doctors disposal, common sense is still the most powerful diagnostic tool in the room. When you have a process and you are operating under severe metrics, momentum can sweep you away if nobody stops, takes a deep breath, and pauses. Kevin, that is what this story is about.

Kevin Pho: So when you talk to the insurance company, and there are multiple episodes in your story where some of the processes broke down, taking that test, how can they be so confident in their pushback? That flies in the face of common sense. Why were they so sure that that particular pregnancy charge was right? What kind of justification did they use?

Eric Goldfarb: That was the best part of it; they didnt rely on the test. At first, we were obviously talking with a group called Revenue Integrity. You could tell, because I have probably seen something like this in adjacent industries, where a call center has a script. In a sense, they were just reading from a script. They werent thinking. They were just taking a call and dealing with a patient advocate or a family member, and literally reading a script. I am in the wave of momentum and I am not thinking. So they spoke with authority. They did this because, number one, they are disconnected from the case. Number two, they werent thinking about chromosomes and that men cant get pregnant. Even if they could, an 88-year-old man certainly cant get pregnant. And why would you do a pregnancy test?

On the second review, it was probably another person confidently reading a script. But on the third one, I cant really give you a good answer. That is the one where they sent it up to a committee. That is where apparently a group of physicians sat around looking at it, and I just dont have an answer. I dont know why they confidently said it, but I do know that the test was never ordered, and that was directed from a physician who was part of the team. There is a certain amount of irony here. In health care, one of the movements over the last few decades is to standardize care and provide more algorithmic care, which is why more people are reading from scripts and are so hesitant to deviate.

Kevin Pho: Because everyone was practicing individually, the hope was to reduce individual error by standardizing care. But the irony here is that by not deviating from the script, it actually introduced some error.

Eric Goldfarb: I think that is correct. I think the thing here is that you can have a script, you can have a process, and you can have an electronic medical system. But at the end of the day, if nobody stops to ask whether it makes sense, then that mistake really becomes the plan. Yes, it is an irony. But I think the system and the process fall behind communication and people. People come first. The physicians, nurses, and health care professionals still have to think, and they still have to take ownership. That is a key piece of it. All the automation in the world doesnt change ownership.

Here is a really good example that I see, not just in cases with my dad, but when I have gone through medical procedures with other family members. A nurse might come into the room, do something, and mark something in a chart. A couple of hours pass, and a new nurse comes in with a shift change. They might not look at the chart, or they might look at the chart but somebody didnt read it thoroughly, and they have to relearn everything. When you have somebody in the room who can almost own that continuity between handoffs, then that gap falls away. That is what gets lost. Honestly, there is not a system or a script in the world that fixes that because that is what we are really good at. AI and technology are wonderful at making us more productive, but that is not a substitute for thought. The human mind is amazingly imaginative and quick. I think it is going to be years before AI ever takes that off the table. That is what still has to come forward.

Kevin Pho: In the earlier part of your story where your father was discharged on a weekend, from what I know about the hospital, there tend to be skeleton crews on weekends. The nurses and physicians who took care of your father during the week arent the same physicians who are in charge of a weekend discharge. You, or the family members, are actually the continuing thread that can help maintain that continuity of care.

Eric Goldfarb: I agree with that a hundred percent. Yes, I agree. Obviously, it has been a couple of years, and I have had a chance to think it through. I have to agree with you that you cant run an organization like this with perfect continuity. That is certainly understandable. Having said that, one of the things I learned is that if I had to go through this over again, I would go in asking who owns the moment. No matter what scenario you are approaching, you know there are going to be gaps, misses, and handoffs, but you need to know who owns the moment. It is really incumbent on the family member attending with the patient to step up and fill that gap themselves.

It would be really slick if there was such a thing as a health care project manager who could own continuity of care from the moment you go into the ER to the moment you go through skilled nursing. But in the absence of that, I think you are spot on. It really does have to be the family member. That highlights the importance of this patient advocate role.

Kevin Pho: From your perspective as a patient, and it sounds like from your background you do have experience in systems management in other industries, what are some of the root causes in health care that lead to these outcomes? Without being inside the room in health care, just from an outsiders perspective, what do you think is wrong and how would you go about fixing it?

Eric Goldfarb: The first thing I would say, and I want to stress this again, is that we met some extraordinary people who are fun to talk with and super bright. Like any of us, we are human, and we are probably stronger at 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. than we are at 8:00 p.m. after a 12-hour day. The first thing to realize is that people are under pressure and they are good people. Having said that, the first thing is you have to be explicit about accountability. Say: I am your point person. If a physician makes a promise to be the captain of the ship, then be the captain of the ship. See it all the way through, and come back to the bridge. If you made a promise to circle back, then circle back. If you have an electronic medical care system and you know a patient is dead, dont schedule an appointment with him. A promise made should be a promise kept. That is human and pretty straightforward.

Another thing that I used to do in my industry and I think helps here is stepping back. If I was a physician, even working on a slightly staffed weekend, I would create a moment. This is the moment I own. Ask yourself what worries you the most about this. I love my mother dearly, but all they had to do was look at her. She is 88 years old and in no position to deal with somebody who has tubes coming out of them. Just ask what worries you. That alone would have gotten to the next question, asking what I would have done if this was my father. In a sense, you want to check yourself real-time in life.

The other thing is to make transitions visible when a nurse leaves a room. Maybe put something in the record, but sometimes just a sticky note on the door makes a transition visible. What happens if the patient advocate or the family member stepped out to go to the bathroom? If that continuity of care doesnt exist, figure out a way to make that transition visible.

This is super important: physicians are busy and the system is a pressure cooker. Acknowledge that constraint. People understand that, but that doesnt mean that you have to disappear. Say that you are really busy, but this nurse is going to take care of you, and you will circle back to make sure that happens. It is a validate and then act kind of approach. Sometimes I have found that common sense is hard to apply when you have worked a long day, but if you say it out loud, it helps. If you say a man cant get pregnant, and an 88-year-old man cant get pregnant, then all of a sudden you start thinking about it.

Ultimately, what I am getting at here, Kevin, is that you really want to protect the pause. As busy as you get and as fast as workflow moves, judgment still belongs to the health care professional. That final moment is yours. Take a breath and ask yourself these questions.

Kevin Pho: Now after reflecting on the story, give us your top tip to other family members who may be going through a similar ordeal, because what you are describing happens thousands of times every day in every hospital in our country. What is your top tip?

Eric Goldfarb: I think the first thing is to take a deep breath and realize that these are good people working under pressure. Look for one visible owner of your case, one person making sure they are closing the loop and promising that things happen. If that cant be achieved within the tools of the hospital or the clinic, then it is incumbent on the family member to step up. The fact is the system is going to keep moving no matter what. It has to, and I get it. It is just going to be important to step up and look for that owner.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to Eric Goldfarb, patient advocate. Todays KevinMD article is How a pregnancy test on a male patient revealed health care flaws. Eric, lets end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Eric Goldfarb: I would leave the audience with the thought that the system is going to keep moving whether you want it to or not, and it has to. The moment that something doesnt fit or doesnt make sense belongs to you. Taking a pause is a small action. It doesnt require heroics, and it doesnt require a system. Common sense is still the most powerful diagnostic tool in the room, and it requires someone willing to say that we need to look at this again. That is where trust lives to me.

Kevin Pho: Eric, thank you so much for sharing your story, time, and insight. Thanks again for coming on the show.

Eric Goldfarb: Thanks, Kevin.
Pvt. David Andres Mayoral, who used the online name ghoulishclown, was sentenced Friday to 32 years in federal prison for possessing more than 3,000 photos and videos of child sex abuse material. (U.S. Army)



A soldier in Alaska who used the online name ghoulishclown was sentenced Friday to 32 years in federal prison for possessing more than 3,000 photos and videos of child sex abuse material.

Pvt. David Andres Mayoral, 21, assigned to Fort Wainwright near Fairbanks, was charged in March 2025. He pleaded guilty and, as part of the agreement, if he is ever released from custody he will spend the rest of his life under supervised observation. He also must register as a sex offender.

A search warrant of Mayorals electronic devices in 2025 found more than 2,500 photos and 680 videos, according to the federal indictment.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Oravec at the time ordered Mayoral held in federal custody pending trial to ensure the safety of the community, including that of minor victims.

Court records list U.S. public defender Gary George Colbath as representing Mayoral. He did not release a comment Friday.

Michelle McCaskill, spokeswoman for the Armys Office of Special Trial Counsel at Fort Belvoir, Va., which handles most sex crime prosecutions within the service, said last year that the Army could have prosecuted Mayoral under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or had the case filed by federal prosecutors in the U.S. District Court of Alaska.

The accused faced similar maximum punishments  hundreds of years confinement  in both military and federal court, McCaskill said. However, there is no mandatory minimum sentence for child pornography in the military. In federal court, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years for child pornography.

The investigation into Mayoral began in 2024, when he was stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia.

The Army Criminal Investigation Division office at Langley-Eustis received a tip on Sept. 11, 2024, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Mayoral had possibly illegal images that he had uploaded to an online platform.

CID officers reviewed the images and found they depicted child sexual abuse material of prepubescent female children.

The device used to upload the images was traded to Mayoral.

Mayoral used the online name ghoulishclown in some internet communications involving child sex abuse images, according to the indictment.

The soldier also had sexually explicit online conversations with minors in which he asked them to take lewd photos of themselves and directed how to send them to him through the online platform Discord.

Army records show Mayoral was stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis from May 15, 2024, to Oct. 11, 2024, when he was transferred to Fort Wainwright.

Reagan Zimmerman-Hartzheim, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Alaska, said the charges could be filed in Alaska instead of Virginia because Mayoral had brought the images with him when he transferred to Fort Wainwright.
Magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes off north Indonesia: USGS



Jakarta, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



A 6.0 magnitude quake struck off Indonesia's remote northern Talaud islands on Saturday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The tremor struck at a depth of 99 kilometres (61 miles), some 90 kilometres southeast of Sarangani province on the Philippine island of Mindanao.

Harry Sauro, a provincial disaster official, told AFP the quake was only "slightly felt" and there were no reports of damage or injuries.

Earthquakes are a near-daily occurrence in the Philippines, which with Indonesia and other neighbours is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity stretching from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said there was no threat of a tsunami.

A magnitude-9.1 quake struck Indonesia's westernmost Aceh province in 2004, causing a tsunami and killing more than 170,000 people in Indonesia.

burs-mlr/ane
Rain, storms kill 121 in Afghanistan and Pakistan in two weeks



Kabul, April 4 (AFP) Apr 04, 2026



Heavy rain and storms have killed at least 121 people over two weeks across Afghanistan and Pakistan, disaster officials in both countries said Saturday.

Stormy weather has brought rain sweeping across Afghanistan since late March, causing floods, landslides, and hitting homes and crops.

"Since March 26 till today, 77 people have been killed and 137 wounded across the country because of the floods and rains," Afghanistan's disaster management authority (ANDMA) spokesman Mohammad Yousuf Hammad told AFP on Saturday.

The spokesman added that 26 people were killed and 48 were wounded across the country in the past 48 hours due to rains, floods, landslides and lightning.

Across the border in Pakistan, 44 people were killed following heavy rains in the last weeks, officials said.

At least 32 people died in the northern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since March 25 and 12 in southwestern Balochistan since March 20, the provincial disaster management authorities told AFP.

Afghanistan's latest casualties include a child who drowned in a flash flood in southeastern Ghazni on Saturday morning while he was busy playing with other children, provincial police said.

Two more children also drowned in different districts of the same province.

That came hours after three people died in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan, when the roof of their house collapsed due to rains, the provincial disaster management authority said.



- Damage -



ANDMA spokesman Hammad said rainfall since the start of spring "can strengthen the underground sources of water and give growth to the agriculture sector".

But he said it can also cause human suffering and financial loss.

In western Herat province, farmer Abdul Rahim Taimori said: "We don't remember such a flood happening before. It has caused us a lot of damage.

"It has destroyed the crops of people, their homes. If it continues like this then we would have to leave our homes," the 45-year-old told AFP.

But relocating is unaffordable for many.

"Where shall we go? We are forced to stay," said Majal Niazi, a 45-year-old farmer who lives in a one-room house with his family.

The rain has also led to several road closures, with Kabul police reporting the partial closure Friday of the road between the capital and the city of Jalalabad.

Afghanistan's disaster management authority renewed its warning to people to stay away from "rivers and flooded streams, and follow the weather forecast seriously".

The latest casualties follow more than 60 people being killed in snow and heavy rain that hit Afghanistan in January.

Afghanistan frequently experiences deadly floods, landslides and storms, particularly in remote areas with fragile infrastructure.

Among the poorest countries in the world after decades of war, Afghanistan is particularly exposed to the effects of climate change, which scientists say is spurring extreme weather.

"It was drought before and now we have these rains, both are a danger," said Abdul Sattar, a 40-year-old farmer in Herat.

strs-la-sma-ash/rsc/iw/phz/ane
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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.

open image in gallery 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.

open image in gallery 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).
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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.

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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Malcolm in the Middle is back with a new reboot, reuniting actors including Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston  but one star rejected a huge payday to return.

Four new episodes of the hit 2000s sitcom are being released on Disney+, with Muniz returning as the titular child prodigy, who is now grown-up with a daughter of his own. Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek are back as Malcolms parents, Hal and Lois, with Chris Kennedy Masterson and Justin Berfield returning as his older brothers, Francis and Reese.

However, a notable absence from the revival is Erik Per Sullivan, the former child star who played Malcolms younger brother Dewey. After the show ended in 2006, Sullivan, who was 14, retired from acting to pursue his education.

He was approached to return for the reboot, with Kaczmarek revealing he is so set on his studies that he turned down a hefty salary.

Hes studying Dickens and is an incredible student, she told The Guardian, adding: They offered him buckets of money to come back, and he just said: No thank you. Dewey has been recast in the show, with Fargo actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark playing the role.

In 2024, Kaczmarek spoke to fan site Malcolm France about Sullivan, saying hes doing very, very well.

He did Malcolm for seven years, he started at seven, he ended at 14. He wasnt interested in acting at all. He goes to school at a very prestigious American university that hes asked us all to be quiet about and he loves Charles Dickens. Hes doing graduate work in Victorian literature.

open image in gallery ( Fox )

She continued: I admire it because so many people think being in show business is the greatest thing in the world  its not for everyone.

Speaking about her own hiatus from acting after Malcolm in the Middles seven-season run, Kaczmarek, 70, said in the new interview: My life went topsy-turvy. I got divorced shortly after the show ended and had three kids that I really wanted to raise.

Malcolm in the Middle aired on Fox from 2000 to 2006 for seven seasons. The single-camera comedy series focused on Malcolm, a child prodigy, and his dysfunctional working-class family. Over the course of seven seasons, Malcolm in the Middle earned seven Emmy Awards out of its 33 nominations.

When the reboot was announced, Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, told Variety: Malcolm in the Middle is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and relatability.

open image in gallery Jane Kaczmarek and Bryan Cranston in 'Malcolm in the Middle' revival seires ( Disney+ )

Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and were so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring that magic to life again.

With Linwood Boomer and the creative team at the helm, these new episodes will have all the laughs, pranks, and mayhem fans loved  along with a few surprises that remind us why this show is so timeless.

Malcolm in the Middle: Lifes Still Unfair is on Disney+ on 10 April.
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At just 26, Charlotte Rutherford faced a life-altering diagnosis of bowel cancer, a tumour so aggressive it obstructed her colon, leaving her in excruciating pain and unable to keep food down.

The harrowing experience, she says, profoundly shifted her perspective, making her realise "how fragile life is" and driving her mission to raise awareness that "this can be happening to young people".

Now 32, Ms Rutherford was living in Australia in 2020 when she was rushed to hospital, suffering from severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, and a complete loss of appetite. For approximately 18 months, she had endured intermittent symptoms, but it was only when her condition reached an "emergency state" that a CT scan uncovered Stage 3B bowel cancer. The aggressive tumour had not only obstructed her colon but also spread to her lymph nodes.

Recalling that terrifying period, Charlotte told PA Real Life: "I was told that when I went into hospital the first time in 2020 that I was maybe 48 hours away from my heart just giving up." The brush with death instilled a profound lesson: "You realise that, really, things can change so quickly  so dont sweat the small stuff  live life how you want to live."

open image in gallery Charlotte Rutherford was diagnosed with bowel cancer when she was 26 ( Collect/PA Real Life )

Ms Rutherford, now a community manager for the cancer charity Mission Remission and based in Bristol, had been in Australia for three years when her intermittent symptoms  severe stomach pain and vomiting  escalated to a constant crisis in December 2020. She found herself unable to eat, enduring three-hour vomiting episodes post-meals, and experiencing "a really dramatic amount of weight" loss, alongside altered bowel habits. These worrying signs had been present, on and off, for about 18 months.

"At the time I went into hospital, I was so constipated," Charlotte explained. "But all I can remember is the severe nausea, because, essentially, I was so blocked up and had been for a long time, it was kind of poisoning me."

Upon admission, a CT scan quickly revealed a critical bowel obstruction, necessitating urgent surgery. Doctors, reviewing the scan, immediately inquired about any family history of bowel cancer.

"I said: I dont have cancer, do I?," she recounted, to which the medical team replied: "We dont know yet, but well find out." Within 24 hours of her arrival, on 11 December 2020, Charlotte was in surgery to remove the obstruction for biopsy. Six days later, on 17 December, the devastating confirmation arrived: advanced bowel cancer, estimated by doctors to have been developing for three to five years.

"I had no time to think," she stated. "I was in Australia, and it was in Covid, so I was on my own in the hospital. To be honest, the thing that was going through my mind because of how unwell I felt I just thought I was going to die in the hospital."

open image in gallery Charlotte was unable to eat, having three-hour vomiting episodes after mealtimes and losing 'a really dramatic amount of weight' ( Collect/PA Real Life )

The diagnosis was Stage 3B bowel cancer, indicating spread to her lymph nodes. Although the primary tumour and affected lymph nodes were surgically removed, 12 weeks of preventative chemotherapy, administered via drip and oral tablets, were necessary to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. On 6 April 2021, after completing four rounds of treatment, Charlotte received the news she was in remission.

Returning to the UK in April 2021, Charlotte underwent six-monthly scans and blood tests for monitoring. By 2023, aged 29, there had been no sign of recurrence. Her routine scan in February 2023 was approached with unusual calm; she "felt so fit and so healthy, it was probably the scan I went into with the least amount of scan anxiety". Yet, just nine days later, a call from the hospital shattered her peace.

"They said, Your surgeon would like to see you next week I was like, Ive never been called in before, so that cant be good news," she recalled. At the subsequent appointment, Charlotte received the devastating news that the cancer had returned, this time on her lung, leading to a Stage 4 diagnosis as it had metastasised from its original site. "We spoke about treatment options, and normally, the NHS will say that anyone whos had a recurrence has to have another round of chemo. But I was 29 at the time, and fertility was a really big factor," Charlotte explained.

She faced a difficult choice: "I essentially had to weigh up whether it meant more to me to not have chemo and protect my fertility, or have chemo and reduce my chance of the cancer coming back." Due to the tumours small size, keyhole surgery was possible in April 2023. Following two weeks of bed rest, she embarked on the slow process of "really slowly and gradually building up my fitness again". By August 2023, she was once more in remission.

open image in gallery Charlotte said her 'whole perspective on life changed' after cancer ( Collect/PA Real Life )

The physical recovery was arduous, particularly the "breathlessness  I couldnt walk anywhere without being so breathless It took a long time to build up my fitness again," she stated. The recurrence itself was a profound shock. "Maybe it was naive, but I really didnt think I was going to have a recurrence during my remission," she admitted. "It was a huge shock, because I felt so fit and healthy."

Battling cancer twice in her late twenties has also exacted a significant emotional toll. "Because I was so young, youre around an age group where people are progressing with other areas of their life, like buying houses and work and stuff," she reflected. "You just feel so behind where everyone else is, for something that is just so out of your control."

With April designated as Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Charlotte is now a vocal advocate, urging both young individuals and medical professionals to recognise the warning signs. The NHS highlights key symptoms: changes in bowel habits, blood in stools (appearing black or red), persistent stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, and bloating. Data from Bowel Cancer UK reveals that over 2,500 people under 50 are diagnosed with the disease annually in the UK.

"There isnt quite that awareness still that this can happen to young people," Charlotte stated. "I think that just raising awareness of the symptoms and making sure people have the confidence to get checked if something doesnt feel right To not have that immediate thought of: Youre too young to have bowel cancer is important."

This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Bowel Cancer UK and Takeda UK are highlighting their Stage4You campaign, developed and funded by Takeda UK. Supported by Bowel Cancer UK, the initiative aims to address the unique challenges and unmet needs of those living with Stage 4 bowel cancer. Especially during April, when awareness content is abundant, the campaign encourages "people living with stage 4 bowel cancer to take a self-awareness day, and give themselves permission to step back when disease awareness content feels too much".

open image in gallery To not have that immediate thought of 'You're too young to have bowel cancer' is important' ( Collect/PA Real Life )

For Charlotte, Stage4You offers crucial support, as it "acknowledges the mental toll of what were going through, and gives us that acknowledgement to be able to just take some time, and to see that life doesnt just go on as normal sometimes". Reflecting on her journey, she concluded: "I think my whole perspective on life changed (after cancer). I say yes to more things. I make sure that all of the time I have is spent doing things that I actually want to do. I think it shows you how fragile life is."
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A Pakistani finance and IT professional killed inside his upscale Washington, D.C., condo building may have unknowingly let his attackers inside, mistaking them for fellow residents, police said.

At a news conference this week, Interim Metropolitan Police Department Chief Jeffrey W. Carroll described the victim, Syed Hammad Hussain, 40, as an innocent person, saying investigators believe he opened the doors of The Zenith on February 11, assuming the group outside lived there, the Washington Post reports. Authorities added that the suspects have not been connected to any other robberies or violent incidents.

He was going out to get food and going back home, Carroll said, adding that there is no known relationship between Hussain and his killers. They just took advantage of him.

Rico Rashaad Barnes, 36, of Northwest Washington, has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Hussain. Authorities later also charged Alphonso Walker, 39, of Northwest Washington, with first-degree murder. He was already in police custody on unrelated charges at the time of his arrest.

The incident began in the early morning hours of February 11, when Barnes and another man allegedly followed Hussain for several blocks from a fast-food restaurant to The Zenith, located in a typically low-crime Logan Circle neighborhood. Surveillance footage cited by police shows Hussain entering the building around 1:35 a.m.

open image in gallery Rico Barnes (pictured) is one of two men charged in the murder of Syed Hammad Hussain, who was killed by blunt force and strangulation before his apartment in Northwest D.C. was set on fire ( Superior Court of the District of Columbia )

open image in gallery Syed Hammad Hussain was murdered inside The Zenith condo building after police say he let in a group of men he thought were fellow tenants ( Google Maps )

Moments later, one of the suspects approached a glass door and began banging on it until Hussain let him inside, apparently assuming that the man also lived there. A second suspect followed, along with a third man who accompanied them and later cooperated with investigators.

Authorities say the group argued in a hallway before moving outside, where Hussain was punched and collapsed. The third man then left the scene. The two remaining suspects are accused of carrying Hussain back into the building and into his first-floor apartment, either by using an access code or a key fob, according to court documents obtained by the Post.

Roughly an hour later, at about 2:40 a.m., surveillance video shows the two suspects leaving the building. One was seen pushing a bicycle and carrying two bags, while the other wore a leather jacket and a winter coat, which police say he did not have when he entered.

Emergency crews found Hussains body around 3:30 a.m. after responding to reports of smoke in the building. His apartment door was closed but unlocked, and inside, he was discovered face down in the living room with his hands and feet loosely tied with neckties.

Court records state Hussain suffered multiple skull fractures, and investigators found two 25-pound metal dumbbells near his body, along with signs he had been strangled and burned.

Police also reported the apartment had been ransacked, with laptop computers missing and a bicycle charger found without the bicycle.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Hussains family said his killing is devastating, remembering him as an outgoing, well-dressed professional, and vowing to follow the trial.

He lived his life. He was happy. Syed K. Hussain told the outlet.
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I just look vaguely worried all the time. When Im in repose. Thats Emmy-winner Matthew Macfadyens assessment of his resting face and in The Miniature Wife, a new series based on a short story by Manuel Gonzales, Macfadyen has a lot to be concerned about. The 10-hour comedy-drama tells the tale of a science whiz called Les Littlejohn (Macfadyen) who accidentally shrinks his wife Lindy (Elizabeth Banks) to the size of an iPhone. What starts out as Honey I Shrunk  You soon turns into something closer to The War of the Roses, as Jennifer Ames and Steve Turners (Boardwalk Empire, Goliath) scripts mash up physical comedy with a full-blown relationship crisis. Who, after all, hasnt been made to feel small in a marriage at one time or another? Les and Lindys marriage is in trouble when we meet them, is Macfadyens description, because since publishing her smash hit novel, Lindy has been in a terrible writers rut. She hasnt written a thing. Elizabeth Banks as Lindy, Matthew Macfadyen as Les in The Miniature Wife. Meanwhile, Les career has gone from strength to strength. Macfadyen describes him as a wonder-nerd whose abilities and discoveries could really make a difference. He really is a genius. I mean, hes sort of a deeply clever scientist but actually, hes not very techie. Hes not very switched on in a business sense, as is revealed throughout. Macfadyen watched a lot of Bill The Science Guy Nyes YouTube videos for inspiration. We sing the rhyming theme tune to one another. Bill Nye The Science Guy is brilliant, he says. I wasnt trying to emulate or copy him for Les, but I loved his energy. I think theres a part of Les that would be quite happy just noodling around in his lab and not doing any of the tech messiah stuff, but he gets swept up in a sort of ego spiral. He decides that its my turn, gets obsessed with winning the Nobel Prize and he just  loses himself. He gets corrupted.

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Related Article Streaming Speak up and pay attention: A message from the most terrifying woman on TV The disparity between Les and Lindys career paths leads to fissures in the marriage and after one row too many, Les accidentally turns his world-changing technology (he had been hoping to shrink crops, grow huge yields in small spaces and then unshrink them to end world hunger) on his wife. He shrinky-dinks her to about 15 centimetres tall, and The Miniature Wife maps the aftermath. Macfadyens career, like Les, has gone from strength to strength. Before Succession, he was already an established film and TV lead with acclaimed roles in hit series such as Spooks and Criminal Justice, but he was best known for playing it straight  see those large, concerned eyes and that vaguely worried face. Thirty-nine episodes as Tom Wambsgans in Succession, a snivelling, power-hungry rat who would do or say anything to elevate himself in the billionaire Roy family, and Macfadyen was reinvented as a brilliant comedy player. He won two Primetime Emmys for best supporting actor. Like Succession, The Miniature Wife is a black comedy drama and Macfadyen is now the perfect lead  an established master of cold, hard laughs. Les and Lindys marriage begins to crack when their careers go in different directions in The Miniature Wife. Its about Les and Lindys egos and their lack of appreciation of one another and their professional vanity, he says, But there are moments of real darkness. I mean, it gets quite violent and horrible. But its also very tender and sweet. And doesnt feel syrupy either. Hopefully, its a very successful portrait of a relationship in this ridiculous predicament. The ridiculous predicament was repeated in reality  how do you film scenes of caustic marital breakdown when one of the sparring partners is meant to be 15 centimetres high?

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Editor's pick Streaming I took a perverse delight in it: David Berry on Outlanders other great love story Elizabeth, we would say shes got her own soundstage, and she sort of did, he says. It was like the Elizabeth Banks stage in Toronto, where she was wrapped in green screen for long periods of time on her own. Many of the scenes in The Miniature Wife feature Banks holed up in a dolls house doing two-handers with Macfadyens giant left eye looming through the front door like the BFG. Macfadyen was never actually there. When the scenes were with Elizabeth, I would be on my own sort of whispering manically  to a cross on a carpet or pretending Im carrying her around. It was mad but also an imaginative exercise  challenging but also quite satisfying to get right. Macfadyen spent most of his filming time working closely with what he calls the Elizabeth doll. Theyd bring it in to the scene, and then they would line up on it, he says. And then wed have to take it away because special effects would put Elizabeth in there later. I would have to find out where her head would be, which would be different from where her feet were. So its sort of a technical piece of work. Wed put a mark down, and youre trying to work out where to put your eyes  then your hands go in a different place. Sort of strange. There were also times Macfadyen  who is just a tick over 190 centimetres tall  wished he was a bit shorter. To signify his tech success, the writers gave Les a statement vehicle, a red AC Cobra that he drives between the office and his McMansion. It sits about five centimetres from the ground.

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I couldnt get in it, he says. Its a very nice car  once youre in. But they couldnt shoot me getting out of that f---ing car because I literally had to crawl out of it. It was really undignified. So whenever I pull up, they have to cut somewhere else, and then I stumble out. And then they cut back and I sort of do a last move as if everything was normal. Sarah Snook (as Shiv Roy) and Matthew Macfadyen (as Tom Wambsgans) in Succession. Having the fancy car but being unable to get in and out of it is, I proffer, quite a Tom Wambsgans moment. Wambsgans is a character that has brought Macfadyen his choice of scripts, but he says he doesnt strategise over roles or map out his career. Its always the way; theres no plan, he says. In fact Ive never met an actor whos gone, Yeah, this is going exactly how I wanted it to. Youre just muddling along. Related Article Streaming Louis Theroux has always covered those on the edge. These are his best works He does now get sent scripts for him to mull over, such as The Miniature Wife, rather than having to audition to get scripts at all, but theres still no Bill Nye-style science to picking a winner. Even if youre very fortunate and youre getting scripts sent, you still just sort of jump at the thing that speaks to you, he says. Youre never sure its the right thing to do  and thats part of the fun, I suppose. Certainly, I try and do something thats a little bit different from what Ive done before but sometimes the script is so good and fun I just want to do it.

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CultureTV & radioAustralian TV SBS documentary goes inside the divisive Australian War Memorial renovation Bridget McManus April 5, 2026  5:23am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

When Navy veteran Luke McCallum broke protocol to lead the 2024 Anzac Day procession on the newly laid parade ground at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, stepping out on his prosthetic leg ahead of the president of the ACT RSL, the moment was transformative. Not only was it the first time the former IT specialist sailor had marched as an amputee, but the date marked 20 years since a suicide bombing in Iraq claimed the lives of three US servicemen who had been working closely with McCallums unit. That event is now commemorated in the memorials museum, the extensive  and divisive  renovation of which is the subject of a four-part SBS documentary, A New Anzac. Bliss Jensen in the Australian War Memorials Peacekeeping Gallery. Even within Defence and Navy, [that event] didnt, even at the time, get much attention, says McCallum, whose injuries were result of a training accident during his deployment. I got quite bitter and angry about this for so long, but now that the memorial will have the story of that day, it will recognise the loss, and the ongoing impacts to those of us who were there. The $580 million upgrade to the memorial, ordered in 2018 by then-prime minster Scott Morrison, has attracted controversy since its inception, with the auditor-general in 2024 pinpointing issues regarding ministerial oversight and conflict of interest. The documentary instead focuses on the engineering aspects, and on the new exhibits. For McCallum, seeing some of the items on display from the 2004 Middle East tragedy take its place in the museum was a watershed moment.

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This was a significant event in the history of our service in the Middle East thats finally going to be brought to the public, says McCallum, who is now a bilateral amputee and multi-sport para-athlete. Its made it easier for me to be able to talk about it. Related Article Australian TV Facts are being challenged and undermined: Hamish Macdonald on the biggest threat of our times This is just one of the stories of Australias post-World War II defence and peacekeeping history that the memorials director of gallery development, Bliss Jensen, is proud to have curated. Were looking to present multiple perspectives, says Jensen. Up front and centre is, of course, the impact of war on veterans. But the legacy of war is, for the first time, being explored throughout diaspora communities  those new Australians who have fled war where Australians have served. Some exhibits depicting refugees fleeing war zones in horrific conditions are extremely distressing. There is space given to the anti-war movement, with items and images from the 2003 No War Sydney Opera House protest featured. The AWM National Collection includes Army veteran Kat Raes winning 2024 Napier Waller Art Prize entry Deathmin, which is sculpture featuring a stack of papers pleading for help from the Department of Veteran Affairs, by her late Army veteran husband, Andrew.

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Also in the gallery is war artist Peter Churchers painting of Navy veteran Emma Conway, which depicts the now decorated firefighter as the sole female mechanical technician, or stoker, in the engine room of the HMAS Kanimbla when the ship was deployed to the Persian Gulf in 2001. Luke McCallum (right) marching with RSL CEO Kimberley. Hicks That girl [in the painting], has gone on a significant journey through life, and it was nice to be able to step back into that space and recognise that it made a difference, says Conway. At the time, you dont consider what youre doing as part of history. Youre just doing the work. But to have the stories of myself and my colleagues in the War Memorial, its actually a big deal. In the series, Conway refers to herself and her colleagues as ordinary people. None of us can achieve what we achieve by ourselves. I hope that [viewers] see us as people whove come together, she says. In any situation, in any circumstance, when Australian and New Zealand people come together, we can achieve amazing things. And its a reminder that, in the worst of times, we can be at our best. Its happening every day. If we can show the people behind the stories, hopefully, people see that their decisions in their everyday world make a difference.

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A New Anzac premieres at 8.30pm on Friday, April 10, on SBS and streams on SBS On Demand. 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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NationalNSWPlanning The plan to revive Sydneys most divisive office block Megan Gorrey April 4, 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

North Sydneys languishing MLC Building will be revived for office workers after the former owners sold the block, staving off plans to partly raze the state heritage-listed complex for a 22-storey tower. Wentworth Group bought the modernist-style Miller Street building for more than $100 million in February, following years of heritage battles and numerous attempts by developer Investa to revamp the site with a gleaming new office tower, education facility or build-to-rent apartments. The MLC Building, designed by Bates Smart McCutcheon, won the NSW Architects Enduring Architecture Prize in 2021. Edwina Pickles Wentworth has started refurbishing the building into A-grade commercial space and taking prospective tenants through. It expects the block to be upgraded, leased and opened by next year. North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker said upgrading the deserted building for office workers would contribute to the revival of the CBD spurred by the opening of the Victoria Cross metro station.

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The council would welcome the original use being reinstated and the building being given some care and attention, Baker said. Related Article Development MLC Building is on the heritage list but part of it might be razed The plan to use the building, which has been vacant since 2022, underscores a citywide debate about balancing the preservation of Sydneys commercial centres with the state governments push for sorely needed housing. Wentworth Group hopes the upgraded building will reactivate the prominent site within North Sydneys core, which has rapidly transformed around the metro station. The companys plan represents the latest chapter in a long-running saga to redevelop the building, which was North Sydneys first high-rise office block when it was completed in 1957.

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Investa first submitted plans to North Sydney Council in 2020, seeking to demolish the complex to make way for a $500 million office tower, sparking criticism from architects and heritage advocates. The outcry prompted the state government to list the building on the State Heritage Register in 2021. A NSW court later overturned that decision due to an administrative error, before the government reinstated the block to the register, citing its ongoing and irreplaceable heritage values, in 2024. Planning authorities have approved plans to revamp the complexs 14-storey Miller Street wing, and replace the rear Denison Street wing with a 22-storey office tower. The new owners say the plan is unlikely to be activated. Meantime, Investa pursued several proposals to redevelop the site. One of those applications, which involved converting the block into 340 build-to-rent units, was withdrawn. The Sydney North Planning Panel last year approved a plan to refurbish the dominant Miller Street wing, while demolishing the smaller Denison Street wing for a slender 22-storey office tower.

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City life Inside the Sydney clocktower where time will turn backwards In March, the state government approved separate plans for a similar redevelopment, to be used as a university campus. In its decision, the planning department acknowledged the development would result in significant heritage impacts and would not be the optimal outcome, but said changes to the Miller Street wing were appropriate given the buildings age, and fire and structural problems. [This would] allow for the greatest opportunity to conserve the key elements to the heritage significance of the building that can be widely appreciated that have the greatest potential to support the ongoing restoration, conservation and appreciation of the building, the decision said. Wentworth Group said: Whilst the asset has approval for a 48,000-square-metre premium commercial development, it is unlikely to be activated under Wentworths ownership. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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NationalVictoriaRoads A year after $1 billion pledge, paperwork still not filed for freeway upgrade Patrick Hatch and Kieran Rooney April 5, 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

More than a year after receiving a promise of $1 billion in federal funding to widen a freeway in Melbournes west, Victoria has yet to provide all the documents needed to unlock the money and start the project. Congestion on the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs is a major concern for communities in the booming outer western suburbs, with rapidly growing new suburbs forecast to cause the traffic to rise from 86,000 vehicles a day to 113,000 by 2031. Housing development is putting pressure on the Western Freeway. Eddie Jim The Albanese government committed $1 billion in March 2025 to widen the freeway, and Victoria completed a joint state and federal funded $20 million business case in December 2024. But the federal Infrastructure Department has confirmed it only recently received the business case from Victoria and is still waiting for a second piece of planning work for the project to move forward.

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Related Article Go west One of Melbournes most car-heavy suburbs faces four-month road closure The second part of this work, the delivery case, which examines the priority, scope, and specific sections of the highway to upgrade, is being finalised by the Victorian government, a Department of Infrastructure spokesperson said. Our funding is available to flow once the Victorian government submits the relevant documentation to the Commonwealth. The federal advisor Infrastructure Australia, which was set up to assess all proposals seeking $250 million or more from the Commonwealth, said it had not received the business case. The timing of any submission would be a matter for the Victorian government, a spokesperson said.

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City of Melton Mayor Lara Carli said residents faced delays daily, and the council was eagerly awaiting detailed plans and timeframes for the upgrade. It has been over a year since $1 billion in funding for the upgrade was announced, and its time to get on with the project, she said. A Western Freeway truck stop near Rockbank. Alamy However, Carli said the $1 billion committed would not cover the full upgrade, and so the council was calling on the state government to match that funding. Melton Council wrote to Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams in February seeking clarity about the scope of works covered by the initial $1 billion commitment and a timeline for when the state government would deliver the project.

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It also asked the state government for additional investment to deliver interchanges at Mount Cottrell, Hopkins Road, and a duplication of the overpass and rail bridge over Ferris Road. Williams responded to council that Victoria was in discussions with the Commonwealth to identify and prioritise upgrades based on the recommendations in the jointly funded program business case. Related Series

Go west Go west Susan Yengi, chair of western council alliance LeadWest, said the stretch between Melton and Caroline Springs serviced one of Australias fastest growing regions and action was urgent. We are calling for works to be progressed as a priority, she said. Thousands of residents and workers rely on this corridor and continue to experience significant congestion, delays and ongoing safety concerns.

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Crashes along the freeway killed nine people and seriously injured another 126 in the five years to June 2025. A spokesman for the Allan government said the delivery plan to confirm the project scope and timeline was nearly completed. We have provided an investment business case for the Western Freeway to the federal government, and preconstruction works will commence this year, they said. Liberal member for Western Metropolitan region Trung Luu, who raised the project in parliament last month, said the Western Freeway upgrade has been all talk and no progress. And its people in the west who are paying the price, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Exclusive NationalVictoriaVictorian Parliament Daniel Andrews was warned of a looming housing headache. It took Labor almost a decade to act Royce Millar April 5, 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

Melbournes sprawling fringe housing estates are growing faster now than in 2014 when a just-elected Andrews government was urged to do major planning reform to house a burgeoning population in established suburbs. To meet population growth pressures, outer suburbs need better access to jobs and services, and inner suburbs need more housing, senior officials told the nascent Labor administration in confidential cabinet briefs obtained by this masthead, dated December 2014. An aerial view of a new housing estate near Melton, where growth has surged but services have not always kept pace. Jason South More than 11 years later, the Allan government is falling well short of its target of 70 per cent of new housing in existing neighbourhoods, with ABS figures revealing that just half of home building approvals have been in inner and middle areas since Labors landmark housing statement in 2023. While Victoria is currently delivering more new homes than any state or territory, they are not where the government wants, or can afford, them to be.

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Through a rarely used provision of the Freedom of Information Act, The Age has obtained 800 pages of cabinet briefs and submissions from the weeks after Labors upset election victory in November in 2014. They capture the behind-the-scenes deliberations of the young administration and the high-level, confidential advice it received in its first days in office. The documents are prescient given the current housing crisis and widening political focus on population growth and immigration. Under the cover of cabinet confidentiality, the senior bureaucrats acknowledge the economic and social benefits of population growth but are forthright about their concerns. The population of the state is growing at 110,000 people per year, placing significant pressure on both services and infrastructure, says then-public service head Andrew Tongue, in a personal brief to the then premier-elect Daniel Andrews.

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In the government-wide brief to the incoming government known as the red book, senior officials repeatedly highlight population pressure on housing supply and location, health, schools and transport, as well as land use in peri-urban areas and the environment. Labor finally made a priority of planning and housing in 2023 with its controversial housing statement centred on relaxing planning controls and fast-tracking approvals to boost infill development. The first cabinet meeting of the Andrews government after its election in 2014. Justin McManus But the proportion of new housing in established neighbourhoods was higher in the years 2014 to 2023 (56 per cent) than in the two years to December 2025 (50 per cent). Angie Zigomanis, a leading property researcher with Quantify Strategic Insights, said Victorias housing delivery was moving in the opposite direction to that intended by the government and remains concentrated in growth areas, where land is abundant, infrastructure is pre-planned, and delivery systems operate predictably.

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He said infill housing was constrained by fragmented land ownership, rising construction and land costs, complex design standards, and outdated infrastructure networks. The 2014 documents included a forecast that more than 1.6 million new dwellings would be needed across the metropolitan region by 2051, or just over 43,000 homes a year. Eleven years later, the governments 2025 Plan for Victoria updated the figure to more than 1.78 million dwellings for greater Melbourne, more than 65,000 a year. While Andrews 2023 housing statement included a target of 800,000 new homes across the state over the ensuing decade, housing starts have fallen well short of the 10-year target.

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Senior bureaucrats in 2014 called for an update of the planning system to facilitate more and more diverse housing, greater density in established suburbs, better use of surplus government land for housing, and for more social and affordable housing in urban renewal areas. They remind Labor of its commitment to pilot inclusionary zoning  a policy requiring developers to include a proportion of social or affordable housing as a condition of approval of larger housing projects  on surplus government sites. However, not a single dwelling had been delivered through the governments inclusionary zoning pilot by the time Andrews launched the housing statement amid a housing crisis in 2023. In response to questions from The Age, a government spokesperson said: From delivering more homes near trains and trams to fast-tracking townhouses and mid-rise apartments, investing billions in social housing and unlocking land in our growth areas  we have constantly looked at ways we can boost housing supply.

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Related Article Planning Super-sized CBD or soaring suburbs: The competing visions to reshape Melbourne The 2014 briefings also implicitly criticise the outgoing Baillieu-Napthine Coalition government for its focus on protecting Melbournes established suburbs from housing development, pushing growth into the urban fringe. Premier Jacinta Allan has slammed current Coalition leader Jess Wilsons planning policies for doing the same. While were cutting red tape to deliver more homes right across the state, Jess Wilsons Liberals are choosing to block housing and lock young Victorians out. The government also highlighted that Labor was delivering what it says is the biggest pipeline of infrastructure in the states history to help plan for growth over the long term.

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Planning Institute Victorian president Pat Fensham said the Andrews-Allan government had been tardy in making planning and housing a priority. Melbourne has long been like a factory for greenfield housing, Fensham said. That has helped keep housing prices down but at considerable cost in terms of infrastructure and for communities a long way from jobs and services. A new housing estate in Beveridge, in Melbournes outer north. Joe Armao He said that while the state had a plan to direct more housing to established suburbs, the necessary co-ordination and implementation arrangements across government were not taken sufficiently seriously, nor prioritised. Had the implementation of the plan been more of a priority we would have been better placed to deal with the housing crisis we now face, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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NationalVictoriaCity life Farmers son slams states legal tactics after $28m compensation win Adam Carey April 4, 2026  4:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The son of a western suburbs farmer who was awarded almost $28 million for the acquisition of his land for a road reserve says the state government tied up his family in a years-long legal battle to deny them proper compensation. Jeffrey Barrett of Manor Lakes was last week awarded $27.92 million compensation in the Supreme Court for the acquisition of part of his peri-urban property for the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road, a proposed 100-kilometre, estimated $31 billion orbital freeway through Melbournes west and north. Landowner Jeffrey Barrett (far right), pictured with his son Brett Barrett (second from left) and family, has won $27.9 million in compensation from the state government. The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning initially made no offer for Barretts land, where he farms sheep and some cattle. The government then offered him $0.00 for his financial loss after he took the government to court, denying that he was entitled to any compensation, before amending its offer to $18.65 million years later. Barrett rejected the amended offer but scaled back his claim from $31.31 million to $28.27 million.

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The court made its decision mostly in favour of Barrett, who is now in his 70s, on March 26, precisely six years after he applied to Wyndham City Council to subdivide part of his rural property for housing, and awarded costs on April 1. Brett Barrett, Jeffreys son, grew up on the Manor Lakes farm that the ring road would one day bisect and now oversees developing part of it into the Winterset Lodge greenfields housing estate. The Barretts land in Manor Lakes is bisected by the reserve for the future Outer Metropolitan Ring. Eddie Jim Brett Barrett said his family stood firm and spent large in its daunting pursuit of compensation but said many other families with fewer means would probably have buckled during such a drawn-out legal contest against the state. I think its disappointing that the process isnt more streamlined, Barrett said. I think its very hard on people who are ultimately losing their homes and then they have to spend years in court to move on with life.

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The planned outer ring road passes through more than 600 properties on Melbournes fringe. The Victorian government had already spent at least $350 million compensating landowners along the corridor before the latest Supreme Court ruling, and could ultimately pay out $2.7 billion, government planning documents suggest. Brett Barrett said the governments approach of rejecting the familys first claim for compensation in 2021 before making an offer during the court case in 2025, would be excessively costly and time-consuming for most landowners along the corridor. Not a lot of people have got that fight, he said. I know a lot of farmers, and theyre not doing that. Theyre elderly guys that just feed their cows each day; are they meant to spend millions on legal fees and have it drag out for years?

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The former Brumby Labor government first placed a public acquisition overlay on the outer metropolitan ring corridor in 2010, but no state government has yet committed to the project. Related Article Exclusive

Roads $350m spent buying land, a call for urgency, but no sign of Melbournes mega-road Infrastructure Australia identified it on its 2026 priority list as a potential project to be placed in a five- to 10-year pipeline for investment. The road and rail project, which arcs across the fastest-growing parts of the city, supports Melbournes long-term projected population and freight growth, and would connect transport hubs including Melbourne and Avalon airports, the Port of Geelong and intermodal terminals in Beveridge and Truganina, the assessment states. The Age revealed last year that Victorian transport planners had urged the government to accelerate the mega-project or risk having congestion in the north and west of Melbourne throttle the states economic productivity.

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They argued that population growth in the citys north and west was so rapid that the timeline for starting the first stage of the project should be brought forward at least five years to 2031. The first stage would connect the Hume Freeway in Beveridge with the M80 Ring Road in Thomastown, easing pressure on the increasingly congested Hume. The link would eventually extend to west of Werribee. The matter was presided over by Supreme Court Justice Claire Harris, who assessed Barretts financial loss as a natural, direct and reasonable consequence of the subject land being reserved by [public acquisition] for the purpose of the OMR as $27,925,000. During her ruling on costs, delivered on April 1, Harris said the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act is intended primarily to be a non-litigious administrative process. Harris said in her decision that the department had initially taken an unreasonable position in negotiating the acquisition.

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The Winterset Lodge sales office in Manor Lakes stands inside the future corridor for the road. Eddie Jim Related Article Exclusive

Trains How Victorias failed $6b pitch to Canberra put a new rail line in limbo It was unreasonable of the authority to make no offer in reliance initially on a position that no financial loss was caused and no liability to compensation arose, Harris said. Even on conceding that it no longer relied on a submission that no liability to compensation arose, it didnt make an offer of compensation until a year later. Harris ruled that Barrett also contributed to delays in the matter, by introducing new evidence on hydrology and cultural heritage just before the planned start of a hearing in September 2024, leading to a nine-month adjournment.

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A Victorian government spokesperson said the Department of Transport and Planning is reviewing the judgment made on March 26 and will consider its response through the standard process. The spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to comment on an active legal matter. The state and federal governments allocated a combined $20 million for a business case for the OMR in 2021. The government said the cost of acquisition of land along the corridor was commercial in confidence. 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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PoliticsVictoriaCity life These apartments were donated for social housing for the elderly. Now theyre being sold Rachael Dexter April 4, 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

Dozens of social housing tenants in St Kilda say they have been blindsided after their housing provider moved to sell two apartment blocks donated by the areas council two decades ago. HousingFirst, which manages a $750 million portfolio of community housing across Melbourne, wants to sell its 25 apartments at the Inkerman Oasis development in Greeves Street, citing increased costs more than 20 years after the organisation become the custodian of the properties, which were given by Port Phillip Council. Some of the residents facing relocation as HousingFirst aims to sell their homes to the private market. Wayne Taylor As reported first by local publication TWiSK, the homes sit on the site of a former council depot, which was given to a developer to build apartments in the early 2000s. The deal was based on the developer building and giving the council 28 units  about 10 per cent of the new development  for social housing. The council established the Port Phillip Housing Trust and transferred ownership of its $36 million community housing projects  including the Oasis units  to the trust in 2005.

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The council then appointed HousingFirst (then known as the Port Phillip Housing Association) as the independent trustee. This structure granted HousingFirst the power to sell assets without council approval  a right the non-profit organisation it is now exercising. It has already sold three units and now plans to sell the remaining 25. John Cocks, 75, has lived in his unit for 23 years and in St Kilda for more than six decades. He was originally selected for the Oasis under a scheme specifically designed to keep long-term residents in the area in old age. When he was allocated his flat, he was assured he would see out his days there and only leave in a box. He said he couldnt believe it last month when told last hed have to move. I went to the doctor and got some medication because there is anxiety, he said. Im breaking out in perspiration every single day, which I dont normally do.

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Cocks was among distressed residents who told The Age this week they were given a take it or leave us ultimatum by HousingFirst: accept one of two relocation offers or face homelessness  a threat one woman in her 80s claimed was explicitly described by staff as ending up on the street. Related Article Exclusive

Property development Developer quietly guts affordable housing promise in northern suburbs Residents have been told they might be relocated to other properties within Port Phillip, but those numbers are limited. Older residents have been offered places in a new retirement village in Brighton East, which residents say are tiny and far from the community they have lived in for decades. The HousingFirst apartments are community housing (run by an organisation), not public housing (run by the state government), but the decision to sell the units comes as the state government fights to proceed with plans to knock down all 44 public housing towers in the city and replace them with a mix of community and market-rate housing. Cocks pays about $17,500 a year in rent and questioned the details of the providers claim that the units were financially unsustainable, as he said maintenance was minimal.

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HousingFirst said tenants discounted rental income no longer covered the rising costs of strata fees, maintenance and council rates. Former Port Phillip mayor Dick Gross slammed the sell-off of the properties. Simon Schluter The community housing model limits rents to 30 per cent of a tenants income, which in the case of the Oasis social housing residents is 30 per cent of their pension. HousingFirst also gets all their Commonwealth rent assistance. Asked if the organisation would sell the blocks to another social housing provider, a spokesman for HousingFirst said that any community housing provider would face the same challenge. Being not-for-profit does not mean being for loss, the spokesman said. He said all proceeds would be reinvested into the trust to fund other housing within the City of Port Phillip.

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The provider denied residents were being rushed, and said they had until August to agree to alternative housing. HousingFirst is exploring options not just within our own portfolio  but also with other agencies and government, lodging transfer applications on the Victorian Housing Register for residents who request this, the spokesman said. Former mayor Dick Gross, one of a number of mayors who oversaw the land swap deal, blasted the sell-off and said it breached the entire ethos of the original agreement. Related Article Updated

Local council Council moves to sell aged care home, double rate hike to avoid $57m budget black hole The social housing was strictly limited to long-term locals being displaced by gentrification, Gross said. Decades have passed, and [the provider] has become huge. The nexus to both St Kilda and indeed Port Phillip is significantly diluted. Port Phillip councillors Justin Halliday and Beti Jay sit on the providers board. Mayor Alex Makin said Halliday and Jay were barred by the Federal Corporations Act from sharing news of the impending sale before it was made public, and could not veto the sale.

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Cocks said residents want to stay in their homes and want the state government to buy the homes or assist with their costs. The Victorian government said its agency, Homes Victoria, had offered to support HousingFirst in assisting renters find new homes that meet their needs. The government did not respond when asked if it would consider acquiring the properties. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Analysis WorldNorth AmericaTrump's White House Trumps latest White House casualty was always on borrowed time Glenn Thrush and Tyler Pager April 4, 2026  4:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Attorney General Pam Bondi had a pretty good idea her days were numbered. President Donald Trump had complained too freely, too frequently, to too many people about her inability to prosecute the people he hates. She was falling short of Trumps unyielding, unrealistic demands for retribution. She had made mistake upon mistake in her handling of the Epstein files. Her critics were in the presidents ear. Last month, Bondi told a friend that Trumps willingness to fire Kristi Noem from her post as homeland security secretary meant she also might be in jeopardy. US Attorney General Pam Bondi had hoped to save her job or, at the very least, buy a little more time  until the summer  to give herself a graceful exit. AP But Bondi had not expected Trump, the man responsible for elevating her to one of the most powerful positions in the country, to drop the curtain quite so soon, according to four people familiar with the situation.

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On Wednesday, the 60-year-old Bondi, downcast but determined, joined Trump for a glum crosstown drive to the Supreme Court, where they watched arguments in the birthright citizenship case. In the car, Trump told her it was time for a change at the top of the Justice Department. Bondi hoped to save her job or, at the very least, buy a little more time  until the summer  to give herself a graceful exit. Related Article Epstein fallout Washed-up loser: Insults fly as Bondi lashes out during Epstein grilling She ended up with neither, and grew emotional Wednesday in conversations with friends and colleagues after she realised she was out. The next morning, Trump made it official, and fired her via social media post. Bondis precipitous fall laid bare a cornerstone truth of Trumps second term: Loyalty, flattery and obeisance are prerequisites for power, but they dont provide durable protection from a president intent on carrying out his maximalist personal and political goals.

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Bondi, even her allies acknowledged, was largely responsible for putting herself in a vulnerable position. Her turbulent 14 months were characterised by a series of missteps and messaging misfires that had, increasingly, alienated Republicans on Capitol Hill. Her firing came roughly two weeks before she was required to appear before the House Oversight Committee to testify under oath about her actions in the Epstein case. But the far greater danger, as Bondi knew better than anyone, came from Trump, upon whom she heaped lavish, and at times cartoonish, praise. But while she effused, he fumed. Trump has been particularly angry about the Justice Departments failure to win cases involving his political opponents, including against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

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One of Bondis major critics, in the view of her allies and White House officials, was the federal housing official Bill Pulte. They believed he had long pushed for her firing, blaming department leadership for slow-walking and bungling the James and Comey cases, among other things, according to people familiar with the situation. (Pulte did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a message Friday morning, after this article was published online, he denied that account of his actions, calling it false.) Pam Bondis turbulent 14 months were characterised by a series of missteps and messaging misfires that had, increasingly, alienated Republicans on Capitol Hill. AP People close to Bondi, and some administration officials, also said that Boris Epshteyn, a longtime Trump legal adviser, was a key detractor of Bondis and a significant factor in Trumps decision to make the move. Epshteyn did not respond to a request for comment. Bondis most important ally in the West Wing, chief of staff Susie Wiles, found it increasingly difficult to defend the woman she called her sister. Nonetheless, she made a passionate argument for retaining Bondi until the end, according to officials.

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Related Article Trump's White House Bulletproof vests and Rolex watches: The rise and fall of Kristi Noem In recent weeks, Bondi tried to shore up her position by moving more aggressively against investigative targets singled out by Trump, including former Obama official John O. Brennan and a former White House aide, Cassidy Hutchinson, whom the president has accused of lying about his actions on January 6, 2021, according to officials briefed on the effort. It is not entirely clear if any specific action or event finally tipped the balance for Trump, who had been reluctant to fire senior officials to avoid reprising the chaotic personnel turnstile of his first administration. But with the dismissal of Noem and now Bondi, that might be changing. His calculus appears to have shifted after the quick confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as Noems replacement. Now, Trumps allies regard Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the embattled labor secretary, as potentially the next Cabinet secretary to be dismissed. After Trump announced Bondis firing on Truth Social on Thursday, saying she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, she said serving the president had been the honor of a lifetime.

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Lee Zeldin, administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, could be the next US Attorney General. Bloomberg The president said Bondis deputy, Todd Blanche, will replace her on an acting basis. But he has also floated the idea of putting Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in the job. Zeldin, a former Republican congressman from New York who unsuccessfully ran for governor, has been one of Trumps most reliable foot soldiers. Hes our secret weapon, Trump said of Zeldin in February at a White House event promoting the coal industry. But given the reasons Bondi was fired, whoever replaces her permanently will face the monumental task of satisfying Trumps appetite for retribution. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Trump's White House

Analysis

Trump's America
Milestone underscores 28-year commitment to advancing pediatric cancer research, survivorship, and global impact

2026 funding pushes lifetime giving to $303 million since 1998

Isabella Franco-Capps named National Youth Ambassador, joining Jackson Trinh

NEW YORK, April 1, 2026 -- Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its more than 855 U.S. dealers, today announced a major philanthropic milestone, surpassing $303 million in lifetime giving to support childhood cancer research since its founding in 1998. As the nonprofit celebrates its 28th anniversary, the milestone underscores Hyundai Hope on Wheels' long-standing commitment to advancing research, improving survivorship, and fueling hope for children and families affected by cancer.

"Three hundred million dollars in lifetime giving represents the children who are alive today because researchers had the resources to find new treatments," said Jose Munoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. "The lives of more than 40,000 children have been saved by this work. Hyundai Hope on Wheels has given families hope when they needed it most. Together with our dealer partners, we have been part of this fight for 28 years, and we are not slowing down. Every vehicle sold helps contribute to this worthy cause. Progress for Humanity is the vision that guides everything we build and everything we give."

Since its inception, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has helped drive meaningful progress in pediatric oncology, leading to an increase in U.S. childhood cancer survival rates from approximately 75 percent to 85 percent and positively impacting the lives of more than 40,000 children nationwide.

"Reaching more than $300 million in lifetime giving is a powerful reflection of what's possible when purpose and partnership come together," said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. "For nearly three decades, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has remained steadfast in its mission to support children with cancer, fund innovative research, and stand with families every step of the journey. This commitment directly reflects our Progress for Humanity vision and reinforces our dedication to a future without childhood cancer."

In 2026, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will award more than $29 million in grants across North America, including $26 million in the United States and $3 million in Canada, with additional funding planned in Mexico. These investments support cutting-edge research, survivorship initiatives, advocacy, and awareness efforts designed to create lasting impact for children and families.

How $303 Million Translates Into Research, Care, and Survivorship

Through sustained investment in pediatric cancer research, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has helped accelerate advancements that are extending lives, improving outcomes, and redefining survivorship for children diagnosed with cancer.

Beyond research, Hyundai Hope on Wheels plays a critical role in supporting survivorship bringing together leading voices to address the long-term health, emotional well-being, and quality of life needs of children and families beyond treatment.

This year Hyundai Hope on Wheels will surpass a lifetime total of more than 1,500 research and programmatic grants awarded to over 175 medical institutions. The organization funds four categories of grants at eligible Children's Oncology Group (COG) member institutions, strengthening care and outcomes for children with cancer. As part of its expanded survivorship focus, the organization is advancing initiatives that support long-term care coordination, access to medical records, and telehealth services for survivors,

Looking ahead, the organization is expanding its commitment globally, scaling its efforts to reach pediatric cancer communities around the world and ensuring progress for children wherever they live.

National Youth Ambassador Spotlight: Isabella Franco-Capps

Isabella Franco-Capps, a 10-year-old from Athens, Georgia, was named the new National Youth Ambassador after a nationwide search. This year, Isabella will join Jackson Trinh to visit children's hospitals and raise awareness for pediatric cancer research. Jackson will serve as ambassador from 2025 to 2027, while Isabella will serve from 2026 to 2028. Learn more about their stories on the Hyundai Hope on Wheels website.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels National Youth Ambassadors Isabella Franco-Capps and Jackson Trinh are photographed on Feb. 28, 2026. (Photo/Hyundai)

Hyundai Hope on Wheels will formally award grants to children's hospitals across the country later this year. The grant presentations will conclude in September, coinciding with National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, during which the organization will convene its partners in Washington, D.C. to commemorate its 28th anniversary.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Hyundai Hope on Wheels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is one of the largest nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country. Primary funding for Hyundai Hope on Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 855 U.S. dealers. In 2026, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will reach a lifetime donation total of $303 million in support of more than 1,500 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions.

SOURCE Hyundai Hope on Wheels
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 1, 2026 --

Dodge is celebrating America's 250th anniversary this summer with the introduction of the 2026 Dodge Durango America250 (A250) edition, infusing Dodge's unmistakable American muscle with special-edition content that celebrates power, heritage and patriotic grit.

Today in New York City, Dodge took the wraps off the new 2026 Dodge Durango GT A250 edition at the 2026 New York International Auto Show media preview. This is the first production vehicle to be shown to the press and public at an auto show as part of Stellantis' iconic U.S. brands' official partnership with America250, the nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

For the first time on Durango GT, the A250 edition introduces premium interior touches typically reserved for higher-performance trims, including Black Laguna leather seats with exclusive blue perforation, a flag embossment on the seats, red-and-white accent stitching, a tricolorstitched steering wheel, Demonic Red seat belts and forged carbon-fiber appliques. Bold new exterior elements, such as star-pattern dual stripes with blue tracer accents, America250 fender decals and badging and 20-inch Black Noise wheels, underscore the lineup's assertive stance.

"This Dodge Durango A250 is a celebration of American performance, American attitude and fittingly, America's 250th birthday," said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. "Dodge has always stood for American muscle: speed, strength and the unapologetic pursuit of automotive excitement. Today, we celebrate that legacy and the road ahead."

The Durango GT A250 edition will be available on a choice of three trim levels:

Durango GT Plus AWD powered by the proven Pentastar V-6 engine with 295 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque

Durango GT HEMI Plus AWD brings the 5.7-liter, 360-horsepower V-8 HEMI engine to the GT model

Durango GT HEMI Premium AWD adds top-spec content and convenience features

Orders are scheduled to open in early April for the Durango GT A250 edition. The 2026 Dodge Durango GT Plus AWD A250 edition is available at a starting U.S. MSRP of $49,590. The Durango GT HEMI Plus AWD A250 edition is available at an MSRP of $51,270, with the Durango GT HEMI Premium AWD A250 edition available at $54,270 (all prices exclude tax, title and fees).

The Dodge Durango is built in the heart of America's Motor City at the Stellantis Detroit Assembly Complex - Jefferson (DACJ) in Detroit.

Dodge Durango GT America250 Edition

Built proudly in Detroit, Durango GT A250 models deliver authentic American performance with choice of either 360-horsepower HEMI V-8 or V-6 engine power

Durango GT A250 models introduce the first premium-performance interior experience to the Durango GT, with Black Laguna leather seats embellished with A250-only blue accent perforation that erupts through the seat inserts

Durango GT A250-exclusive touches include an American flag embossment on the Laguna leather front seats, red-and-white interior dual stitching and red-white-and-blue steering wheel stitching

Unique U.S.-themed graphics and exterior cues exclusive to Durango GT A250 models include American flag A250 decal and badging, plus dual stripes featuring a star pattern outlined in blue tracer accents; stripes exclusively available on models painted in White Knuckle exterior color

Durango GT A250 edition exterior colors echo America250 theme with Red Oxide, White Knuckle and dark blue Night Moves, while also including Destroyer Gray and Diamond Black

Durango GT A250 models feature a custom leather key tag embossed with America250 and Dodge logos on one side and an American flag printed-cloth graphic on the other

Options include Tow N Go package for GT HEMI models delivering best-in-class 8,700 lbs. towing capability and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system for the GT Plus

America250

America250's mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America's semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.

Dodge

For 112 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Today, that legacy roars louder than ever in the next-generation lineup of Dodge, America's performance brand.

The next-gen Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup features:

the SIXPACK-powered standard-output (S.O.) 420-horsepower Dodge Charger R/T with standard all-wheel drive and the highest entry-level horsepower of any muscle car

the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger Scat Pack, powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo SIXPACK high-output (H.O.) engine  the most powerful Hurricane engine in production

the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car in the all-electric 670-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack

Every Charger comes standard with all-wheel drive and offers two-door coupe or four-door sedan configurations  because with performance comes choice.

The Dodge lineup is also fueled by the fastest American gas-powered SUV ever, the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, powered by the legendary supercharged HEMI V-8 engine, now available in all 50 states. The new Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak breaks free from convention with the three-row SUV, unlocking more than 13 million potential customization combinations. The 360-horsepower 5.7-liter Durango GT HEMI AWD remains the most affordable AWD V-8 in the industry.

The purchase of a SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack, Charger Daytona Scat Pack or Durango SRT Hellcat model includes one day of performance driving instruction at Radford Racing School, the official Dodge//SRT high-performance driving school.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis , please visit www.stellantis.com.

SOURCE Stellantis
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex reached out to her Suits co-star after snubbing him.

Duchess Meghan reaches out to Suits co-star

Patrick J Adams recently revealed that Meghan, 44  who played his love interest on Suits  did not send him any of her famous As Ever jam, joking that it was probably due to his lack of followers on Instagram.

He told the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast: [I] did not get a jam. I didnt get anything. I dont have enough followers, I dont think.

Podcast host Amanda Hirsch revealed that she had received the jam but had yet to open it.

Patrick, 44, said: Youre treating it like a champagne? Its gonna go bad. How long do preserves last? Its going to go bad.

After finding out about the podcast conversation, Meghan  who was known as Meghan Markle before marrying Britains Prince Harry, 41  commented on Instagram that she was sending jam to Patrick immediately.

She went on to send her well-wishes to his actress wife Troian Bellisario  who attended Meghan and Harrys wedding with Patrick  their children and his mother.

Meghan wrote: Jams en route for you @patrickjadams @sleepinthegardn. Hugs to those beautiful babies. Send my love to your mom.

Adams played Mike Ross in Suits from 2011 to 2018, alongside Meghan as his colleague and love interest Rachel Zane.

They both left Suits after the shows seventh season.

Patrick and Troian have three daughters Aurora, seven, Elliot, four, and Imogen, two months, together, while Meghan and Harry have Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.

Meghan invited Patrick and their Suits co-stars Sarah Rafferty (Donna Paulsen), Rick Hoffman (Louis Litt), Gina Torres (Jessica Pearson), Gabriel Macht (Harvey Specter), Abigail Spencer (Dana Scott), and Jacinda Barrett (Zoe Lawford) to the royal wedding in 2018.

And, Patrick admitted he had been protective of Meghan amid the huge public interest in her that came with dating Prince Harry.

He said: What shes gone through is insane.

He also referenced his Instagram bio, which reads, The other guy from that show that youre watching on that app because that girl married that prince.

He said: Ive got to change that. Its the sort of thing that wherever Meghan is, if shes ever read that, shes going, Patrick, give me a break.

I got a lot of eye rolls - that was a constant with Meghan.
IRVINE, Calif., April 1, 2026 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total March sales of 32,017 vehicles, a decrease of 25.7 percent compared to March 2025. With 25 selling days in March, compared to 27 the year prior, the company posted a decrease of 19.8 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

CPO sales totaled 6,847 vehicles in March; a decrease of 3.8 percent compared to March 2025.

Sales highlights include:

2nd Best March Total Sales ever for CX-50 ICE

Best Total and Retail Sales ever for CX-50 Hybrid

Best Retail Sales month since April 2022 for Mazda 3 (Sedan and Hatchback combined)

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported March sales of 5,563 vehicles, a decrease of 23.1 percent compared to March last year.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported March sales of 7,507 vehicles, a decrease of 17 percent compared to March last year.

About Mazda North American Operations

Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads.

























Month-To-Date

Year-To-Date

























March March YOY % % MTD

March March YOY % % MTD



2026 2025 Change DSR

2026 2025 Change DSR























Mazda3 3,707 3,530 5.0 % 13.4 %

9,309 9,351 (0.4) % 2.2 %

Mazda 3 Sdn 2,081 2,516 (17.3) % (10.7) %

4867 6,706 (27.4) % (25.5) %

Mazda 3 HB 1,626 1,014 60.4 % 73.2 %

4442 2,645 67.9 % 72.4 %























Mazda6 0 0 - -

0 0 - -























MX-5 Miata 970 922 5.2 % 13.6 %

1,695 2,446 (30.7) % (28.9) %

MX-5 333 501 (33.5) % (28.2) %

747 1,146 (34.8) % (33.1) %

MXR 637 421 51.3 % 63.4 %

948 1,300 (27.1) % (25.1) %























CX-3 - 0 - -

- 0 - -

CX-30 3,136 8,666 (63.8) % (60.9) %

7898 21,032 (62.4) % (61.4) %

CX-5 11,417 12,801 (10.8) % (3.7) %

34992 34,410 1.7 % 4.4 %

CX-9 0 0 0.0 % 0.0 %

#N/A 0 0.0 % 0.0 %

CX-50 TTL 8,525 9,687 (12.0) % (5.0) %

29,034 23,302 24.6 % 27.9 %

MX-30 0 0 - -

#N/A 0 0.0 % 0.0 %

CX-70 TTL 866 2,452 (64.7) % (61.9) %

2466 4622 (46.6) % -

CX-90 TTL 3,396 5,039 (32.6) % (27.2) %

9079 15153 (40.1) % (38.5) %

CARS 4,677 4,452 5.1 % 13.5 %

11,004 11,797 (6.7) % (4.2) %

TRUCKS 27,340 38,645 (29.3) % (23.6) %

83,469 98,519 (15.3) % (13.0) %























TOTAL 32,017 43,097 (25.7) % (19.8) %

94,473 110,316 (14.4) % (12.1) %













































*Selling Days 25 27





75 77





























SOURCE Mazda North American Operations
Pure mischief





Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur tapped into her Marathi roots recently and was seen teaching her Dacoit co-star Adivi Sesh a few Marathi words, along with getting him to mimic iconic dialogues and songs from Marathi cinema. In a video shared by Mrunal on her social media account, the actress is seen turning the camera towards Adivi Sesh as she gives him a quick Marathi lesson. She is seem teaching him words like kay re tu?, chomdi, and ikde ye, while he attempts to repeat them. Taking it a step further, she asks him to recreate the title track of the Marathi cult classic Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi. She also gets him to say the famous dialogue, Aacharya chi baayko vedi kaay, originally delivered by veteran actor Ashok Saraf in the film.

The fun interaction appears to be from the sets of their upcoming project Dacoit, where the two actors are currently shooting together. Mrunal, who hails from Maharashtra and has often spoken about her love for Marathi culture, is originally from Dhule and belongs to a Maharashtrian family. Talking about the movie, Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, released in 1988, remains one of the most loved Marathi comedies. It starred legendary actors like Ashok Saraf, Laxmikant Berde, Sachin Pilgaonkar, and Siddharth Ray, along with Supriya Pilgaonkar and Nivedita Saraf. Even decades after its release, the film continues to be regarded as a cult classic in Marathi cinema for its humour and impeccable performances. Talking about Mrunal and Adivi Seshadri, from on-screen romance to off-screen masti, the Dacoit stars seem to be having a blast. n
UNSC to vote today on resolution on Strait of Hormuz





By Yoshita Singh :

THE UN Security Council will vote on a draft resolution proposed by Bahrain on 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. 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.
A bedroom is damaged in a building struck in an Israeli airstrike in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Saturday, April 4, 2026. Mohammed Zaatari/AP

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to open the crucial Strait of Hormuz by his Monday deadline and Tehran called his threat unbalanced and foolish." The search for a missing U.S. military pilot continued Saturday in a remote part of the Islamic Republic.

Trump has called Tehran beaten and completely decimated " in the war, now in its sixth week, but the downing of two U.S. warplanes on Friday and Irans call to find the enemy pilot have again raised the stakes.

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Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei Sarraf, center, visits the location that was hit during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes Friday at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, April 4, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP A worker cleans an area within the Grand Hosseiniyeh complex, with the mosque visible in the background, that officials say was hit by U.S.-Israeli airstrikes Tuesday in Zanjan, Iran, Saturday, April 4, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP People raise their hands during a protest calling for an end to the war in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, April 4, 2026. Maya Levin/AP People enter an underground parking garage as sirens warn of an incoming missile fired from Yemen in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, April 4, 2026. Maya Levin/AP

The doors of hell will be opened to you if Irans infrastructure is attacked, Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi with the country's joint military command said late Saturday in response to Trumps renewed threat, state media reported. In turn, the general threatened all infrastructure used by the U.S. military in the region.

The war began with joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Feb. 28 and has killed thousands, shaken global markets, cut off key shipping routes and spiked fuel prices. Both sides have threatened, and hit, civilian targets, bringing warnings of possible war crimes.

We will continue to crush them, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, and confirmed that Israel's military struck a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr that he said helps to fund the war. Five people were killed and 170 injured, Iranian state media reported, citing a provincial security official.

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The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said that an airstrike hit near its Bushehr nuclear facility, killing a security guard and damaging a support building. The head of Russias state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, said that 198 workers were being evacuated. It was the fourth time the facility was targeted.

Hopes for talks

Pakistans Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, told The Associated Press that his governments efforts to broker a ceasefire are right on track" after Islamabad last week said that it would soon host talks between the U.S. and Iran.

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Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that Iranian officials have never refused to go to Islamabad.

Mediators from Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt were working to bring the U.S. and Iran to the negotiating table, according to two regional officials.

The proposed compromise includes a cessation of hostilities to allow a diplomatic settlement, according to a regional official involved in the efforts and a Gulf diplomat briefed on the matter. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door diplomacy.

Trump reminded Iran of his deadline in a social media post: Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out  48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them."

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A missing US pilot

The U.S. warplane, identified by Iran as a F-15E Strike Eagle, was one of two attacked on Friday. Irans joint military command on Saturday said that it also struck two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters, but the AP couldnt independently verify that.

The search for the U.S. pilot focused on a mountainous region in Irans southwestern province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad. An anchor on a channel affiliated with Iranian state television urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police.

In an email from the Pentagon, obtained by the AP, the military said that it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East. A U.S. crew member was rescued. The Pentagon notified the U.S. House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member wasn't known.

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Trump told NBC News that what happened wouldn't affect negotiations with Iran.

Iranian state media reported that airstrikes in southwestern Iran on Saturday killed at least three people and wounded others  in the same area where the missing American crew member is believed to be.

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 wasn't clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down, or whether Iran was involved.

Iranian state media said a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf after being struck by Irans defense forces.

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Oracle's Dubai headquarters struck

The Dubai offices of tech company Oracle was hit after Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened the firm. Footage verified by the AP outside the UAE showed a large hole in the building's southwestern corner.

The sheikhdoms Dubai Media Office, which speaks for its government, noted a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception that fell on the facade," saying there were no injuries. Oracle Corp., based in Texas, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Guard has accused some large U.S. tech companies of being involved in terrorist espionage operations against the Islamic Republic and called them legitimate targets. Amazon Web Services facilities in the UAE and Bahrain were hit in earlier drone strikes.

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The Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a veiled threat late Friday to disrupt traffic through a second strategic waterway in the region, the Bab el-Mandeb.

The strait, 32 kilometers (20 miles) wide, links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. More than a tenth of seaborne global oil and a quarter of container ships pass through it.

Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait? Qalibaf wrote.

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More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 U.S. service members have been killed. In Lebanon, more than 1,400 people have been killed and there have been more than 1 million displaced people. Ten Israeli soldiers have died there.

___

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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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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.
Diana Yost has received a nomination for Citizen of the Year for the second year in a row. Yost is a professor, PTO co-president, travel advisor and mother. Riley Hansen/The Intelligencer Diana Yost has been nominated for Citizen of the Year. She is an adjunct art professor at Lewis and Clark Community College and is a Walt Disney World travel agent. Photo Courtesy of Diana Yost

Diana Yost is Edwardsvilles next nominee for Citizen of the Year.

The 2026 nomination is Yosts second. She was also a finalist for the honor in 2025. She teaches, volunteers, works as a travel advisor and raises a family.

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Yost is the mother of two daughters who attend Columbus Elementary, where Yost is the co-president of the PTO.

A lot of it is supporting students and families for whatever they need, Yost said of her role. She handles quarterly meetings, event sign-ups and getting information out to parents, often through social media. Before she was co-president, Yost was the organizations treasurer for three years. The group also reimburses teachers for supplies and hosts staff appreciation events.

When Yosts oldest daughter started school at Leclaire Elementary, the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing, and parents were not allowed in the school. As soon as parents were allowed inside, Yost got involved.

She has served in the library at both schools, and it is one of her favorite places to volunteer. It has enabled her to get to know the teachers and staff better  and she loves helping kids find new books.

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One of the PTOs roles is buying new books for the school library, and Yost said she pays attention to what students are reading.

You can see what the kids gravitate toward, she said. Theyre really into graphic novels right now  its really fun to see them get excited about reading.

Yost has devoted herself to promoting lifelong learning. She is an adjunct professor at Lewis and Clark Community Colleges N.O. Nelson Campus, where she teaches art appreciation, art history and art of film, both online and in person. Her online students come from all over the globe.

Art of film might be Yosts most popular class.

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Students get really into it. I think its because watching films is fun, she said.

The class includes contemporary movies like Black Panther, but Yost also shows classics like Singin in the Rain and Casablanca.

Its fun to try to get them to watch new movies.

She also enjoys teaching non-Western art that focuses on Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands.

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Yost is originally from Chatham, Illinois, and moved to Edwardsville to attend SIUE. Her brother attended the university, so Yost was able to spend time on the campus before committing.

At SIUE, Yost was a resident advisor for three years, and she was also involved in Student Affairs.

Through that I really learned that I loved working with college students. I loved working in a college setting, she said.

Yost has degrees in studio art and art history, as well as graduate degrees in history and museum studies, all from SIUE. During graduate school, she held assistantships that involved teaching classes, and after graduation, a position opened at Lewis and Clark.

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I like to think that Edwardsvilles my new hometown, Yost said.

When she is not working or volunteering, Yost likes to take advantage of Edwardsvilles downtown and bike trails. She is also a travel advisor for Once Upon a Wish Travel, helping people plan their Disney vacations.

Im a proud Disney adult, Yost said. Its nice to talk about something fun that I get excited about.

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Some of Yosts favorite Disney attractions include the Haunted Mansion and Disneys Polynesian Village Resort. Yost is always planning her familys next trip somewhere, even if it is not to Disney.
State Sen. Erica Harriss Provided by Erica Harriss' office

When people think about tax relief, they usually think about something they can see: a check, a refund, or a lower bill.

But not all tax relief shows up as a check in your mailbox or a deposit in your bank account.

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Families across Illinois are feeling the strain of rising costs, and they deserve relief, even if it does not always come as money directly into their pockets. Some of the most important bills I file are aimed at reducing costs and preventing waste, saving taxpayer dollars over time. Still, it is up to state leaders, including the governor and the majority party, to ensure those savings are returned to the hardworking people of Illinois, not lost to inefficiency or special interests.

Some of the most important work we do in state government is making sure your tax dollars are spent responsibly in the first place, because every dollar wasted is a dollar that could have stayed in your wallet.

We should save taxpayer dollars where we can and return them where it matters. That is not a contradiction. That is accountability.

That is why I have introduced a series of measures focused on a simple principle: If government is going to ask taxpayers to contribute, it has a responsibility to protect and manage that money wisely.

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Last year, I passed legislation strengthening financial assurance requirements for oil and gas operators to ensure taxpayers are not left paying for abandoned wells. This year, I am building on that effort with Senate Bill 3953, which would require solar companies to secure a surety bond up front to cover cleanup and restoration costs.

That means taxpayers would not be left paying the bill years down the road when solar fields are damaged or decommissioned. It is a simple idea. If you make a mess, you clean it up.

The same principle applies to Senate Bill 3958, which restores the states ability to recover incarceration costs on a case-by-case basis when individuals have the financial means to contribute. Taxpayers should not automatically bear the full cost when resources are available elsewhere.

In one recent case, taxpayers could spend more than $1 million incarcerating an individual who has access to significant financial resources. That individual had previously received a multimillion-dollar legal settlement, yet under current law, taxpayers remain responsible for the full cost of incarceration.

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Transparency is another essential part of serving taxpayers. With Senate Bill 2094, I am working to ensure lawmakers have access to fiscal impact information before voting on legislation. Too often, decisions are made without a clear understanding of the cost. Taxpayers deserve better. They deserve a government that knows the price tag before signing the bill.

But responsible government is not just about preventing waste. It is also about delivering relief. That is why I introduced Senate Bill 3781, which would make the Illinois Property Tax Credit refundable. Right now, if that credit is larger than what you owe, the state keeps the difference. This bill would ensure that if you are owed that money, you receive it, turning a paper credit into real relief for families.

I have also introduced Senate Bill 3959, the Welcome Home Illinois Tax Credit, which would provide a $500 credit for first-time homebuyers. It is not a cure-all, but it is a meaningful step to help young families put down roots in Illinois.

I have also filed legislation to address a serious issue in property tax foreclosures. Today, families can lose not only their homes but also the equity they spent years building, even after their debts are paid. The United States Supreme Court has made clear that this is wrong, and Illinois must act. My bill, Senate Bill 3782, would bring our state into compliance while allowing homeowners to keep the equity they have worked so long to build.

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In one recent case, taxpayers could spend more than $1 million incarcerating an individual who has access to significant financial resources. That individual had previously received a multimillion-dollar legal settlement, yet under current law, taxpayers remain responsible for the full cost of incarceration.

I have also worked to expand property tax relief for seniors. As a result of conversations with constituents, I helped pass legislation raising the income limits for the Senior Freeze Homestead Exemption, allowing more seniors on fixed incomes to qualify and stay in their homes.

All of these efforts come back to the same idea: taxpayers deserve a government that treats their money with respect.

That means preventing waste, demanding accountability, and ensuring that when savings are achieved, they benefit the people who paid in, not special interests or bloated spending.

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Not every good policy comes with an immediate check.

But every good policy should recognize where that money came from, and who it belongs to.

That is the standard we should be working toward in the legislature.
Abby Schwent writes a weekly column for The Edwardsville Intelligencer. Courtesy Abby Schwent

Gobs of pigeons flew through the air, some landing on our twin sons, Henry and Oliver, and some surrounding them on the ground. They held bags of dried corn in their hands. On their faces were huge grins, especially Henry, who wore a look of indescribable joy.

This was what Henry had come to Puerto Rico to experience. If you read my column, you may remember that last summer, I took Henry to Chicago on a one-on-one trip. We visited Shedd Aquarium, saw the Bean, and ate hot dogs, but the thing he liked the best was the pigeons we saw everywhere on the streets. When he found out about this park while we researched things to do in San Juan, he was filled to the brim with excitement.

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Are you having fun? I asked, from a safe distance, as this was not what I came to Puerto Rico to do.

You couldnt hear anything over the flapping of wings and squeals of delight. I had never seen so many pigeons in one place. We were at Parque de las Palomas, or Pigeon Park in Old San Juan, a cobblestone square with huge tropical trees overlooking the ocean. The views were breathtaking, but my favorite thing about Parque de las Palomas was getting to watch how happy Henry was.

Once the boys were out of corn and the pigeons found some new tourists to attack, we made our way back down the streets of San Juan in search of some hand sanitizer and the birthplace of the pina colada. Legend has it that in 1963 Don Ramon Portas Mingot created the pina colada at the restaurant Barrachina.

This legend is contested (as all good legends of this type are), with another bartender, Ramon Monchito Marrero claiming to have invented it first at the Caribe Hilton Hotel. I have no idea which version of the story is the truth, but I can tell you that the Pina Colada at Barrachina is a masterpiece.

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Luckily, they had a table big enough for my husband Chris, our three boys, my parents, and myself. We ordered a few things to try and all of the empanadas and plantains must have been good because they disappeared within seconds of arriving in front of our hungry boys. When the pina coladas arrived, they looked different than the version wed had back home. They were more yellow than white. Mom, Dad, and I all took a sip. I looked at them and realized the four of us had a similar look of indescribable joy on our faces to what Henry and Oliver looked like at Pigeon Park. This was the best thing Id ever tasted! Later, when we arrived home, we found ourselves on a quest to recreate it.

Old San Juan is a beautiful city full of colorful buildings and rich history. It is loud and colorful but as we walked through it, I realized as I so often do when traveling that it really is the little things that bring the most joy to life. We had more to do and see that day, but I was already completely satisfied with our visit because wed done what wed come here to do; feed pigeons and try a pina colada.
U.S. is planning to set up a regional training center in Morocco for African drone operators. The move confirms the strong military and security partnership set between Rabat and Washington.

The announcement of this training center was made by Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of US Army Europe & Africa, during the African Land Forces Summit held lately in Rome.

The summit, sponsored by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), gathered more than 300 participants from 47 countries, including Morocco.

Gen.Donahue said the Morocco-based regional training center will enable stakeholders to identify pressing security problems and bring to bear a wide range of assets to solve the problems.

It will offer a different approach to train each other, to learn from each other and to share information to solve a problem, Gen. Donahue said, explaining That is what were going to start in Morocco.

The center will also serve as a platform for the exchange of experiences and solutions adapted to African realities. It will enable African countries to develop their own monitoring and response tools to security challenges.

The US Army will introduce unmanned aerial system (UAS) training during the African Lion 2026 military exercise to strengthen regional security capabilities and integrate emerging technologies into operations.

The pilot program will begin in Morocco with two courses for 16 participants, covering UAS integration and hands-on flight training across multiple systems.

The US-led African Lion exercise is hosted annually by Morocco with the participation of several African & European countries and NATO. This military exercise, the largest in Africa, not only strengthens multinational cooperation but also enhances readiness across all domains.

According to AFRICOM, Morocco provides training to more than 1200 African partners annually. The training includes every level of military education from basic training to War College, spans all services, and includes professional medical, intelligence, airborne, and special operations training.
A businessman booked in a Rs 247 crore fraud case by Delhi authorities has now been named in a separate case by the Thane Economic Offences Wing (EOW), involving an alleged fraud of Rs 5.55 crore. Authorities said the case points to a pattern of deception, forgery and diversion of funds. The accused is also facing allegations of non-cooperation, including failure to respond to investigation notices.



The main accused, identified in the FIR as Ashish Garg, has been booked along with Manan Garg, Tushar Goyal, Rahul Sahdev, Vimal Kumar Goyal and Jay Anand Menghani. The case also names M/s Sanjay Sharda & Associates and SAR Televenture Ltd, along with other unknown persons suspected to be part of the alleged conspiracy involving cheating, forgery and siphoning of funds.



According to the FIR, the complainant, a Mumbai-based businessman and director of Salista Network Pvt Ltd, was allegedly induced to invest over Rs 5.5 crore between October and November 2021 on assurances of high returns from a telecom tower business. The accused are alleged to have retained control over banking operations and company affairs, while gradually sidelining the complainant from key decisions.



The alleged fraud came to light in 2023 when the complainant realised he was being excluded from statutory communications and company meetings. A search on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal allegedly revealed that his signatures had been forged on financial statements and statutory filings. It also showed that an additional director had been appointed without his consent, raising suspicions of fabricated documentation and unauthorised control. Further scrutiny of financial records showed a decline in company assets from nearly Rs 2.94 crore in 2022 to Rs 6,900 in 2023. The complainant has alleged that the accused, in conspiracy with others, including company executives and a chartered accountancy firm, siphoned off funds and assets into another entity, SAR Televenture Ltd, which was later listed on the stock exchange.



The FIR states that the accused misused their fiduciary positions, forged documents and engaged in a criminal conspiracy to cheat and misappropriate funds, causing wrongful loss to the complainant and unlawful gain to themselves. The case has been registered and the investigation handed over to a police inspector. Authorities are probing charges of cheating, forgery and criminal breach of trust.



The main conspirator, Ashish Garg, has been involved in similar financial crimes involving forged documentation, and several cases have previously been registered against him in Delhi and other regions, an official said.



Role of accused in PNB case



In a bank fraud case involving Punjab National Bank, the Central Bureau of Investigation registered a case on June 4, 2025, against Apple Industries Ltd, its promoters and unknown public servants for allegedly siphoning off Rs 247.84 crore. The company had availed multiple credit facilities between 2008 and 2013 for a steel and sponge iron project but later defaulted, leading to its classification as a non-performing asset in 2014. Investigations have indicated diversion of loan funds, use of fabricated financial statements, and routing of money through associated and overseas entities, causing wrongful loss to the bank.



Ashish Garg is alleged to be a key conspirator in the case, accused of securing loans using inflated turnover and fabricated project reports. He is also alleged to have directed the creation of bogus invoices and transport bills, diverted funds to group companies, siphoned money abroad, and reacquired mortgaged assets through proxy entities.




A policy grey zone and a missed deadline have pushed a private school and the Maharashtra government back into the courtroom, turning what should have been a routine reimbursement exercise under the Right to Education (RTE) Act into a prolonged legal standoff.



When the matter came up before the Bombay High Court on March 30, 2026, a division bench was essentially dealing with more than just a dispute over dues; it was examining a case that lays bare administrative delay and the lack of clarity in how far the states financial responsibility extends under the law.



At the centre of the case is Orchids The International School, which claims it admitted students beyond the mandatory 25 per cent quota for economically weaker sections prescribed under the Right to Education Act. While the law requires private unaided schools to reserve 25 per cent seats with the state reimbursing fees, Orchids argues it went further in the spirit of the law, expanding access for more underprivileged students.



Now comes the crunch: Who pays for those extra seats?



The school has told the court that it should not be left to absorb the financial burden for students admitted in public interest. The state, however, has yet to take a clear stand triggering the current round of litigation. This isnt the first time the issue has reached court. In an earlier hearing on July 18, 2025, the high court had laid down a clear roadmap. It directed state authorities to scrutinise the schools reimbursement claim within eight weeks and either release the dues or issue a reasoned rejection. The message was unambiguous: Decide, and do it transparently.



But when the case resurfaced, that deadline had come and gone. With no final decision and no payment, the school returned to court, flagging financial strain and administrative inaction. On its part, the State sought more time, saying the scrutiny process was still ongoing.



The bench, while granting a four-week extension, made it clear that compliance was now expected not optional. Zooming out, the case underscores a larger fault line in the RTE framework. While reimbursement for the mandated 25 per cent quota is clearly defined, what happens when schools go beyond that limit remains murky. Institutions claim they are furthering universal education; the State is wary of expanding financial liability beyond the statute.



Under RTE provisions, 60 per cent of funds for fee reimbursement towards the 25 per cent quota seats is allocated by the central government and remaining 40 per cent from the state government. Currently, state owes around Rs 2,900 crore to private schools for RTE fee reimbursements over ten years, impacting education quality and staff salaries. Caught in between is a policy vacuum one that is increasingly being filled not by guidelines, but by litigation.




When images of a pink elephant went viral in March 2026, the internet did what it does best: it found someone to blame. A Russian photographer had painted an elephant in Jaipurs signature hue for an Instagram shoot. The outrage, when it came, was not really about the photograph. It was about the fact that the elephant  her name was Chanchal, she was seventy years old  had died a month before anyone noticed the pictures. The blame landed squarely on the influencer. The photograph became the crime. And just like that, a systemic crisis was reduced to a content controversy.



Chanchal did not die in isolation. She was painted for a photoshoot after years of forced rides  a grotesque reminder of how normalised cruelty against captive elephants has become. But the outrage that erupted online was not about any of that. It was about one foreigner, one photograph, one act of visible transgression. The system that kept Chanchal working until she was seventy, that gave her no legal protection worth speaking of, that allowed her to be rented out for tourism and artistic projects without meaningful oversight  that system was never in the frame.



This is not just about one death. It is about a system that has failed, quietly and comprehensively, over decades.



Captive elephants occupy a strange and contradictory place in Indian life. They are the only wild animal that Indian law permits private citizens to own  a legacy not of ancient tradition but of colonial-era legislation never seriously revisited after independence. We worship Ganesha. We call the elephant our national heritage animal. And yet there are no enforceable standards for how a captive elephant must be housed, fed, or trained. No inspection regime. No accountability when things go wrong. Between 2007 and 2024, elephant attacks during temple processions alone killed 540 people in Kerala and injured 742 more. And still, temples continue to parade these animals through crowds and heat and noise because the tradition demands it and because no one has been made to account for the cost. Someone in Delhi just tried to bring an elephant from Assam to a residential ashram in Sainik Farm  a neighbourhood with chronic water shortages. The absurdity of it barely registers anymore.



In the wild, things are no better. Indias elephant population has declined by nearly twenty-five percent since 2017  from around thirty thousand to just over twenty-two thousand. More than two hundred elephants have been killed by trains in the last decade alone, as highways, mining, and unchecked urbanisation continue to fragment elephant corridors and push animals into conflict zones. The Arikomban story  a tusker displaced from his home in Keralas cardamom hills, twice tranquillised, relocated hundreds of kilometres from everything he knew  is not an aberration. It is what happens when habitat disappears and policy fails to keep pace.



Project Elephant was created in 1992 to prevent exactly this. It has instead been steadily hollowed out. Funding stagnated at just thirty to thirty-five crore rupees annually, and even that modest allocation was not fully deployed  only sixteen crore was actually spent in 2022-23. Its recent merger with Project Tiger, dressed up as administrative efficiency, has diluted focus and accountability further, drawing resources toward a conservation success story at the expense of a crisis still unfolding.



We woke up to the tiger crisis, eventually and painfully, after the numbers had collapsed. Project Tiger became a model  funded, enforced, effective. But we have not yet decided that elephants deserve the same urgency. We have not asked why temple trusts sitting on enormous endowments cannot allocate funds for mahout training and elephant welfare. Three temples in Kerala and one in Mysuru have adopted mechanical elephants  dignified, realistic, capable of participating in every ritual  and the idea has not caught on. The legal framework that still treats ownership of a wild animal as a private matter has not been updated. The census that documented the population decline was shelved for months before anyone was made to confront its findings.



Chanchals death did not cause this crisis. It briefly illuminated it, before the outrage moved on to the next thing.



We cannot keep worshipping Ganesha with one hand and wielding the ankusa with the other. If the pink photograph meant anything at all, let it mean this: not a week of social media grief, but a genuine reckoning with what we owe these animals  in law, in funding, and in the basic honesty of calling a system broken when it is.



Anish Gawande is a



writer and translator




NE dance team subjected to racial abuse at Patna

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NEW DELHI, Apr 4 : A dance team from Arunachal Pradesh came to Patna to perform. They ended up having to prove they were Indian  just to use a washroom. A video of the abuse they faced has since ignited outrage across the Northeast, and reopened a wound that never quite heals.

On April 2, at a Patna hospital, an attendant in a beige uniform stopped the group from using a public washroom and demanded ID.

When they pushed back, she allegedly called them Momos," Chinki," and Chinese"  laughing through it all, caught on camera, unbothered.

One of the women filmed the encounter. Her voice carries both exhaustion and defiance: Hum log apna North East se ghoomne ke liye aate hain, par aise 1-2 karan se hum darte hain (we come from the Northeast to travel, but because of incidents like this, we are scared)."

The clip spread rapidly, drawing outrage from communities in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Calls poured in  directed at Bihar Police and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu  demanding swift investigation and accountability.

Some voices online attempted to frame the attendants behaviour as possible hospital policy on ID verification. But that defence found few takers. No official response has been issued. No FIR has been filed.

They Are Indians Too

On X, the reaction was swift and, in parts, unusually self-aware. As a resident of Patna, I am extremely sorry for such behaviour," wrote @Shan0121kumar.

Another user, @Arishathegreat9, added: Im so sorry on behalf of the central north part you guys are Indians too."

Others were less gentle. In Patna, people can be extremely insensitive and rude," wrote @MojoJojoSam. Users tagged @PatnaPolice24x7 and the district magistrates handle directly, demanding action.

But it was @beingshamik whose post cut deepest: North Easterners are people who serve in the Indian Army at disproportionate rates, produce world-class athletes, musicians and artists, pay their taxes, and quietly get on with life without burning buses or blocking highways. And they still get treated like foreigners in their own nation."

A Wound That Keeps Reopening  And Its Getting Worse

This incident is not an aberration. Northeast Indians living or travelling in mainland cities have documented years of slurs, housing discrimination, workplace bias and casual othering  all underpinned by the same dangerous assumption: that if you look a certain way, you must be explained.

The Patna incident is only the latest. Over the past few months alone, the attacks have been relentless:

 December 2025, Dehradun: Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, died after being stabbed in a racist attack. He and his brother were shopping at a local market when a group of men began hurling racial slurs, calling them Chinese." The verbal harassment escalated into violence, and Chakma was stabbed and later succumbed to his injuries.

 January 2026, Karol Bagh, Delhi: A youth from Arunachal Pradesh, identified as Arun Rimo, was brutally assaulted following a verbal altercation at a meat shop where racial slurs were allegedly used.

 February 2026, Malviya Nagar, Delhi: Three women from Arunachal Pradesh were racially abused and criminally intimidated by neighbours after a dispute over construction dust. Two accused were arrested. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta condemned the incident, saying the capital belongs to everyone."

 March 2026, Saket, Delhi: A woman from Manipur and her transwoman friend from Assam were attacked with a knife by teenage boys while taking an evening walk near the Saket District Court complex. That same month, Delhi alone recorded three separate incidents of racial attacks on Northeast citizens  all in posh South Delhi.

A dance team. A public washroom. An ID check. A laughing woman with a bag full of slurs. And a country still struggling to recognise its own face in the mirror. News18
I was always good at drawing, recalls Hussain Adamjee, 68. But the story of work and ambition had been set in motion decades before he began his interior design practice in 1977. The hustle started four generations ago. As we sit in his Bandra apartment, his silhouette framed against a portrait of Adamji Peerbhoy, he takes us back in time. It was in 1858 that his great-grandfather, Sir Adamji Peerbhoy, arrived in the city at age 13 with five rupees and a box of matchsticks. Over the decades, he built one of Indias largest cotton enterprises, says Adamjee. He went on to employ thousands and emerged as one of the citys most prominent industrialists. He also, later, served as Sheriff of Bombay.



In the book, Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy: The Forgotten Philanthropist of 19th Century, which he will unveil today, he brings these strands together. It began with his father, who spent years collecting material on the familys history but never completed it. After his fathers death, Adamjee took it upon himself to finish the work. He always spoke about his grandfather, he says. This was something he wanted to leave behind.



It was his son, Abdul Hussain, Adamjees grandfather, who conceived the plan of the Matheran Light Railway, Adamjee shares. The idea took shape during frequent journeys to Matheran with British officials. Riding on horseback across those picturesque slopes, Abdul saw the hills beauty, but also realised it was not accessible to all, only to a privileged few. He wanted to open it up.



The plan was not without risk. The family name was widely known, and failure would not go unnoticed. And remember, this was a time when there were no aerial surveys or modern communication systems. Multiple plans were proposed to the British administration, who finally settled on the train to start from Neral due to its strategic link to the BombayPune line. Engineers studied gradients and terrain, and steam engines were imported from Germany.



The intial whistle



The first train, imported for a princely sum of Rs 16 lakhs ran on April 1907, with Abdul Hussain on board. That same instinct to build with purpose trickles into his own life. Adamjee studied at Saboo Siddik College of Engineering, where a rigorous curriculummachine drawing, electrical and mechanical engineering, science, and higher mathematicsshaped his early training. Initially, I wanted to become a mechanical engineer, he says.



Circumstances caused him to pivot from his initial plans. After his father suffered a heart attack, Adamjee stepped in to support the family. Engineering demanded full-time commitment, so he shifted to commerce and began working part-time. With his eldest sister married, the responsibility of two younger brothers and a sister fell upon his shoulders.



In his early twenties, he began working at a paint shop owned by a friend of his fathers, where he was first exposed to architects and contractors. A turning point came when an engineer working with Mahalaxmi Glass Works, asked him to draw a machine layout for the American Dry Fruits factory. Adamjee completed it just by observing how the machine worked. When the drawing was approved, he earned Rs 1,700. That gave me confidence, he says.



Building with purpose



He went on to study interiors formally, even as he took on contracts. One of my early projects came through my professor, he shares, who brought him in to execute a project at the Golden Wafers shop, located at Grant Road, for a young Boman Irani the actor. Adamjee handled the contracting while his professor led the design. It marked the start of a practice that would grow over the years. Much of his work remained private, spread across homes and small commercial spaces, with a few institutional assignments.



After completing a big contract once, he planned to use the remuneration to create a trust to start a school. In Matheran, where the family still owns property, Adamjee set up a free English-medium school in the early 2000s named after his great-grandfather in a nearby village. The trust covered fees, books, and supplies. Many of its students now work in corporate roles. At that time, even sending girls to school was a challenge, he says. He eventually retired from the role in 2018.



But his ties to Matheran still endure. My son studied hotel management, so we started a hotel in Matheran called Green Hills Resort, which was my first project there, he says. Later, they added two more: Wayside Inn and Natures Wood. During the lockdown, he also helped arrange supplies for residents and fodder for animals in the hill station because due to the pandemic the flow of supplies were halted to the hill station.



Today, forty years after the demise of his father, Adamjee feels it is the right moment for this book about the family legacy to reach the audience. With the train now seen as a symbol of heritage, and my grandfather completing 100 years, everything has come together perfectly he says with a smile.




Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 52F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 52F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
The owners of GoGo-Mays Sixth Street Diner, located at 300 N. Sixth St., celebrate the opening of their new business after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 3, 2026. Chase Martin/The Telegraph The dining space of GoGo-Mays Sixth Street Diner, located at 300 N. Sixth St., on April 3, 2026. Chase Martin/The Telegraph Scott Maberry and his familys business, GogGo-Mays Sixth Street Diner, located at 300 N. Sixth St., are welcomed to the Wood River community by police chief Brad Wells after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 3, 2026. Chase Martin/The Telegraph

Good work ethic, ability, and attitude are the familial guidance that helped drive Ella Maberrys entrepreneurial spirit as the 21-year-old business owner and her 25-year-old boyfriend, Kurt Gogolowski, open their second business on Friday.

Its been ingrained in us since the beginning, Maberry said.

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Now open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday to Monday, GoGo-Mays Sixth Street Diner, located at 300 N. Sixth St., is open to the public and ready to serve the Wood River community. Described as a local diner with a family feeling, the new business offers lunch and all-day breakfast.

GoGo-Mays is somewhere that cares about kindness, quality, consistency, and fresh food, Ella Maberry said. People like to think that we are playing around and not being serious at our age, so we love to come in at a 10 and give it our best effort on everything we do.

After closing GoGo-Mays Sundae Scoop in Grafton, the two owners relocated and hit the ground running with their grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. That day, bar seats, tables, and booths were filled with lively customers from across the community, including friends, family, and city officials.

Young entrepreneurs open diner built on family roots

Ella Maberry refills a customers coffee cup at the grand opening of her business, GoGo-Mays Sixth Street Diner, located at 300 N. Sixth St., on April 3, 2026. Chase Martin/The Telegraph

On the first day, Ella Maberrys parents, Amy and Scott Maberry, were in awe as they watched the two young entrepreneurs work both the front and back of the house, serving customers alongside their young staff members.

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Its impressive, Amy Maberry said. They are young for their age, but they run a tight ship.

Throughout the dining space, which offers a variety of seating in a traditional diner setting, the well-trained employees were navigating the tables with biscuits and gravy, chicken wraps, and franchos  French fry nachos.

Kurts a tremendous chef who makes quality food, Scott Maberry said. Ellas so outgoing that she is going to work the floor and make people feel right at home.

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The exterior of GoGo-May's Sixth Street Diner, located at 300 N. Sixth St., on April 3, 2026. Chase Martin/The Telegraph

It's this hard work that compels Ella Maberry to continue the familys long-time commitment to serving the community. Amy Maberry explained that she comes from generations of entrepreneurs and teachers.

We have a lot of roots here, Amy Maberry continued. Of course, as a parent, you are a little nervous for them, but really, I knew that the food would be a slam dunk, and Im really proud.

GoGo-Mays owners launch new Wood River venture

The GoGo-Mays pride was evident from the customer side as well.

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I am so impressed with those kids, said Kim Baalman-Everlin, a former Grafton business owner. They have a lot of energy and a lot of great ideas.

Kurt Gogolowski (center) checks the express window for tickets while working in the kitchen of his new restaurant GoGo-Mays Sixth Street Diner, located at 300 N. Sixth St., on April 3, 2026. Chase Martin/The Telegraph

Baalman-Everlin remembers seeing the owners in Grafton two years prior, where they grew in confidence and in ownership.

By that time, Baalman-Everlin was selling her business, The Whole Scoop, and received an offer from the Maberry family. With Kurts experience as the kitchen manager at The Loading Dock and Ella Maberrys desire to own a business, the two went from employees to owners.

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Since then, Baalman-Everlin has kept up with the family as they closed the ice cream shop in 2025 and reentered the business community, this time in Wood River.

They made such a definite impression on Grafton, so now they are going to do the same thing here, Baalman-Everlin said. The Mayberry family has so much support; the community will love having them here.

The two-time business owners look forward to establishing themselves in the community and eventually taking over the space completely.

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Right now, it's a partnership with the four of us, Scott Maberry said. We hope that they buy us out completely, flourish, and make a great business. 90% of this was Kurt and Ella, but were all in here 110% to thrive and be successful.
Centuries ago, in the kitchens of the Nizams of Hyderabad, food was an exercise in patience and persuasion. Fires were kept deliberately low; pots were sealed with dough so that nothingneither steam nor aromaescaped before it was meant to. It is said that a good cook in those kitchens was judged not by speed but by restraint: how long they could wait before lifting a lid.



Patience is, in fact, central to Hyderabadi cuisinefood culture that was assembled layer by layer, across the courts of the Bahmani Sultanate, the Qutb Shahi dynasty, and eventually the Asaf Jahi dynasty. Each regime inherited not just territory but kitchens, and with them came a steady influx of cooks, soldiers, and traders carrying their own food memoriesTurkish methods of slow-cooking and layering rice, Arab staples like haleem, Persian instincts for dried fruit and perfume, that came to be folded into the local grammar of tamarind, coconut, and red chilli.



Yet the real mythology of Hyderabadi food does not belong entirely to courts. It lives in the stories that travelled outwardthrough homes of loved ones, across neighbourhoods. There is an old belief, still repeated by many, that food containers sent from one home to another must never return empty; it carries barkat, the blessing of prosperity that multiplies when shared. A preparation sent away tastes better, they say, than one kept back.



In a Breach Candy kitchen, Farah Dada, 55, and her 83-year-old mother, Zarina Dada, now work within that inheritance, running what feels like a cultural restoration project. This Ramadan, Farah returned to the handis of her youth. "I am not chasing numbers," she says. "I wanted to do something creative, and I am happiest in the kitchen." They call their venture Toshedanan Urdu word with Persian roots, that refers to a tiffin carrier and to the ritual of sending food out into the world.



Affection in a box



To understand this kitchen, you first have to close your eyes and travel back to the kothis of old Hyderabad. In the kitchens of those high-ceilinged homes, where the scent of burning charcoal came together with that of sweet sandalwood, a legacy of the Nizams who favoured edible perfumes in their pots. You'd hear the rhythmic, metallic thud-thud of a heavy wooden masher tenderising meat, and the frantic hiss of onions caramelising into a deep, mahogany gold. There was always the sharp, sinus-clearing tang of imli and the earthy perfume of fresh curry leaves hitting hot ghee.



Farah's own history is woven into this fabric; her great grandfather Yousuf Moosa (the British referred to him as Joseph) was the official auctioneer to the Nizam of Hyderabad. In her childhood home, the culinary standards were royal, but the spirit was communal. "Back in Hyderabad, where my sister lives, people still send tiffins to each other's homes," she says. Its a way to show you care. There is also a mythology to this exchange: it is said that in the Nizam's era, a toshedan arriving at your door was a message: a certain shade of saffron in the rice or a specific garnish on the meat could signal an apology, a proposal, or a deep-seated respect between houses. "As a visitor in Hyderabad, you may be told where to get biryani," Farah says, "But youll only ever get authentic Hyderabadi cuisine in someone's home."



Now, Mumbai can order it in, but Farah would appreciate a 48-hour notice for large orders. Her Instagram page will tell you whats available immediately on other days.



Flavour and folklore



These dishes have their own stories, much of it poetic. Take dumthe technique that defines much of Hyderabadi cooking. The word means "to breathe in," and the method hinges on sealing a pot so completely that the food cooks in its own vapour. There is a long-held belief among traditional cooks that lifting the lid too early "breaks the dum," as though the dish loses its very soul. We cook the old way. No shortcuts, says Farah, admitting, however, to making some concession temporarily because of the gas shortage.



Shikampur kebab traces back to the Persian shikam, meaning stomach or belly, suggesting something hearty. The kebab is formed from finely minced meat shaped into a patty that encloses a soft centre, typically of hung curd, mint, and herbs, creating a deliberate contrast between richness and tang. Then, there is haleem, the Ramadan staple of meat, lentils and grains cooked together for hours. There is mirchi ka salan too, a curry built around green chillies, the heat of the dish, softened by peanuts and sesame and sharpened just enough with tamarind. Chugar gosht, also on the menu, is a mutton dish cooked with tender tamarind leaves, whose brief spring tartness melts into the gravy and gives it an earthy sourness.



And flavours, here, dont peter out at the end. Aside from the well-known Sheer korma, theres Qubani ka meetha, made from dried apricots that are slow-cooked until they swell, soften, and turn into a delicious compote. Though sweet, its edged with a bright tartness and usually served with cream. Kaddu ki kheer has pumpkin cooked in mil, its sweetness mellow and rounded.



The true magic, Farah says, lies in the hands of her mother. "My mum is one of the best Hyderabadi cooks ever; I shouldn't say it, but she's better than even professional cooks there." Together, mother and daughter enjoy recreating even dishes that traditionally required a whole night of simmeringlike nalli nihari, which bubbles away endlessly until the meat becomes a ghost of itself.



But as compelling is the fact that food, in Hyderabad, is rarely just nourishment; recipes frequently make it into folklore. One tale, for instance, recounts that Asaf Jah I was once served seven kulchas and told that each one he ate would mark a generation of his dynasty. The Asaf Jahi line did, in fact, run through seven rulers, giving even the humble kulcha an almost talismanic value.



Beyond all of that, though, Toshedan serves a much-needed reminder in these times. "Food must be shared, which is why our portions are designed for at least two," she says, "Its meant for slow eating, and is best enjoyed with conversation, Farah says. That idea carries through in their venture. What arrives at your door is not just something to eat, but something to gather around.




Armed SWAT officers rush into Jersey Community Middle School during a training session for first responders that simulated an active shooter incident on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Steve Whitworth/The Telegraph

JERSEYVILLE  First, the sounds of gunfire could be heard Thursday inside Jersey Community Middle School. Then tactical officers with assault rifles arrived to run inside. Minutes later, students covered with blood began emerging through the back door.

It was all part of a training exercise held at the school to help emergency responders prepare for an active shooter situation. No classes were in session on Thursday, but a handful of drama students and school personnel portraying pupils added to the realism of the scenario.

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I think it was a very successful exercise, Jerseyville Fire Chief Keith Norman said Friday. It was very compelling for district staff, teachers, and administrators to see what happens in a situation like that.

Norman had issued a notice to the community earlier this week, letting residents know they shouldnt be alarmed by the large assemblage of emergency vehicles and personnel in the parking lot behind the school at 1101 S. Liberty St.

Minutes before the exercise began, Jersey Community School District 100 Superintendent Brad Tuttle admitted that even he didnt know exactly what was about to happen. He pointed out that the school emphasizes safety, including using metal detectors at the entrances. Teachers and other school personnel who participated had been taking part in professional development sessions this week.

Its great training for them, Tuttle said about the exercise.

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Jerseyville agencies run school active shooter training drill

A theater student or school employee plays one of two "shooting victims" outside Jersey Community Middle School during an exercise involving multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Steve Whitworth/The Telegraph

After the simulated gunshots rang out, the schools emergency communications system announced a lockdown. Sounds of screaming and tumult could be heard inside the building. About a dozen officers armed with long guns and wearing tactical gear rushed into a side entrance.

Moments later, the back door leading to the parking lot opened, and students began to come out, some of them made up to appear bloody from gunshot wounds. The theater students added to the realism with screaming and crying as emergency medical personnel arrived to treat and comfort them. Some victims were carried out by their arms and legs.

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A news release from Norman, who also serves as director of the Jersey County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, said the full-scale, multi-jurisdictional active shooter training exercise was designed to strengthen coordination, communication, and response capabilities across the area.

The exercise involved personnel from the Jerseyville Police Department, Jersey County Sheriffs Office, Jerseyville Fire Department, Jersey Community Hospital EMS and Emergency Room providers, Jersey School District staff and administration.

The release said the scenario simulated a rapidly evolving active shooter incident, rapid law enforcement response, coordinated medical care, command, and effective incident management.

It was very compelling for district staff, teachers and administrators to participate in this exercise, and for them to see how law enforcement reacts to a situation like this, said Cory Breden, the districts assistant superintendent of transportation and facilities.

While no community ever wants to face an incident like this, training together ensures we are prepared to respond quickly, effectively, and as one coordinated team, said Jerseyville Police Chief Danny Green.

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This exercise demonstrated the strength of our local partnerships and our shared commitment to protecting our community, Norman said.

Jersey County school shooting drill tests emergency response plans

A drama student covered with simulated blood portrays a gunshot victim during a training for school staff and first responders at Jersey Community Middle School on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Steve Whitworth/The Telegraph

The release said an incident after action report will be developed to guide continued improvement.

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That will allow us to learn what we did well, the fire chief said.

Exercises like this are essential to maintaining readiness and ensuring that we can provide the highest level of service during critical incidents, said Jersey County Hospital EMS Coordinator Nathan Bishop.

Norman said he wasnt in the school building until after the exercise wrapped up, so he didnt know all the details of how the scenario played out, other than it involved a person with a gun who fired shots before being neutralized by SWAT officers.

Norman said Officer Nick Woelfel of the Jerseyville Police Department and Deputy Caleb Gibson of the Sheriffs Department, both members of the countys SWAT team, developed the incident and were the only two who knew the details ahead of time.

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The release said responders practiced critical tasks including threat neutralization, rescue task force operations, casualty triage and transport, and coordinated public information efforts.
John Dunphy File

Did a shark really make its way up the Mississippi River to Alton in 1937, where it was caught by Herbert Cope and Dudge Collins, a couple of local fishermen? It depends on which source you consult.

Scott Cousins wrote a piece titled, The real story behind Altons bull shark legend for the July 14, 2021, edition of The Telegraph that gives a disillusioning perspective on our citys shark. My dad always told the story a little bit differently, Cousins wrote. You see, Collins and my grandfather, Clarence Cousins, were buddies, specifically fishing and drinking buddies.

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Cousins informs us that the shark wasnt caught in our stretch of the Father of Waters.

According to family legend, Collins didnt catch the shark, but bought it at the St. Louis fish market, and had a great idea. He then proceeded to take the shark into local bars and boast about how he had just caught it in the river. Bar patrons expressed their awe of Collins feat by buying him drinks.

The ruse worked beautifully for a time until he forgot which bar he went to first, and came around again telling his story. It didnt help that the shark was a few days old and was starting to smell. No one bought him drinks. In fact, as Cousins notes, Collins was tossed out on his butt.

Going through my personal archives the other day, I rediscovered a reprint of an article published in Copeia, a prestigious scholarly journal, in 1977. The article is titled The Bull Shark, Carcharhinus leucas, from the Upper Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois.

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The article is credited to three authors: Jamie E. Thomerson of SIUEs biology department; Thomas B. Thorson of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and Ronald L. Hempel of Altons The Telegraph. Ron, who gave me this article reprint, was no professor or scientist. He was a freelance photographer who did a lot of work for The Telegraph, although he was never an actual staff member. I met Ron when we were students at SIUE in the 1970s.

Ron earned co-authorship of the article, which includes photos of the shark taken by The Telegraphs Leland Heppner, by aiding the two professors. The article informs us that Ron obtained photographs and information from Mr. Heppner and wrote a story in the 6 March 1974 Alton Telegraph publicizing our interest in the shark. Thomerson and Thorson discussed the shark with relatives of the two fishermen, Cope and Collins, now deceased, and assembled an account of the sharks capture.

Cope and Collins, we are told, werent just fishing buddies. They were commercial fishermen who used baited fish traps. Their fishing spot was about 1.5 kilometers upriver from the old Lock and Dam 26. For about a week prior to their capture of the shark their trap ... had the netting torn up. The two men made a new trap with wire netting. Checking the trap the next day, they found a dead bull shark that weighed 84 pounds.

Our immediate reaction on hearing of the shark, the article states, was to suspect a hoax; however, all the evidence we have been able to assemble supports the validity of the record. The difficulty of transporting a shark from the Gulf of Mexico is considerable. Our informants deny any possibility of a hoax and say that the idea is inconsistent with the characters and situation of Cope and Collins.

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Scott Cousins contends that Collins bought the shark at the St. Louis fish market. The Gateway City had any number of fish markets in the 1930s, but they sold locally caught fish. This scholarly article contains nothing about a dead shark being hauled into bars to get celebratory free drinks. Instead, Cope and Collins took the shark to the old Calhoun Fish Market in Alton, Ill., where it has (sic) photographed and exhibited for several days. It was an object of considerable local interest and several hundred people came to see it.

A bull shark is the only shark species that can live in fresh water for an extended length of time and is found regularly long distances up rivers and in lakes. And a bull shark can travel far. The Alton shark journeyed some 2,800 river kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico. Bull sharks have traveled even greater distances up the Amazon River.

Ron was convinced the Alton shark was a tourist draw that had never been properly utilized. In the 1990s, he had postcards made of one of Heppners photos of the shark and placed them on consignment in Alton businesses, including my book shop. This shark thing is really going to take off, he assured me.

On Nov. 14, 2000, while working as a cab driver, Ron was shot five times during a robbery. He died at St. Johns Mercy on Nov. 25, 2000.

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In a bid to boost its ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to partner with domestic industry players to build an unmanned Medium Altitude Heavy Lift Airship for carrying out long-endurance surveillance missions.

According to a report in The Tribune, the IAF has invited bids from domestic defence companies to design, develop and manufacture such a platform in the country.

The plan, according to the report, is to build the airship that can operate at an altitude of 30,000 feet and can carry payloads up to 5,000 kg.

The airship is likely to be hydrogen-powered due to the chemical's easy availability, non-toxicity, and lighter-than-air properties. The platform is expected to work similar to airborne radar and electronic warfare platforms, which have communication capabilitieseither line-of-sight communication of at least 250 km or the ability to operate via satellite links.

The ability to carry payloads can turn this airship into a launch platform for both missiles and drones. The platform should also have the ability to have autonomous launch and recovery from prepared and unprepared surfaces.

ALSO READ: HAL developing a drone bigger than Iran's Shahed?

The report further said the IAF is exploring the possibility of a hybrid propulsion system, which combines hydrogen fuel with solar power or fuel cells to increase the endurance.

The force, which will shortlist multiple bidders for the project, will also allow foreign collaboration. However, the project should have at least 50 per cent indigenous content, in line with the government's push to increasingly achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The induction of such a platform would be a force-multiplier for the IAF as it would help improve the deterrence posture through constant monitoring of contested borders and warn against incursions or swarm threats.
India's K-15 Sagarika missiles are yet again in the news following the formal commissioning of INS Aridhamanthe third Arihant-class Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN) submarine. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday presided over a brief ceremony in Visakhapatnam as INS Aridhaman, reportedly 1,000 tonnes heavier than its predecessors Arihant and Arighaat, was commissioned into service.

FULL STORY | Did India quietly commission a nuclear-powered submarine? Decoding Rajnath Singh's cryptic tweet

While the Arihant and Arighaat can carry up to a dozen K-15 Sagarika and four K-4 missiles, Aridhaman is reportedly equipped to carry 24 Sagarikas and eight K-4 or K-5 missiles. It can be armed with either nuclear or conventional warheads and is crucial to India's deterrence capabilities.

Sagarika: Indias lethal underwater strikeforce

The Sagarika missiles, also referred to as B-05 or PJ-08, are submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 750 kilometres. The weapons multiple designations were a purposeful tactical deviation by the DRDO to protect the secrecy of the project for as long as possible.

The missile has a length of approximately 10 metres and a diameter of 0.74 metres. Its mass is estimated to be between 6 and 7 tonnes, although some descriptions place it closer to 10 tonnes. It can carry a warhead weighing approximately 1,000 kg (1 tonne). Developed by the DRDO and reportedly manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, the system officially entered service in 2018.

ALSO READ | India's BrahMos missiles blew out Pakistans Chinese junk air defence systems during Operation Sindoor: US expert

The development of the B-05 (K-15) missile began in the late 1990s, according to a report by The New Indian Express. Following the completion of the underwater missile launcher in 2001, the system was handed over to the Indian Navy for trials. After several subsequent tests, the first full-range trial of the missile was conducted on March 11, 2012. India officially confirmed the missile's successful developmental trial on January 27, 2013, following a twelfth test performed from a submerged pontoon.

In 2022, the Ministry of Defence confirmed a successful user training launch from INS Arihant. "The successful user training launch of the SLBM by INS Arihant is significant to prove crew competency and validate the SSBN programme, a key element of Indias nuclear deterrence capability. A robust, survivable and assured retaliatory capability is in keeping with Indias policy to have Credible Minimum Deterrence that underpins its No First Use commitment," a PIB release stated at the time.

Achieving the nuclear triad

According to available information, the Sagarika combines aspects of both cruise and ballistic missiles. Once launched underwater and having travelled 50 km, it can fly at seven times the speed of sound, much like a cruise missile. "It has fins enabling it to be steered to within 20 m of its target, nearly 750 km away. The flat trajectory, where it flies parallel to the earth for most of its flight time, its hypersonic speed, and its small cross-section mean the missile cannot be spotted until it is virtually upon the target," one report noted.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

"The Sagarika programme is driven by India's long-term goals to secure a sea-based, second-strike nuclear capability. Indian defence scientists and naval personnel have had several technological hurdles to overcome before achieving their dream of perfecting SLBM capability. DRDO missile technologists said the successful launch achieves the country's triad of a minimum, credible nuclear deterrence from sea, land, and air," the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) stated in a report.

ALSO READ | Pinaka rockets head to Armenia as India steps up defence export game

There have been reports that the K-15s are primarily positioned to hold targets in southern Pakistan, including Karachi port, within range. However, at its current range, it does not have the capability to pose a significant threat to Chinese assets from the Indian Ocean.
The OG 'Behind Enemy Lines' film gives fans goosebumps as the chopper carrying the Marine Force Recon task force shows up just in time to rescue pilot Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson) from the Serbs. They let loose hell on the enemy to extract their pilot after he was shot down in hostile territory.

Being shot down during combat missions is the worst fear of fighter pilots across the globe. In Iran, US pilots are living this nightmare after Tehran's defenders managed to bring down two aircraft. According to available reports, the fighter planes involved were a two-seat US F-15E Strike Eagle and an A-10 Warthog. Two pilots have been rescued, while a third crew member remains missing, with search operations still underway.

ALSO READ | Will downing of US warplanes by Iran halt talks? Trump says were in a war

Many in the United States will be hopeful of their military pulling off a 'Behind Enemy Lines'-like rescue operation successfully to bring their missing man home. However, it is not going to be the Marine Force Recon task force who is going to sperehead the mission.

The "Swiss Army Knives" of the Air Force

Who is responsible for extracting pilots gunned down while flying over enemy skies? The manoeuvre is called Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), and only the best of the best are selected to join this elite league of fighters. Tracking and rescuing isolated friendly troopers in a war zone is nothing like aiding survivors after an accident or natural disaster. Enemy troops will be looking for potential Prisoners of War (POWs), and you could come under fire at any moment. Worst, you will already be fighting for every inch as you try to get closer to the objective.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

Every second counts when you are on the wrong side of the border, and these soldiers need to be prepared to accomplish the most complex objectives swiftly and silently. They also require basic medevac training, as survivors could be hurt and not in an ideal physical state to be moved. The BBC, in a report, called the CSAR unit "the Swiss Army knives of the Air Force." The official pararescue motto is "These Things We Do, That Others May Live," the British media added.

How are CSAR missions carried out?

Every branch of defence maintains its own CSAR units, but it is the US Air Force that is likely to lead the search, given that it is one of its pilots who needs help. The US Air Force often puts its CSAR units on standby near conflict zones, as the risk of losing jets always persists. Often referred to as pararescue jumpers among Special Forces, these teams are led by Combat Rescue Officers. They will be excellent swimmers, demolition experts and intelligent athletes thanks to their rigorous training phase.

ALSO READ | Did Iran foil US efforts to rescue pilot of 'downed' fighter jet? What we know so far

CSAR units are often dropped by helicopters, with refuelling aircraft in support. The Air Force will patrol the area as the mission begins, and the team will mostly have the option to call in an airstrike. In some cases, they will use parachutes to touch down, as lowering a helicopter may compromise the mission.

In case the survivor has not made contact, the team will touch down near his or her last known location and fan out, clearing the area calculatedly. They are trained to work under any scenario and to make use of friendly assets on the ground, if any exist.
Obesity has steadily become a serious health issue in India, affecting people across age groups. People who are overweight, especially those with a family history of diabetes, are at a much higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

In recent years, GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) drugs have emerged as an important treatment option for both obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. These drugs have shown effective results in controlling blood sugar levels and helping with weight loss, making them increasingly popular in the medical field.

However, the situation is now changing. With Novo Nordisks India patent on semaglutide expired, there is growing concern about the entry of generic versions in the market.

In India, more bridesoften called Mounjaro Bridesare turning to trending weight-loss injections before their weddings to lose weight fast.

The pressure to look perfect on the big day, along with the influence of social media, is pushing many women to try these options without proper medical advice. While the results may seem appealing, this growing trend raises concerns about health risks and societys increasing obsession with appearance, especially around weddings.

Leading Hyderabad-based multinational pharmaceutical company, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, launched Obeda, a semaglutide injectable for the management of Type 2 Diabetes.

According to Dr Reddy's CEO Erez Israeli, Obeda reinforces the company's vision of ensuring advanced diabetes treatements are not only available but affordable".

While increased accessibility can benefit patients who genuinely need treatment, it also raises serious concerns.

The availability of cheaper versions has opened the door to possible misuse and malpractices. GLP-1 drugs are not meant for casual usethey should only be taken under the supervision of specialists such as endocrinologists, internal medicine doctors, or cardiologists.

Recognising these risks and the sudden surge in demand, the Indian government has stepped in. Authorities have increased monitoring of the distribution and marketing of weight loss drugs, highlighting key safety concerns. The Centre has also issued guidelines on the use of GLP-1 drugs, advising people to consult doctors before opting for any weight loss medication.

Amid this growing social pressure to achieve rapid weight loss, attention has also turned to how industries associated with appearancesuch as fashionperceive and respond to this trend.

Sunil Menon, one of the leading fashion show directors and founder of Sahodaran, a Chennai-based organisation advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, noted that the Indian fashion industry focuses on models being fit rather than extremely slim".

He emphasised that the industry does not encourage being super thin and that weight loss drugs are not widely used within it. Instead, the focus is on looking like yourself".

He also highlighted the need for more role models who promote body positivity. Young people today are heavily influenced by social mediawhat they see, they often believe and try to follow without fully understanding the consequences. This creates an urgent need for balance and awareness. Weight loss drugs, especially when misused, can be dangerousparticularly for young girls and boys who are more vulnerable to social media influence.

This makes the situation even more concerning. The growing availability of these drugs may solve one problemaffordabilitybut it also introduces another: responsible use. The challenge now lies in ensuring that increased access does not come at the cost of public health.
In a shocking development, a Marathi news media outlet has claimed that a Mahayuti minister from the NCP (Ajit Pawar) met Sharad Pawar to discuss the possibility of reunifying the two factions of the party. He was reportedly encouraged by the willingness of around 15 to 20 MLAs from the Ajit Pawar camp to switch their loyalty to the NCP (Sharad Pawar). If found to be true, the political equations in Maharashtra could witness a drastic change in the coming weeks, if not days.

The development comes at a time when Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Sunetra Pawar is preparing to file her nomination for the upcoming by-election to the Baramati Assembly constituency in Pune district. Baramati was the stronghold of her late husband.

NCP-Ajit Pawar camp heading to a collapse?

According to the news report, several MLAs of the Ajit Pawar faction are unhappy about the never-ending disputes and internal conflicts within the party. The infighting has reached such levels that it has begun weakening their public outreach and influence in their constituencies. They fear this will not reflect well with the public and could possibly cast shadows over their future in parliamentary politics, TV9 Marathi said in a report.

The said meeting between the incumbent NCP minister and Sharad Pawar took place in utmost secrecy, the Marathi news report claimed. Some MLAs have even begun directly reaching out to the veteran leader to express their willingness to rejoin his ranks, it added. While the possibility of reconciliation between the two factions currently appears low, it is clear that dissatisfaction among MLAs in the Ajit Pawar faction is steadily growing.

The Mahayuti alliance has 235 members in the Maharashtra Assembly, including 40 MLAs of the NCP (Ajit Pawar). They are the third-largest constituent of the ruling alliance after the BJP's tally of 131 and Shiv Sena (Shinde)'s 57. In the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, the NCP (SP) has 10 MLAs. The Fadnavis government is not immediately threatened even if the entire camp abandons the alliance.

Shocker before Baramati bypolls?

Ajit Pawar, an eight-time MLA from his home turf of Baramati, died along with four others on 28 January 2026 after the plane carrying them crashed near the Baramati airstrip.

In the 2019 Assembly election, Ajit Pawar won the Baramati seat by a record margin of 1.65 lakh votes. In the 2024 Assembly election, he retained the seat by a margin of more than 1 lakh votes, defeating his nephew, Yugendra Pawar.

While the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) has declared that it will not contest the upcoming bypoll in Baramati, its ally, Congress, has stated it will not let the election go uncontested.

Sunetra Pawar took the oath as the Deputy CM of the state on 31 January and was unanimously elected as the President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on 26 February.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday hit out at AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi for "weaponising the Miya community" for political gains ahead of the elections in the state on April 9.

He also targeted the Congress, alleging that it had "brought Owaisi" into the fray to influence the poll arithmetic in Assam and mobilise voters from the minority communities.

This is the latest in a series of back-and-forth barbs between CM Sarma and the Hyderabad MP over the Miya community.

While the term was originally used as a pejorative to refer to Bengali-origin Muslims in the state, it is increasingly being reclaimed by activists. Non-Bengali speakers generally identify them as Bangladeshi immigrants.

Owaisi, on the other hand, has used CM Sarma's own strong statements against him, declaring that the community "would not be intimidated".

"Muslims have lived in Assam for over 150 years. No one can destroy this presence, he said, urging the CM to speak with decency, and adding that he and AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal would be willing to visit "any place in Assam where Miyas were targeted by the ruling BJP-led NDA alliance.

Owaisi had been responding to CM Sarma's earlier comments on "breaking the backbone" of those he called the 'Bangladeshi Miyas' and "not allowing them to live peacefully in Assam".

Notably, Owaisi's presence in the Assam elections is expected to majorly shake up an already charged election, despite the AIMIM choosing to back the AIUDF, instead of stepping into the fray itself.

While his moves are seen as an attempt to pull minority votesespecially those of the Miya communitybehind the AIUDF, thus denying them to the Congress, the national party has accused it of serving as the "B-team" of the BJP, alleging that it aims to divide the anti-incumbency votes down the middle.

Owaisi, on the other hand, has denied the 'vote-cutter' allegations, noting that backing the AIUDF was meant to consolidate the minority vote and give the party influence over Assam's new cabinet.
Each spring in Hawaii, the Merrie Monarch Festival brings communities together through the islands national dance. Female Firsts travel and culture writer Dorimalia Waiau reveals how we can all take something from the spirit of hula.

Hula reflects the role of movement and chant in Hawaiian storytelling and shared cultural life, writes Dorimalia Waiau. Credit: Luke H. Gordon / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Each April on Hilo, the largest city on Hawaii Island, thousands of people gather together for the Merrie Monarch Festival, a week-long celebration of hula.

Hula is often described as dance, but in Hawaii it is understood as moolelo (storytelling  the passing on of history, place and meaning through movement and chant). Every gesture has a purpose. A hand movement might describe a landscape or a natural force, while the accompanying oli (chant) carries the words that guide the story. The two are inseparable.

The festival, which takes place during the week following Easter Sunday, centres on competition, and the standard is high. Halau hula  schools led by a kumu hula (teacher)  travel from across the islands, and in some cases from the mainland United States, to take part. Dancers train for months, often years, learning not just the movements but the meaning behind them. Timing, expression and how closely a group moves together all matter.

Performances are judged in detail. Small differences  the angle of a hand, the clarity of a gesture, the way a chant is delivered  can decide the outcome. And competition is fierce, as while theres no large cash prize, winning at Merrie Monarch carries real prestige, both within and beyond the hula community.

The festival itself dates back to 1963, when it was established in Hilo to honour King David Kalakaua, known as the Merrie Monarch. He is remembered for supporting the revival of Hawaiian cultural practices, including hula, at a time when they had been discouraged. What began as a local event has grown into one of the most important cultural gatherings in Hawaii.

Over the course of the week, the festival spreads across Hilo rather than staying in one place. One of the most visible parts is the Merrie Monarch parade, where halau, local schools, community groups and even horseback riders move through the town centre.

Theres also an Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair, which runs throughout the week. This is a curated event featuring local artisans working in traditional forms  lei-making, kapa (bark cloth), wood carving and featherwork.

Smaller hula performances and demonstrations take place in parks, hotels and public spaces, and visitors to the festival will see groups rehearsing in preparation for the competitions.

Hula Halau O Kamuela perform on stage at the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, where the worlds leading halau compete in one of Hawaiis most prestigious cultural events. Credit: Allanbcool / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0

Most of the main competitions take place indoors at the Edith Kanakaole Stadium. Its a large, functional space rather than a theatrical one, with a clear stage, rows of seating and judges positioned directly in front. The atmosphere is formal but not tense. People settle in early, greeting one another, finding their seats and preparing to watch closely.

Backstage, the mood is focused and practical. Costumes are laid out carefully. Garlands known as lei  often made from leaves, flowers and ferns  are prepared and adjusted. One of these is palapalai, a soft, green fern commonly used in hula. As its handled, it gives off a clean, slightly earthy scent that lingers in the room.

Theres conversation, but it stays low. People are concentrating on what needs to be done.

When a group steps onto the stage, the room settles quickly. The first sound is the oli, steady and controlled. Then the movement begins.

The rhythm comes through clearly. You hear the feet marking time against the stage, a soft but consistent beat that runs underneath the chant. The gestures follow the words closely. A hand lifts, turns, holds. The movement is precise and measured. Nothing is exaggerated.

The pacing is what stands out. Dancers dont rush from one sequence to the next. Rather, they hold positions, then move together in a controlled way. Watching hula, you soon realise that pauses matter as much as the movement.

Theres also a sense of mana (spiritual presence or energy) in the space. Its not something thats announced or explained but comes through in the way people hold their attention  both on stage and in the audience.

What stands out at Merrie Monarch is the effect of staying with one thing at a time.

In the UK, April can feel unsettled. The weather shifts, routines pick up again after winter, and theres a tendency to move quickly from one thing to the next.

Giving a single moment your full attention  whether thats a conversation, a meal or a walk  changes how it feels. It becomes more complete.

Noticing physical details helps as well. The scent of palapalai is part of what grounds hula. At home, it might be something simpler  herbs while cooking, fresh air through an open window, or the smell after rain.

And doing something alongside someone else can create a similar sense of rhythm to that found in the festival. Everyday activities like cooking, walking or even tidying can have that same effect when done without rushing.

What carries most through hula isnt spectacle, but attention, rhythm and presence. Make space for those, and everyday moments will begin to feel more settled and complete.

Dorimalia Waiau is a Native Hawaiian author and cultural educator who writes about travel, island life and Hawaiian traditions. She has spent more than twenty years teaching and sharing the stories of her community, and her award-winning childrens books draw on real experiences of resilience, confidence and belonging. As a Travel & Culture correspondent, she offers warm, accessible insight into Hawaiis landscapes, heritage and everyday life, bringing readers closer to the people and places that shaped her. The Secret Club and the Lost Legend, book three in Dorimalias Be Manaful series, is out now.
For years, Indias comedy scene moved through a long shadow. A few charged jokes sparked offence, outrage, cancellations and police complaints. Comics went quiet for a long time. Now a new wave has returned, but with a different instinct. They are not there to provoke for the sake of it; their humour sits closer to the ground. It draws from rent anxiety, office rituals, small-town childhoods, caste-coded behaviour, heartbreak, bad Wi-Fi, midnight doomscrolling and, sometimes, simply the embarrassment of being young in a country that feels both fragile and furious.This is the new funny: intimate, local and honest in a way that feels defiant.



Advit Mohunta, 28



Kolkata  Andheri



Corporate executive by day, Bengali uncle by algorithm



Mohunta jokes that he spent seven years trying to make comedy happen. One impression went viral and suddenly Instagram told me I was good at this, he says. His page is a catalogue of accidental fame. Scroll long enough and you will find him slipping into the skin of an elderly Bengali man, clearing his throat before every sentence, stretching words like murder and affidavit till they sound



like they require a PhD in culture studies. He exaggerates vowels the way other people exaggerate breakups. But his act feels affectionate, not like mocking. I think accents carry stories, he says. If I do it right, people recognise the uncle in their own building.



His corporate life gives him an entire secondary universe of material. Companies trust you with a two-crore client but not a twenty-rupee sandwich reimbursement, he points out. That disconnect allows for comedy.



In one sketch, he talks about how real estate ads tell viewers to imagine a place you have never seen before. So, he did. A ladies toilet, he says. In another, he calls LinkedIn creepy, pointing out how the app casually drops hyper-specific alerts into your day. At 3 pm, he says, it will suddenly go, Hey Advait he pauses long enough to make you check your own notifications, Supriya viewed your profile. When he tries to find out who Supriya is, LinkedIn promptly gatekeeps the information. The punchline lands because it feels painfully universal as everyone has lived that oddly intimate, HR-coded notification. He does not shy away from talking about censorship either. In fact, he treats it like weather. Irritating but inevitable. If I cannot say something, I will find a detour, he says. Censorship forces invention.



Sharon Verma, 26



Patna  Delhi  Bandra



Turns chaos into confessional comedy



Verma calls comedy crafted chaos. She once cried in an auto on a bad day and the driver, in a gesture of pure Mumbai empathy, tilted the mirror so she could sob in privacy. That changed my mood, she says. And then it became a joke. Thats the tone of her act: diary entries with the sharp edges left intact.



Her reels carry the same deadpan sparkle. Her most-watched clip  the one with over 46 million views  compares Bihar to Narnia. She says it without blinking. Jo jo aap imagine kar sakte hai, wo sab ho raha hai, she announces, then adds how a sixty-foot pole was stolen and how the crime report said: Pulwa ho gaya gulwa. In another video, she talks about how someone said Sharon, wah, and she thought a neighbour from Patna was simply calling her name, referring, of course to the signature Bhojpuri/Bihari lilt. Praise, she says, sounds like address when you grow up in Patna.



There is a bright tenderness under her humour. She navigates cities the way other people navigate breakups  with confusion, a sense of irony, and the belief that everything is or holds a story. When she talks about comedy, she speaks like someone who has already lived several lives by accident. People think comedy is spontaneous, she told me again. It is not. It is work.



Her work just happens to feel like someone whispering the truth kindly in your ear.



Saurabh Bothra, 26



Uttar Pradesh  Mumbai



Edgy at heart, cautious by instinct



Bothra grew up as the fat kid who learned to weaponise humour before anyone else could weaponise anything against him. I imitated teachers, he tells me. It made me likable.



His reel presence is almost mythic: twelve videos total. In an ecosystem where comedians post daily thirst-traps disguised as crowd-work, Bothra behaves like a man rationing signal in a blackout. But the few he puts out hit hard. In one, he talks about Mumbai as Sapno Ka Sheher, the city of dreams, then points out that the city itself feels stuck inside one long overdue nightmare. The metro has taken so long that even the potholes have seniority. There is a gap, he says, pausing with full drama, because the roads are always dug up.



On stage, he pivots to masculinity with the precision of someone who has spent years studying men in their natural habitat  gyms, WhatsApp groups, and denial. Men say we are pregnant, he says, when they play the same role as seed investors in a start-up. The joke lands because he doesnt rush it. He delivers it like fact, then lets the crowd realise the insult is communal.



You can hear that early defence mechanism in how he works now  he writes morning pages like its religion and tests jokes like theyre explosives. He enjoys danger, but only in controlled conditions. I love edgy jokes, he says. But only when the audience is ready. I want to keep doing comedy, not court cases.



Karan Veer Khurana, 30



Versova, via Prague



Heartbreak as theatre



Khurana studied film, lived in Prague, trained as a clown, and now stands on stage turning heartbreak into a controlled collapse. Stand up is many things but at its core, its a mix of silliness, rage and sincerity.



His Instagram feed shows the range he plays with. One minute he slips into full clown mode  loose, elastic, childlike  and the next he is in a dim Mumbai comedy room dropping lines that feel sharpened by weeks of improv drills. Scrolling through his reels feels like scrolling through versions of him that never sit still: the actor, the clown, the comic who has learned to use embarrassment like punctuation.



His theatre work extends that instinct. He talks about his play, A Very Serious Matter, where a comedian stands trial for a joke. The complainant was a man from the pickleball community, he says, stone-faced. The image is so specific it becomes satire by itself. Anything can be a crime, he says. Even laughter.



He rejects the idea that audiences have become too sensitive. It isnt fair to reduce any and all backlash to fanaticismand comedians should strive to know the difference, he says. If a comic only buys into the narratives of the oppressor, they could do with a little backlash.



Yashwardhan Choudhary, 29



Nagpur  Malad East



Deadpan, deranged, and weirdly tender



Choudharys humour sits at the edge of discomfort, a place he occupies with the calm of someone who has already rehearsed the worst-case scenario. In one clip, he talks about sitting in a metro seat when a one-legged man asked for it. I am OBC, he says in the video. Even I do not ask that confidently.



He takes the odd, the shameful, the morally questionable moments of daily life and turns them into confessions with a punchline. In the crowd, the laughter often rises slow, then suddenly  the sound of people recognising a thought they did not want to admit they have had. He describes how lockdown changed the way people laugh. Dark humour grew up, he tells me. People have nuance now. They laugh where they used to flinch. Then he adds, almost pleased, Sometimes they over-understand.



On stage, he looks like someone who walked in with a problem and decided to process it publicly. His delivery is flat, his timing skewed just enough to make you uneasy before he cracks the release valve.



A joke is a pain balm, he says. Apply gently. He also jokes about how he can never be properly woke because he grew up in Nagpur  a place, he suggests, trained him in unfiltered honesty long before the internet tried to civilise him.



As a middle child, he happily milks his own family for material. He says all the men in his house have some psychological disorder: he has anxiety, his younger brother has OCD, and his father has his mother. Before anyone can get offended on her behalf, he offers a cautionary warning. Dont worry, he says  she knows how to take a joke. After all, she married his father.




Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai, on Saturday, said he had voluntarily opted out of contesting in the upcoming assembly elections scheduled to be held on April 23. Clarifying that he had already informed the Delhi high command in writing about his decision to stay away from the electoral fray, Annamalai said he will explain the reason behind his decision after May 4.

The truth is that I decided not to contest. It is not that I was denied a ticket. I had already informed the core committee in writing that I will not contest, Annamalai told the media. On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Chennai, on his way to Puducherry for the election campaign, held a meeting with the BJP senior leaders, including Annamalai, at a private hotel. The meeting, which lasted for 45 minutes, was convened to discuss the BJPs strategies for the upcoming election. Modi, according to party insiders, discussed with the senior leaders on the ground situation, the BJPs plans and the NDAs prospects.

The meeting was attended by BJP seniors, including Union minister for commerce and industry and BJPs election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan, state president Nainar Nagendran and seniors like Pon. Radhakrishnan, Tamilisai Soundararajan, and K. Annamalai. During the meeting, it was said that Modi discussed with everyone on the ground situation and no importance was given to Annamalai. Though it was said that Annamalai was asked to rush from his campaign at Kannur to meet Modi in Chennai, party insiders say that there was no such effort.

However, Piyush Goyal, who is the in-charge for TN unit of the BJP, said the party will miss Annamalai in the fray, but there was no all-out effort to convince him. In fact, his name did not even appear in the probable candidate list that was sent to Delhi. But at the last moment, the high command felt that he had to be given an opportunity, as he had worked hard for the party. But that too was dropped later as Annamalai was not willing to contest from Modakurichi and was expecting a winnable seat.
Pakistan's ISI was involved in the recent blast outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh, according to preliminary investigations.

The Counter-Intelligence wing of Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Chandigarh Police, arrested five people in connection with the blast. The main accused in the case is yet to be arrested, and the police are on the lookout for him.

The explosion took place around 5 pm on Wednesday when a suspected crude explosive device was hurled near the office, officials had said. No casualties were reported. An unverified video that surfaced on social media on Wednesday evening showed a man pulling the pin from a blue-coloured grenade and throwing it, while another person records the act. The duo is seen fleeing just moments before the blast. Their faces were not visible in the 10-second video, and the authenticity of the footage has yet to be verified.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said in a social media post that preliminary investigations revealed that the module was backed by Pakistan's spy agency- ISI. Foreign-based handlers in Portugal and Germany have been identified, he said.

"Five persons involved in the incident have been arrested and the two perpetrators involved in the attack have been identified. One grenade, and other cache has been recovered so far. Police teams are conducting operations to nab the absconding accused," he said in the tweet.

According to him, this police operation effectively foiled a major terror conspiracy aimed at disrupting peace and harmony in the region.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoors convoy in Wandoor, Malappuram district, was reportedly attacked on Friday by a gang of five members.

According to Wandoor police, Tharoor was travelling with his convoy when they were stopped near Thirvalli Chellithodu bridge by the group of men in two vehicles at around 7:30 pm.

Malappuram, Keralam: A complaint has been filed alleging that the convoy of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was blocked near Thiruvalli Chellithodu bridge while he was travelling to an election campaign event in Wandoor.



The complaint claims that Tharoors gunman was assaulted pic.twitter.com/CVqZ25TzbP  IANS (@ians_india) April 3, 2026

Wandoor Police said that a case has been registered and three people has been taken into custody.

The case was registered after a complaint was filed against Tharoors gunman Ratheesh K.P.

The incident took place during a roadblock. Tharoor was on his way to attend an election campaign event of Congress leader AP Anilkumar. The two vehicles blocked the MPs vehicle at the bridge.

When the gunman got out to clear the obstruction, he and the driver were allegedly attacked, police said. A video from the site showed the men crowding around Tharoors vehicle.

The road was narrow, and the gunman had asked the vehicle ahead to move faster to ensure smooth passage for the MPs convoy.

Tharror took to X to confirm the incident. "Truly touched by all the messages and calls expressing concern about the untoward incident last night when my security guard was attacked. He is well, and I was untouched. Thank you to all friends and well-wishers," the MP said on X.

He also stated that the convoy proceeded and completed the event despite the incidents. "We carried on undaunted yesterday and concluded two more events as planned. And our ongoing programme remains unaffected," he added.

Truly touched by all the messages and calls expressing concern about the untoward incident last night when my security guard was attacked. He is well and I was untouched. Thank you to all friends and well-wishers. We carried on undaunted yesterday and concluded two more events as  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 4, 2026

A non-bailable case was registered against Ummara, one of the accused, who is a native of Kalikavu.

Shashi Tharoor has been taking in part in the Congress' campaign ahead of Kerala's assembly elections on April 9. Speaking at the Wandoor candidate's campaign, Tharoor said that he is confident that the UDF would get a majority in Kerala.
In a bid to improve voter convenience for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission (EC) has approved the creation of 4,660 auxiliary polling stations across the state. This brings the total number of polling stations to 85,379.

According to election officials, the auxiliary polling stations will be established alongside existing booths with more than 1,200 voters. The proposal was submitted on March 28, and the EC informed the states Chief Election Officer of its approval in a letter dated April 3.

The EC emphasised that the establishment of these stations must strictly follow existing guidelines.

Additionally, the Commission has authorised the relocation of 321 polling stations. The letter to the CEO underlined the importance of properly informing voters about these changes, stating, It must be ensured that all voters at relocated stations are individually informed by the authorities.

Meanwhile, a senior official informed PTI that the Election Commission has raised concerns over the deployment of police personnel to provide security to individuals allegedly linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Before the election announcement, the West Bengal government had deployed 2,185 police officers to protect 832 TMC members and 144 others, including supporters. The EC has stressed that security deployments must be impartial and in accordance with established norms.

The elections for the 294-member assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with votes being counted on May 4.
Rahul Gandhi touched down in Alappuzha today to lead the UDF campaign as Kerala nears its April 9 polling date. In a sharp offensive, Gandhi accused the LDF of maintaining a "secret understanding" with the BJP, claiming the two parties have aligned their interests to target the UDF.

While reiterating his allegation of a BJP-LDF understanding, he accused PM Modi of not speaking about the Sabarimala issue during the election campaign.

Ex-CPM leader G. Sudhakaran was also present on stage. While addressing him, Gandhi said, "It is not that he has suddenly changed his thinking. People who spend many years in a political organisation absorb its values. He is not here out of opportunism. He is here because something fundamental has happened to the LDF," said Gandhi.

Sudhakaran is contesting as an Independent with UDF support from Ambalapuzha.

Gandhi stressed that there is a deeper shift within the CPI(M)-led LDF.

"What does LDF stand for-- Left Democratic Front. Now, frankly, there is nothing Left in the LDF. After the election, there will be nothing left in it," he added.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha further divided the LDF leadership into two distinct camps: the "opportunists" seeking power at any cost, regardless of BJP or RSS support, and the "betrayed" veterans. The latter, he argued, are long-standing party loyalists who are now deeply disillusioned by the LDF's current ideological direction.

Gandhi alleged that what was disturbing leaders and workers within the Left was a "hidden hand" guiding the LDF.

"That hidden hand is communal, does not accept the Constitution of India, divides people and spreads hatred. Everyone in Kerala can see the connection between BJP, RSS and CPI(M)," he charged.

He said Modi speaks about God, religion and temples in every speech.

"But when he comes to Kerala, he forgets all that because he wants to help the LDF. The truth is he knows the LDF will never challenge him nationally," Gandhi alleged.

Addressing the safety of minorities, Rahul Gandhi alleged that CM Pinarayi Vijayan is in league with those orchestrating attacks on Muslims and Christians. From the assault on our nuns in Chhattisgarh to the burning of churches in Manipur, the Chief Minister is in league with the perpetrators," Gandhi asserted, directly linking the LDF leadership to a national anti-minority agenda.

He further alleged that both Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Vijayan, after prolonged tenures in power, have succumbed to "arrogance" and become structurally disconnected from the struggles of the common man.
With only five days remaining for the Kerala Assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to turbocharge the NDA campaign on Saturday. The Prime Ministers itinerary includes a high-profile roadshow in Thiruvananthapuramtargeting the capitals key 'hot seat'.

PM Modi will hold a road show from Killipalam to Karamana Junction, covering a distance of around 1.5 kms in the evening. Senior BJP leaders, including former Union ministers Rajeev Chandrasekhar and V. Muraleedharan, will take part in the road show.

The BJP has pinned high hopes on Nemom, fielding Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who is also the state president of the party, to reclaim what was once the party's sole gateway to the Kerala Assembly. Seeking to defend the seat is CPI(M) heavyweight and state Education Minister V. Sivankutty, who famously wrested it back from the saffron party in 2021. Adding to the high-stakes triangular contest is the Congresss K.S. Sabarinadhan, a former MLA looking to stage a UDF comeback in the capital.

Veteran leader O. Rajapopal had won Nemom for the BJP in 2016, marking the party's first-ever Assembly win in Kerala. However, Sivankutty's win in 2021 winning with a margin of 3,949 votes erased the BJPs sole presence in the Kerala Assembly and dampened the party's hopes to further expand its footprint in the state.

While speaking to PTI, Sivankutty said Chandrasekhar would create no impact in Nemom. "As the Union Minister of State for Skill Development, what exactly had Rajeev Chandrasekhar contributed to Kerala or Nemom?" he asked, adding that as the state minister, he had brought a massive "upgrade" to this sector.

In the Thiruvanthapuram district, the Vattiyoorkavu constituency is also witnessing a three-way contest. CPI(M)'s sitting MLA V.K Prashanth is hoping to retain the seat, while Congress's V. Muraleedharan is hoping for a political comeback, and BJP's R. Sreelekha is also in the fray.

Another constituency where the stakes are high for the BJP is Kazhakkottam. Senior BJP leader and former minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan is taking on sitting CPM MLA Kadakampally Surendran. Congress has fielded former MLA T. Sarath Chandra Prasad as its candidate.

BJP had secured a notable 29 per cent vote share in Kazhakkoottam in 2021, making it one of its strongest constituencies in the state.

Besides these seats in the capital district, Palakkad and Manjeshwar also remain the high-stakes battlegrounds for the BJP in Kerala, representing the party's strongest prospects for opening its account in the 2026 Assembly.
As the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, a media report on Friday suggested that mediation efforts by regional countries, including Pakistan, have reached a dead end.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, Iran has officially informed mediators that it is unwilling to meet US officials in Islamabad and considers US demands unacceptable.

Pakistan had attempted to play a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue to end the war, which broke out on February 28 after US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran led to the death of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Although Iran had previously claimed that it was not part of Pakistan-facilitated negotiations, media reports indicated that Islamabad had been acting as an intermediary, relaying messages between Washington and Tehran.

However, the WSJ report claimed that the initiative has come to a standstill. The Dawn newspaper also published a similar report, stating that despite backchannel exchanges, Iran has yet to formally respond to proposals for dialogue.

The Pakistani newspaper quoted a senior official as saying, "It is surprising that despite the extensive damage to Iran's military and civilian infrastructure, Tehran has not responded positively to calls for negotiations."

The official added that, despite Tehrans muted response, Pakistani leaders have continued their efforts to engage with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in hopes of persuading them to accept the U.S. offer for talks.

On Saturday, Pakistan government rejected these media reports as baseless and a figment of imagination.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated, We have noted several reports in the media, including on social media, citing so-called official government sources regarding the ongoing conflict in the region and Pakistan's efforts to promote peace and dialogue. We categorically reject these false insinuations attributed to purported official sources as baseless and a figment of imagination. Any attribution to official sources in this regard is incorrect.

Andrabi urged media outlets to refrain from speculation and to rely on official statements for accurate information.

Meanwhile, following the downing of two advanced US aircraft by Iran on Friday, the future of the negotiation efforts remains uncertain. US President Donald Trump, when asked whether the incident would affect diplomatic talks, downplayed its impact, saying, No, not at all. No, its war. Were in war.
The loss of an F-15E Strike Eagle over Iran, followed by an A-10 attack aircraft and two Black Hawk helicopters during a rescue attempt, has turned what was sold to the American public by Donald Trump and the Pentagon as a clean, controlled operation into something that looks increasingly complicated and open-ended.

The F-15E is a jet built precisely for the kind of environment it was flying into: fast, long-ranged and loaded with defensive systems. When it was shot down over Irans Khuzestan province, it didn't just represent the loss of a $30 million aircraft. It quietly pulled the rug from under the administration's earlier claims that Iran's air defences had been taken apart. Washington had been fairly emphatic that Irans radar systems were knocked out, anti-aircraft capabilities neutralised, and airspace essentially owned. The wreckage told a different story.

It turns out Iran's air defence network is harder to kill than the briefings suggested. Mobile missile systems, such as the Third Khordad, have apparently been doing exactly what they were designed to do: pop up, fire, and disappear before anyone can lock onto them. The Pentagon is realising that to hunt and suppress those kinds of systems is genuinely difficult. And beyond that, Iran still appears to have a meaningful chunk of its missile stockpile and a large inventory of attack drones intact. The picture of a thoroughly degraded adversary was, at best, premature.

Tehran has been quick to seize on all of this. Iranian officials have moved swiftly to frame the incidents as proof that the US overplayed its hand. Senior figures have pointedly contrasted the early talk of regime change with the current reality of search-and-rescue missions.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

And then there's the missing pilot. Somewhere in Iran, a crew member from the downed F-15E is reportedly still at large, relying on survival and evasion training to stay free. The Iranian media has already reported that rewards are being offered for information leading to a capture. If that pilot is taken prisoner, the entire dynamic of this conflict changes. A hostage doesn't just create a humanitarian crisisit boxes in American military planners and hands Iran enormous political leverage.

The effort to find and recover the missing crew member has already pulled more American personnel into harm's way. Personnel recovery is some of the hardest work in modern military operations as it demands perfect intelligence, split-second timing and a willingness to take on enormous risk. In an environment where Iranian defences are clearly more capable than advertised, that risk is even higher.

All of this is happening at a moment of unusual turbulence within the US defence establishment itself. Senior military leadership, including the Army chief, has been dismissed in the middle of a war. Such a disruption would make headline news even under normal circumstances. In a complex, fast-moving situation, consistency of command matters enormously.

The mood could be shifting in the US. Fuel prices have been creeping up, partly tied to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and people are starting to feel it. Public support for the operation was never especially strong to begin with, and visible losses have a way of hardening scepticism. The gap between what was promised and what's happening is hard to paper over.

The options reportedly on the table now, like strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, forcing open the Strait of Hormuz and deploying special operations forces, each carry their own serious risks of escalation, and none come with a guarantee of success. What makes the position harder still is that the US appears to be navigating this largely without close allied support, which limits both what's operationally possible and what's politically defensible.

What the past few days have made plain is that Iran has the capacity to absorb the initial shock of strikes and hit back in ways that complicate and slow an adversary's plans. The aircraft losses are, in cold numerical terms, relatively small. But their symbolic and strategic weight is far greater than the numbers suggest. They expose assumptions that didn't hold, reveal vulnerabilities that weren't supposed to exist and introduce complications that nobody in Washington was publicly planning for.
In a significant setback for US forces, two advanced American warplanes were reportedly shot down by Iran on Friday, with one crew member still missing. This is the first reported loss of US aircraft over Iranian territory since the conflict began a month ago, heightening concerns of a broader escalation.

While US President Donald Trump adopted a more cautious tone, unlike his previous statements, Tehran mocked Washingtons handling of the situation.

In a post on social media, Irans Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, took a sarcastic swipe at the United States, saying Washington had downgraded its war objectives from pursuing regime change in Iran to conducting search-and-rescue operations.

"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?'," he wrote.

Wow. What incredible progress. Absolute geniuses, he added.

Notably, the US lost its aircraft just two days after Trump said in a national address that the US has "beaten and completely decimated Iran" and was "going to finish the job, and we're going to finish it very fast."

The downed aircraft reportedly included a two-seat U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle and an A-10 Warthog. Two pilots have been rescued, while a third crew member remains missing, with search-and-rescue operations ongoing.

Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has released detailed public information about the incident. However, according to an Associated Press report, the Pentagon informed the House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member from the fighter jet remains unknown.

Videos circulating on social media dhowed US drones, aircraft, and helicopters operating over a mountainous region where Iranian media earlier claimed at least one pilot had ejected.

According to Irans Tasnim news agency, the second aircraft was downed near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian operatives have been able to repair underground missile bunkers and silosdamaged due to US-Israel bombingwithin hours after they are struck, according to recent US intelligence reports.

According to officials, this enables Tehran to launch about 20 missiles a day at Israelone or two missiles at a timewhile others estimate that Iran was firing 15-30 ballistic missiles and 50-100 kamikaze (one-way) drones.

This has again cast doubt on the Donald Trump administration's rhetoric around the war, as per a New York Times report.

In fact, earlier this week, the Pentagon claimed that it had struck 11,000 military targets in the war, in line with one of Washington's war objectives of "severely diminishing" Iran's missile capabilities.

 Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine:



Over the past 30 days, we have struck more than 11,000 targets.  pic.twitter.com/uMQje3Ygap  The News World (@N_Extra24) March 31, 2026

"Of note, the last 24 hours saw the lowest number of enemy missiles and drones fired by Iran. They will go underground, but we will find them," defence secretary Pete Hegseth had said on Monday.

Another issue that complicates US efforts at attrition is the fact that Iran is being very careful with using its remaining arsenal of missile launchers and silos, often hiding them in bunkers and caves, and using them carefully.

While an earlier CNN report estimated that half of Iran's missile launchers and silos were still intact, the new intelligence reports agreed that the number of munitions Tehran has is around that figure, not offering any specifics.

In that regard, despite US-Israel strikes damaging both the administration and the military facilities of Iran, it manages to use these munitions carefully in a way that keeps the pressure on Israel and the Gulf countries around it.

A third tactic that plays to Iran's strengths is the use of decoys, which has had a serious impact on US intelligence assessments of Iran's military capabilities.

This is because the use of decoys makes it hard for the US to clearly understand how many real munitions it had destroyed, as the ones that it bombed could very likely have been decoys.

Yet, the war in the Gulf continues for well past a month, as the US shows no clear signs of an exit, and Iran refuses negotiations for ceasefires, stating that it is only interested in ending the war.
New reports claim that not one, but two Iranian drones struck the US embassy in Riyadh in March. Among the areas hit was the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) station, a new report contradicting earlier official accounts of the incident claimed.

While Saudi sources initially reported that the drone strike caused "just a fire," it is now being described as a major event that required half a day to extinguish.

ALSO READ | Iranian missiles force US soldiers to sleep in hotels as 13 bases are heavily damaged in war: Report

The United States originally maintained that the drone strike caused minimal damage after breaching the embassy in the high-security zone of the Saudi capital. However, the new report alleges that the first drone successfully created a hole in the embassy compound, which was then exploited by a second drone to penetrate further and cause maximum damage. In a major security lapse, both drones managed to bypass Saudi Arabia's air defence systems in quick succession to wreak havoc within the Diplomatic Quarter.

Mass-casualty event avoided

According to reports, if the attack had occurred during working hours, it would have resulted in definite casualties, as three floors of the embassy building were severely damaged by the suicide drones. These floors were part of a secure area typically used by several hundred people. The Jerusalem Post, quoting a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report, claims that none of the three affected floors are in a recoverable state.

ALSO READ | Can Ukraines drone experts counter Iran and help vulnerable Gulf states?

The strikes hit a secure wing where hundreds of staff members are usually stationed. Officials noted that had the timing been different, it "could have been a mass-casualty event." Additionally, the WSJ report added that one of the drones was believed to be targeting the residence of the highest-ranking US diplomat, located only a few hundred feet from the embassy.

US-Iran war escalation

On Thursday, Donald Trump posted images of billowing dust and smoke as U.S. strikes hit the B1 bridge, which was set to open this year linking Tehran to nearby Karaj. He issued a stern warning of further escalation. "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!" he wrote.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

On Friday, the conflict spread further as a drone hit a Red Crescent relief warehouse in the Choghadak area of Iran's southern Bushehr province. Kuwait Petroleum Corp also reported that drones hit its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery, while other attacks were reportedly intercepted over Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. Missile debris was also found near the Israeli port of Haifa, home to a major oil refinery.

ALSO READ | Iran accuses Gulf monarchies of quietly backing US strikes, deepening mistrust as war spreads

Oil markets remained closed after benchmark U.S. crude prices jumped 11% on Thursday, following a speech by Trump that offered no clear indication of a ceasefire or an end to the war.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday reminded Iran to reopen the Hormuz Strait and agree on ceasefire talks with US-Israel forces, as there were only 48 hours left on his 10-day ultimatum.

"Time is running out48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them," he wrote in a Truth Social post.

This is the latest addition to Trump's explosive rhetoric around the war, which has had to painfully navigate an equally defiant Iran, and is marked by uncertainty around Washington's exit.

It comes as US-Israel airstrikes on Iranian soil have become a near-daily occurrence, as have Tehran's retaliatory airstrikes on vital infrastructure in Arab nations surrounding it.

Yet, the two sides do not meet on peace negotiations, with Iran declaring that it wanted a complete end to the war, and not just a ceasefire, while the US has demanded that it reopen the Hormuz Straitthat it had 'closed' to ships linked to the US and allied nationsand agree to a ceasefire with uneven terms.

In that regard, the 10-day ultimatum that Trump mentions again in his latest post, came on the back of the alleged peace talks between the two nations that he claimed were "going very well".

It had even led to an alleged "present" from Tehran: permission for eight oil boats to pass through the embattled strait.

However, Iran has consistently declined that it had "begged" the US to hold off its attacks and declare a ceasefireand that peace talks were underwaysaying that it was open to diplomacy, but only to end the war, not pause it.

It also continues responding to Trump's threats of attacks on its critical infrastructure and a ground invasion on Kharg Island, warning of "irreversible destruction" from its retaliatory attacks on Arab nations around it.

This has placed the Trump administration in a tight spot, as spending on the war continues to increase, pulling away funds from even crucial social security services like daycare, Medicare, and Medicaid.

"Its not possible for us to take care of daycare, Medicaid, Medicare, all these individual things," he added, later calling them "scams", and suggesting that the money be spent on the war and national security.

This comes despite growing pressure from home to find an exit to the war, as gas prices rise sharply, leading to an increase in cost-of-living prices.

This has also led to Trump's approval ratings dwindling to an all-time low, standing at -20 per cent, which is eight percentage points below what it was at this time during his first term, and the lowest-ever in his second term in office, according to ratings tracker from The Economist.
In a major escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran on Friday reportedly shot down two US military aircraft, raising fresh concerns over the stability of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

According to available reports, the aircraft involved were a two-seat US F-15E Strike Eagle and an A-10 Warthog. Two pilots have been rescued, while a third crew member remains missing, with search operations still underway.

The incident comes amid repeated assertions by the United States and Israel that they had secured full control over Iranian airspace. The reported downing of the aircraft has also cast shadow over the ongoing efforts and negotiations to resolve the conflict.

US President Donald Trump, when asked whether the incident would affect diplomatic talks with Iran, downplayed its impact. No, not at all. No, its war. Were in war, he said, declining to provide further operational details.

When asked about the potential US responses if the missing airman were mistreated by Iranian forces, Trump said, I cannot comment on it, because we hope thats not going to happen.

He also refrained from elaborating on ongoing search-and-rescue efforts, citing the sensitivity of the situation, and criticised media coverage of what he described as a complex and active military operation.

According to an Al Jazeera report, citing Irans Tasnim news agency, the A-10 aircraft was downed near the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, US officials, as reported by CNN, confirmed that one crew member from the downed F-15E has been successfully recovered and is receiving medical treatment, though the status of the second crew member remains unclear.

This would mark the first instance during the current conflict of a US aircraft being shot down over Iran. Initial debris analysis suggests the F-15E was assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.

The incident is likely to intensify military tensions while complicating already fragile diplomatic efforts in the region.
The world is experimenting with a transition from generative AI to agentic AIone that could fundamentally reshape artificial intelligence. This shift marks an evolution from reactive, armchair systems that primarily generate content in response to human prompts to proactive, autonomous co-worker agents capable of multi-step reasoning, tool integration, persistent memory, planning, and independent goal execution with minimal oversight.

But is Indiaand its existing AI infrastructureready for this transformation?

THE WEEK speaks to Siddharth Dhar, President & Global Head  Digital IT Operations & AI at Hexaware Technologies, which recently launched Agentverse, an enterprise AI agent platform featuring over 600 ready-to-deploy AI agents designed to help organisations operationalise agentic AI across business and technology functions. Excerpts:

Q/ How would you assess India's current cloud infrastructure maturity in enabling widespread deployment of agentic AI systems?

A/ India has reached a point where cloud infrastructure is no longer the primary constraint. With strong hyperscaler presence and growing enterprise adoption, access is largely in place. The real question now is how effectively enterprises are using that infrastructure for AI workloads. We are moving from a phase of infrastructure readiness to execution readiness, where the focus is on integrating AI into business processes rather than just building capability.

Q/ What are the biggest challenges in India's cloud readiness for scaling agentic AI?





A/ The challenges are less about availability and more about how enterprise environments are structured. Many organisations still operate with fragmented systems and limited standardisation. Fragmented legacy systems, poor data quality, and inadequate governance remain key gaps, and without these, scaling AI becomes difficult. Beyond enterprise readiness, infrastructure gaps persist, like unreliable power supply, lack of high-density AI-ready data centres, and limited fibre connectivity outside metros continue to constrain scale. Many AI startups also lack a sustainable compute strategy, and operational and legal control over data remains an unresolved challenge. So, the issue is not cloud access, but how well enterprises can operationalise AI on top of existing architectures.

Q/ How prepared is India's cloud ecosystem to handle security and governance risks of agentic AI?





A/ The ecosystem is evolving, but agentic AI introduces a new level of complexity because systems are not just responding but taking actions. This increases the importance of identity, access control, and continuous monitoring. Enterprises need to move from static security models to more dynamic, real-time governance frameworks. This is where AI-led cybersecurity and identity management become critical, ensuring that autonomy does not come at the cost of control.





Q/ How do Indias digital public infrastructure developments support agentic AI innovation?





A/ Indias digital public infrastructure has created a strong foundation for scalable digital systems by enabling interoperability and large-scale adoption. Platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and ONDC show how systems can work together at scale. For agentic AI, this kind of infrastructure is important because it supports integration across services.

On the development side, the IndiaAI Missions investment in a national compute facility, open dataset platforms like AIKosh, and indigenous foundation models such as Sarvam AI and BharatGen AI are directly enabling AI innovation. Real-world deployments like AI-powered crowd management at Mahakumbh 2025 and the Bhashini chatbot for multilingual assistance further demonstrate how DPI platforms are already supporting agentic applications at scale. That said, flexibility across cloud environments and reducing vendor lock-in will be important as enterprises look to build more independent and portable AI systems.

Q/ What key enablers are needed for India to lead in the agentic AI internet?





A/ The focus needs to be on execution. This includes strengthening cloud and data infrastructure, building clear governance frameworks, and accelerating enterprise adoption. At the same time, there needs to be a shift in how we think about talent  from general AI awareness to deeper engineering capability. If these elements come together, India is well positioned to play a leading role.

Q/ While India has the worlds largest pool of AI-literate developers, only a fraction are AI engineers. Why is this so?





A/ There is a clear difference between understanding AI tools and building AI systems. A recent report highlights this starkly. Nearly 90 per cent of Indian engineers feel AI-ready, but only less than 20 per cent actually are.





Many developers today are familiar with AI concepts and platforms, but fewer have experience in designing, deploying, and scaling these systems in real-world environments.

The difficulty in filling AI roles is most acute when it comes to practical, system-building skills. AI talent is also largely concentrated in metros, and women represent only 36 per cent of GenAI learnersgaps that point to the need for more inclusive, distributed skilling efforts.

Q/ Does India have enough specialised AI engineering talent, and what is needed to accelerate it?





A/ The talent exists and is growing but not yet at the scale required for complex, enterprise-grade AI systems. Whats needed is more focus on real-world problem solving, system design, and integration. Enterprises also have a role to play by creating environments where engineers can learn through live deployments rather than just training programmes.

At Hexaware, our approach has been to embed AI into every role rather than treat it as a specialist function. This has led to 90 per cent of our employees becoming AI-certified, not through mandates, but by building an ecosystem that makes learning continuous and contextual. This helps us accelerate the depth of AI capability at scale.

Q/ Tell us about your Agentverse. How does Hexawares Agentverse help enterprises move from AI pilots and experimentation to large-scale deployment?





A/ Most enterprises today are not struggling with AI capability but with scaling it beyond isolated pilots. The challenge is that these pilots often sit outside core systems and dont translate into day-to-day operations. Agentverse addresses this by bringing orchestration, integration, and governance together on one platform. With ready-to-deploy agents that work within existing enterprise systems, it allows organisations to move from experimenting with AI to actually running workflows on it. This is very much in line with what were seeing across the industrya clear shift from pilots to production.

Q/ Which business functions and operations is Agentverse designed to improve, and what governance frameworks or policy guardrails are in place?





A/ Agentverse is designed to improve both technology operations and business functions. On the IT side, it supports development, testing, cloud, and ongoing operations. On the business side, it helps streamline customer experience, finance, compliance, and industry-specific workflows like underwriting or claims.

From a governance standpoint, it is built with enterprise controls at the core. That includes role-based access, audit trails, policy enforcement, and observability. So, agents are not just executing tasks, they are doing so within clearly defined guardrails that align with enterprise security, compliance, and accountability requirements.
A recent claim alleging that mountain climbing guides in Nepal were poisoning climbers to get them sick in order to fake rescue them has been covered by several media outlets.

While the 'fake rescue' part is real, there has been no evidence that any of the climbers were actually poisoned, according to information in the chargesheet, which was accessed by Climbing.com.

On March 22, charges were filed against 32 people in the Kathmandu district court over a fake rescue scam worth $20 million, where they earned from insurance payouts made to the clients.

The investigation into the allegation lasted about eight years.

The 32 people who were charged under the Organised Crime Prevention Act included tour managers, rescue coordinators, hospital owners, doctors, and trekking guides

They were accused of organising unnecessary helicopter flights for non-emergency clients. The allegations state that these individuals called for conducting fake rescues, forging passenger manifests, and manipulating medical records in order to boost claims to their clients rescue insurance and split the profit.

While the insurance scam was found to be very well evidenced, the details about the poisoned food, which were highlighted by several large media outlets, were not part of the 748-page charge sheet.

The allegation was that some trekking guides gave their clients food laced with baking soda or gave them acetazolamide (Diamox) in order to make them sick or dehydrated, which would justify the helicopter rescue.

However, authorities in Nepal could not find any evidence for this detail.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal told Climbing.com via email that To date, the official investigation has not found any evidence of poisoning.

On Friday, the CIB addressed the inaccuracies of the reports in a press release signed by Shiva Kumar Shrestha, senior superintendent of police.

The CIBs serious attention has been drawn to news reports broadcasted across national and international media regarding the fake rescue of tourists, the statement read. These reports allege that trekking guides in the Everest region made tourists ill by mixing poisonous substances into their food to facilitate fake rescues. During the investigation conducted so far, no facts have been found to suggest that poisonous substances were mixed into food, the statement concludes.

The poisoning claim was originally made by one guide, Udhav Bahadur Thapa, who is not a defendant in the case. I have heard that foreigners are made ill by mixing baking powder into their food, he said. The statement had been used to spread the poisoning claim. No other witnesses or guides had made similar statements.
The Hezbollah terror group targeted northern Israel with heavy rocket fire on Wednesday night and Thursday, the first day of Pesach, launching about 130 rockets.

Four people were lightly wounded in rocket hits, two in Kiryat Shmona and two in the Arab town of Biina, and property was damaged in a number of areas.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz held a situational assessment on Thursday evening in the underground command center (the pit), together with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Head of Military Intelligence Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, Head of the Operations Directorate Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen, Head of the Planning Directorate Maj. Gen. Hedi Zilberman and other senior defense officials.

Katz said: I have a clear message for Naim Qassem, Secretary-General of the Hezbollah terrorist organization: You and your associates will pay a very heavy price for the intensified rocket fire at Israeli civilians as they sat down to celebrate the Seder night, marking the Exodus of the people of Israel from slavery to freedom, and throughout Peach  just as Amalek attacked the people of Israel when they left Egypt.

You wont live to see it, because you will be deep at the bottom of hell together with Nasrallah, Khamenei, Sinwar, and all the eliminated members of the axis of evil. But the Hezbollah terrorist organization that you now lead, and its supporters in Lebanon, will pay an extremely heavy price. The fire will not deter us  Israels home front is strong, and the IDF is strong and determined. There will be no return to the reality of the eve of October 7.

Your patrons in Iran are shattered and will not be able to help you against the power of the IDF and the bravery and commitment of our soldiers to bring security to the north.

We will cleanse Hezbollah and its supporters from southern Lebanon  with IDF security control throughout the Litani area  and we will pull out Hezbollahs fangs across all of Lebanon.

I want to offer words of support for the residents of the north and all Israeli citizens for their steadfastness, and call on them to follow Home Front Command instructions that save lives. I embrace our brave and devoted IDF soldiers. We have an amazing people and an army of lions.

We will continue striking the terror regime in Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon  until all our objectives are achieved.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
On the first day of Pesach, shrapnel from Iranian ballistic missiles fired at Israel caused impact sites in Bnei Brak, lightly injuring five people, including two babies.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni toured the impact site on Rimon Street in Bnei Brak on erev Pesach following the strike that occurred earlier in the day, during which an 11-year-old girl was critically injured

The two met with municipal officials, security forces, and residents whose homes were damaged in the incident.

Katz said: We had intelligence that the Iranians were targeting Bnei Brak because they know there is a Jewish holiday and that people are preparing for Leil HaSeder. The enemy is taking heavy blows every day. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. It is important to strictly follow Home Front Command instructions.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
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.

The incident began on Friday with the downing of a U.S. F-15E fighter jet over Iran. One of the two crew members was rescued but the second remains missing, and US is continuing an intensive effort to locate him before he falls into Iranian hands.

The Telegraph reported that U.S. special forces are operating on the ground in an attempt to rescue him.

According to reports, the aircraft was hit during operations over Iran, and both crew members ejected. Shortly afterward, American forces managed to rescue one of them, while the search for the second continues under difficult terrain conditions and constant threats. Reuters reported that Iranian forces are also working simultaneously to locate the missing crew member, turning the situation into a highly sensitive operational race.

Two Black Hawk helicopters searching for the missing crew member were hit by Iranian fire but made it out of Iranian airspace, the two U.S. officials told Reuters.

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.

In a separate incident, an A-10 Warthog fighter aircraft was hit and crashed over Kuwait. The pilot ejected from the craft, US officials said.

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.

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 said earlier that at least one pilot bailed out of the fighter jet.

Meanwhile, Iranian media outlets 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.

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.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem & AP)



(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated on Motzei Shabbos in Israel)
An Iranian cluster missile strike in Bnei Brak on Friday night at about 2 a.m. caused minor damage to the trisim (shutters) and windows of the home of Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni.

Baruch Hashem, Gafni, and his wife had entered a shelter when the siren sounded and were unharmed.

On Motzei Shabbos, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called Gafni to inquire about his well-being and that of his wife.

Gafni thanked him for his concern and said that bChasdei Hashem, they experienced a neis and did not experience injuries or serious damage.

Later that evening, the Deputy Mayor of Bnei Brak and chairman of Degel HaTorahs municipal department, Menachem Shapira, visited Gafni to check on him and his family.

Chareidi journalist Yisrael Cohen, who lives nearby and is close to Gafni, described the dramatic moments: I was with my family in the shelter, and suddenly we heard a massive explosion. After a few minutes, I left the house on Damascus Eliezer Street toward Yitzchak Nissim Street. I saw Gafni standing at the building entrance. We watched the burning cars until the fire crews arrived. Gafni told those present about the great neis, and the neighbors also said that it was a neis that only property was damaged. A meter forward or backward, and everything could have looked completely different. This was a Pesach neis for the Gafni family and the neighborhood residents.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
A sign of of the times and a glimpse at Kansas City's mayor becoming even more emboldened to speak out against President Trump's administration and agenda.

Here's the recent statement and more context . . . And no, they haven't found that arson lady yet.

"A review spurred by all of you who stood up for human rights and spoke out, particularly here in Kansas City. Thank you!"

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has responded to the expression of gratitude by President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, Trend reports.

The post, shared on President Ilham Aliyevs X social media account, reads: The expression of gratitude by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, my brother President Masoud Pezeshkian, to the Azerbaijani people and state for the support provided is highly appreciated by our people.

Our friendly and brotherly peoples have supported each other for centuries, and we will continue to stand by each other in both good and difficult times.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. The next humanitarian aid dispatched from Baku on April 4 has successfully crossed the South-Astara state border checkpoint into the Islamic Republic of Iran under the instructions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

The consignment, transported by 10 trucks (TIR), comprises a total of 200 tons of essential supplies, including 190 tons of food and related products, 7 tons of medicines, and 3 tons of medical supplies.

The assistance was provided following a telephone conversation between President Ilham Aliyev and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 8, 2026, with the aim of supporting the immediate needs of the neighboring and friendly Iranian people.

xxx

14:24

The next humanitarian aid to Iran has entered the "South-Astara" state border checkpoint under the instructions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

The cargo convoy consisting of 10 vehicles will be sent to Iran after passing customs inspection.

Of the total volume, 190 tons consist of food and related products, while 7 tons are medicines and 3 tons are medical supplies, reflecting a targeted effort to address both nutritional and healthcare needs.

xxx

09:37

Following a telephone conversation between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, Azerbaijan has dispatched another shipment of humanitarian aid to support the immediate needs of the neighboring Iranian people, Trend reports.

The assistance package comprises a total of 200 tons of essential supplies, including a wide range of food products, medicines, and medical equipment.

Of the total volume, 190 tons consist of food and related products, while 7 tons are medicines and 3 tons are medical supplies, reflecting a targeted effort to address both nutritional and healthcare needs.

The humanitarian cargo is being transported to Iran by 10 trucks (TIR), ensuring the timely delivery of critical aid.

In connection with the escort and formal handover of the latest humanitarian aid shipment dispatched by the Republic of Azerbaijan, a delegation of senior officials from the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the State Reserves Agency has departed for an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye on the occasion of Senegal's national holiday  Independence Day, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to you and, through you, to your entire people my warmest congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Senegal  Independence Day.

I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts to further develop successfully the friendly relations and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Senegal, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

On this festive day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and the friendly people of Senegal lasting peace and prosperity," the letter reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. This is the third humanitarian aid dispatched by Azerbaijan to Iran, and this delivery is, in fact, a demonstration of solidarity and moral support from the government and people of Azerbaijan to Iran, Mojtaba Demirchilou, Ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan, told journalists, Trend reports.

The diplomat described the support as crucial, adding that his country is currently going through a difficult time.

Demirchilou noted that Azerbaijan was the first country to dispatch humanitarian aid to Iran, adding that further deliveries are expected to follow. He emphasized that this is a clear indicator of Azerbaijans willingness to demonstrate its support and solidarity with Iran.
Premium MasterCard transactions in Azerbaijan show mixed trends in Feb. 2026

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The volume of transactions conducted via MasterCard in Azerbaijan demonstrated notable activity by the end of February, reflecting both growth in usage and shifts in transaction values.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. Iran's crude oil exports have improved further, the chairman of the Energy Committee of the Iranian parliament, Mousa Ahmadi, told local media, Trend reports.

According to him, despite the claims, Iran's crude oil exports haven't decreased, but on the contrary grew.

Ahmadi noted that, considering the conditions of the world energy market, the quality of Iran's crude oil exports has improved, and Iran's crude oil exports are sold at more affordable prices.

The MP highlighted that despite the restrictions imposed on the country as a result of the sanctions, Iran's crude oil exports haven't stopped. Its oil exports are planned to be continued even during the war.

"Recently, after the U.S. and Israel's military air strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, members of the parliament's Energy Committee closely familiarized themselves with the processes on the island. Plans were made during the meetings held on Kharg Island regarding the export of crude oil," he added.

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. The European Commission has positively assessed its current climate cooperation with Turkmenistan, while underlining the need for further action, particularly in reducing methane emissions, a Commission official told Trend.

"Turkmenistan is one of the worlds largest emitters of methane. Reducing methane emissions is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions," the Commission representative said.

According to him, this will help Ashgabat to deliver on the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge.

"In this context, the Commission values our fruitful cooperation under the "EU for a Green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 20242029" programme implemented by GIZ, including the pilot methane mitigation measures. The project recently received an EU funding top-up of 2 million (January 2026) and has been extended until 2029."

The representative expressed that the Commission looks forward to seeing how the additional support will further strengthen the programmes efforts in sustainable green development, climate adaptation, and methane reduction in Turkmenistan.

"Turkmenistan has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, and the country can send a strong political signal by setting ambitious renewable energy targets. Increasing the share of renewables, combined with greater electrification of heat and industry, would help advance climate action in the country," he noted.

The official also acknowledged that the Commission welcomes Turkmenistans willingness to take action to reduce methane emissions, including by joining the Global Methane Pledge.

"At the same time, we would encourage Turkmenistan to further scale up its efforts and position itself as a regional leader in this area," he concluded.

Earlier in February, Turkmen Ambassador to Belgium Sapar Palvanov held talks with Deputy Director-General of the European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action Jan Dusik, where the sides discussed expanding cooperation on climate and energy issues, including within the framework of the EUs "Green Turkmenistan" programme and broader efforts on methane reduction and environmental modernization.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 4. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev and a group of ambassadors from the Gulf States and Jordan discussed the current situation in the Middle East, Trend reports via the Kazakh MFA.

The Foreign Minister expressed serious concern about the ongoing escalation, including strikes on friendly Arab countries. He emphasized the importance of a swift end to all hostilities, which are causing civilian casualties and significant damage to civilian infrastructure in the region. In this regard, the Kazakh diplomat thanked the heads of mission for their assistance in evacuating Kazakh citizens and ensuring their safe return home.

The Minister noted that Kazakhstan welcomes the efforts of Gulf leaders to promote peaceful political dialogue, as well as the joint initiative of China and Pakistan aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. He also highlighted Kazakhstans readiness to provide a platform for peace negotiations in the city of Turkestan.

In turn, the Arab diplomats noted the importance of supporting international efforts to ensure regional security, including further strengthening contacts and coordination with Astana. They reaffirmed their readiness to continue close cooperation aimed at enhancing political dialogue, expanding comprehensive collaboration, and implementing joint projects.

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.
Photo: Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 4. Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia discussed the prospects of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the Tajik MFA.

This topic was discussed on April 3, 2026, during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Farrukh Sharifzoda and the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Tajikistan Khalid Al-Shamrani on the occasion of the presentation of copies of his credentials.

During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs wished the new Ambassador of Saudi Arabia success in his further diplomatic activities in Tajikistan.

Meanwhile, Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia continue to steadily develop their bilateral relations, placing emphasis on expanding cooperation across key sectors, enhancing economic and investment ties, and strengthening diplomatic engagement through regular high-level contacts and dialogue.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. A U.S. MQ-1 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was shot down over Isfahan Province in central Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated, Trend reports.

The statement noted that the UAV was neutralized using the countrys air defense systems.

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 is now capable of targeting both 4th and 5th-generation fighter jets, the commander of the countrys Air Defense (AD) Joint Headquarters, Lieutenant General Alireza Elhami, told reporters, Trend reports.

Elhami stated that Irans AD systems can also intercept modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using newly developed domestic technologies.

He noted that since February 28, more than 160 UAVs have been shot down over Iranian territory, including models such as MQ-9, Hermes, and Lucas.

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. Three missiles targeted the Fajr, Rejal, and Amir-Kabir petrochemical facilities in Irans southwest Khuzestan province, causing multiple explosions, Valiullah Hayati, the Deputy Governor of Khuzestan province told local media, Trend reports.

The attack has triggered a large-scale emergency response, with firefighters and rescue teams deployed to contain the resulting blazes.

The strikes occurred amid a broader escalation of U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iranian infrastructure.

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. The Shalamcheh border trade terminal in the Khorramshahr County of Khuzestan Province, located in southwestern Iran, was hit today amid U.S. and Israeli military airstrikes on Iran, Deputy Governor of Khuzestan Province, Valiollah Hayati, told local media, Trend reports.

According to him, the terminal was severely damaged.

No additional information on deaths or injuries was reported.

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. The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in the southern Iranian Bushehr Province was attacked again amidst the U.S. and Israeli military airstrikes against Iran today, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) wrote on its X page, Trend reports.

AEOI noted that a missile fell on the territory of the Bushehr NPP. As a result of the explosion, one of the outbuildings of the station was damaged, and one of the guards was killed.

The organization pointed out that the main parts of the Bushehr NPP weren't damaged as a result of this attack and that there was no obstacle to the station's electricity production.

This is considered the fourth attack on the Bushehr NPP since February 28.

Unit 1 of Bushehr NPP began operating in 2011. In 2013, the operation of the unit was handed over by Rosatom to the Iranian company. Since 2013, the unit has produced a maximum of 1,000 megawatts of electricity. Over the past 10 years, electricity production at Bushehr NPP has exceeded 65 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Electricity production at the Bushehr NPP from 2013 to March 20, 2025, amounted to 72.4 million kWh.

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 allowed the passage of ships carrying humanitarian aid and essential goods from or to Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman, a letter from the head of the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture's Trade Development Department, Houman Fathi, to the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization, says, Trend reports.

The letter noted that the Iranian government and the Armed Forces have announced their agreement on the mentioned issue.

Additionally, the letter pointed out that the necessary obligations for the passage of ships in the Gulf of Oman or moving towards Iran, based on protocols, must be fulfilled, and which ships will pass through the strait.

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. More than 30 universities in Iran have been hit by U.S. and Israeli military airstrikes since February 28, Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simai Sarraf told reporters today, Trend reports.

According to him, Iran's non-military, educational, and research-related facilities are being attacked. Millions of schoolchildren and students in Iran are currently deprived of education.

The minister noted that so far, more than 60 students have died as a result of military airstrikes.

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been informed by Iran that a projectile struck close to the premises of the Bushehr NPP this morning, the fourth such incident in recent weeks, the agency said in a post on X, Trend reports.

Iran also informed the IAEA 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. No increase in radiation levels was reported, the post says.

Separately, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern over the incident, stressing that nuclear power plants and nearby areas must not be targeted, and reiterated the need for maximum military restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident.

Unit 1 of Bushehr NPP began operating in 2011. In 2013, the operation of the unit was handed over by Rosatom to the Iranian company. Since 2013, the unit has produced a maximum of 1,000 megawatts of electricity. Over the past 10 years, electricity production at Bushehr NPP has exceeded 65 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Electricity production at the Bushehr NPP from 2013 to March 20, 2025, amounted to 72.4 million kWh.

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media that Iran has 48 hours left to make a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz, Trend reports.

"Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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.
US under Donald Trump is already in Stone Age

If we look closely at the current United States landscape under the Trumpian MAGA era, a very obvious realization emerges: America has already gone back to the Stone Age

As NASAs Artemis 2 was lifting off from a launchpad in Florida on its way to the Moon, down below on Earth, US President Donald Trump was threatening to bomb Iran back to the Stone Age. That is, if they didnt agree to his terms for a deal.

It was a classic American trope  the idea that modernity on our planet is a fragile glass ornament held in place by the grace of U.S. power. And that, with enough high-explosive ordinance, they can physically relocate any nation several millennia into the past.

But then, Stone Age isnt just a lack of Wi-Fi or the absence of a Starbucks on every corner; it is a state of mind, a set of values, and a specific mode of human interaction.

And, if we look closely at the current American landscape under the Trumpian MAGA era, a very obvious realization emerges: America has already gone back to the Stone Age. They didnt need a single bomb to get there; just a change in management.

To bomb someone back to the Stone Age requires physical destruction. To lead someone back to the Stone Age only requires the destruction of their values. Without a single missile being fired, the U.S. has seen its civilizational gains  rationality, equality under the law, scientific pre-eminence, and the rejection of autocracywiped out in a flurry of ego, greed, pettiness and resentment.

It is now a nation governed by superstition, led by a man who views the world as a zero-sum struggle between rival clans, and supported by a band of sycophants, who have traded their conscience for a seat near the fire. To understand how a nuclear superpower can become a Neolithic tribe, we must define our terms. The Stone Age isnt just about flint knapping and animal skins. It represents:

Survival of the Fittest: A brutal meritocracy of muscle where power is the only currency; truth is a luxury for those who cant swing a club.

A brutal meritocracy of muscle where power is the only currency; truth is a luxury for those who cant swing a club. The Absence of Law: Where justice is whatever the local chieftain says it is this morning.

Where justice is whatever the local chieftain says it is this morning. Tribalism: An Us vs. Them mentality where anyone outside the immediate kinship group is a subhuman threat.

An Us vs. Them mentality where anyone outside the immediate kinship group is a subhuman threat. Superstition Over Science: A reliance on magic, omens, and the charismatic whims of the shaman.

When you hold this checklist up to the current American political climate, the resemblance is more than a little uncanny.

In the actual Stone Age, survival depended on your tribe. If you werent with the Cave Bear clan, you were an enemy to be bludgeoned. Fast forward to contemporary America, and Trump has successfully dismantled the concept of a United States in favour of a hyper-tribalized landscape.

The US President today doesnt govern a nation; he leads a faction. His rhetoric isnt designed to build a shining city on a hill, but to fortify the cave entrance against the invaders and vermin from the neighbouring valley. In this prehistoric political ecosystem, policy is irrelevant. What matters is the display of dominance  the ritualistic chest-thumping at rallies that serves as the modern equivalent of dancing around a fire before a hunt. The US has reverted to a state where the Other is not just a political opponent with a different tax plan, but an existential threat to the tribes survival.

What is Stone Age?

The Stone Age was defined by a lack of objective understanding of the world. If it thundered, the gods were angry. If the hunt failed, someone had cursed the tribe.

Under the Trump administration, the US has witnessed the systematic dismantling of the Enlightenmentthe very period that birthed America. It has traded the scientific method for the gut feeling of the Great Leader. Expert opinion from epidemiologists, climate scientists, and economists is dismissed as fake newswhile rumour and speculation are elevated to the status of facts.

When the President suggests injecting bleach to cure a virus or claims that wind turbines cause cancer, he isnt just being unconventional. He is performing the role of the tribal shaman, offering magical solutions to complex problems. In this Neolithic America, truth is whatever the Chieftain tweets. If the Chieftain says the sun is rising in the west, the tribe nods in agreement, for to question the shaman is to risk exile from the cave.

The greatest civilizational gain of the last 250 years was the transition from the Rule of Men to the Rule of Law. The world, with the US in the lead at that time, decided that even the King or President must answer to the same rules as the peasant.

However, the current US administration operates on the purely Stone Age principle that power is the law. Justice is not blind; it is a tool used to reward the loyalists of the tribe and punish its enemies. The world can today see the pardoning of war criminals and political cronies, the intimidation of judges, and the dismissal of constitutional checks and balances as mere annoyances.

The thuggish nature of this governance is purely prehistoric. If you have the biggest club or the loudest megaphone, you define what is legal. The US has regressed to a pre-Magna Carta state where the whim of the leader is the only statute that matters.

Now, let us turn our gaze to the nation that is the US is threatening to de-modernize. Iran is frequently labelled a theocracy by the West, a term used to imply a backwardness that justifies condescension. Yet, if we look at civilizational character, the roles seem to have reversed.

While the U.S. executive branch behaves like a chaotic warlord, Irandespite its internal complexities and restrictive governmentmaintains a level of institutional stability and intellectual rigour that puts the current White House to shame.

Valuing Education : While the U.S. is busy debating whether math is elitist or if libraries should be burned, Iran produces some of the worlds most brilliant scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. Their respect for true expert is the reason for their ability to fight back so powerfully against Israel and the US  missile for missile and drones for fighter aircraft.

: While the U.S. is busy debating whether math is elitist or if libraries should be burned, Iran produces some of the worlds most brilliant scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. Their respect for true expert is the reason for their ability to fight back so powerfully against Israel and the US  missile for missile and drones for fighter aircraft. Infrastructure of Mind: You can bomb a bridge, and you can bomb a power plant. These are the physical markers of the modern age. But in its essence, modernity is actually an internal state of being and behaviour. If you bomb Irans infrastructure, they will still be a people who value poetry, history, and scientific inquiry. They will possess the civilizational software to rebuild.

You can bomb a bridge, and you can bomb a power plant. These are the physical markers of the modern age. But in its essence, modernity is actually an internal state of being and behaviour. If you bomb Irans infrastructure, they will still be a people who value poetry, history, and scientific inquiry. They will possess the civilizational software to rebuild. Governance and Ritual: Even within its religious framework, the Iranian state operates with a degree of bureaucratic predictability and long-term strategic thinking that is utterly absent from the impulsive, Twitter-driven policy of the Trump administration. It is this ability to calmly respond to the greatest of existential threats that sets Iran out as a far superior nation to Trumpian America, which now resembles a headless chicken (though the head somehow keeps posting on Truth Social).

If the bombs fall, Iran might lose its electricity. But America, under its current leadership, has already lost its soul of both modernity and common decency. Who is truly in the Stone Age: the nation with broken bridges but which shows great courage and has a functioning intellect, or the nation with golden ballrooms, weak knees and a primitive, atavistic soul?

[The writer, Satya Sagar, is a journalist and a public health worker who can be reached at sagarnama@gmail.com]

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Thursday, Mar 26, 2026 | 1 month ago  VN

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the eruption continued at Aira between 23 March 2026 (local) and 25 March 2026 (local). The alert level remained at "Level 3 - Restriction on proximity to the volcano" (on a 5-level scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)



Current Alerts:

Ob

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the eruption continued at Aira between 23 March 2026 (local) and 25 March 2026 (local). The alert level remained at "Level 3 - Restriction on proximity to the volcano" (on a 5-level scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)



Current Alerts:

Observatory alert level: "Level 3 - Restriction on proximity to the volcano" (on a 5-level scale)

Aviat

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Last week I attended this years FOSSGIS-Konferenz in Gottingen, Germany, focusing on public transport and indoor navigation topics.

Photo by FOSSGIS e.V.

OSM indoor mapping

As it is tradition by now, Tobias and I hosted the Indoor OSM BoF.

The (translated) session notes are in the wiki. Theres some recurring themes, such as increasing the level of detail in the third dimension, as well as how to properly map inclined areas and two-dimensional walls. None of that has a good solution yet, so we are trying to get the right people together for a multi-day in-person workshop to finally progress those topics.

Im also increasingly wondering whether we need to replace the term indoor in this context, as that means different things to different people:

Mapping physically within a building. That separation is all but clear-cut though, in particular in and around train stations.

Mapping using areas rather than ways. Thats also not unique for being indoor.

Using the level tagging from SIT. While referring to floor levels, this is the best way we have to place features vertically, and thats also something that isnt limited to buildings.

Kate getting syntax highlighting for ISO 10303-21 STEP files, a file format used in building information modeling (BIM) (ie. the best possible data source for importing building geometry into OSM) is of course purely coincidental.

Indoor routing

Triggered by talks on indoor navigation in previous years which werent as forthcoming with actually publishing their code or papers as one might expect for a conference with FOSS in the name already, I presented the work we did in KDE for OSM-based indoor routing for Itinerary and Kongress.

The implementation is part of the KOSMIndoorMaps library and uses Recast Navigation under the hood. This works solely on areas, without needing an explicit routing graph. And it allows for routing to/from any arbitrary point, which is a requirement for localization/navigation use-cases. Theres drawbacks as well, directional cost on inclined ways are hard to consider with this for example.

OSM Indoor routing talk.

Richard from TU Dresden presented an alternative approach for indoor routing, semi-automatically generating routing graphs inside areas. This provides visually nicer results in narrow corridors, but becomes more challenging in open areas. By pure chance both our talks used the same building for demonstration, quite useful for discussing the strength and weaknesses of both ways.

Another topic of discussions was how to scale this up from working on a single building to something a planet-scale router such as MOTIS could integrate. Neither approach is well suited for that out of the box.

Transitous

Transitous was featured in Felix and Robins talk about new developments in MOTIS. Many of the new features presented there can already be seen in use on Transitous.

The conference provided the opportunity to talk to data providers about what we would need or would like to have for Transitous, as well as to data consumers, such as CoMaps, who are exploring integrating public transport routing.

And with several Transitous contributors around we also discussed a bunch of topics being currently looked into:

How to integrate the Danish Siri-over-AMQP feeds.

Parsing issues with the Swiss aerial lift NeTEx feed.

Sorting out the API key handling for the Baden-Wurttemberg Amarillo ride sharing feed.

Implementing spport for temporary POIs such as events.

Getting DIID elevator identifiers into OSM, for matching SIRI-FM realtime status feeds to OSM data for routing.

How to integrate empirical delay data into the MOTIS API.

KDE Itinerary

I also met a few Itinerary users and got feedback on current issues. An area that needs work is the fallback handling in the KPublicTransport library. We arent very good (yet) at switching to different sources when the primary one fails to deliver useful results. With the DB API becoming increasingly unreliable due to randomly blocking access (not just our apps, also affects their website), this becomes increasingly visible.

FOSSGIS e.V.

FOSSGIS e.V. is the German local chapter for OSM, and the organizer of the FOSSGIS-Konferenz. Given the significant overlap in topics (and some overlap in people) FOSSGIS e.V. has been one of the obvious organizational umbrellas for both the Open Transport Community Conference and Transitous.

This has been moving forward recently, and will solve a few practical problems:

Allow us to hold assets like domains independent of individual contributors, removing single points of failure.

Allows us to receive and spend money in a clean way.

This is rather important for the long-term sustainability of both initiatives. Being able to handle money is especially pressing for the Open Transport conference, as given the rather expensive location this year wed like to offer some form of travel support for people who arent attending this as part of their job.

Dynamic traffic data

Following a joined HeiGIT/BKG talk on routing quality there were a lot of hallway discussions on dynamic traffic data, as well as a session during the unconference part, all focusing on a proper free and open solution for this.

Dynamic traffic data includes:

(Aggregated) realtime traffic flow data (ie. current traffic jams).

Raw traffic flow sensor data, ie. sensors counting vehicles or floating vehicle position/speed vector data.

Statistical traffic flow data (ie. high traffic expected during specific times).

Dynamic traffic sign data, such as adaptive speed limits.

Temporary closures due to construction work, accidents, etc.

Realtime availability data for bike or car parking spaces.

This is crucial information for road routing, traffic planning and research. However currently this data is collected and owned by a few proprietary vendors. Google is a particularly big player here, using the position data submitted by Android phones.

In order to build a free and open replacement the only chance we have is to do that jointly, between all parties with any interest in this, otherwise this wont gather the necessary critical mass. Doing this under the OSM umbrella seems to be the obvious choice, especially since this needs to be mapped on to the static OSM road network data anyway.

It would certainly be an ambitious project, but theres a bunch of building blocks to work with already:

Sensor data from some public authorities, with various levels of processing applied.

A few cases of realtime data for dynamic traffic signs from their operators.

(Planned) construction site data in Datex II format by public authorities,

Floating vehicle information from GTFS-RT vehicle position feeds for busses (which we consume for Transitous already).

A community maintained road closure/construction database from SOSM.

Realtime parking data, partially even in standardized ParkAPI or Datex II formats.

Crowd sourcing in end user apps like CoMaps is likely also a viable option, similar to the work on crowd sourcing delay information for Transitous.

While this is mostly affecting roads (and thus cars and busses), construction work can also affect pedestrian and bike routing, either entirely or by changing e.g. relevant accessibility properties for wheelchair routing. There was agreement that any free and open effort should equally consider those modes of transportation.

The open source routing engines either already have support for integrating dynamic traffic data, or have adding support on their roadmap, Transitous would certainly integrate that as well. Public agencies were equally interested in open traffic data, but not all of them did show quite the same enthusiasm for also contributing to that yet.

All this gave me a slight deja vu to the state of public transport routing prior to FOSSDEM 2024, there seems to be a critical amount of interest and willingness to join such an effort, somebody just needs to kick-start it.
Upon instructions from my Government, and further to my previous communications regarding the acts of aggression, war crimes and acts of terrorism being committed by the United States and the Israeli regime against thpe sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran since 28 February 2026, I write to draw your urgent attention and that of the members of the Security Council to reports in the media indicating that the United States and the Israeli regime have identified and designated senior Iranian officials  including the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Seyed Abbas Araghchi  as targets for assassination, with any suspension of such plans described as temporary.

The reports indicate the existence of an operational framework contemplating the assassination of the highest-ranking political officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Such a policy has, in practice, already been pursued, systematically and in particular since the outset of the acts of aggression against Iran on 28 February 2026, including through the assassination of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and several senior political officials. Such a policy constitutes clear evidence of a serious breach of peremptory norms of international law. The conditional nature of the purported suspension further underscores that the threat remains real, deliberate and ongoing.

Such threats, emanating from criminal mindsets who have openly dismissed the rules of engagement as stupid, are deeply alarming. In collaboration with terrorists in charge of Tel Aviv, they have so far, in clear acts of State terrorism and deliberately, bombed and murdered hundreds of students, bombed hospitals and destroyed cultural heritage sites, among other atrocities. The promotion of so-called terror lists must therefore be understood as yet another manifestation of the same acts of terrorism that have begun a criminal war against Iran, which has thus far resulted in the deaths of more than 3,000 civilians.

The premeditated policy of assassinating high-ranking officials of a sovereign Member State of the United Nations constitutes a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations. Any such unlawful and cowardly act constitutes not only an act of terrorism but also a flagrant violation of international human rights law, including the right to life, and a serious breach of international humanitarian law.

It must also be emphasized that officials of the rank of Minister for Foreign Affairs enjoy full immunity ratione personae under customary international law, as repeatedly affirmed by the International Court of Justice. Any attempt on their lives would violate their personal inviolability and undermine the foundations of peaceful international relations.

The Islamic Republic of Iran categorically condemns any policy aimed at normalizing the assassination of senior State officials. Such a destructive and malicious policy and practice amount to State-sponsored terrorism, set a dangerous precedent and represent a serious escalation that threatens international peace and security. Full responsibility squarely lies with the United States and the Israeli regime for engaging in such internationally wrongful acts.

Given the gravity and ramifications of these breaches  implicating fundamental principles of international law, the foundations of the international community and the raison detre of the United Nations  the Islamic Republic of Iran calls upon the Security Council to:

 Unequivocally condemn any threat or act of assassination against State officials and leaders as a clear violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law

 Hold accountable those responsible for planning, authorizing, supporting and committing such acts of terrorism

 Force the United States and the Israeli regime to uphold their binding obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law, and to cease all grave violations and unlawful actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

If such grave threats and violations are left unaddressed or unanswered, it would set an exceedingly dangerous precedent, eroding the foundations of international law and exposing all States to similar unlawful and destabilizing practices.

I should be grateful if you would have the present letter circulated as a document of the General Assembly, under agenda item 84, and of the Security Council.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)  University of Illinois Springfield United Faculty (UISUF) members officially went on strike Friday morning as Chancellor Janet Gooch and UIS administration failed to reach an agreement with the union.

The union initially voted to authorize a strike on March 19. The strike started April 3.

John Miller, president of the University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100, said that faculty are eager to return to the classroom, but only once a fair contract is reached.

"We would like this strike to end as soon as possible. We're willing to bargain all weekend long. We were bargaining last night ... We'll be glad to sit down with them, but they need to come with a fair contract," Miller said.

The union previously shared the following statement:

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"After months of bargaining and mediation, we are disappointed that 6 highly-paid UIS administrators chose to force a faculty strike rather than offer front line workers fair pay with meaningful raises, the resources we need to do our work, and no 'take backs' from previous contracts. The administration's last pay offer would have provided faculty a $16/month raise for this academic yearnot even a tank of gas! The University of Illinois has an $8.3 BILLION budget. It can afford to pay frontline workers fair pay with the same REAL raises administrators give themselves! UIS faculty should watch their personal email and/or texts for directions from strike captains and plan to meet at the UIS colonnade at 9:30am Friday morning! UIS students can find the latest info from the union via email, this Facebook account, and our WordPress blog. We ask that you urge Chancellor Gooch to return to bargaining and settle a fair contract!"

UIS Administration issued the following statement:

"The University of Illinois Springfield respects the right of the UPI Local 4100 tenured and tenure-track faculty to choose a work stoppage, but is disappointed that union members have chosen this course of action. Our faculty colleagues play a valuable role on our campus and contribute meaningfully to the student experience. The University and the Union have met for 18 bargaining sessions, including a 10-hour session last night, where we communicated our readiness and willingness to continue meeting in mediation. We remain hopeful the union will return to the table so negotiations can continue. UIS is committed to supporting students who are affected by the facultys decision to participate in a work stoppage and has plans in place to minimize the impact to them. The University continues to work toward a fair and fiscally responsible contract that serves the entire university community and hopes to reach a timely agreement with the Union."

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
Bus Eireann's motion to gut a number of South East routes has been met with great criticism across the region.

The Expressway Route 4 link from Waterford to Dublin Airport will cease operating this coming May, as will the Rosslare/ Wexford - Waterford route.

The Route 4 Expressway connects Waterford to Kilkenny, SETU Carlow, Mullinavat and Thomastown.

On Wednesday, April 1, councillors of the Piltown Municipal District aired their disappointment with the State transport agency.

Labour Councillor Tomas Breathnach read from a statement directly from the Bus Eireann website about the now-gutted Route 4. Reading aloud, he said: "'Route 4 is the best way for any Dubs to visit Ireland's Sunny South East, or for anyone from the Copper Coast heading to the capital.' And then they take it away."

Cllr Breathnach said of the 12 daily services: "I think anyone would say that if the service isn't making money, you would rationalise it first and see if that might stem the losses."

Connecting Ireland

He referenced Connecting Ireland's earlier proposal to create three routes out of Waterford via the A90. The A90 route proposed a minimum of three return journeys a day that take in Stoneyford, Knocktopher, Mullinavat and other places en route from Kilkenny to Waterford.

Cllr Breathnach said: "That is still there as an objective and it behoves all of us to keep working on that. This year is the last year of that Capital Investment programme and it is imperative that the pressure is put on the Department to fund those services.

"It would seem to me that the funding is coming away from public transport sector and maybe going to other places."

Councillor Ger Frisby (Fianna Fail) commented: "It's a crazy decision. It just shows their contempt for the South East of the country, taking away these services that service so many different small rural communities that rely on it to get to Dublin and vice versa."

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme.
The freshly formed Waterford Creative Network (WCN) brought together a mix of local creatives at its first monthly meeting recently.

Hosted in Waterford Gallery of Art, the meeting marked an encouraging start for the new venture.

Started by local artist Niamh Ni Chearbhaill, the group will provide opportunities to network, collaborate and gain creative industry knowledge and support.

It is a networking and support group for all kinds of creatives who live or work in Waterford City and County.

It's run by creatives for creatives on a voluntary basis.

There are three ways to use the network, to attend the travelling salon, take part in group projects or join the WCN online network on social media and the WCN website.

An exciting aspect of the group is their travelling salon, which will visit areas across County Waterford each month.

The travelling salons are meetings where creatives can share their work and get feedback, listen to speakers, network and share contacts, and get support.

The group is meeting at the Lismore Heritage Centre at 11am on Saturday, April 25.

There will be a 20-minute talk on how to apply for funding, a chance to network, learn about what the group is doing, share creative works and get feedback.

The travelling salon will visit the following towns, one each month, ending back in Waterford City: Lismore, Ardmore, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Tallow, Portlaw, Ring, Cappoquin, Tramore, and Dungarvan.

WCN are welcoming all students, emerging or professional creatives; musicians, photographers, filmmakers, artists, crafters, writers, performers, and more who live or work in Waterford City or County.

New members are welcome at meetings and online.

The group encourages collaboration on creative projects and sharing contacts or giving referrals.

Support is also in the form of information dissemination both online and in the form of expert speakers on topics such as professional practice, curation and how to write an artist biography.
Met Eireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for County Waterford.

The warning, which was issued on behalf of Met Eireann by Waterford City & County Council, relates to wind and will remain in effect until at least 11pm tonight, Saturday, April 4.

A spokesperson for the local authority said Storm Dave is expected to bring strong onshore westerly to southerly winds combined with high waves and that may lead to wave overtopping and flooding in low-lying and exposed coastal areas.

Read More WATCH: High seas lash the Waterford coastline as Storm Chandra hits

High astronomical 'Spring' tides, coinciding with storm surge and persistent onshore winds, will further increase the risk of coastal flooding.

"Waterford City and County Council advises the public to exercise caution, heed public safety advice and expect the unexpected when driving, as there may be fallen trees, branches and debris on roads," noted the local authority spokesperson.

Motorists are also reminded to be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

A High Tide Advisory is in effect for Atlantic and southern coastal counties and the public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period.

The Irish Coast Guard appealing to people to stay back, stay high, stay dry".
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LifestyleFashionFashion accessories We dont call them manbags: Are you man enough to carry a handbag? Damien Woolnough April 3, 2026  4:00pm 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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MoneyInsuranceIncome protection Opinion The one insurance you cant afford to skip (and one you definitely can) Victoria Devine Money columnist April 5, 2026  3:01am

April 5, 2026  3:01am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

With the increased private health insurance premiums kicking in this week at an average of 4.41 per cent, many households are probably wondering if its really an expense that can be justified right now. In Australia, we spend an average of between $1500 to $2000 per person, and collectively about $120 billion every year on insurance. And yet, were still one of the most under-insured countries in the world. Sure, insurance costs are escalating, but its better to finesse your policies rather than forgoing the financial safety they provide. Perhaps thats why one in five Australians say theyve bought insurance they dont fully understand, and half of us arent confident that insurers will actually pay up when we need them. Like most things relating to personal finances, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to insurance, and not all insurances are created equal. So before you make any decisions, here are some useful things to consider, as well as some of the best and worst options to spend your money on.

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Lets start with what I, personally, think is the most important band of insurance: personal insurance. There are generally four types of cover that fall under this umbrella  life insurance, income protection, total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance, and trauma or critical illness insurance. In a nutshell, these insurances exist to financially protect you from worst-case scenarios and guarantee that if something bad does happen, youll be able to maintain your current standard of living. If I could only ever have one kind of insurance for the rest of my working life, it would be income protection. The good news is that many superannuation policies include some level of income protection and life insurance. But the level of coverage and access requirements varies, so its worth looking into and knowing what youre entitled to because you might want greater coverage depending on your situation. The stage youre at in life is also important here. If youre young, healthy, have no dependents and no debt, you likely wont need or want the same level of coverage as someone working full-time, with two kids and a mortgage.

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Similarly, someone with a great family health history might not feel the need to take out trauma insurance, but for someone with a family history of cancer or heart conditions it might make sense. Editor's pick Opinion

Investing Panicked about a market crash? Let me ease your concerns Victoria Devine Money columnist Trauma and TPD insurance come into play if you are diagnosed with a serious condition (or if you are permanently disabled) by providing a one-off tax-free lump sum to cover medical expenses and general living costs. If youve got a mortgage, have young children, hold other debts or dont have substantial savings, having this while you focus on your recovery can take a huge weight off. Income protection operates similarly to trauma insurance, but with a few key differences. Namely, policies tend to pay between 70-90 per cent of your income, and its delivered in instalments rather than a lump sum. The coverage also tends to be broader and include things like mental health. If I could only ever have one kind of insurance for the rest of my working life, it would be income protection. Thats because my income is what makes everything else possible.

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If I hurt myself, I can see a doctor because theres money in my account thanks to my income. If my car breaks down, I can visit a mechanic and pay for it to be fixed thanks to my income. If my roof leaks, I can phone a builder and, you guessed it, cover the bill with my income. Yes, having health, car and home insurance will ease the financial pain a lot, but without an income coming in, I cant pay for those protections in the first place  let alone any out of pocket gaps that those insurances dont cover. Then theres the one that few people like to talk about or think about: life insurance. Many people wrongly assume this is only something wealthy people need, but thats not true. Life insurance at its most basic means that if you die with debts, your loved ones wont be lumped with the burden of those and will have a good level of financial support to keep them on their feet in their darkest days. Now we get to the second band of insurance, which is the most common: private health insurance, pet insurance, car insurance, and home and contents insurance. If you have the means to pay for these insurances, and it makes sense to have them, these are great to have. Most banks insist mortgage holders have home and contents insurance as a condition of the loan, so thats a non-negotiable if you own a property. The same goes for cars that have loans attached to them or are through a lease agreement.

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When it comes to private health insurance, dont get me wrong, I think its great and have written about this previously. But again, if were working to a tight budget and can only have one, the reality is that a one-off expensive dental bill is going to hurt much less than six months of no salary. Editor's pick General insurance Is pet insurance worth it? For many Australians, the answer is no If you are in a position to afford it, the most important thing is to look at if you have the right level of coverage for your needs and that you arent under or over insured. Its also important to remember that unlike other insurances, this will only cover a portion of your medical bills if you get sick  it doesnt provide the breathing space that TPD, trauma or income protection will. Then we get to the third band, which are the insurances I, personally, would never pay for. This includes things like phone insurance and funeral insurance. For extended warranties and phone insurance, its straightforward. When you work out what you will pay on insurance over the coverage period versus what it would cost to replace the item if it broke or was stolen, the out-of-pocket expense is relatively minor. That means the insurance is not money well spent.

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Funeral insurance is similar in that the average payout in Australia is about $8500, but the premiums paid are generally between $20,000 and $30,000. Instead, youre much better off putting a lump sum or small amount aside each paycheque into a high-interest savings account. At the end of the day, insurance is about finding a balance between how likely something is to happen to you, what the cost of that would be if it happened, and protecting something you cant afford to lose. Phone insurance policies are often not worth the money. Getty Images Most of us take out insurance with the hope that we will never have to use them. I understand that this can make them seem like a waste of money  especially when the cost of living is already stretching and straining so many of us. But Ive seen the impact that unexpected life events can have enough times to know that even when people do make it out the other side, the process takes its toll. So knowing nothing has to change monetarily when many things are out of your control is arguably one of the best investments you can make.

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Victoria Devine is an award-winning retired financial adviser, a bestselling author and host of Australias No.1 finance podcast, Shes on the Money. She is also founder and director of Zella Money. Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter.
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NationalUniversity $4189 to park on campus? Cost-of-living crisis comes for university students Sally Rawsthorne April 4, 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

For Erbin Bandong, the costs dont add up. Parking on campus varies, but the cheapest rate is $25 a day, the second-year software engineering student said. Thats $75 a week for the three days on campus. Its too much. Erbin Bandong says that parking on campus is prohibitively expensive. Audrey Richardson His solution is to drive from his Marsden Park home to Kellyville and catch the metro to Macquarie University, at a cost of $4 return. Thats pretty good  a concession fee is reasonable, he says, while eating a free sausage from one of the universitys social clubs.

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As the cost-of-living crisis threatens to escalate amid the US/Israeli war against Iran and petrol shocks, university students nationwide are struggling with costs associated with their degrees that can rise into the thousands of dollars. The Morrison government radically changed university fee structures, sending humanities fees north of $50,000 while lowering costs for subjects such as teaching, nursing, science and engineering by up to 60 per cent. Uni students are feeling the pinch as the cost-of-living crisis is turbocharged by the war in Irans effect on oil prices. Audrey Richardson Housing near campus can be expensive, and many students face long commutes. Public transport is no panacea: for instance, the metro extension to Bankstown has been delayed until later this year, and the line is frequently closed for testing. Since the fuel price surge, Premier Chris Minns has resisted calls to join Victoria in making public transport free. Before the first HECS payment is extracted, students already feel the bite as costs steadily creep up for textbooks, lab coats and safety equipment, studio materials, field trips and printing.

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UTSs only on-site parking costs $9 per half hour. At Macquarie University, an annual parking ticket for General Zone 1 costs students $844 and staff $1111. Access to the East 3 car park sets students back a maximum of $4189 annually. At Macquarie, students can spend $250 to graduate, while the textbook for one first-year law subject at the University of NSW costs $185. Thousands of Western Sydney University students are using the institutions Food Pantry annually Sitthixay Ditthavong The universities themselves are the only ones who can fix this, National Union of Students president Felix Hughes said. Western Sydney University has opened food pantries on two of its campuses for students suffering food insecurity. Last month, WSU began cooking classes for students.

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Food security is a big challenge for university students, said pantry volunteer Sonu Sonu, 26, an engineering student from India. Many are struggling quietly with access to nutritious and consistent meals. Theyre trying to focus on their study but cant, they dont even have one meal in a day. Its very hard. Related Article University Of the things going wrong at universities, this issue rarely makes the headlines Sonu said his fellow international students were particularly challenged by rising costs. Students are going without meals, Hughes said. Theyre having to choose between food, or rent, or travel to campus. Students take on more work to afford uni expenses so do fewer classes and get worse marks; theyre missing compulsory attendance. Universities dont need to charge these massive parking costs or these really significant increases in accommodation on campus. They do it because students dont have a choice. 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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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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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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Two associates of Dezi Freeman have been arrested as part of the investigation into how the police killer managed to evade capture for months. Five days after Freeman was shot dead by heavily armed officers, a man and a woman were arrested at separate properties in north-east Victoria about 7am on Saturday. Dezi Freeman was shot dead by police on Monday after months on the run. A Current Affair Victoria Police issued a statement late Saturday afternoon that said the pair had been released without charge pending further inquiries. Police confirmed the pair were not family members of Freeman, with a spokeswoman instead describing them as his associates.

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Porepunkah shooting A doona and a surprise tip-off: The bizarre final moments of Dezi Freeman The investigation remains ongoing and, as such, we are not in a position to provide further details at this immediate time, the spokeswoman said in a statement. Police would not confirm where in the states north-east the pair were arrested. Freeman had been on the run since August 26 last year, when he killed Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart at a Porepunkah property when they arrived as part of a group of 10 officers to carry out a search warrant in relation to child sexual abuse allegations against him. In February, police said they strongly believed Freeman was dead.

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But it emerged on Monday that Freeman had been hiding out in a shipping container on a remote bush property in Thologolong, near the border town of Walwa. After an hours-long stand-off, Special Operations Group members shot dead the 56-year-old, having repeatedly called for him to surrender. No officers were injured, despite Freeman firing the semi-automatic pistol he had stolen from one of the police he had killed in August. The shootout brought to an end Australias longest and most expensive manhunt.

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Related Article Porepunkah shooting The obstacles police face trying to build a case against Dezi Freemans accomplices Speaking on Monday, after Freeman was killed, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush repeatedly said he must have had help while on the run for 216 days. [It is] very important for us to understand how long hes been here and who else was complicit in getting him here, and then caring for him or providing him with food and other things to this point, Bush said. We will be speaking to anyone we suspect has assisted him to avoid detection and arrest. Four police sources, not authorised to speak publicly about the case, told The Age that the force was led to the Thologolong property by a tip-off from someone close to the countrys most wanted man.

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Two burner phones were found at the scene  more than 150 kilometres away from Porepunkah  which police spent the week examining to try and establish who was assisting Freeman. Police offered a record $1 million reward for any information leading to Freemans capture last year and warned that anyone caught harbouring or assisting Freeman would face severe penalties. Loading Criminal law specialist Melinda Walker previously told this masthead that in a case such as this, any charges would fall under section 325 of the states Crimes Act. This includes cases where a person has committed a serious indictable offence and another person, who knows or believes them to be guilty of this principal offence, acts with the purpose of assisting with their escape from authorities or impeding their apprehension, prosecution, conviction or punishment.

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Where the principal offence is the most serious offence, being life imprisonment, then that person [who assists them] could be liable to a penalty of a maximum of 20 years if they are found guilty, Walker said. Walker said that for someone to be found guilty of helping a criminal, it must be proved they had done something absolutely positive with the knowledge of the accused offenders crimes. This could include deliberately misleading police, hiding the accused or providing them with food, transport or money to escape, she said. Another senior legal source, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly, said there was a cascading series of possible offences a person could face, from moderate to very, very serious. If the facts suggest that with the knowledge that a very serious crimes been committed, and you do something to assist the offender, thats a serious indictable offence that usually attracts jail, the criminal lawyer said.

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Related Article Porepunkah shooting Dezi Freemans family finally got him a mental health appointment. He never made it If you dont have a belief that its a murder, the maximum is around five years. But if you have a belief that it is murder, you could be facing 20 years in jail. Were talking about very serious offences that are heard in the Supreme Court. The Age reported earlier this week that the task of building a case against anyone who had helped Freeman evade capture would face serious obstacles, according to officers familiar with the use of mobile phone data as evidence. One police source, who was not authorised to speak on behalf of the force, described any proof of conversations between Freeman and his associates as handy intelligence, but not great evidence.

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Last month, Victoria Police conceded it could not proceed with charges against Freemans wife Mali Freeman and a 56-year-old man from Porepunkah over obstructing their investigation. The Office of Public Prosecutions reviewed a brief of evidence against the pair and found it was insufficient to support a conviction, which is understood to have rankled several investigators involved in the case. The briefs against Mali Freeman and the Porepunkah man were independently reviewed by a barrister, who also determined a prosecution was unlikely. Mali Freeman was arrested and interviewed by police in August before being released. She subsequently released a statement via her lawyer in which she urged her husband to surrender and for anyone helping him to come forward. Police finished examining Freemans Thologolong hideout on Wednesday night, with photos taken by The Age on Thursday detailing his temporary camp around a shipping container with apparently newly fitted spinning air ducts to make it habitable in the summer heat.

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Officers found camp chairs, an open box of beer, gas bottles and cooking appliances. The property is owned by Richard Sutherland, 75, who has been in Tasmania for months and has not yet returned. He was unaware Freeman was staying on his land, with his brother Neil Sutherland, who owns the neighouring property, saying he was shocked to learn that that was where Freeman had been hiding out. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Iran shooting down two American military jets marks an exceedingly rare assault for the U.S. that has not happened in more than 20 years and shows the Islamic Republics continued ability to hit back despite President Donald Trump asserting it has been completely decimated.

The attacks came five weeks after U.S. and Israeli strikes first pounded Iran, with Trump saying earlier this week that Tehran's ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed."

Iran shot down a U.S. F15-E Strike Eagle fighter jet Friday, with one service member getting rescued and the search still underway for a second, U.S. officials say. Iranian state media also said a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed after being hit by Iranian defense forces.

The last time a U.S. warplane was shot down by enemy fire in combat was an A-10 Thunderbolt II during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, a former F-16 fighter pilot.

But, he said, thats because the U.S. had largely been fighting insurgents who didnt have the same anti-aircraft capabilities. The fact that there have not been more fighter jets lost in Iran, Cantwell said, is a testament to the capabilities of U.S. forces.

"The fact that this hasnt happened until now is an absolute miracle, said Cantwell, who served four combat tours and is now a senior resident fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. Were flying combat missions here, they are being shot at every day.

Shoulder-fired missile likely used, experts say

U.S. Central Command said in a statement Wednesday that American forces have flown more than 13,000 missions in the Iran war while striking more than 12,300 targets.

After more than a month of punishing U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, a degraded Iranian military nonetheless remains a stubborn foe. Its steady stream of strikes against Israel and Gulf Arab neighbors have been causing regional upheaval and global economic shock.

When it comes to American dominance over Iran's airspace, theres still a distinction between air superiority and air supremacy, said Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran program senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank.

A disabled air defense system is not a destroyed air defense system, he said. We shouldnt be shocked that theyre still fighting.

American planes have been flying missions at lower altitudes, which makes them more vulnerable to Iran's missiles, Taleblu said. Its possible that Iran fired at the F-15 with a surface-to-air missile, but it's more likely that a portable, shoulder-fired missile was used, he said. Those are much harder to detect and reflect how Iran is weak but still lethal.

This is a regime that is fighting for its life, he said.

Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel and a senior defense adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, agreed that a shoulder-fired missile was likely used against the fighter jet.

Nonetheless, the American air war against Iran has been a tremendous success so far, he said.

To put things in perspective, he said the loss rate for American warplanes flying over Germany during World War II was 3% at one point, which would equal about 350 warplanes in the U.S. war against Iran.

But then theres the political side  you have a American public that is accustomed to fighting bloodless wars, Cancian said. Then a large part of the country doesnt support the war. So to them, any loss is unacceptable.

Pilots are trained on what to do if their plane is hit

The last U.S. jet shot down in combat was struck by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile over Baghdad on April 8, 2003. The pilot safely ejected and was rescued, according to the Air Force.

In high-threat environments like missions over Iran, Cantwell, the retired general, said an aviator's blood pressure goes up and they become highly alert to incoming missiles. Those are typically either infrared- or radar-guided missiles, he said, requiring different evasive tactics.

If they are hit and need to eject from their aircraft, they are trained on what to do next, he said.

Pilots learn to check for wounds after a violent ejection and the shock of a missile explosion and, most crucially, how they are going to communicate their location so rescuers can find them.

At the same time, he said, the enemy is likely working to intercept the communications or even spoof the location.

Helicopters are more at risk than other aircraft

The planes that went down Friday were not the first crewed American aircraft to be lost overall in Iran.

A military helicopter and airplane exploded in 1980 during an aborted mission to rescue several dozen American hostages at the U.S. embassy in Tehran, according to the Air Force Historical Support Division.

After a series of setbacks, including severe dust storms and mechanical failures, the mission was called off. As the aircraft took off, the rotor blades of one of the RH-53 helicopters collided with an EC-130 aircraft full of fuel and both exploded, killing eight.

More U.S. helicopters have been shot down in recent decades, including a MH-47 Army Chinook helicopter that was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Afghanistan in 2005, killing 16. Helicopters are more dangerous because the lower and the slower, the more susceptible you are, Cantwell said.

Thats why those who went out on this week's rescue missions, likely in helicopters, he said, did such a brave and honorable act.

Bedayn reported from Denver.

This story has been clarified to show that a U.S. military jet has not been shot down in 20 years vs. general aircraft.
Literacy starts long before reading or writing, say WSU education students

April 3, 2026

OGDEN, Utah  Early childhood education majors Ashley Ardon and Katelyn Hurst are demonstrating how a better understanding of literacy can help children succeed long before they learn to read or write.

Ardon and Hurst explain that early childhood literacy starts with pattern recognition, storytelling, social interactions, and many other foundational skills that eventually lead to reading and writing.

Ashley Ardon (left) and Katelyn Hurst (right) work

in the Melba S. Lehner Childrens School

It doesnt just come from opening a book and learning how to read or learning the alphabet, Ardon said. Literacy is all around children at all times. Just by coming to school and having conversations with teachers and peers, theyre learning how to read and write.

From behavior technician to early childhood educator

Ardon was initially studying web design when she started at Weber. At the same time, she was a behavior technician at a clinic for autistic individuals. There, she discovered a passion for working with children and wanted to expand to early childhood education.

The 22-year-old started working at The Melba S. Lehner Childrens School, which is a developmental early childhood program as well as a training lab for WSU early childhood education majors to learn about working with children and families. A few months later, she decided to officially change her major.

Ardon has seen the children grow and learn in many different ways, especially through the schools child-led curriculum. This type of individualized instruction encourages kids to be curious and explore their interests, which promotes independence and choice-making skills.

The children show us what they need and how to go about lesson-planning for them, Ardon said. If a child mentions paint, well get out paint and ask how they want to use the paint. Do they want to use their hands or feet, and go based on what they need.

Ardon hopes to eventually become a mentor teacher at Weber State, so she can continue working with children while also being an example for future educators.

Where play becomes learning

From a young age, Hurst knew she wanted to be a teacher and work with children.

After student teaching at the MSL Childrens School for a semester, the 23-year-old knew early childhood education was the right classroom setting for her.

Its so cool to see how the children learn through play, Hurst said. We can see their growth in literacy with scribbling as theyre starting to learn how to write. Or when theyre making their own stories by drawing pictures.

Through this self-paced learning, Hurst said shes seen how early childhood literacy develops and grows.

Her favorite part about working with children is seeing their faces light up during moments of understanding. Whether theyre drawing or trying to open a jar, she said their aha moments make the hard days worth it.

After graduation this month, Hurst will be searching for a teaching position, preferably in the second grade.

Expanding what literacy looks like in education

Ardon said early childhood education and the foundation of literacy isnt always widely understood, which is why its important to her to provide children with skills that will set them up for the rest of their lives.

Sheila Anderson, WSUs early childhood education program director, said the MSL Childrens Schools approach to emergent literacy focuses on holistic learning experiences and self-initiated tasks.

We conceptualize literacy not as a discrete skill, but as the process of becoming part of a community, she said. It grows from the desire to express needs, ideas, creative and emotional experiences, while seeking to understand and connect with others.

The MSL Children's School is supported by the Melba S. Lehner endowment, which helps advance higher education for early childhood educators while elevating the quality of educational experiences for young children.

Through enrichment opportunities and hands-on student teaching experience, Hurst said the Early Childhood Education program has helped shape her perspective as a future childrens teacher.

Try taking a step back and observing kids in their natural environment, Hurst said. If you see them playing in the park, stop and think about what theyre trying to do. Are they trying to climb a tree? What are they trying to figure out? Then maybe youll see they understand a lot more than you think.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

There might be an early shower; otherwise, mostly cloudy. .

Tonight

There might be an early shower; otherwise, mostly cloudy.
At this years Leipzig Book Fair March 19-22, concerns and horror over the global political situation were palpable. The escalation of war in the Middle East and the danger of fascism in America have shaken the cultural world. While tens of thousands of readers, authors and publishers gathered in Leipzig, bombs fell on Iran and ICE agents patrolled American cities.

Against this background, it was of great significance that the new book by Mehring Verlag was published just in time for the fair, raising the key question that is moving millions of people: Where is America Going? Fascism or Socialism.

Book presentation in Leipzig

The turnout at the book presentation at the fair with editor David North was enormous. The non-fiction forum in Hall 5 did not offer enough space for the over 150 participants, some of whom had to sit on the floor or stand in the aisle to follow the event.

Book presentation Where is America Going? Fascism or Socialism, Leipzig Book Fair, 21 March 2026

In the week following the fair, International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) university groups organised further book presentations at universities in Berlin and Nuremberg, which attracted a considerable audience despite the semester break. At all three events, the lecture was followed by a lively discussion.

David North, chairman of the international editorial board of the World Socialist Web Site and national chairman of the Socialist Equality Party, began the book presentation in Leipzig with a quote from Leon Trotsky about the situation in Germany in 1934: Not every exasperated petty bourgeois could have become a Hitler, but a particle of Hitler is lodged in every exasperated petty bourgeois. Applied to today, one could say: not every CEO is a Trump, but more than a little of Trump is lodged in every corporate boss. Trump is the expression of the deep disease of capitalist society.

Book presentation at the Leipzig Book Fair with David North, March 21, 2026

Book presentation at the Leipzig Book Fair with David North, 21 March 2026

But why is it possible that Trump is in power? asked North. To carry out its policies, American imperialism must use the methods of criminality and fascismand you can see that very clearly now in the war against Iran.

Today, he said, it was necessary to build a new worldwide anti-war movement based on the working class. The German working class must revive its old traditions. People here know what it means to fight against war and fascism, North said. He concluded the book presentation with an urgent appeal to study the book and draw the conclusion to become politically active themselves.

Visitors at the Mehring Verlag stand at the Leipzig Book Fair 2026

Many visitors subsequently bought the book and thanked North for his clear and courageous words. The great interest in Where is America Going? was also evident at the Mehring Verlag stand. The mood was concerned and thoughtful. Numerous discussions dealt with the causes of Trumps rise, the role of the American working class and the policies of the Democratic Party, which paved the way for Trump.

It became clear that the danger of a fascist dictatorship is not an American question. Many visitors looked with dismay at the electoral successes of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Merz government, which supports the war of aggression against Iran in violation of international law, is rapidly rearming militarily and implementing a comprehensive decimation of social spending. In total, Mehring Verlag sold over 50 copies of Where is America Going? at the fair and during the campaign.

Book presentation in Berlin

On 24 March, about 80 students and workers attended the second book presentation Humboldt University in Berlin. In his lecture on the historical roots of the Iran war, North traced almost a century of American interventions against Iranfrom the CIA coup in 1953 to the instrumentalization of Iraq under Saddam Hussein and the current war of aggression.

In doing so, he refuted in detail the thesis that the war is simply a result of Israeli influence on US politics and explained the material interests of American capitalism in the energy-rich Persian Gulf region. The WSWS has published his lecture here as a video and text.

In his introduction, Johannes Stern, editor-in-chief of the German edition of the WSWS, highlighted the role of the European powers, and in particular Germany, in the Iran war. The government was lining up behind the US while simultaneously pursuing its own imperialist interests, Stern said.

In the discussion, a student who supported the IYSSE campaign raised the question of why Trump had not started a war against Iran in his first term. North pointed out that even then, Trump had increased the military budget and cancelled the nuclear agreement with Iran. At the same time, there was widespread rejection of the forever wars of the US, which exerted a certain pressure. But Trump had never pursued any kind of pacifist policy. Regardless of the tactical differences between Republicans and Democrats, the fundamental goal of American imperialism was to offset the economic decline of the United States through the use of military force, North said.

What we are witnessing is an attempt to restore the world as it was before the great revolutions of the 20th century, said North. The betrayals of Stalinism, social democracy, the complete capitulation of so-called labor organizations to imperialism has cleared the path for the policies were now seeing.

David North speaking at Humboldt University in Berlin, 24 March 2026

He further explained: The workers are now finding out once again, why there was a mass socialist movement in the first half of the 20th century, and why they must have one. He confronted the audience directly with the decisive question: What are you going to do? Our movement can provide strategy. We can provide analysis. But the determination to fight must come from the masses themselves, and it must come from those who understand.

The significance of a revolutionary party arose precisely from the necessity to bring thinking into line with objective reality, North said. The objective conditions provide the impulse for social revolution. But there has to be within that movement a substantial layer of the working class that understands the famous question: What is to be done?

Another participant expressed an extremely pessimistic attitude in view of the rising votes for right-wing parties among workers. He doubted that the working class could really make a revolution.

In his reply, David North explained that the optimism of the revolutionary movement was based on the understanding of the contradictions in capitalism, which would lead to struggles. I think that a profoundly revolutionary situation is developing within the United States, he said, stressing that the US emerged from the American Revolution, which marks its 250th anniversary this year and lives on in the consciousness of the masses. Millions of people had taken part in demonstrations against Trump.

The problem is not a lack of anger, not a lack of opposition, but a lack of perspective, he explained. There were many reasons for this: decades of anti-communist propaganda, the cowardice of academics, the suppression of the class struggle, the trade union bureaucracies. But a feeling of resistance was emerging.

Our challenge is to prepare a cadre, a party of sufficient strength, not necessarily at first a mass party. But when masses are driven into struggle, and they are looking for an orientation, those who can provide an analysis, the party that can explain events, acquires immense authority and power. Therefore, the task now was to develop political understanding and orientation within the working class.

Book presentation in Nuremberg

A lively discussion also emerged at the event at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg on March 27, which was also well attended with about 80 participants, including many students, and took place on the eve of the large No Kings protests in the US.

In his lecture, North went into greater detail about the Nuremberg trials of the Nazi leaders in 1945-1946 and demonstrated that the US war on Iran was a crime against peace. Those responsible, above all Trump and his ministers, must be put on trial as criminals. In a video in front of the Palace of Justice, where the Nuremberg trials took place, he drew a direct parallel to todays war of aggression.

On March 27, 2026, David North, chairman of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site, delivered this lecture at Friedrich-Alexander University in Nuremberg, Germany.

The subsequent discussion revolved primarily around a correct assessment of the Iran war, the causes of Trumps votes from the ranks of workers, Latinos and black people, and the question of why building a Marxist party in America, Germany and worldwide today, based on the historical lessons of the 20th century, is so urgent.

The pro-imperialist stance of the supposedly democratic opposition of exiled Iranians was epitomised by a student from Iran, who revealed himself to be an ardent supporter of the Shahs son Reza Pahlavi. He repeated the atrocity propaganda of the Trump administration to justify the war, speaking first of 30,000 killed Iranian demonstrators, then even of over 100,000, although there is hardly any verifiable information regarding these figures. Then he bluntly claimed: All Iranians 100 percent support this war and have loudly said: Trump, we need help!

North emphasised in his reply that the Trotskyist movement is a political opponent of the Iranian regime and opposes the repression of the protests. But he made clear that Iran, historically speaking, is an oppressed nation. For decades, imperialism had tried to subjugate this country to the geopolitical interests of the US. The demonstrations against the Iranian regime were dominated by bourgeois layers, align themselves behind Pahlavis reactionary programme, and receive support from the American and European bourgeoisie.

David North during the discussion at the event in Nuremberg, 27 March 2026

In a strong speech, another student of Iranian origin rebuked the pro-imperialist Pahlavi supporter. He drew particular attention to the girls school that was bombed by the US right at the beginning of the war: While the parents of the children are suffering there, you exiled Iranians take to the streets here, dance, celebrate, shout the name of Trump, who bears full responsibility for the over 160 children who were brutally murdered.

At the close of the discussion, North returned once again to the traditions of the American Revolution and quoted the Declaration of Independence, which gives the American population the right to alter or to abolish a government if it no longer represents the people. He appealed to all the students and workers present to assimilate the lessons of history, to read Marxist literature and thus to prepare themselves for the coming struggles of the working class.
PART ONE | PART TWO

Plotkin and the rubella vaccine

As Dr. Stanley Plotkin recently explained to the WSWS, the mid-century vaccinologist worked with severely limited tools: At that time we had only two ways to make vaccines: attenuation of the agent or inactivation of the agent. Plotkin chose attenuationthe Pasteurian principle of weakening a pathogen until it can stimulate immunity without causing disease.

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]

Plotkin executed this Pasteurian logic with mid-century precision but made one crucial departure from conventional practice: He chose to cultivate the rubella virus in human cells rather than animal substrates. Animal tissuesmonkey kidneys, duck embryo cellswere notoriously prone to contamination with latent pathogens, including the cancer-associated SV40 virus that had contaminated early polio vaccines.

There was a deeper scientific logic at work as well. Unlike most pathogens, rubella has no known animal reservoirIt exists exclusively in human populations and replicates most faithfully in human tissue. A virus with no animal host, Plotkin must have reasoned, should be attenuated in the cells it targets. Growing it through animal substrates risked producing a strain mismatched to the human immune system it needed to train. Human cells were not merely cleaner; for this pathogen, they were demonstrated to be scientifically correct.

The essential substrate for Plotkins vaccine was a cell line known as WI-38. Developed in 1962 at the Wistar Institute by biologist Leonard Hayflick, WI-38 was derived from the lung tissue of a legally aborted fetus in Sweden. The woman who underwent the abortiona mother who felt she could not manage another childis known in historical accounts only as Mrs. X. Her name was never recorded in scientific literature, and she has declined, in the decades since, to be identified.

Hayflicks cells were a breakthrough. Unlike the monkey tissues commonly used at the time, they were free of dangerous animal viruses, and they could divide reliably through approximately 50 generations in the laboratory before naturally reaching senescencea phenomenon Hayflick himself had discovered and that now bears his name, the Hayflick limit.

Using the WI-38 cells, Plotkin isolated the rubella virus from the kidney of a fetus aborted during the epidemic. He designated the resulting viral strain RA 27/3Rubella Abortus, the 27th specimen tested, the 3rd tissue explanta naming convention that preserved in shorthand the precise conditions of the strains discovery.

To attenuate the virus, Plotkin grew it repeatedly in WI-38 cells while progressively lowering the incubation temperaturefrom 35 degrees Celsius down to 30. Each passage through these cooler, artificial conditions forced the virus to accumulate mutations favoring laboratory survival over replication in the human body. By the 25th passage, the strain had been sufficiently weakened: It could still stimulate the immune system, but it could no longer cause disease.

When it came time to test RA 27/3, Plotkin selected a setting rich in historical irony: St. Vincents Home for Children, a Philadelphia orphanage administered by Catholic nuns. The trial proceeded with the explicit written blessing of Archbishop John Joseph Krol. Decades later, it would be the Catholic Churchs own anti-abortion constituenciesalong with broader right-wing anti-vaccine forceswho would attack the vaccine precisely because of its origins in fetal cell tissue, targeting a scientific legacy that the Archbishop had once endorsed.

The vaccine, however, ran immediately into regulatory resistance. Despite its demonstrated safety and immunogenicity, American regulators refused to approve RA 27/3 for a decadea delay driven not by scientific evidence but by institutional prejudice against human cell substrates. The governments Division of Biologics Standards, led by Roderick Murray, stubbornly favored vaccines grown in animal tissues, warning that human cell strains might harbor hypothetical cancer-causing agentsthis from an agency that had authorized monkey kidney cells repeatedly shown to carry actual dangerous contaminants, including SV40.

While American regulators stalled, Plotkins vaccine was licensed and deployed across Europe, accumulating a decade of safety data. The impasse in the United States was finally broken by Dorothy Horstmann, a Yale virologist whose comparative field studies demonstrated conclusively that the animal-based rubella vaccines approved in the US failed to prevent reinfection at the rates Plotkins strain did. RA 27/3 produced higher and more durable antibody levels, better resistance to reinfection, andcriticallya stronger mucosal immune response in the nasopharynx, precisely where the virus first established itself.

Horstmanns data persuaded Maurice Hilleman, Mercks chief virologist, to abandon his companys duck-embryo formulation and adopt Plotkins strain. In 1979, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally approved RA 27/3, making it the standard rubella vaccine in the United States10 years after it had been in use in Europe.

Elimination of rubella

The introduction of routine rubella vaccination in the United States in 1969 produced an immediate and dramatic reduction in infections and congenital tragedies. The delivery mechanism that made this population-wide protection possible was the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, a combination formulation developed by Maurice Hilleman at Merck in 1971 that united measles, mumps and rubella immunization in a single shot. By 1979, Plotkins RA 27/3 strain had replaced earlier animal-substrate formulations as the rubella component of the MMR. It remains so today, in every MMR vaccine administered anywhere in the world.

On October 29, 2004, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) convened an independent panel of internationally recognized public health authorities to assess the nations rubella status. After reviewing the clinical, laboratory and epidemiological evidence, the panel concluded unanimously that the continuous chain of transmission had been brokenthat rubella was no longer endemic in the United States.

The dramatic collapse of rubella and CRS in the United States following the introduction of routine vaccination in 1969a public health achievement now under existential threat. [Photo: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

The measure of what was achieved is contained in two numbers. In 1964 and 1965, the rubella epidemic produced 20,000 infants born with congenital rubella syndrome in just two years. In the 13 years between 2005 and 2018, the entire United States recorded 15 such casesfrom 20,000 to 15! That is the measure of Plotkins vaccine.

As the researchers who followed Norman Greggs original patients for six decades observed, this cohort had illuminated our understanding of viral teratogenesisbut more than that, they had helped prove that the disease causing their lifetimes of deafness, blindness and heart failure was now preventable. Future generations would not have to suffer as they had.

Reflecting on the rubella vaccines history in a 2006 retrospective, Plotkin closed with a statement that would prove tragically optimistic: We have the tools to do it, and only the political will is required. That sentence now reads as the high-water mark of a postwar public health consensuswritten at the moment before the political will it called for began its long, structural dissolution.

Why public health is always political

The great public health achievements of the mid-20th centuryamong them the elimination of rubella and measles in the United Stateswere not the natural, inevitable triumph of scientific progress. George Rosens foundational 1958 work A History of Public Health established what the dominant narrative of scientific advancement consistently obscures: that public health infrastructure is not an inevitable product of civilization but the accumulated, institutionalized expression of working peoples demand for a better life.

Hospitals, medical science, vaccination programsThese did not descend from enlightened governance. They are the consequence of class struggle, the social product of the value generated by the working class and the long fight to direct that value toward human need. The threads connecting that struggle to its institutional results are invisible in the way that historical causation is always invisible to those who inherit its benefits without understanding its origins. Rosen restored those threads to visibility. When Thomas Jefferson wrote that all men are created equal and possess inalienable rights to pursue happiness, he was giving political expression to a social demand already being fought for from below. Public health was never a gift. It was a conquest.

The British historian of social medicine Dorothy Porters Health, Civilization and the State extended Rosens argument to its necessary and unsettling conclusion. Because public health is the product of class struggle rather than the benevolence of institutions, it is always subject to the historical motions of capitalism. The social contract of healthcare, Porter demonstrates, is perpetually being renegotiatedand when the class pressures that extracted its concessions subside, when the ruling class shifts its priorities toward market deregulation and austerity, public health infrastructure does not simply stagnate. It is dismantled.

But Porters analysis of reversibility, acute as it is, must be sharpened to meet the present moment. What is occurring now under the Trump administration, with the anti-vaccine fanatic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. taking the lead, is not merely the withdrawal of a concession. It is an ideological war on the accumulated sum of social knowledge itselfon science, on expertise, on the concept of objective truth as a social inheritance. Fascism and dictatorial rule do not simply defund public health. They attack the consciousness that produced it.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the ruling elites response to it across six years of normalized mass death demonstrated conclusively that Kennedy and Trump are not aberrant individuals who happen to hold power. The groundwork was laid across multiple administrations, parties and countries. The attacks on public health are the political expression of capitalism in terminal crisisa system that can no longer afford even the limited concessions it once found expedient and that now deploys irrationalism as a weapon against the working class it can no longer pacify.

This has a founding American precedent, and as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, the contrast could not be starker. As Andrew Wehrman documents in The Contagion of Liberty, the fight against smallpox was inseparable from the fight for independence itself. Ordinary colonistssailors, farmers, mothers and militia membersdid not wait for authorities to protect them. They demanded inoculation from below, pressuring towns and assemblies to build public hospitals at collective expense, understanding that their individual vulnerability was a shared social condition.

On February 5, 1777, General George Washington ordered the mandatory smallpox inoculation of the entire Continental Army, establishing what historians consider the first mass immunization mandate in American history. For the revolutionary generation, liberty meant interdependence, not isolationshared vulnerability required collective action.

The demand for public health was not a medical preference. It was a revolutionary demand, rooted in the same understanding of collective necessity that drove the fight for independence, and it became part of the social DNA of American democratic tradition. In 2026, the financial oligarchy is dismantling that tradition, weaponizing the language of health freedom to leave working people defenseless against returning plagues, erasing at breakneck speed the democratic traditions that working people fought to establish.

It is this history that Plotkin now forgetsor rather, was never equipped politically to truly understand. The institutions he built his career within, and now watches being dismantled, were not the starting point of the story. They were a way station in a struggle that long preceded them and that their dismantling now demands be taken up again. The rubella vaccine did not emerge from the benevolence of capital or the wisdom of regulators. It emerged from publicly funded science, in a publicly supported institution, under historical conditions extracted from ruling elites by the organized struggle of working people. To despair at its dismantling without understanding that history is to mistake the institution for the struggle that produced it.

From elimination to resurgence of diseases

The explosive resurgence of measles in the United States is the leading indicator of a catastrophic collapse of MMR vaccination coverage. National kindergarten coverage has fallen to 92.5 percent, with 39 states now below the 95 percent threshold required to sustain herd immunity against measlesand with it, the coverage that also prevents rubellas return.

This mounting pool of unvaccinated children represents a growing accumulation of susceptibilitythe precise biological precondition for the return of CRS. As Dr. Plotkin recently warned in STAT: The important difference is that measles is about four times more infectious than rubella. So, it takes more susceptibles to accumulate before you get an outbreak. Weve been fortunate thus far that rubella has not come back to the U.S. But it certainly could, if unvaccinated people begin to accumulate.

This erosion of population-level immunity is being actively accelerated by the Trump-Kennedy administrations assault on public health infrastructure. By purging the entire ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) and replacing it with vaccine skeptics and anti-science ideologues, Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy has directly targeted the mechanisms that sustain rubella immunity. The recent decrees of the committee, since its takeover by the ultra-right, include voting against the combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) shot for children under four and pushing for the separation of the MMR vaccine components. These are deliberate maneuvers to lower immunization rates. Responding to the ACIPs new doctrine elevating individual autonomy over communal survival, Plotkin told the WSWS: The principle now is I will accept what Im willing to accept and to hell with everybody else. To tell people that they dont need to be vaccinated is simply promoting disease. Not only is it stupid, but its immoral.

This unraveling is greatly compounded on the global stage. The capitalist political establishments normalization of mass death across six years of the COVID-19 pandemic has paved the way for the abandonment of international public health cooperation. Today, 19 countries still lack a routine rubella vaccination program. Universal introduction of the vaccine in these vulnerable nations could prevent an estimated 986,000 cases of CRS between 2025 and 2055, sparing nearly a million children from preventable blindness, deafness and brain damage.

Yet this undertaking is now acutely imperiled. The Trump administrations reactionary withdrawal from the WHO (World Health Organization) and the gutting of foreign aid infrastructure threaten to collapse the institutional framework required to deliver the vaccine to those who need it most, guaranteeing that the devastating toll of congenital rubella syndrome will continue for decades. The broader context makes this still more alarming: the military escalation now driving the world toward a third world war has historically been the condition under which epidemic disease spreads most rapidly, as the wartime rubella epidemic that swept through Australian army camps in 1939 and ultimately reached Greggs clinic in 1941 so grimly demonstrated.

Conclusion: against pessimism

When Dr. Plotkin surveys the dismantling of the public health infrastructure he spent his life building, his outrage is unmistakableand entirely legitimate. In his STAT News profile and in responses to questions posed by the World Socialist Web Sitehe declined a formal interview but responded to written questionshe conveyed the same verdict: that the fields achievements are slipping away, that vaccine nihilism is rising, and that he does not know how to counter it. Branswells reporting rendered that despair with skill and sympathy. But sympathy without historical/political analysis has its own political function. Together, the STAT profile and Plotkins own responses present a unified picture of defeatmoving, humane, and, from the standpoint of science and history, profoundly insufficient.

At 93, the architect of rubella elimination reduces his lifes advocacy to its most elemental statement, even as the disease he defeated prepares its return. [Photo by Stanley Plotkin]

There is no dispute here about Plotkins integrity as a scientist or the magnitude of what his work achieved. On the immediate moral question his judgment is direct and unsparing. Confronting the ACIPs elevation of individual autonomy over communal survival, he told the WSWS that to tell people they do not need to be vaccinated is to promote diseasefoolish and immoral. But he does not address the political questions his own moral condemnation suggests.

Plotkins youthful idealism emerged during a period of rabid anticommunism and carefully managed concessions to the working class. The teenager, who read Arrowsmith and Microbe Hunters in the Bronx and grasped that science could be a social mission, came of age precisely as McCarthyism was conducting its systematic destruction of left-wing thought in American intellectual and scientific life. The postwar institutions he enteredthe CDC, the EIS, the Wistar labhad already been purged of the class-conscious traditions that had shaped an earlier generation of scientists and public health workers.

The framework that could have given historical grounding to his enthusiastic embrace of medical science had been made systematically unavailable. What remained was a liberalism of expertise: science as a social good, delivered by enlightened institutions, contingent on nothing so uncomfortable as class conflict. When asked by the WSWS about the contradictions between public health and pharmaceutical profit, Plotkin defended the profit motive as the engine of American vaccine leadershipwhile its current demise is a contradiction that does not appear to register.

Pessimism of the kind expressed by Plotkin and amplified by STAT News is antithetical to science itself, and in particular to any serious understanding of how social progress has ever been made. It treats the working class as passive, as the object of policies handed down from above or withheld, rather than as the historical force that extracted those policies through struggle. The revolutionary generation that demanded inoculation from below understood what Plotkins own education taught him to forget: Science serving human life and the organized power of working people are not separate causes. They are the same cause. Do we accept defeat? The answer to the history that this article undertakesand that Plotkins science deservesis a resounding no. Not naive optimism, but the recognition that what was won through struggle can only be defended the same way.

The ultimate stakes of this political struggle are best understood by looking back at the people Plotkins vaccine was built to protect. In 2002, researchers followed up with the surviving members of Norman Greggs original cohortmen and women then in their sixties who had endured lifetimes of deafness, blindness, heart failure and social isolation as the direct consequence of a virus their mothers could not have been vaccinated against. Reflecting on their lives, these survivors expressed satisfaction that the rubella vaccination means todays young Australians do not have to cope with the problems they had to overcome.

That satisfaction, and the freedom from preventable suffering it represents, was the product of a hard-won social achievement. Whether the next generation of children inherits that freedom or loses it to the barbarism of a dying social order is no longer a scientific question. It is a political one.

Concluded
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stand near TSA security lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Houston. [AP Photo/Ashley Landis]

On Wednesday, House and Senate Republicans announced an agreement on legislation to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with the exception of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol, a component of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson said passage of the bill to partially reopen DHS, passed by the Senate on a unanimous voice vote on March 27, would be followed by a measure to resume funding of ICE and the Border Patrol by means of the budget reconciliation process. That legislative path bypasses the Senate filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to pass a bill. As a result, Senate Republicans, who narrowly control the upper chamber, could pass a bill to resume funding of ICE and the Border Patrol by a simple majority, even if all Senate Democrats voted against it.

On March 27, following the bipartisan Senate vote, Johnson denounced the Senate measure and refused to bring it to a vote in the House. Both chambers then went on a two-week recess, with Congress scheduled to return on Monday, April 13.

But on April 1, President Trump posted a tweet on his Truth Social platform demanding that by June 1 Republicans deliver for his signature a bill to fund ICE and the Border Patrol, using the budget reconciliation process. A senior White House official said Trump would sign a separate bipartisan bill to fund the rest of DHS.

The political import of these maneuvers is that Congress will resume funding of Trumps immigration storm troopers without any limitations on their police state methods. Despite their rhetorical calls for reform of ICE and CBP and their proposals for token restraints, the Democrats are fully and knowingly complicit in this conspiracy against the democratic rights of the American people.

Their pretense of outrage and horror over the murders of US citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by ICE and Border Patrol killers in Minneapolis is exposed as a fraud. Their only concern from the outset was to contain and dissipate the eruption of popular hatred for Trumps immigration Gestapo and sympathy with immigrants and ensure the continued operations of the federal immigration police.

The Democrats paved the way for giving ICE and the Border Patrol free rein by voting unanimously for the March 27 Senate measure to partially fund DHS while dropping earlier demands that any such bill include certain limited restraints, such as requiring officers to remove masks, identify themselves, and obtain judicial warrants before entering homes or businesses.

Hailing the March 27 Senate bill as a victory and concealing its real significance, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, This agreement funds TSA, the Coast Guard, FEMA, CISA, strengthens security at the border and ports of entry, and keeps America safe.

Not one Democratic office-holder denounced this exercise in cynicism and duplicity, including Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. They are all complicit.

The immediate pretext for passing the March 27 Senate bill was the chaos at US airports caused by the shutdown of DHS, which led to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers going without pay for nearly a month. Thousands of TSA officers called in sick and hundreds resigned, resulting in long lines and flight delays.

Trump exploited this situation to deploy dozens of armed ICE officers at airports across the country, supposedly to ease the crisis. This was a ruse. As the World Socialist Web Site wrote:

It is, rather, a further step in normalizing the use of armed federal agents and the military in civilian settings to intimidate and terrorize the population. It is a core element in the drive by Trump, and the corporate oligarchy that he represents, to dictatorship. ICE at the airports is particularly sinister. It will be used to block not only immigrants from leaving the country but also political opponents of the government. It is the physical prefiguration of a police state.

Naureen Shah, the director of policy and government affairs for immigration at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), said of the ICE presence at airports:

Never in our history has a president deployed armed agents to the airport to inspire fear among families. The American people dont want to live in White House adviser Stephen Millers dystopian police state.

The ACLU warned that TSA has begun sharing traveler lists with ICE, breaking from TSAs past practice. It advised citizens without legal status to consider the risks of flying, including on domestic flights within the US.

The National Immigration Law Center on March 26 issued an updated alert titled Community Alert: Immigration Arrests at Airports. It stated that the TSA was giving passenger information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The alert continued: This means people who dont have legal immigration status or whose status is uncertain could be arrested or deported when they go through airport security in the United States. Since being deployed, ICE has carried out immigration arrests inside airport terminals.

On March 27, President Trump ordered DHS to begin paying TSA officers, who began receiving back pay on Monday, March 30. By mid-week, the airports were back to normal, as TSA sickouts sharply declined. But Trumps border czar Tom Homan and DHS officials have refused to say when, or if, the ICE officers will be withdrawn.

In interviews on CBS and CNN over the March 28-29 weekend, Homan said ICE would maintain a presence at airports and that agents would stay until the airports feel like theyre 100 percent and back to normal operations. He added that if less agents come back, that means well keep more ICE agents there. Asked if ICE would leave once the TSA is consistently staffed, Homan said, Well see.

In the face of this indefinite deployment of ICE goons at US airports, not a single Democratic speaker at the March 28 No Kings demonstrations, which brought out over 8 million people, called for their removal. That includes, once again, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, not to mention Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialists of America/Democratic mayor of New York, with two of the countrys busiest airports, Kennedy and LaGuardia.

Since then, only one Democratic lawmaker, Representative Shontel Brown of Ohio, has explicitly demanded the removal of ICE officers. In an April 3 press release, Brown called for ICE to leave Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

This virtual silence is not accidental. The Democratic think tank Third Way issued an internal memo warning that the slogan (abolish ICE) is simple, but politically it is lethal. Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona said, The last thing we need to do, again, is to make the same mistake when it comes to Defund the Police rhetoric People want a slimmed-down ICE that is truly focused on security. Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas said, Abolishing ICE is not a good message for Democrats.

In fact, the entire system of persecution and mass deportation of immigrants is bipartisan, developed by Democratic as well as Republican administrations, including those of Clinton, Obama and Biden.
Two weeks since the deadly blaze in Daejeon, South Korea that killed 14 workers and injured 60 more at an auto parts plant, the investigation has revealed the complete disregard for safety that led up to the tragedy. These disasters are not unpredictable accidents, but are the result of capitalisms relentless drive for profit at the expense of the working class.

Smoke rises from a massive fire at an auto parts plant in Daejeon, South Korea, March 20, 2026.

The fire took place on March 20 at a plant operated by Anjun Industrial, a key supplier for Hyundai and Kia Motors, where workers produced 70 million engine valves annually for cars and ships. The South Korean state went into damage-control mode, as is typical in order to contain and suppress workers anger.

President Lee Jae-myung, who came to office last year pledging to reduce South Koreas high workplace death rate, offered a pro forma apology, stating, As workplace accidents continue to occur, I feel deeply sorry as the person responsible for state affairs. He declared the government would conduct thorough inspections of high-risk workplaces and ensure that safety-related systems are functioning properly. In reality, as previously with such disasters, nothing will be done.

Investigators barred six executives from Anjun from leaving the country, including company CEO Son Ju-hwan, and began to expose some of the dangerous conditions that existed at the factory. However, they focus blame solely on Anjun, giving the impression that the disaster was the result of individual negligence or corruption.

However, the unsafe conditions are the result of pressure of major corporations like Hyundai Motors to ensure the uninterrupted flow of components and thus profits. Hyundais chief concern following the fire was not the fate of the workers and their families, but obtaining a new parts supplier, one that will no doubt reproduce the same dangerous conditions elsewhere.

Hyundai encouraged and rewarded Anjun handsomely for doing whatever was necessary to be a reliable supplier. Sales flourished at Anjun in recent years, nearly quadrupling from 35.8 billion won ($US23.7 million) in 2005 to 135.1 billion won ($US89.4 million) in 2024.

Whatever punishment, if any, is meted out to Anjun and its executives will be purely for show, while the underlying production system that encourages dangerous practices will remain untouched.

Workers at Anjun stated that the fire began on the first floor of the factory before rapidly spreading to the second and third. While working on the processing line, I saw sparks coming from the duct of Line 4 and was on my way to get a fire extinguisher when the flames rapidly spread, forcing me to flee, a worker stated.

The interior of the factory was covered in oil residue from the production process which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Inside the factory, everything from the ceiling to the floor was covered in oily substances, Song Yeong-rok, a representative of the bereaved families, told the media.

The fire alarm initially rang, then turned off. It was assumed that the alarm had simply malfunctioned or had been shut off after a fire that was under control, both of which had happened in the past. This delayed the evacuation.

Citing evidence from workers, the Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agencys Metropolitan Crime Investigation Team stated, People only began evacuating after directly perceiving the fire, either by hearing others screams or seeing smoke.

This was not an isolated incident. The plant had experienced at least seven fires over the past 15 years, though these were only the ones reported. Those fires also began due to sparks that then ignited oil residue or dust collected during the manufacturing process, which had not been properly removed. Small fires were often put out without the help of firefighters. In fact, workers were actively discouraged from calling for help as it would halt production and potentially draw increased attention from authorities.

A family member of an injured worker told the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper: I heard that in the past, when a fire broke out at the factory, one employee called emergency services and was scolded by a supervisor. The family member stated that fires were extremely common, occurring once or twice a year.

Employees have also stated that CEO Son would verbally abuse anyone who raised safety concerns, a type of abuse known as gapjil that is common in South Korea. Workers have told investigators, The companys obsession with factory operations over safety led to this major disaster.

Hwang Byeong-geun, the head of the labor union at Anjun, stated We told the company in safety meetings to fix facilities and dust collection systems because they posed fire risks. We also stressed the need to regularly check and clean the dust collection systems because oil vapors and residue build up. He called the accident a man-made tragedy.

This is clearly true, but the union took no serious steps to protect workers safety. Workers were kept on the job and no attempt was made to unite workers at the plant with those throughout the auto and other industries who face similar dangerous conditions. The union is affiliated with the Federation of Korea Trade Unions (FKTU), considered the more moderate of the two major union confederations in South Korea.

In fact, the FKTU was founded as a yellow union organization and existed for decades under the former military dictatorship as the sole legal union body. It continues to enjoy close relations with the state and big business, by preventing strikes from taking place while regularly enforcing sell-out deals on its members.

Workers often flagged other safety violations that were ultimately ignored by the company and the union. Under the law, the company merely had to conduct its own inspections and report to fire safety authorities. Year after year, the same issues were found and not resolved. These included faulty fire alarms, low water pressure in fire suppression sprinklers, and emergency exit lights that did not work.

The company had also illegally expanded the plants east wing to include a gym and rest area between the second and third floors that blocked workers ability to access emergency exists. Nine of the 14 workers killed were found in this area.

Investigators also reported that the company did not hold fire safety drills, though they existed on paper. Under the law, the company was required to hold one safety drill a year and one training session.

In addition, an unlicensed sodium storage facility also existed at the plant that worsened the blaze, and making it harder for firefighters to extinguish. Sodium is used in the companys production process and there was a refining area on the third floor. A permit is required to store even 10 kg of sodium, but at the time of the fire, 101 kg were present at the site. Sodium and water are an explosive mixture.

The reckless and dangerous operations at Anjun are not the exception but the rule around the world where workers are sacrificed in industrial slaughterhouses for profit. Regardless of its rhetoric, the Lee Jae-myung administration will take no genuine measures to improve workplace safety.
Iranian air defenses shot down an F-15E Strike Eagle jet over western Iran Friday, the first US aircraft shot down by Iranian fire since the war began. Following the downing, US special forces launched a rescue operation inside Iran to recover the pilot. Axios reported that US special forces located one of the crew members and rescued him, alive, on Iranian territory. The other crew member remains missing inside Iran.

A US Air Force F-15 Eagle drops a B61 nuclear gravity bomb during a training exercise. [Photo: US Air Force]

The rescue operation came as roughly 7,500 Marines from three Marine Expeditionary Units and a combat brigade from the 82nd Airborne Divisions Immediate Response Force arrived or were en route to the Persian Gulf, joining more than 50,000 US service members already in the region. The buildup points toward a ground invasion.

Following the downing of the aircraft, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. Seizing Irans oil would require a ground invasion and occupation.

A second aircraft, an A-10 Thunderbolt, was shot down in a separate incident the same day. The pilot ejected over Kuwaiti airspace and was rescued. Two HH-60G rescue helicopters sent to recover the F-15Es crew were also hit by Iranian fire, injuring US personnel aboard before returning to base. In all, four American aircraft were struck in a single daythe worst losses of the five-week war.

The shoot-downs came two days after Trump addressed the nation in a prime time speech in which he threatened to destroy Iranian society. We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks, Trump said Wednesday. We are going to bring them back to the stone ages, where they belong. He threatened to hit each and every one of their electric generating plants, and said he had not yet struck Irans oil only because doing so would not give them even a small chance of survival or rebuilding.

We are on track to complete all of Americas military objectives shortly, very shortly, Trump said in the same speech. They have no antiaircraft equipment. Their radar is 100 percent annihilated. We are unstoppable as a military force. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared on March 31: Iran knows that, and theres almost nothing they can militarily do about it. Forty-eight hours later, Iran shot an American fighter jet out of the sky.

As the Intercept noted, Neither the White House nor the Pentagon responded to requests for comment on how Iran could down an advanced US aircraft when the country supposedly no longer possesses anti-aircraft weaponry. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the shoot-down.

The Washington Post verified footage of US refueling and rescue aircraft operating roughly 90 miles inside Iranian territory. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said the low-altitude flights indicated willingness to take a lot of risk.

Meanwhile, Politico reported Friday that US officials were warning that the military was running out of targets to strike. Roughly half of Irans ballistic missile launchers remain intact despite more than 12,000 US and Israeli strikes since February 28. The New York Times reported that Iranian operatives have been digging out underground bunkers struck by American and Israeli bombs and returning them to operation within hours. Iran is deploying decoys, making it difficult for US intelligence to assess how many launchers have actually been destroyed.

The destruction continues to widen. On Thursday, Trump posted footage of US strikes hitting the newly constructed B1 bridge between Tehran and Karaj, which was due to open this year. Trump wrote: Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!

A bridge struck by U.S. airstrikes on Thursday is seen in the town of Karaj, west of Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 3, 2026. [AP Photo/Vahid Salemi]

On Friday, a drone struck a Red Crescent relief warehouse in Irans southern Bushehr province. Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, one of the countrys most prominent institutions, was hit during strikes on the capital. Iran has struck back at Gulf energy infrastructurehitting a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait and a Kuwait Petroleum refinery, underscoring the vulnerability of Gulf states that depend on desalination for drinking water.

Five weeks of bombing have killed more than 5,000 people, the vast majority of them Iranian civilians. More than 85,000 civilian structures have been damaged, including 64,000 homes and 600 schools. Between 3 and 4 million Iranians have been internally displaced. Irans 90 million people have been cut off from the outside world by a near-total internet blackout since February 28.

Thirteen American service members have been killed and nearly 370 wounded. Brent crude has surged more than 60 percent and gasoline has passed $4 a gallon. The war has cost at least $25 billionand the administration is asking for more.

On Friday, Trump released the largest defense budget in American history: a $1.5 trillion Pentagon request for fiscal year 2027, a 44 percent increase. The budget cuts the Environmental Protection Agency by 52 percent, and NASA by 23 percent. It cuts $73 billion from environmental, health and education research to pay for warships, missiles and a Golden Dome missile defense system. Jessica Riedl, a budget analyst at the Brookings Institution, said the purpose of the budget is to push Congress to approve the largest defense spending increase since the Korean War.

The war is expanding. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israel Defense Forces will demolish all homes in Lebanese border villages like in Rafah and Beit Hanoun. More than 600,000 Lebanese have fled their homes. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for making the Litani River Israels new northern border.
The main Tamil bourgeois parties in Sri Lanka have for the most part said nothing about the criminal US-Israeli war against Iran. But it is a silence to cover up their ongoing support for US imperialism and the major powers as is demonstrated by the handful of comments that have been made.

The islands Tamils were subjected to a brutal communal war for nearly three decades in which tens of thousands were slaughtered by the Sri Lankan military in final months that led to the defeat of the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

US Ambassador Julie Chung (centre), with ITAK parliamentarians (from left): Kaveendiran Kodeeswaran, Elayathamby Srinath, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Thurairasa Ravikaran, Sivagnanam Shritharan, P. Sathiyalingam, Gnanamuththu Srineshan, K. S. Kugathasan [Photo: X/Julie Chung]

For many Tamil workers and youth, like their counterparts throughout the island and internationally, their sympathies undoubtedly lie with the civilian victims in Iran of the relentless US-Israeli bombardment. However, for the main Tamil party, Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), the slaughter of Tamils is cynically used as the pretext to justify its failure to condemn, in reality tacit support for, the slaughter taking place in Iran.

During a parliamentary discussion on March 6, ITAK MP Sivagnanam Sritharan responded to mild criticisms of the Iran war by Muslim party MPs by declaring: When the war was waged in this country with the help of 22 countries in the name of humanitarian operation, when airstrikes were carried out, when multi-barrel bombs [in Tamil areas], no one in this world spoke for us; no one raised a voice for us.

He then blurted out, If that [war against Tamil people] was a humanitarian operation, then the war [against Iran] that launched by the United States, which now identifies itself as the leader in determining and regulating the world order, is also just! Why do you see that war as wrong?

There is no end to the cynicism in this statement. Sritharan also uses the Iranian regimes support for the Colombo governments anti-Tamil war to justify its own tacit support for the illegal US-Israeli war on Iran.

He deliberately avoids naming any of the 22 countries in order to conceal the principal backers of the Colombo governments war, including the US, the EU, India and Israel. US imperialism in particular provided critical intelligence that significantly aided the Sri Lankan military, while others supplied essential weaponry and extended political support, including proscribing the LTTE as a terrorist organisation.

In 2006, then US Ambassador Jeffrey Lunstead openly warned the LTTE, declaring: Through our military training and assistance programs, including efforts to help with counter-terrorism initiatives and block illegal financial transactions, we are helping to shape the ability of the Sri Lankan government to protect its people and defend its interests.

During and after then end of the war in Sri Lanka, ITAK repeatedly appealed for support to the international communitythat is, the major powers led by US imperialism. After the LTTEs defeat, it continued to beg Western powers to pressure the Colombo government to grant concessions to the Tamil elites, all in the name of alleviating the suffering of Tamil working people. When US imperialism seized on the war crimes of the Sri Lankan military to pressure Colombo to distance itself from China, ITAK aligned itself with that bogus campaign.

ITAKs refusal to condemn the Trump administrations barbaric war on Iran is because it still promotes the fatal illusion that US imperialism and its allies can be counted on to defend the democratic rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

The claim that no one in this world spoke for us during the war is contradicted by the fact that, even as imperialist governments backed Colombo, tens of thousands of people internationally opposed the war crimes being committed by the Sri Lankan military.

ITAKs underlying support for the war on Iran was openly spelled out in a resolution passed on March 10 by the Pachchilaipalli Pradeshiya Sabha or local government body in Kilinochchi which backed the US and Israel. Its chairman Subramanium Suren wrote a grovelling letter to the US ambassador in Colombo, declaring: We extend our support for this initiative led by the United States aimed at maintaining world peace.

To describe the destruction being rained down on Iran by the US and Israel as maintaining world peace is monstrous. In a little more than a month, thousands of civilians have been killed, including 160 schoolchildren and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, has been levelled. Now the Trump administration is preparing to send Iranians back to the Stone Ages by destroying all its power stations. What Israel has already done in its genocidal war in Gaza, the US is now planning for an entire country of 90 million people. And just as it backed the Gaza genocide, ITAK is supporting the war of aggression on Iran.

The letter to the US ambassador proved to be too blatant for the ITAK leadership. ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran disowned the Pachchilaipalli resolution runs contrary to ITAKs principles and noted that the chairman had been suspended. But this manoeuvre cannot conceal the partys abject allegiance to US imperialism as its real guiding principle, which is indistinguishable from that of Sri Lankan government that criticizes the violence of Iran but not the aggressorsthe United States and Israel.

The other Tamil bourgeois parties have adopted a similar pro-imperialist stance. The Tamil National Peoples Front (TNPF), led by Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, campaigns for so-called national self-determination by appealing to the US and its allies and backing UN human rights resolutions aligned with imperialist interests.

The TNPF-connected Vavuniya Association of Relatives of the Enforced Disappeared (VARED) similarly calls for the international community to ensure accountability for the hundreds of Tamils who were disappeared in the course of the civil war by military-aligned death squads. A rally on February 25 to mark the grim milestone of 3,000 days of protests featured grieving relatives displaying American and European Union flags.

At a similar protest in Vavuniya on March 4, VARED secretary S. Raj Kumar spelled out the TNPFs support for the Iran war. We congratulate President Trump for the international actions taken against Iran, he declared. We also call for the involvement of the international community in the decades-long political struggle of the Tamil people.

Other Tamil partiesthe Peoples Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), and Eelam Peoples Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) as well as parties based on Tamil plantation workersmaintain a total silence on the Iran war. It is a silence speaks volumes about their complicity in the crimes of the US and Israel.

The entire political establishment is mired in reactionary communal politics, which is above all aimed at dividing the working class. Successive Colombo governments whipped up Sinhala supremacism that resulted in anti-Tamil violence, pogroms and ultimately civil war. The Tamil bourgeois parties promote Tamil nationalism and separatism in a bid to secure their own venal interests. In doing so they all align themselves with imperialism and its crimes.

The Socialist Equality Party has consistently opposed all forms of nationalism and chauvinism, defended the democratic rights of Tamils and called for the withdrawal of troops from the predominantly Tamil areas of the North and East. We do so on the basis of uniting the working class on the basis of a common fight for Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Eelam.

We call on all workersTamil as well as Sinhala and Muslimto oppose the US-Israeli war on Iran and the pro-imperialist policies of all of the countrys capitalist parties. Far from being an initiative for world peace, the war on Iran is one front on an unfolding world war already underway in Ukraine and being prepared against China threatening a catastrophe for humanity.

Only a unified anti-war movement of the international working class fighting for the abolition of capitalism and a socialist future for mankind can prevent that disaster.

We urge workers and students to participate in the public meeting titled Stop the US-Israeli War Against Iran! organized by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (Sri Lanka) on April 7 at 3:30 p.m., at the Orient Educational Institute in Hindagala, near the University of Peradeniya.
NDP leadership candidate Avi Lewis [Photo: Avi Lewis/X]

Avi Lewis has been elected leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) on a pledge to revive Canadas anemic social democratic party by moving left and fighting the billionaire class. A film-maker, academic and twice-failed NDP candidate, Lewis is a self-avowed left populist and proponent of left Canadian nationalism.

During the lengthy race to succeed Jagmeet Singh, Lewis cast himself as an opponent of the NDPs right-wing leadership. He appealed to anti-war sentiment with trenchant condemnations of the Canadian government-backed US-Israeli war on Iran and the Gaza genocide. He touted himself as a democratic socialist who would tax the rich and establish public, i.e. Crown-owned, alternatives in several economic sectors, including groceries and telecommunications.

On this basis, Lewis won the membership vote for party leader decisively. On the first and only ballot, he captured 39,734 of the 70,930 votes cast, equating to 56 percent.

His nearest challenger was Heather McPherson, the preferred candidate of the party apparatus. She finished with 29.5 percent of the vote. The partys foreign affairs critic, McPherson is a notorious anti-Russia war hawk, who champions rearmament and has close links to the far-right Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

Rob Ashton, the leader of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada, won 4,193 votes (5.9 percent), finishing fourth in a five-person race, despite having been endorsed by Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske and other senior union officials. Ashton ran on a right-wing economic nationalist program, boosting union participation on corporate boards and the rapid expansion of the defence sector to support Canadian jobs. Nevertheless, his derisory vote is an indication of the extent to which the union bureaucracy has turned away from the CLC-sponsored NDP to support the Liberals under Justin Trudeau and now Mark Carney, or even Pierre Poilievre and his far-right Conservatives.

Lewis left posturing is all hot air. He supports the US/NATO war on Russia in Ukraine and has emphasized his determination to work closely with the right-wing NDP governments in British Columbia and Manitoba, which are close allies of the Carney Liberal government and staunch supporters of Ottawas rearmament drive. In his acceptance speech, he praised both McPherson and Ashton and vowed to promote party unity.

Lewis does not repudiate the pivotal role that the NDPwith the unions full-throated supporthas played since 2019 in propping up the minority federal Liberal governments as they have stampeded to the right. He merely argues that the NDP should be more assertive when it holds the balance of power in parliament, i.e., do a better job of justifying its support for the big business Liberals with left posturing.

Lewis family history of struggle

Lewis hails from the first family of Canadian social democracy. His father, Stephen Lewis, led the Ontario NDP for eight years in the 1970s and later served, under Brian Mulroneys Tory government, as Canadas UN ambassador. His grandfather, David Lewis, served as federal NDP leader from 1971 through 1975, and as federal secretary, chairman and national president of its predecessor, the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF). The husband of the writer Naomi Klein, Avi Lewis also has deep connections with the pseudo-left in Canada and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which is a faction of the Democratic Party, one of the twin parties of US imperialism.

During the campaign, Lewis described his family background as representing a history of struggle. This tells one everything one needs to know about Lewis politics. The history of Canadian social democracy has never been one of class struggle, based on the independent political mobilization of the working class, but rather its suppression. The CCF/NDP has defended Canadian capitalism, striving to divert social opposition into efforts to humanize it through parliamentary reform and collective bargaining, while ruthlessly opposing revolutionary socialism.

The CCF was only founded in 1932, nearly two decades after the German Social Democrats (SPD) and all the other major European social democratic parties (with the exception of Lenins Bolsheviks) had supported their own bourgeoisies during World War I, and nearly 15 years after the SPD drowned the German Revolution of 1918-19 in blood. The CCF endorsed Canadian imperialisms participation in World War II and hailed Canadas entry into NATO. David Lewis, in his role as CCF federal secretary, worked closely with the union bureaucracy in the years immediately following World War II to purge Communist and other revolutionary-minded workers from the trade unions. This proved to be a major factor in the CIO-affiliated Canadian Congress of Labour becoming in 1949 the first labour federation to endorse the CCF in a national election.

The formation of the New Democratic Party, under the CLCs sponsorship, as Canadas Labour Party in 1961 was a maneuver aimed above all at creating a more effective mechanism for the labour bureaucracy to contain the class struggle. Its orientation was epitomized in its name, which eschewed any reference to the working class or socialism, and its proclaimed goal of uniting progressives of all parties. The NDP propped up Pearsons minority Liberal governments of the 1960s. Then under David Lewis leadership, amid an unprecedented militant worker upsurge spearheaded by a wave of wildcat strikes, it backed Pierre-Elliott Trudeaus 1972-74 minority government.

Like social-democratic parties the world over, the NDP has over the past four decades emerged as a right-wing, anti-worker party virtually indistinguishable from its Liberal and Conservative rivals. Its mild reformist program was junked long ago.

The party of the 99 percent

Lewis aims to rebrand the NDP, with left populist rhetoric, so as to resuscitate illusions in its failed national-reformist program, and chain leftward-moving workers and young people to Canadian social democracy, under conditions of what he recognizes to be a mounting crisis of global capitalism. He himself invokes the threat of fascism, the shipwreck of neo-liberalism and a looming climate-change driven environmental catastrophe.

As he put it at a Monday press conference, Left-wing populists believe that capitalism concentrates wealth and power in the fewest hands, and we need policies and a response that actually responds to the needs of the 99 percent of us.

With his reference to the 99 percent, Lewis clearly walks in the footsteps of political charlatans like Bernie Sanders and the DSAs Zohran Mamdani. This amorphous category, promoted by the proponents of pseudo-left politics, dissolves the working class into a broad milieu encompassing the privileged middle class and excluding only the very wealthiest sections of the ruling elite. It is tailor-made to pursue the material interests of the upper-middle classtrade union bureaucrats, academics, and better-off professionalswhose incomes and wealth fall within the richest 10 percent of Canadian society. This layerthe next 9 percentresents the political and economic power of the capitalist oligarchy, and would like to see it more broadly shared within the top ten percent. But Lewis, like Sanders and Mamdani, is above all intent on preserving the existing capitalist social and political order. He is bitterly hostile to any independent political movement of the working class.

According to the World Inequality 2026 report, the top 10 percent of Canadians own over 60 percent of all wealth, which is greater than four times more than the 13 percent owned by the poorest half of the population. In terms of income distribution, the top 10 percent gobbles up over a third of all income, compared to just 16 percent for the poorest 50 percent.

Lewis sought in his acceptance speech last Sunday to give the impression that he would significantly alter the gaping levels of social inequality that have risen steadily over recent decades, irrespective of which party has held power at the federal level or in the provinces. This is more than a rigged economy, it is a war on working people, he declared. It is immoral, it is un-Canadian and we cannot let it stand. He pledged a nation-building exercise to strengthen the care economy.

In reality, glaring social inequality, monopoly and the domination of economic and political life by a super-wealthy capitalist elite have been at the heart of Canadian capitalism, since it rapidly expanded following Confederation and the dispossession of the native people of the West. They are as Canadian as maple syrup.

Today, millions of people rely regularly on food banks, and at least as many work in precarious jobs with no protection. To pay for war and the enrichment of the oligarchy, NDP-backed Liberal governments have cut health care, education, and other public services and social supports to the bone. Lewis clumsy attempt to present these organic features of Canadian capitalism as foreign imports is inseparable from his left Canadian nationalist perspective, which has been a hallmark of the petty-bourgeois left in Canada for well over 50 years. Portraying Canada as a gentler and kinder society than the rapacious Dollar Republic south of the 49th parallel, these forces work tirelessly to split Canadian workers from their natural allies in the working class of the US, Mexico, and internationally with fairy tales about common Canadian values. That Lewis sees himself firmly in this tradition was underlined by his positive reference in an interview with the DSA-aligned Jacobin to the Waffle faction in the NDP during the early 1970s, which advocated a left nationalist perspective bound up with more independence from American imperialism and was expelled by the party leadership.

Photo of trade union bureaucrats who attended Trudeaus February 7, 2025 "Team Canada" national trade-war economic summit. In front row, third from left, CLC President Bea Bruske; on her left, Unifor President Lana Payne. [Photo: X/Bea Bruske]

This foul Canadian nationalist tradition has nothing to offer the working class. This fact has been powerfully demonstrated over the past 18 months, during which the trade unions and NDP have rallied round the ruling class Team Canada response to Trumps trade war and annexation threats. While the union bureaucracies and NDP have been waving the Maple Leaf and preaching national unity, the ruling class, led by the Carney Liberal government, has dramatically intensified its class war assault. It has poured hundreds of billions into rearmament and war, implemented a new austerity drive, and eviscerated workers democratic rights, including the right to strike.

Outrage from the NDP right wing and sections of the corporate media

Although Lewis left nationalist program is aimed at defending Canadian capitalism and blocking the emergence of a mass movement of the working class oriented to international unity with their class brothers and sisters in the US, the new NDP leader has come under vicious attack from the partys right wing. Immediately after Lewis was named federal NDP leader, Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi took to social media to declare that Lewis victory was not in the interests of Alberta. Nenshi, who wants to protect and grow the profits of Albertas oil barons, went on to emphasize that the Alberta NDP is organizationally distinct from the federal party since last year. We are a big tent and welcome the support of people who vote for every federal party, said Nenshi. A similar stance was struck by NDP Saskatchewan leader Carla Beck. She said Lewis energy policy would jeopardize $13.6 billion in economic activity annually in Saskatchewan. Lewis responded by stressing that his door is open to cooperation with the provincial leaders.

The trade union bureaucracy is also far from enamoured with the new NDP leader. Following a meeting with Lewis, CLC President Bruske issued a statement that provided about as little support as she could have without triggering an open crisis. She did not even congratulate Lewis, but merely noted that they had a great discussion, and I look forward to seeing him in action.

Lewis has come under fire from the financial oligarchy and its media mouthpieces. Long-time Calgary Herald columnist Don Braid titled his reaction to the outcome of the NDP leadership race Under new leader Avi Lewis, federal NDP looks more communist than social democratic.

The Globe and Mail, meanwhile, published a column accusing the party of having an antisemitism problem. This spurious lie is based on Lewis denunciations of Israel for committing genocide in Gaza, a description supported by the United Nations and numerous international organizations, and his referencing his great-grandfathers participation in the anti-Zionist socialist-worker organization, the Jewish Bund. Since the genocide began in 2023, the NDP has joined the rest of the political establishment in persecuting anti-genocide activists. This included kicking Sarah Jama out of the partys Ontario legislative caucus.

The hostile reaction from big business reflects outrage within ruling circles over Lewis tepid policy agenda, which does not even rise to the modest reforms advocated by the social democrats in an earlier period. He plans, among other things, to tax inheritances over $5 million, invest $50 billion annually in green energy projects, establish a publicly run chain of grocery stores, consider capital gains as employment income for tax purposes, and impose a wealth tax on the top 1 percent.

Even these policies, which would leave rampant social inequality and capitalist exploitation virtually untouched, are too much for the financial oligarchy and its mouthpieces to bear. Their attacks on Lewis reflect the fact that under conditions of a deepening capitalist crisis, no check, however minuscule, on their accumulation of wealth and redirection of societys resources to the military for waging war in pursuit of Canadian imperialist interests can be tolerated.

Predictably, representatives of the middle-class pseudo-left have weighed in with enthusiastic statements about the new opportunities opened up by Lewis leadership. Radical journalist Yves Engler, who met all of the conditions necessary to run for leadership but was arbitrarily excluded by the party top brass, urged leftist supporters to pressure Lewis to ensure he upends the party bureaucracy while promoting socialist, internationalist and anti-ecocide policies.

This is a bankrupt strategy that pseudo-left forces around the world have promoted time and again. It recalls the left cheerleaders in Britain of Jeremy Corbyn, who was swept into the leadership of the Labour Party with the backing of hundreds of thousands in 2015 on a program that sounded far more radical than Lewis. Britains pseudo-left trumpeted the prospects of a new foreign policy more independent of the US and even suggested Corbyn could lead the country towards socialism through the Labour Party, a bourgeois party and staunch defender of British imperialism of more than a centurys standing. Yet during his leadership, Corbyn responded not to the pressure from groups like the Socialist Workers Party and Socialist Appeal (since rebranded as the Revolutionary Communist Party), but the Blairite right. He junked his purported opposition to British involvement in wars of aggression with his tacit approval of Labours support for Britains participation in the war in Syria, endorsed the countrys maintenance of nuclear weapons, and called on Labour local councils to enforce ruthless austerity in partnership with the Tory government. Whats more, Corbyn stood idly by as his supporters were systematically persecuted and expelled from the party on bogus antisemitism charges. He then handed the leadership over to the Blairite Keir Starmer, who now heads a government that is continuing austerity, prioritizes close relations with Trump, and has augmented Britains major role in the war on Russia.

The Socialist Equality Party insists that workers can only wage a struggle against capitalist austerity, inequality, and imperialist war through a decisive political break with the NDP and all political forces who claim it is possible to reform it or push it to the left. Workers need new forms of organization, rank-and-file committees, to lead a rebellion against the nationalist, pro-capitalist union bureaucracies, who work hand in glove with the NDP to suppress the class struggle. These organizations must intensify the class struggle on the basis of a socialist and internationalist program, uniting workers in Canada, the US, and Mexico in the fight for decent-paying, secure jobs for all, the defence of democratic and social rights, and an end to imperialist war and barbarism. The most urgent task to realize this perspective is the building of the SEP as the revolutionary leadership required by the working class in the struggles ahead.
Will Lehman at the UAW bargaining convention, March 27, 2023

Nexteer Automotive workers in Saginaw, Michigan have delivered a powerful rebuke to the United Auto Workers bureaucracy by voting down a UAW-backed concessions contract by 96 percent. The 1,300 workers at the former General Motors plant are determined to defeat the corporate-UAW conspiracy to expand two-tier wages and benefits, increase health care costs and condemn new hires to poverty wages.

Nexteer workers hold enormous power. The plant produces critical steering components for the most profitable GM, Ford and Stellantis vehicles. Any serious strike would quickly lead to the slowdown or halting of production at major assembly plants across the Midwest. This is precisely why UAW President Shawn Fain and the UAW apparatus want to prevent such a strike. In the aftermath of the massive no vote, UAW Local 699 officials have not even suggested calling a strike.

In previous struggles at Nexteerin 2015 and 2021overwhelming opposition was overridden by the union bureaucracy through delays, revotes, and pressure campaigns, with essentially the same concessions forced through. If Nexteer workers are to prevent a repeat of such an outcome, they must take the conduct of the struggle into their own hands.

Will Lehman, a rank-and-file worker from Mack Trucks in Macungie, Pennsylvania who is running for UAW president in 2026, issued the following statement on the contract rejection by Nexteer workers:

Brothers and sisters at Nexteer, Your 96 percent no vote rejecting the UAWs sellout contract is a powerful and historic act. It shows that workers are not willing to accept poverty wages, tiers and endless concessions. It exposes the divide between the sentiment of the membership and the bureaucrats who thought it was good enough to bring back to you after negotiating behind closed doors. If your fight is going to succeed, it must be led by you, workers on the shop floor, those who are most committed to fighting the sellout, and are tied to your conditions on the shop floor. A no vote is only the beginning. If the same officials who tried to ram through this agreement remain in control, they will do what they always do: Stall and delay, bring back the same deal under a different name and force revotes until they get the result they want. You cannot leave power in their hands. Take control: form a rank-and-file committee. Workers must organize themselves independently. Form a Nexteer Rank-and-File Committee, made up of trusted workers from the shop floor, accountable only to you. This committee must: - Take control of all information about negotiations - Ensure full transparency and democratic oversight - Link up workers across all shifts and departments - Establish direct communication with other plants - Without this, your vote will be undermined. Prepare for a real fightprepare for a strike If the contract has been rejected, that decision must be enforced. That means preparing now for strike action, organized by workers themselvesnot controlled or shut down by the apparatus. But this fight cannot be won in isolation. Appeal to Big Three autoworkersend the dividing of workers from each other. I appeal directly to autoworkers at GM, Ford and Stellantis: You face the same conditionstiers, rising costs, and endless concessions. The divisions between parts workers and assembly workers have been deliberately enforced by the UAW to weaken all workers. They must be broken. Nexteer workers are not separate from youthey are the front line of the same struggle. I call on all autoworkers to take a stand: - Refuse to handle scab parts produced during a strike - Honor Nexteer workers picket lines - Oppose any attempt to continue production based on their exploitation Workers at GM Flint Truck Assembly, Ford Dearborn Truck, and Stellantis plants have enormous power. Used together, that power can shut down the entire system of exploitation. Turn this into a broader movement. The companies are organized globally. Workers must be as well. Reach out to: - Other parts workers - Big Three plants - Autoworkers in Mexico, Canada and beyond And finally, the war abroad is connected to the war against the working class here at home. It is not the sons and daughters of the oligarchs who will be sacrificed for the illegal and criminal war in Iran, but our kids and in many cases, our co-workers. 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 the illegal and criminal war in Iran. Dont send any money for daycare, Trump says, because were fighting wars. 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. Your struggle can become the starting point of a unified offensive of the entire auto working class. This is a fight for workers power At its core, this is not just about one contract. It is about who controls the workplace, the union and society. An apparatus tied to management and capitalist politicians or the workers? There are more of us than them.
Behind the backs of the Australian population, the Albanese government last month dispatched approximately 90 Special Air Service (SAS) commandos to participate in the escalating US-Israeli assault on Iran.

This secret deployment shows that nothing that the Labor government says about the war can be believed, including its repeated claims that it is not involved in the Trump administrations barbaric offensive.

Richard Marles, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, speaks at Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, May 31, 2025. [AP Photo/Anupam Nath]

The Special Air Service Regiment was evidently sent in mid-March, about two weeks before reports of the deployment first appeared yesterday in the Murdoch press. At a media doorstop yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles did not deny the news, instead declaring: We never make comments about the operations of our special forces.

In the same breath, Marles again recited Labors insistence that it will not send ground troops to join the war. I would be really clear to the Australian people, were not having boots on the ground in Iran, he told reporters in response to questions about the SAS operation.

Military sources told Murdoch media outlets that the Australian special forces are stationed at the Al Minhad Air Basea US and allied forces hubnear Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. They said the deployment was upgraded as part of prudent forward planning.

Other unnamed sources said the SAS were deployed for emergency contingencies, specifically the potential evacuation of Australian diplomats and citizens if regional tensions escalate. One source told the Sydney Daily Telegraph: Having a squadron there just gives the government options. Its not like we are in the war or anything.

That flies in the face of reality. SAS regiments are not designed for the protection of diplomats and citizens. They are highly-trained killers, typically used on the frontlines of invasions, as in previous Australian commitments to US-led wars, from Vietnam to the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the protracted occupation of Afghanistan.

There is a documented precedent. On March 18, 2003, SAS troops entered Iraq on board US military helicoptersauthorised by Coalition Prime Minister John Howardand opened fire on Iraqi forces without any declaration of war on Iraq by the Australian government and more than 24 hours before US President George Bush announced the start of hostilities.

Labors SAS deployment is part of a deepening commitment to the Iran war. That includes an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, which is an advanced airspace battle management capability, accompanied by 85 military personnel, and an unstated number of air-to-air missiles to the UAE. Marles admitted on March 17 that all the data that the Wedgetail collects is instantaneously provided to the American military. In effect, he revealed that the Labor government is playing a direct role in the planning, targeting and execution of the devastating strikes on Iran.

The truth is that the Albanese government has been an active participant in the war from the start, including through the joint Pine Gap satellite surveillance and war targeting base in central Australia, the North West Cape submarine communications base and the embedding of Australian forces in the US military-intelligence apparatus.

That integration was underscored by the presence of three Australian naval personnel on a US nuclear attack submarine that torpedoed a defenceless Iranian frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka on March 4, claiming at least 87 lives. The Australian personnel were undergoing training under the auspices of AUKUS, the military pact with the US and the UK directed against China.

The SAS mobilisation is occurring under conditions where the Trump administrationwhile also denying it will have troops on the groundis ramping up US forces around Iran and President Trump has blatantly vowed to send the Iranian people back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.

In that nationally-televised address last Wednesday, Trump declared his governments intention to annihilate an entire countryto level its cities, its power grid, its water supply, its hospitals and its industry, everything that sustains 90 million people.

Not a single member of the Labor government, from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese down, has uttered a word of condemnation of Trumps vow, signalling again their readiness to fully support the US war, as they did within hours on day one, on February 28.

Some 10,000 US troops have arrived in the Gulf region on board three aircraft carrier strike groups. According to the Washington Post last week, the Pentagon has drawn up plans for ground operations lasting weeks and is preparing to deploy 10,000 additional troops. The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration is planning a special operations mission to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium from deep underground in Iran.

This war is taking a devastating toll. Human rights group Hengaw reported last week that at least 6,900 people were killed in Iran by Day 29 of the war. Irans Red Crescent reported more than 85,000 civilian structures damaged, including 64,000 homes and 600 schools. Other reports indicate that over 11,000 targets were struck in the first month, and more than 300 hospitals and medical facilities were damaged or destroyed, as were cultural heritage sites, all commencing with the destruction of an elementary girls school in Minab, which killed more than 170 children.

Knowing that the war is increasingly unpopular, with media polls indicated 72 percent opposition, the Labor government has been cynically trying to distance itself from the disastrous war that is also causing a soaring cost-of-living crisis for workers in Australia, as it is internationally.

At the same time, it is stepping up its commitment to the war, while still claiming that it is not engaged in offensive operations against Iran, just defensive measures to support the Gulf states, which are hosting US forces. No such distinction exists. The Gulf States are directly contributing to the US-Israeli bombardment and preparing to possibly enter the war directly themselves.

The six Gulf Cooperation Council statesSaudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Omanhave all allowed the US and Israel to use their airspace and military installations, just as they had during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. This includes the UAE base, as well as Saudi Arabias Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts US refuelling planes and offensive actions, and the US has fired ballistic missiles at Iran from Bahrain.

Last week, the Gulf states and Jordan jointly condemned what they called Irans criminal attacks on their energy infrastructure and declared their right to act in self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The statement signalled their impending intervention as open belligerents in the criminal and illegal war against Iran.

Under these conditions, the Labor government is also preparing plans to join European powers and other governments in military operations to confront Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. The Australian, a Murdoch media flagship, reported today that Australian military officials will meet with counterparts from around the world next week to devise such a plan.

The talks were set down by a UK-chaired meeting of more than 40 countries last week that accused Iran of attempting to hold the global economy hostage by closing the strait to seek to defend itself against Washingtons devastating attacks.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined the UK-led videoconference, pledging support to end Irans de facto closure of the strait, while still pretending that Australia would take no part in any offensive action against Iran.

Britains Defence Ministry said a multilateral meeting of military planners would take place in the UK to discuss viable options to make the Strait of Hormuz accessible and safe for navigation. An Albanese government source told the Australian that officials based in Brussels were likely to attend the talks on Australias behalf.

In his doorstop comments yesterday, Marles again denied, as Albanese has done repeatedly, receiving any US requests for greater involvement in the war. Nevertheless, he doubled down on the Labor governments commitment to the US military alliance.

The alliance with the United States goes back a very long way and is enduring, and its as important today as it has ever been, Marles stated. And Im very clear about that, and the government is very clear about that. We engage with the United States in so many different ways and very much in respect of our national security. And that continues to be profoundly important.

This underscores Labors readiness, on behalf of the Australian ruling capitalist class, to back the US offensive to secure control over the resource-rich and strategic Middle East, regardless of the blatant war crimes involved, as part of Washingtons drive for the global hegemony it asserted after World War II, particularly against China, as well as its European imperialist rivals.

Labor is doing so in defiance of the popular opposition to the war, which is growing because of sky-rocketing prices for fuel, food and other essentials, intensifying a cost-of-living crisis for working-class households, and the allocation of hundreds of billions of dollars to AUKUS and other preparations, at the expense of public health, education, disability and other essential social spending.

This underlines the connection between the fight against imperialist war and against the assault on workers jobs, conditions and living standards. What is required is the development of an independent movement of the working class against the Labor government, based on a socialist perspective that targets the root of the plunge into war and economic and social crisisthe capitalist system itself.
India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], April 4: HARLEY of LONDON INDIA (HOLI), the India chapter of the global HARLEY of LONDON movement, today announced the launch of the HOLNESS ecosystem in India, anchored by MyCare 360, a digital well being platform designed to help individuals achieve emotional stability, identity continuity and lifestyle coherence. This marks the first introduction of the HOLNESS framework in India -- a structural, human centred approach created by global founder Sanjeev Kumar to address rising emotional fragmentation, lifestyle instability and identity drift in an accelerating world. Why India Needs HOLNESS Now India is experiencing rapid social and economic acceleration. According to recent national health reports, lifestyle related conditions and stress linked disorders are rising sharply, especially among young working adults. Existing healthcare, wellness and lifestyle solutions remain fragmented, leaving individuals without a unified path to long term well being. HOLNESS positions human wholeness as a foundational requirement for modern life -- offering a structural alternative to fragmented well being systems. MyCare 360: India's Integrated Well Being Infrastructure As the operational engine of the HOLNESS ecosystem, MyCare 360 offers: - Health and well being assessments- Personalised lifestyle pathways- Preventive insights- Continuity of CARE- Life SCORE & Life Health Arc - Patient Data Management System (PDMS)- Digital Twin, Digital care tools- Rewards through HARLEY Wellness Dollars -- a global rewards system designed to empower individuals to make better lifestyle choices, Integration with HOLNESS membership tiers The platform is supported by two digital concierge personas (Angels Individualised "AI"): Liora Vey for emotional and lifestyle guidance, and Aarav for health and performance support -- creating a unified 360-degree well-being experience. A Unified Ecosystem for Human Wholeness The HOLNESS ecosystem includes global brands such as: - The London Hospitals- The Clinics of London- The Parliament - Atlantis Santorum Life & Residency - Sanctum Savera In India, the ecosystem is further strengthened by physical centres in Srinagar, Chandigarh, Aurangabad, Faridabad, Patna and additional cities across the country, supported by a strong network of delivery partners that ensures on ground delivery of holistic care and community based well being with the highest standards of clinical excellence and customer experience. Each brand contributes to the structural delivery of emotional stability, identity sovereignty, preventive well being and lifestyle coherence. Membership Tiers for Every Stage of the Journey HOLI has introduced three membership tiers aligned with the HOLNESS framework: 1. HOLNESS Essential - foundational tools and community access2. HOLNESS Plus - expanded pathways, workshops and partner benefits 3. HOLNESS Elite - advanced experiences, leadership circles and premium privileges These tiers support individuals across different stages of their well being journey. HOLNESS Community Ambassador Program to Launch in India HOLI will also roll out the HOLNESS Community Ambassador Program, a structured training pathway covering emotional regulation, identity architecture, storytelling, community engagement and ethical communication. Ambassadors progress through training, provisional practice and certification. Founder's Statement Speaking on the India launch, Sanjeev Kumar, Founder of HARLEY of LONDON, said: "India is accelerating at a faster pace than ever before -- and with acceleration comes fragmentation across health, well being, lifestyle, emotional and identity needs. HOLNESS provides the structural foundation people require to remain whole in this environment. As an integrated, wholesome, tech enabled ecosystem, MyCare 360 empowers human life by making well being measurable, accessible and human centred for every individual." About HARLEY of LONDON INDIA (HOLI) HARLEY of LONDON INDIA (HOLI) is the India chapter of HARLEY of LONDON, a global health, wellness and lifestyle ecosystem dedicated to human wholeness, emotional stability, identity sovereignty and cultural coherence. HOLI leads the rollout of the HOLNESS framework and the MyCare 360 ecosystem in India, supported by a national network of delivery partners and community based well being initiatives.The movement is grounded in the ideas outlined in the book "HARLEY of LONDON: The Architecture for Human HOLNESS" authored by Sanjeev Kumar. For media and partnership enquiries:HARLEY of LONDON INDIA (HOLI)(HOL INDIA PVT LTD) Email: info@harleyoflondon.inWebsite: https://harleyoflondon.in/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Chandigarh [India], April 4: Chitkara University is proud to announce that two of its students, Parth Bhandari and Ishan Attri, have been awarded the Deakin University Vice-Chancellor's Meritorious 50% Scholarship (India), one of the most competitive merit-based awards available to Indian students seeking internationally recognised education pathways. The scholarships were conferred at a special ceremony held at Chitkara University, underscoring the strength of the long-standing academic partnership between Chitkara University and Deakin University, Australia. The Vice-Chancellor's Meritorious Scholarship is among Deakin University's most sought-after awards for Indian students, offering 50% tuition fee support to pursue industry-aligned, future-focused programs with genuine international exposure. For Indian families weighing the real cost of a globally recognised degree, this scholarship meaningfully changes what is possible. Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, said, "Seeing our students Parth Bhandari and Ishan Attri earn the Vice-Chancellor's Meritorious Scholarship from Deakin University fills all of us at Chitkara with immense pride. This is a reflection of their hard work and academic commitment, and of the global pathways our partnerships make possible. At Chitkara, we remain committed to nurturing talent, building global perspectives, and preparing our students to succeed in a rapidly evolving world." Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University, spoke to the vision behind the initiative: "These scholarships are about expanding access to world-class education and recognising the ambition of students who are ready to compete on a global stage. Our partnership with Chitkara University allows us to identify and support that talent early, helping Indian students build international capabilities while contributing to India's future in a connected world." Deakin University, ranked among the top 1% of universities globally, is widely recognised for its focus on graduate employability, innovation, and deep industry engagement, qualities that make it a genuinely strong destination for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. Chitkara University, one of India's leading private universities, brings to this partnership an industry-integrated curriculum and a consistent track record of connecting students with international learning opportunities. Together, the Deakin-Chitkara partnership offers students access to globally aligned curricula, international faculty engagement, and flexible study pathways, including the option to transition directly to Deakin's campuses in Australia. The collaboration is also aligned with the objectives of India's National Education Policy (NEP 2020), which actively supports internationally integrated, future-ready education. Parth Bhandari and Ishan Attri's achievement speaks to what Chitkara University has quietly been building for years: a genuine pipeline of globally competitive students, and the institutional partnerships to match. About Chitkara University Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India's leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning. The University's academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University, prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally. For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in. (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.)
Pinky Cole Hayes scored a legal victory this week after a federal bankruptcy judge ordered that a Loganville, Georgia, home seized during her Chapter 11 case be returned to her.

The ruling came during an emergency hearing on Thursday, March 26, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Atlanta. According to court filings obtained by Fox 5 Atlanta, Guardian Asset Management had taken control of the six-bedroom property, changed the locks, and posted a notice on the home while Pinky Cole Hayes was in the middle of her bankruptcy proceedings.

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The judge ruled that Hayes should regain access to the property because the seizure prevented her from collecting rental income that was expected to help fund her reorganization plan. Court records showed she had arranged for a tenant to move into the home beginning April 1.

Hayes had argued that the home should have been protected by the automatic stay that takes effect upon a Chapter 11 filing. That provision generally prevents creditors from pursuing collection efforts or taking control of property unless they obtain permission from the court.

Her attorney, Jamie Christy, previously described the move as unlawful, saying the property had been taken after bankruptcy protections were already in place. In filings, Hayes argued that losing access to the home was creating financial hardship because the rental income was part of her plan to repay creditors.

The latest court fight comes as the Slutty Vegan founder continues to navigate broader financial issues. Hayes filed for Chapter 11 protection in February after court records showed she owed roughly $1.2 million to the U.S. Small Business Administration and another $192,000 to the Georgia Department of Revenue.

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Her legal troubles followed a difficult period for Slutty Vegan, the plant-based restaurant chain she launched in 2018. The company expanded quickly from a food truck into a nationally recognized brand with locations across several states and, at one point, a reported valuation of $100 million.

But after years of aggressive growth, the business faced mounting debt, store closures, and restructuring.

Last fall, Hayes announced plans to franchise Slutty Vegan as part of what she called a reset for the company. She hired former Planet Fitness and 7-Eleven executive Shawntel Daniels to oversee the effort and said the next phase of the brand would rely on experienced operators rather than rapid corporate expansion.

The legal battle over the Loganville home has also unfolded as Hayes prepares to make her debut on the next season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

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The Brief

Former FOX 13 Meteorologist Andy Johnson has died.

In 2013, he retired from WTVT-TV (Fox 13) in Tampa after a 34-year career on air, becoming a trusted and familiar presence to viewers across one of the nations largest media markets.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Andys honor to Equality Florida.

TAMPA, Fla. - Former FOX 13 Meteorologist Andy Johnson has died.

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His family describes him as a beloved husband, scientist, mentor, colleague, and friend whose life and career left an indelible mark on the Tampa Bay community and on the field of meteorology.

The backstory

Andy was the principal of Johnson Forensic Meteorological Consulting, the Tampa-based firm he founded in 1997. His work in the private sector overlapped with an accomplished career in television meteorology for many years. In 2013, he retired from WTVT-TV (Fox 13) in Tampa after a 34-year career on air, becoming a trusted and familiar presence to viewers across one of the nations largest media markets.

A 1979 honors graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in meteorology, Andys passion for weather began as a child after evacuating his home as a major hurricane approached. That experience shaped his lifelong mission: to help others better understand destructive storms and to provide comfort, education, and practical knowledge in moments of uncertainty.

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Meteorology was a calling for Andy. From visiting the WTVT Weather Service at just 7 years old and meeting his future mentor, Roy Leep, to building his own home weather station as a child, Andy pursued his dream with determination and joy. Over the course of his 43-year professional meteorological career, he built a remarkable legacy bridging the public, private, and academic sectors.

Andy was deeply committed to mentoring others, especially young people interested in meteorology. He inspired countless students by speaking candidly about his own journey and the many paths available within the field. He believed in meeting students where they were, tailoring his mentorship to their goals, and helping guide the next generation of meteorologists with generosity and care.

Throughout his career, Andy distinguished himself through service to the American Meteorological Society, including serving as president of one of the nations most active local AMS chapters for nearly two decades. He was also a pioneer in broadcast technology, implementing and customizing the first all-digital television computer graphics system in the nation in 1979 under the McIDAS banner developed at the University of Wisconsin.

His work extended well beyond the newsroom. Andy contributed to public policy discussions, including through his work on Superstorm Sandy and in coordination with Tampa Electric Company to help develop a system designed to prevent brownouts during Arctic cold outbreaks. He was also a proud advocate for inclusion and community engagement, including speaking to the LGBTQ+ Pride Month Employee Resource Networking Group at JPMorgan Chase.

Andy was one of a select group of professionals to achieve and maintain both Certified Consulting Meteorologist and Certified Broadcast Meteorologist status. In January 2023, he was named a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society. With this designation, he became one of only ten individuals in the world to hold all four American Meteorological Society certifications. His community outreach was extensive, including participating in many Great American Teach-In events over the years and sharing his knowledge with audiences of all ages.

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In recognition of his service and impact, January 29, 2013, was declared "Andy Johnson Day" by then-Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. That same year, then-Governor Rick Scott sent Andy a letter recognizing his decades of contributions and service to the community. In December 2024, he received a city of Tampa Proclamation in recognition of his personal forecasting during Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Andy was credited with saving thousands of lives during those two natural disasters.

What they're saying

Andys husband, Bryan Farris, and the rest of his family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. They hope his life will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

What you can do

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Andys honor to Equality Florida here.

The Source

This story was written with information provided by Andy Johnson's family.
NEW ALBANY  For Amy Nolan Andrews, any day is a good day for dying eggs. As Easter nears, though, her creative coloring of eggs does crank up a bit.

These are not your farm-variety eggs to be hidden and hunted by kids of all ages. These are serious eggs, her Ukrainian eggs, and Andrews affection for this art form can be attributed mostly to genetics.

My mother was first-generation Ukrainian, Andrews said. My maternal grandparents came to this country on a boat in 1907. I remember watching my grandmother and my aunt dye eggs when I was a child.

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In the Ukrainian language, the decorated eggs are called Pysanky, which means to write.

Traditionally, the artist dying raw eggs uses a kistka  a stylus  to apply wax to often raw eggs that have been placed, but not immersed, in dyes.

The wax, when removed, leaves the eggs not only colorful, but marked with intricate designs.

Though Andrews grew up watching the process done the old way, she created her own way.

I came up with a more modern way, she said. Some people wear gloves, but I have more control without them.

Andrews has a kistka  which looks a bit like a tiny, tiny pickax  but her preferred art implements are inexpensive, can be found locally and are perfect for her eggs.

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The etching Andrews does as part of the creative process can be done with toothpicks, cocktail sticks and cotton swabs.

While she has used raw and boiled eggs at different times, these days Andrews orders blown eggs.

She has on display in the home she shares with Buddy Andrews, her husband of nearly 50 years, some decorated ostrich eggs.

They are the largest  Santa (Buddy) usually brings an ostrich egg, she said, smiling widely. I mostly do goose eggs and chicken eggs.

Believe it or not, Andrews has attempted to decorate a quail egg, but found them far too small.

Andrews enjoys encouraging others to try creating Ukrainian eggs. Shell even welcome friends over for an egg-dying lesson, with her as a masterful mentor.

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Her mantra for encouragement? You can do this; you really can do this,

From 1st graders to folks in their 80s, she said.

Andrews is certain anyone can learn the art because, before COVID, she would talk to school kids and older adults about her eggs.

I spoke at schools, churches, civic clubs, just telling about my eggs, she said. Some of the kids showed me some tricks. They were able to think up things I didnt know. The ideas are endless. If you can think it, you can do it."

A small section of countertop in her kitchen, with a window letting in natural light, serves as Andrews' studio. Mostly she stands to create.

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For dying the eggs, Andrews, again, chooses simplicity.

I use food coloring, she said. But Ive also used a Paas egg decorating kit.

She has also found other ways to get deeper, darker colors on the eggs.

I remember my grandmother and aunt boiling onion skin when there was no commercial dye, Andrews said. I have a neighbor who saves me all her onion skins.

She also will boil purple cabbage leaves to help enhance color.

I love playing with color  getting vibrant color out of natural things, like the onion skins and cabbage, she said. The more water, the more diluted the color is.

She has also tried using blueberries, spinach and beets, but was not pleased with the pale shades.

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Andrews sets the egg on top of the onion skins in a bowl, where she might leave the egg for an hour or perhaps all night for a deeper color.

And a bottle of vinegar is always nearby.

The chemicals in the vinegar help etch the dye away, Andrews said.

When the color and design are to Andrews liking, she applies, by hand, two to three layers of clear, polyurethane, oil-based varnish and lets them dry.

An art major originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Andrews submitted a chicken egg for a state egg decorating contest here in Mississippi in 2015.

The eggs were supposed to somehow represent Mississippi, she said. I made something up about red clay and rivers.

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Her egg won.

For a fleeting moment in time, I was the egg queen in Mississippi, she said, laughing.

Andrews said she had an art professor who had a great influence on her. He was fond of art nouveau, which was known for flowing, vine-like lines and swirls.

Thats how Andrews describes her egg designs.

Its just free form, she said. I let the egg guide me. Eggs lend themselves to this kind of design.

There are times, but not very lengthy times, when Andrews said her creative juices just werent flowing. She might spend a week or two without dying a single egg before a spark relights her creativity.

Then I will be inspired and be on a roll, she said. I guess playing with my eggs is my modern way of taking a traditional, Ukrainian art form and paying homage to my Ukrainian roots."
When you walk down the aisles of your local grocery store, Walmart, Target, or drugstore, one item stands out more than most: Easter candy.

Much like Halloween and to a lesser degree Christmas, Easter has a very sweet way to celebrate. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend $3.3 billion on Easter candy.

So which Easter treat is most popular in Delaware? The website Innerbody looked into the topic by analyzing Google Trends search data focusing on the month leading up to Easter, geographic patterns and generic terms related to Easter candy.

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Here's what they found and what to know about Easter.

When is Easter 2026?

Easter is April 5, 2026.

Easter photo from The News Journal archives from 1972. Easter bunnies Linda Lewis, left, and Gail Mackinson take a break from entertaining at the Penny Hill Flower Shop on Concord Pike in 1976. Volunteers prepare chocolate Easter Eggs in Wilmington in 1977. A toddler is not sure what to think about this Easter Bunny in 1976. Easter Bunny leads a parade through downtown Wilmington in 1980. Easter Bunny leads a parade through downtown Wilmington in 1980. Kelly Brooks of Newark pulls her bunny into the Rehoboth Convention Center in 1987 for the Easter Parade. Christine Taylor, 5, of Rehoboth Beach, waits to collect her trophy for the Easter Parade in Rehoboth Beach in 1987. Cody, 9, and Carton, 13, Hall show off their winning outfits at the Easter Parade on the New Castle Green in 1988, Patty Fenland puts the finishing touches on 3-year-old Jeff's Easter suit in this 1988 photo in New Castle. Caitlin Novak, 3, pulls a wagon of Easter flowers at Richardsons near Newark in 1995. Sunrise Easter service at Ebenezer United Methodist Church on Polly Drummond Hill Road near Newark. Rosemary Neville and Anthony Mombro work on alter flowers for Easter at St. Peter church in Wilmington in 1989. Jeff Neville arranges flowers behind them near the crucifix. Children scramble to find hidden eggs at a 1989 Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny leads children in an Easter parade on the Green in New Castle in 1993. Easter Bunny (Kay Nardone) give 8-month old Elissa Cashman a ride in an antique carriage on the Green in New Castle in 1990. Members of the Catholic Youth Organization sit with the Easter baskets they prepared for the needy in 1989. Erin Chorman, 6, of Ellendale, meets Barbie (Erin Whitney) at the Easter Promenade at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center in 1989 Nathaniel Ferry, 4, shows off his haul from the Easter egg hunt at Stapler Park in Wilmington in 1987. Among the children who took part in the Easter egg hunt at Kosciuszko Park were, from left, Lorenzo Gray, 7, who won a trophy for collecting the most eggs, Stephanie Burg, 2, and Adam Szerwinski, 5. Allen Sylvester, 2, decides to stop and eat some eggs during the hunt at his home in 1985. Children run for an Easter egg hunt in this undated photo from The News Journal archives. Children decorate and Easter egg tree in day care at Shortlidge Elementary in Wilmington in 1982. Marian Wangsgard watches Loretta Rice dip chocolate eggs in Wilmington in 1977. Hard at work making Easter eggs in 1978. Dawn Holding, 12, models her entry in a Homemade Easter Bonnet Contest in 1984. Amy Klosiewicz runs through trees searching for eggs at Banning Park in 1984. Billy Joyce, 4, eyes chocolate Easter eggs in 1977. Michael Sylvester picks up eggs at his home in 1993. Nicole McCoy, 18-months, hunts for Easter eggs at the Kings Croft and Scarborough Manor Developments hunt in Bear in 1995. Danny McConnell, 8, of Wilmington won a trophy for best Easter bonnet in the Rehoboth Beach Easter Parade after his sister decided she didn't want to be in the 1987 parade. Proud mothers display their babies for the judges at the Easter Promenade at the Rehoboth Convention Center in 1989. From left are Betty Strickler with 10-month-old Jessie Lou, Alberta Allen with 8-month-old Andrianne and JoAnn Economos with 6-month-old Carly. Michael Flamer, 8 of Felton, watches as six-year-old brother Anthony Flamer pulls on the Easter Bunny's ear after the Dover Parks and Recreation Annual Egg Hunt in 2005. A Celtic Easter sunrise service was held at the Holy Hill Cemetery in Smyrna Easter Sunday March 27, 2005. Kids at Sunset Stables head for the egg-laden pasture during egg hunt festivities on the farm at Lums Pond In 2006. Ameera Rife 2, searches for eggs during Easter egg hunt at Sunset Stables in 2006. Victoria Lebron of New Castle shows off her winning hat in the Best Hat category at the Annual Easter Parade in old New Castle in 2006. Lina Savage gathers eggs in an Easter egg hunt at the Marvel Carriage Museum in Georgetown in 2013. Conrad Gopie, 1, finds a pile of eggs at the Easter egg hunt at Limestone Presbyterian Church on Saturday in 2013. Kids search for Easter eggs Saturday on the grounds of Auburn Heights Preserve. About 200 kids and 550 people attended the event in 2015. In Rehoboth Beach, attendees bundled up during chilly weather for the Easter Sunrise Service at the Bandstand in 2015. In Rehoboth Beach, attendees bundled up during chilly weather for the Easter Sunrise Service at the Bandstand in 2015. Deacon Bob Levesque carries the Bible to the altar ahead of Bishop Francis Malooly during Easter Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter on Sunday morning in Wilmington in 2015. Chila Ortiz of New Castle puts the finishing touches on a palm cross as a group of volunteers works to produce 250 of the Easter crosses at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Wilmington, Saturday, April 12, 2014. Nellie Stokes Elementary School and the Camden/Wyoming Fire Department made their annual Spring Book Drop in 2014. A fire truck goes through neighborhoods to pass out books and learning materials. JASON MINTO/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS JOURNAL Deanna Pedicone, her daughter, Zoe, and their dog, Annabelle, with the Easter Bunny at Easter Bone Hunt in 2014. Children search for buried treasure in the form of Easter eggs on Dewey Beach during the annual Easter Egg Scoop in 2016. The Easter Bunny is ready for the fun to begin at the Easter Egg Scoop in Dewey Beach in 2016. Kirby Tokarczyk, 4, of Wilmington, snags an egg from the sand at Dewey Beach's annual Easter Egg Scoop in 2016. Duncan the dachshund, owned by Jill Reinhardt of Wilmington, relaxes after the Faithful Friends' Dog-Gone Easter Egg Hunt in 2016 at Wilmington's Rockford Park Saturday. The youngest egg-seekers take to the field during the Easter egg hunt at Auburn Heights Preserve in 2017. Logan Rose Sepp (center), visiting family in Hockessin from Jersey City, NJ, grabs a couple of eggs in the 2-and-under age group Easter egg hunt at Auburn Heights Preserve in 2017. Charlie Brubaker, of Petersburg, coats Easter eggs in chocolate at Woodside United Methodist Church in 2016. Icing is added to Easter eggs at Woodside United Methodist Church in 2016. Pat Bravata, left, of Woodside, Diane Leech, of Millersburg, Pa. and Audrey Auras, of Woodside, shape Easter eggs at Woodside United Methodist Church in 2016, where they have been making quarter-pound easter eggs for decades. Brian Hui, of Hockessin, (left) joins other 3- and 4-year-olds in the Easter egg hunt at Auburn Heights Preserve in 2018. Kids scramble to collect eggs during an Easter egg hunt put on by City Church at Tilton Park in Wilmington in 2023. Firefighters escort the Easter Bunny on April 12, 2020. Firefighters escort the Easter Bunny on April 12, 2020. Firefighters escort the Easter Bunny on April 12, 2020. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. City Church of Wilmington and West Side Grows hosted a free Easter egg hunt and various other activities at Tilton Park in Wilmington on Saturday, March 30, 2024. A look back at Delawares Easter celebrations 1 of 93 Easter photo from The News Journal archives from 1972.

What's the most popular Easter candy in Delaware?

Delaware had a tie for its most popular Easter candy.

Delaware is one of only two states that favor the chocolate bunny and the only state where PEZ ranks as a top Easter candy.

Among the First State's neighbors, the popular candies were:

New Jersey: Chocolate bunny and Swedish Fish

Pennsylvania: Peeps

Maryland: Jelly Belly jelly beans

5 most popular Easter candy in the US

Established in 1958, Bromilow's Chocolates prepares for the Easter holiday, making their own chocolate bunnies and other seasonal favorites at their Woodland Park, New Jersey location.

Peeps, which was favored in 17 states, is the most popular overall candy. Here are the top 5:

Peeps Chocolate bunny Jelly Belly jelly beans Swedish Fish Reese's Eggs

Why is Easter a floating holiday?: When is Easter 2026, why celebrate

5 least popular Easter candies

Cadbury's Creme Easter Eggs are displayed on a shelf in a Sainsbury's supermarket on March 26, 2026 in London, England

Heres what youre going to want to avoid putting in your child's basket or buy for yourself.

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Cadbury Creme Eggs Jolly Rancher Gummies Jordan Almonds Easter M&Ms PEZ

What does the Easter Bunny have to do with Easter?

According to history.com, the Bible makes no mention of Easter bunnies. Rabbits are ancient symbols of fertility and new life because of their reputation for reproducing quickly. The exact origins of the Easter Bunny are unknown.

What is known is that the Easter Bunny first arrived in the United States in the 1700s. German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania brought the tradition of the egg-laying bunny Osterhase or Oschter Haws. Children would build nests and the creature would lay colored eggs in them. The custom spread throughout the country and nests were switched to baskets and the famous bunny brought chocolate, candy, gifts and eggs.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Most popular candy in Delaware for Easter 2026
Robbie Pierce, his husband, Neal Broverman are no strangers to bigotry. The men and their two young children were traveling on an Amtrak train in California in 2022 when they were harassed by a fellow passenger at a stop in San Jose; an incident that made headlines.

All of a sudden, there was a man standing there next to me, Pierce told The Advocate. The man told their son, Remember what I told you earlier. They stole you and theyre pedophiles, Pierce recounts. The man also said that gay people are abominations. (Broverman is the editorial director for print media at Pride, The Advocates parent company.)

The police were called and the man was thrown off the train, but the incident was a frightening reminder that gay families could be the target of bigots any time and anywhere, even in liberal Northern California. Its a new level of homophobia out there, Pierce added.

Seven months later, Pierces son was the victim of harassment, this time from a child at a park.

A tire swing at an empty park. Photo credit: Dakota Lim/Unsplash

A random unattended 7-year-old at the park told me and my son that gay people are the devil, he recounted in a viral X thread. My son scoffed, but the boy said it was true because God said so.

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Maybe it was the incident months prior. Maybe it was a lifetime of harassment and judgment. But whatever it was, in that moment, Pierce had had enough. He reacted to the boys hatred  which he probably learned at home  with his own lesson.

I told him parents made up God to make their Kids do what they want. His eyes got so big, he wrote on X.

A random unattended 7yo at the park told me and my son that gay people are the devil and are going to hell. My son scoffed, but the boy said it was true because God said so. I told him parents made up God to make their kids do what they want. His eyes got so big.  Robbie Pierce (@Robbiepierce) September 29, 2022

Its worth wondering: Did God really say so? Biblical scholars are split on the Bibles true message around homosexuality. It appears open to interpretation, and its clear that many people choose to interpret the words in a hateful and negative way, going so far as to show their children that its OK to approach and confront gay people over their identities.

Addressing complex issues like religion and sexuality with a young child, whos a stranger, is a tricky needle to thread, so Pierce admits he had some reservations about his response. But he stands by his decision.

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Im sorry but if you teach your kids to hate Im going to teach them to disobey you, he wrote on X.

I'm sorry but if you teach your kids to hate I'm going to teach them to disobey you.  Robbie Pierce (@Robbiepierce) September 29, 2022

As someone who has been harassed by religious, homophobic people in the past, Pierce took the opportunity to help steer a young child away from hatred. At the age of 7, most children believe whatever their parents tell them. However, Pierce planted a seed in the childs mind that may one day encourage him to challenge his indoctrination when he gets older. The kid will likely remember that interaction for many years to come, and may look back at it with shame one day. That shame could be the much-needed catalyst for change.

I was shocked at first and thenwellyou may have planted a seed to grow a fine human out of the little homophobic bigot he was being trained up as. I cant argue with that, one user wrote on X.

The vast majority of commenters on X agreed with Pierces response to the childs comment.

But what Robbie said wasn't exactly wrong? And if you're going to hell anyway, why not say it lol.  Sir David Lee ? (@davidleedesign) September 30, 2022

Good on you Robbie!

I cant stop laughing when I think of the conversation that kid is going to have at bedtime tonight.  Miggie (@Miggie07758273) September 30, 2022

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However, some people thought Pierces response to the child was inappropriate.

Bigoted words or not, it was still a child, and many people thought there may have been a more tactful way to teach the kid a lesson rather than invalidating his entire faith. Or perhaps Pierce could have tracked down the boys parents and given them an earful instead.

maybe because the conversation was with a 7yo child? Are we going to victimize ourselves to THAT degree?



This wasn't an admirable way to handle this situation.



My personal beliefs don't have anything to do with it. I believe God is Love and I love all the gays. I love children.  PoplarTree (@PoplarTree20) September 30, 2022

That was quite wrong of you to do to a kid.

You had a chance to enlighten a child. You could have told him that gay people are just like everyone else and should be respected. Instead you threw his mind into darkness and chaos. You made a bad situation worse.  The Ghost of CJ. (@CarlaJM) September 30, 2022

Ill take: you are telling the truth and you took the time to own a seven year old kid to make yourself feel better. Very big of you. Or. You are making things up again. Either way, probably not something to hold as a moment of righteousness. Be better.  Jett Breffery (@emolawncare) September 30, 2022

One thing is clear: Something in our culture is definitely broken when were more intent on policing peoples responses to bigotry and hate versus addressing the root cause of these divides. The boys parents should be the one on trial in the court of public opinion for teaching their son that this kind of behavior is acceptable.

No matter how one feels about Pierces reaction, whats clear is that there is something very inappropriate about a 7-year-old child openly harassing LGBTQ families. The unfortunate problem is that this type of hyper-religious upbringing can cause lasting emotional and psychological trauma to a child. And its a common problem. A recent study in the growing field of religious trauma found that 1 in 3 Americans suffer from trauma related to religion at some point in their life.

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While we might be quick to dismiss the childs behavior as innocent or simply as a symptom of growing up in a religious household, the more we learn about religious trauma, the more these children appear to be the victims of abuse. Hopefully Pierces words will help the boy rethink his relationship with his faith, and his parents, down the road.

This article originally appeared two years ago. It has been updated.

The post Gay dad has a forceful response to a 7-year-old who called gay people the devil appeared first on Upworthy.
NEW BEDFORD  On April 7, beer lovers across the United States raise a glass in celebration of National Beer Day. Thats why were asking our Standard-Times readers to vote for their favorite brewery in the New Bedford area.

Beer Day commemorates a pivotal moment in American history, April 7, 1933, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act into law. For the first time in 13 years, Americans were legally allowed to produce and purchase beer up to 3.2% alcohol by weight, marking a significant move toward ending the era of Prohibition.

The importance of National Beer Day is rooted in both history and culture. On the day the law took effect, an estimated 1.5 million barrels of beer were enjoyed nationwide, highlighting the country's thirst for its favorite brew and a return to normalcy, according to BrewersAssociation.com.

Red Hand Brewing Co. is good spot for a great beer.

The day, officially established by Justin Smith of Virginia in 2009 and recognized by state officials in 2017, has grown into a tradition where people visit local breweries, attend tastings, and experiment with different beer styles such as IPAs, stouts, and lagers.

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Brewery restaurants, or brewpubs, according to BeerCraft.com, are unique establishments where craft beer is brewed on-site and served alongside a curated menu from a full-service kitchen and New Bedford has several spots worthy of visiting and tasting their original brews.

These restaurants provide what can be described as a true "farm-to-pint" experience: beers are meticulously crafted in small batches, often available nowhere else, and are thoughtfully paired with food designed to complement their unique flavors.

Vote in our poll for the best brewery in the New Bedford area by Thursday, April 9 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on Instagram: @Official_Seth_Chitwood. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Best Greater New Bedford brewery to visit on National Beer Day
NEED TO KNOW

A woman who carries a gene mutation for Huntington's disease said she feels like a "ticking time bomb"

The rare illness affects an individual's ability to move and think, as well as their mental health

"I cried more than I thought possible. I just couldnt stop," Sarah Power recalled of the moment she learned of her diagnosis

A woman admitted she feels like a "ticking time bomb" after she learned she carries a gene mutation for Huntington's disease.

Sarah Power went to a doctor's visit years ago with her mom, when she tested positive for the rare illness.

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Huntington's disease, according to the Mayo Clinic, causes nerve cells in the brain to decay, affecting an individual's ability to move and think, as well as their mental health.

Symptoms typically appear when a person is in their 30s or 40s. Power was 23 at the time she got her diagnosis.

'I keep pinching myself.'



Sarah Power, who has been diagnosed with Huntington's disease, says that the breakthrough of a possibile treatment 'is the most exciting thought.' pic.twitter.com/FT5IFzTnMD  GB News (@GBNEWS) September 28, 2025

"I fell to pieces," Power, now 41, recalled to Metro. "I am pre-symptomatic, but it feels like Im a ticking time bomb. Its made me live my life differently, though, knowing that I will get ill at some point."

Added Power: "I dont take anything for granted, and feel grateful for what I have today. I just try to live my life as much as I can, and Im glad Im still here."

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Huntington's disease is found on Power's dad's side of the family. Both her father and her grandmother had it.

"I vividly remember sitting in our living room when I was five, being told by someone from the Huntingtons Disease Association that my grandma had this disease," Power said. "They were explaining it was hereditary, which didnt mean a huge amount to me at the time, but I did feel this darkness in the room."

"My grandma had been a smoker, and I remember naively thinking I would never smoke so that I wouldnt get Huntingtons," she added.

When Power's grandfather died, his cause of death was listed as Huntington's. Her father  whom Power described as a "proud man" who denied he had Huntington's  died from the same disease at age 63 in 2017.

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It wasn't until Power was 18 that she was told she would have to attend an appointment for genetic counseling tied to Huntington's disease.

"They knew my dad had it, and they were just telling me without telling me," she explained to Metro.

"I cried more than I thought possible. I just couldnt stop," Power added about when she got her official diagnosis years later. "The world was still turning, but it was as though it stood still for a while. It was so hard, having to tell many of my friends over the phone. I couldnt talk, I was shattered. I felt numb."

After Power got her diagnosis, her friends tried to get her mind off the news by taking her backpacking.

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"It was the best thing I could have done. We saved up as much money as possible, and then just went to Brazil, Bora Bora, New Zealand and Thailand  making as many memories as possible," she said.

In September 2025, Power got a surprising email from the Huntington's Disease Association about a new treatment.

Cath Stanley, the Chief Executive for the organization, told Metro that "early results" of the new treatment "suggest it could slow the conditions progression by up to 75%."

However, she also explained that in its current form, the treatment requires a lengthy operation "lasting more than 12 hours."

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.

Power still feels hopeful now about the future, even though she has the disease. "Ive never let myself think about what it would be like to see my grandchildren, or whether I would need a pension," she told Metro. "Its the breakthrough weve all been hoping and praying for."

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"Now, I might be able to grow into an old lady and enjoy all the things my mom has," Power added.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Power also told GB News that the potential treatment option for Huntington's disease "is the most exciting thought."

"I keep pinching myself," she added.

Read the original article on People
NEED TO KNOW

A woman, widowed at 37, spent decades prioritizing her family before deciding to focus on her own happiness

Janine took a solo gap year to travel, visiting places like Rwanda, Guatemala and Morocco to embrace new experiences

Now, at 60, Janine plans to visit Japan and New Zealand and dreams of renting a house in Italy with friends

After a woman found herself widowed at 37, she had to take over as the guiding force of her family. Now, at 60, Janine is finally putting her dreams first.

"I didn't think my adventure years were over, but I did think, 'How do I do this alone?'" she told Mamamia.

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"As women, it's so ingrained in us to be the givers for everyone around us. We look after everyone else first, and we don't allow ourselves to have the precious time we want. Being needed becomes a crutch, and you don't know any other way to be," she added about being the person all the other family members leaned on.

She decided to take a gap year to travel the world alone, embracing unfamiliar places and tough emotions in the process.

A world globe (stock image).

Credit: Getty

"I definitely felt like I needed to earn it," Janine said. "But I've come to realise that if you're always waiting for the right time, it's never going to happen. The right time doesn't come to you; you have to choose it."

"Truthfully, no one is going to praise or thank you for staying home, and no one who loves you will ever say you shouldn't have gone on that trip," she continued.

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Janine eventually traveled everywhere from Rwanda to Australia. She's also been to other countries like Guatemala, Croatia and Morocco, and even went on a gorilla trek.

"I was so completely in the moment, it was a massive bucket list experience for me," she recalled. "I wasn't thinking or worrying about anything else at that moment. That's what travel does for you."

Janine noted that her 60th birthday "crept up" on her, but it made her want to "change the future" when it came to her life.

Her kids were also supportive of her love for travel, especially now that they're all grown up.

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"When they were little, if they were happy, I was happy. Now they're older, they want their mom to be happy too," she said.

"I'm still here, I'm in good health, and I'm able to do this with my life. Not everyone has that privilege at this age, so I'm taking all the opportunities," Janine added.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

As for what she's planning next, Janine hopes to travel to Japan and New Zealand. She also wants to rent a "cheap house" in Italy to enjoy the culture with her closest friends.

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"My children always say, 'If nothing changes, nothing changes.' And they're right. Say it out loud, take it out of your head, just put it out there in the world and make it happen," she said.

Read the original article on People
Many Americans continue to hold negative views of both the Democratic and Republican parties ahead of the midterm elections, according to a new poll.

In a CNN survey released Friday, nearly a quarter of U.S. respondents said they have negative perceptions of both the Republican and Democratic parties. The respondents, however, preferred Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections by 31 points.

Those with negative perceptions of both parties criticized Democrats for being ineffective, citing a lack of pushback against President Trump and his policies and claimed the party has become too liberal.

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On the GOP side, voters signaled lawmakers unwillingness to stand up to Trump, a lack of care for everyday Americans and corruption among their top concerns about the party, according to the poll.

Among all respondents surveyed, 27 percent identified as Democrats, 29 percent as Republicans and 44 percent as independents or another party affiliation.

The survey also found strong motivation among a majority of self-identified registered voters that they will cast a ballot in November.

Roughly 73 percent said they were extremely or very motivated to vote, while 16 percent said they were somewhat motivated. Another 11 percent were either not too or not at all encouraged to cast a ballot, the results show.

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Additionally, the poll asked respondents which party they would support if the November elections were held today.

Democratic candidates received 48 percent support while Republican candidates received 42 percent support on this question. About 8 percent of those polled said they would not support either party while 2 percent said they do not plan to vote at all, according to the survey.

House Democrats are hoping to flip control of the lower chamber of Congress in the upcoming elections. Additionally, several states, like California, Georgia and Minnesota, are hosting key gubernatorial races this year.

The CNN poll surveyed 1,201 U.S. adults March 26-30. The margin of error is approximately 3.2 percentage points.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The A-10 may be in the twilight of its career, but that doesnt mean its done proving new capabilities, some of which could impact the USAFs larger tactical airpower force. In particular, it just tested one capability we have been highlighting as a huge opportunity and potential necessity for a future fight in the Pacific.

A test A-10, looking like it borrowed its nose from an A-6 Intruder, flew for the first time equipped with a refueling probe in place of its nose-mounted aerial refueling receptacle earlier this week. The program has been ongoing for some time. Within days of that first flight, the test Hog successfully plugged into a C-130 equipped with aerial refueling drogues. An image, circulating on social media, shows the A-10 in question connected to a drogue trailing behind a Hercules.

Not AI. Current testing.



Hog on a Droge.



When they start landing in Carriers, Im out. pic.twitter.com/17quJjBf4M  COL (Ret) Jeff in  (@JeffFisch) April 3, 2026

Authors note: On April 7th, 2026, the Air Force released images of the test along with a written statement about it. You can read that statement at the bottom of this article. The images are posted below (all credited to SMSgt Charles Givens/USAF):

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First I was like, YESSSSSS!



Then I was like, Wait, now I gotta learn how to do that too pic.twitter.com/T52yNGBAMS  Crate of Thunder (@ThunderCrate6) April 8, 2026

The implications of this test go beyond the A-10. We had previously made the case, in detail, how USAF fighters equipped with probes would be of extreme value during a crisis in the Pacific. We also have made the case for smaller tactical tankers supporting these operations and how they could be essential to the USAFs success in such a conflict.

The ability for fighters to launch with heavy loads from short runways, even those that have been battle damaged, and immediately tank-up on gas before heading deeper into enemy territory would be a huge plus for the USAF. Currently, all of its tactical jets use the receptacle and boom mode of aerial refueling, where a jet tanker plugs into them, usually at high altitudes, for refueling. This makes the USAFs Agile Combat Employment strategy, where fighters will hop from one austere forward airfield to another in order to stay ahead of the enemys targeting cycle, and stay within range of being combat relevant, somewhat problematic.

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 74th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 29, 2025. The A-10 conducts operations across the AOR to provide close air support and combat airpower as necessary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Travis Knauss) Airman 1st Class Travis Knauss

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Jet tankers require long runways and do not refuel aircraft at very low altitudes. The ability for USAF fighters to utilize MC-130s and HC-130s, or even Marine KC-130s, as well as standard C-130Js modified for aerial refueling, would drastically change this equation, operating from shorter fields alongside fighters with far more flexibility.

In addition, refueling at altitude, even what is considered low altitude by special operations-focused jet tankers in the USAFs inventory, which you can read all about here, still is many thousands of feet in the air. This leaves them and their customers vulnerable to long-range detection and increasingly far reaching air defenses. This is especially true for an adversary like China, that is investing very heavily into its anti-access/area-denial strategy, which will make normal combat operations far more dangerous much farther from a tactical jets target area than in past conflicts. So getting much lower, below the radar horizon, for refueling would go a long way in mitigating this growing threat.

With this in mind, we will likely see aerial refueling by the USAFs jet tankers, KC-135s and KC-46s, drop lower and new training and procedures will be needed to support this. Risks also increase at these lower altitudes, especially considering that weather can be far more of a factor and aircraft handling changes in the thick air. But even if the USAF adapts its existing jet tanker force to lower altitude refueling operations, they still will not be able to operate out of the airstrips that C-130s can. The USAF also already has many C-130s to leverage for this role, leaving the jet tankers for more traditional, longer-range support missions, which they will be overtaxed with during a major fight in the Pacific to begin with, before even having to support ACE operations.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 191st Air Refuelling Squadron, Wright Air National Guard, Utah, after taking off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 3, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Helena Owens) Senior Airman Helena Owens

Thus, giving the A-10, as well as other fighters, like F-16s and F-15s (and even F-35s), the ability to be equipped with a probe and pairing them with C-130 tankers, could drastically change the USAFs ACE equation, and make it far more tactically relevant than it currently is. The C-130s could also work as transports to support small groups of fighters hopping around the Pacific, while also providing tanker support for kinetic sorties.

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Its also worth noting that the USAF is now interested in the exact purpose-built aircraft we originally posited for this mission, but procuring an entirely new type, while sticking to the boom and receptacle concept, is a much bigger ask than adapting the force it already has. Arguably, there would be a place for both concepts in the USAFs portfolio if it really doubles down on its ACE vision and the boom-equipped tactical tanker could also service probe-equipped fighter aircraft.

For the A-10, the addition of a probe makes even more sense, as these aircraft have the combat search and rescue Sandy mission, where they directly escort and provide close air support for special operations helicopters working to pluck personnel out of highly contested territory. This same mission set has been highlighted incredibly well like nothing in recent memory just today over Iran. The HC-130s and MC-130s are already equipped to provide fuel to rotary-wing aircraft during these operations. They could also support A-10s with aerial refueling, as well. This would extend the endurance and range of the A-10s Sandy mission set. It would also provide more flexibility as to who they can get gas from for other mission types.

HC-130J refuels a HH-60W. (USAF)

It will be interesting to see if the program moves beyond this demonstration and if this capability gets eyed for more of the USAFs tactical jet force. It was in the works for some time and appears to have been put into purgatory due to the A-10s pending retirement, before being put back on a fast track recently. This is at least a sign that the USAF sees major merit in the concept.

As for how the USAFs fighters could be equipped with a probe, multiple solutions exist, including installing them on drop tanks and conformal fuel tanks, to bolting them onto the empennages of the aircraft. Future F-35As could even be equipped with both a receptacle and a refueling probe as the latter option is installed on the B and C model.

F-16s Conformal Aerial Refueling Tank System (CARTS). (Photo by David Drais/Lockheed Martin)





The ART/S pod by Sargeant Fletcher.

Fixed probes have been added to many aircraft over the years, like this CF-5. (DAN MCWILLIAMS)

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Regardless of whats to come, this is an encouraging sign that the USAF at least appears to be questioning its ACE dreams and trying to see how relatively simple alterations to it could make it more operationally realistic. If anything else, the Warthog getting this option could help enhance its CSAR capabilities and open the aperture to what tankers can provide gas to it for other operations. Considering the major challenges of future CSAR operations the USAF is facing, where range will be a huge problem, letting the A-10 tank from the same assets as their rotary-wing brethren would be a huge win.

UPDATE:

The USAF has put out a formal release on the test as well as images, the latter of which have been embedded in the article above.

Release and images:

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The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center led a rapid multi-organization effort that delivered probe and drogue air refueling capability to the A-10 Thunderbolt II, responding to an urgent combatant command requirement.

The Probe Refueling Adapter addresses operational availability of aerial refueling in theater, expanding refueling options for deployed A-10 units.

The adapter fits into the air refueling receptacle on the nose of the A-10, converting the aircraft from its standard boom refueling configuration to a probe and drogue system. The modification allows A-10s to refuel from HC-130 tankers, significantly expanding refueling options for deployed units.

The capability gap emerged from limited aerial refueling pairing options available to mission planners. With KC-10 tankers retired and KC-46 certification pending, A-10 units remained dependent on KC-135 aircraft for aerial refueling. The probe adapter enables A-10s to refuel from C-130 tankers, whose airspeeds and altitudes prove more compatible with A-10 operations and whose mission sets align more closely with close air support and combat search and rescue operations.

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AATC coordinated the effort across multiple organizations to compress development timelines. An industry partner developed and built the probe adapter while the A-10 System Program Office provided engineering oversight for aircraft integration. ARCWERX enabled rapid contract acquisition, and Luke Air Force Base fabricated supporting components to accelerate delivery. The 418th Flight Test Squadron provided the HC-130 tanker and crew for the first refueling mission.

Once the combatant command issued the requirement, all of the standard acquisition processes began immediately, but everyone involved understood the urgency, said Lt. Col. Luke Haywas, A-10 Combined Test Force director. The SPO, ARCWERX, industry partners, and supporting units each brought critical expertise to the effort. Nothing was shortcut or compromised from a technical or safety standpoint. We just accelerated every step we could.

The probe adapter represents a field-configurable solution designed for installation by operational flight line personnel. Units can install or remove the adapter in a matter of hours, allowing aircraft to be reconfigured between boom and probe refueling capability based on mission requirements.

This project demonstrates that AATC can serve as a rapid response mechanism when combatant commanders face urgent capability gaps, said Col. Daniel Wittmer, AATC commander. We maintained relationships with system program offices and industry partners, and we brought the test expertise needed to move from concept to fielded capability in weeks. Thats not a one-time accomplishment. Its a model for how the Air Force can deliver operationally relevant capabilities to warfighters at the speed that modern conflict demands.

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The compressed timeline reflects an operational reality where the speed of capability delivery increasingly determines whether the Air Force maintains its warfighting advantage.

The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center is responsible for operational flight test, tactics development, and evaluation for all Air Reserve Component weapons systems. The organization is also chartered to modernize the Air Reserve Components Battlefield Airman Enterprise, which includes Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Cyber, Space, and all Combined Test Forces.

Contact the author: Tyler@Twz.com
PNN New Delhi [India], April 4: Choosing the right manufacturer for your interior needs is a crucial step in creating a space that is both functional and visually appealing. Whether you are designing a home or setting up a commercial workspace, the quality of manufacturing plays a major role in determining the final outcome. From kitchens to office setups, modern interiors demand precision, durability, and smart design.Today, interior solutions are no longer just about furniture--they are about creating efficient, organized, and aesthetically pleasing environments. This is why selecting the right partner becomes essential for long-term satisfaction and performance. Let's explore the key factors you should consider before finalizing a manufacturer for your modern interior solutions. 1. Experience and ExpertiseOne of the first things to check is the experience of the manufacturer. A company with years of industry knowledge understands design challenges, material selection, and space optimization better than a newcomer. Experienced manufacturers have handled a variety of projects, from compact homes to large commercial spaces. This gives them the ability to provide practical solutions tailored to different requirements. For example, a professional modular kitchen manufacturer knows how to balance storage, accessibility, and design, while an office furniture manufacturer understands workspace efficiency and employee comfort. Choosing an experienced brand like Holzbox can give you confidence that your project is in capable hands. 2. Customization OptionsNo two spaces are the same, and your interiors should reflect your specific needs and lifestyle. A reliable manufacturer should offer customization options rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Customization allows you to optimize space, choose preferred materials, and align the design with your vision. Whether it's a kitchen layout tailored to your cooking habits or office furniture designed for team collaboration, flexibility is key. A good manufacturer will work closely with you to understand your requirements and deliver solutions that fit perfectly into your space. 3. Quality of MaterialsThe durability of your interiors depends heavily on the materials used. High-quality materials ensure that your furniture and fittings can withstand daily use without losing their appearance or functionality. For residential spaces, especially kitchens, materials should be resistant to heat, moisture, and stains. In office environments, furniture should be sturdy, long-lasting, and capable of handling regular wear and tear. Always ask about the type of boards, finishes, hardware, and fittings being used. Investing in quality materials may seem costly initially, but it saves money in the long run by reducing maintenance and replacements. 4. Design Approach and InnovationModern interiors require a blend of creativity and functionality. The manufacturer you choose should be up-to-date with the latest design trends and innovations. Look for features like space-saving solutions, modular designs, ergonomic furniture, and smart storage systems. These elements not only enhance the look of your space but also improve usability. Innovative design is especially important in today's fast-paced lifestyle, where every inch of space matters. A forward-thinking manufacturer will help you achieve a balance between style and practicality. 5. Manufacturing Technology and ProcessThe technology used in manufacturing plays a big role in determining the quality and finish of the final product. Advanced machinery ensures precision, consistency, and better detailing. Manufacturers who use modern equipment can deliver products with accurate measurements and seamless finishes. This is particularly important for modular setups, where even small errors can affect installation. A well-equipped facility also reflects professionalism and a commitment to quality standards. 6. Timelines and Project ManagementTimely delivery is another critical factor to consider. Delays can disrupt your plans, especially in commercial projects where time directly impacts business operations. A reliable manufacturer will provide clear timelines and stick to them. Efficient project management includes proper planning, coordination, and regular updates throughout the process. Before finalizing, discuss the expected delivery schedule and ensure that the manufacturer has a track record of completing projects on time. 7. Installation and After-Sales SupportEven the best-designed interiors can fall short if not installed properly. Professional installation ensures that everything fits perfectly and functions as intended. Choose a manufacturer that offers end-to-end services, including installation and after-sales support. This includes maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage. After-sales service is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and performance of your interiors over time. 8. Portfolio and Client FeedbackReviewing past work is one of the best ways to evaluate a manufacturer's capabilities. A strong portfolio showcases their design style, versatility, and attention to detail. Look for projects similar to yours and assess the quality of execution. Client reviews and testimonials also provide insights into their reliability and customer satisfaction. A manufacturer with a proven track record is more likely to deliver results that meet your expectations. 9. Pricing and Overall ValueWhile budget is an important consideration, it should not be the only factor influencing your decision. Instead of choosing the cheapest option, focus on the value you are getting. Low-cost solutions may compromise on quality, leading to higher expenses in the future. A good manufacturer will offer transparent pricing and explain what is included in the cost. Think of your interiors as a long-term investment. Spending a little more upfront for better quality can save you from frequent repairs and replacements. 10. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly PracticesSustainability is becoming increasingly important in modern interior design. Many manufacturers are now adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce environmental impact. This includes using sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and following responsible production methods. Choosing such a manufacturer not only benefits the environment but also ensures healthier indoor spaces. If sustainability is important to you, make sure to discuss this aspect before making your final decision. ConclusionSelecting the right manufacturer for modern interior solutions requires careful evaluation of multiple factors. From experience and customization to material quality and after-sales support, each element plays a vital role in the success of your project. Whether you are designing a home or a workspace, working with a reliable partner ensures that your interiors are functional, durable, and visually appealing. Trusted names like Holzbox combine craftsmanship, innovation, and quality to deliver solutions that meet modern expectations. By considering these factors, you can make an informed choice and create spaces that truly reflect your needs, style, and long-term vision. (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.)
Two people were killed in a crash with a semi-truck on the eastbound side of the 210 Freeway near Sunland Friday, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Authorities responded to a crash involving a car and a big rig between Sunland Boulevard and La Tuna Canyon Road at 9:53 p.m. A 35-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man were pronounced dead at the scene. The 43-year-old truck driver declined to be taken to the hospital by ambulance.

The eastbound side of the 210 was shut down for several hours while authorities investigated the crash, but reopened it by early Saturday morning.

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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 KTLA.
It was a violent night in the Bronx on Thursday, where two men were fatally shot in separate incidents just about an hour apart.

The first happened around 9:30 p.m. at a deli in the Williamsbridge section.

Police say a dispute began inside the Bronxwood Avenue bodega and spilled outside. The victim, 22-year-old Ricardo Bygrave, was shot in the head and pronounced dead at Jacobi Hospital.

Police were back on Bronxwood Avenue Friday morning looking for additional surveillance video as they investigate this killing.

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The homicide took place just hours after the NYPD released its quarterly crime statistics, which reflected a positive trend for the borough.

"The Bronx leads the city in overall major crime declines with a 9.4 percent decrease," Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.

Brooklyn saw a dramatic 44% drop, while Manhattan and Queens experienced a 6 percent decrease. There were no murders on Staten Island.

But the most serious of the major crimes, murder, remains stubbornly steady in the Bronx, 21 this year compared to 19 through the same period last year. The statistics show that 40% of the city's murders so far this year have taken place in the Bronx.

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"Over the years and decades of looking at police statistics, it's not too outlandish that the Bronx is kind of an outlier in New York City," said Brian Higgins of John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Just one hour after the Williamsbridge shooting, another unrelated instance of gun violence occurred. A dispute between neighbors escalated with 21-year-old Justin Chatfield being shot in the torso at 30 Richman Plaza in Morris Heights. He was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital and pronounced dead.

The victim's neighbor, 76-year-old Gilbert Smalls, was charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon. Police say Smalls was arrested after knocking on his door and asking for video from his doorbell camera to aid their investigation. Instead, Smalls told them, "I'm the one who shot him."

The dispute was initially between Smalls and another neighbor. Chatfield stepped in to help, but it cost him his life.

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On Thursday, the police commissioner touted the strategies the NYPD has been employing to drive numbers down.

"We identified the communities historically plagued by violent crime and deployed an unprecedented number of cops to our violence reduction zones," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. "These are the places that have been hardest hit, and now we are seeing tremendous progress."

Earlier this year, Commissioner Tisch announced plans to divide the Bronx into two distinct patrol areas, in line with Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan, which are split into north and south borough commands.

Higgins says the move makes sense.

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"The bigger the area that you handle as a as a supervisor, as administrator and department, the more resources, it can be a little daunting," he said. "So, when you break it up like this, the command personnel now have a smaller area to focus their resources."

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Two women are facing misdemeanor charges after police said they reported a made-up kidnapping of a 5-year-old child that never existed.

According to court records obtained by USA TODAY, a 31-year-old woman called 911 on March 30 and reported that her 2020 Jeep Renegade was stolen and a child was inside the vehicle. She told the dispatcher that the child was a 5-year-old girl "wearing blue jeans and a flower power shirt," court documents state.

St Louis County police issued an Amber Alert for the girl, subsequently using "significant police resources" in an effort to find the stolen vehicle and missing child.

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Police interviewed the other accused woman, 29, who told them that she was the girl's temporary guardian, according to court documents. She also told police that she and her girlfriend, the 31-year-old woman, lived with the child.

When revisiting the day of the "kidnapping," the 29-year-old woman told police that she placed the child in the Jeep's backseat and went back into her apartment "for a short time." It wasn't until her girlfriend went outside that they realized that their car and the child were gone.

Before calling 911, the 29-year-old said she took her girlfriend to work in a separate car and called her bank to see if they could locate the stolen Jeep using GPS, since the bank was financing the vehicle.

St. Louis County police find stolen vehicle, no child in sight

Police would eventually find the stolen vehicle about a mile away from the women's apartment. An extensive search for the girl followed, with police utilizing helicopter surveillance, drone surveillance and K9 search teams, according to court records.

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About five hours after the initial 911 call, both women confessed to police that the car was actually stolen, but that they lied about there being a missing child, the court documents say. The lies, police said, could have led to a "violent confrontation" because they had the entire St. Louis area looking for the stolen vehicle and the missing girl.

In a Facebook post about the situation on March 30, police said, "detectives have been able to confirm that there was never an abducted child."

Police added, "While we are extremely grateful that there is no child in danger, we want to be very clear - we will use all available resources to ensure our community members, especially the most vulnerable among us, are safe."

Now, both women face making false report charges, while the 29-year-old is facing an additional count of misuse of 911. They both were given $10,000 bonds, according to court records.

Neither woman has a defense attorney listed as of April 4, court records show.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2 women arrested in false kidnapping report of 5-year-old
A $20 million expansion and renovation of Tacomas largest homeless shelter is underway.

The work at Tacoma Rescue Mission, which will roughly double the facilitys available beds, comes following the citys closure of nearly 200 shelter beds in the previous year.

The expansion of the mens shelter at Tacoma Rescue Missions campus, 425 South Tacoma Way, will remodel 8,000 square feet of existing space and add 24,000 square feet of new space.

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The project has been funded by contributions from multiple governments. Tacoma Rescue Missions grant writer Emily Koo reported securing $5.5 million from Pierce County, $5 million from the Washington Department of Commerce, $4 million in federal funding, $3.5 million from the City of Tacoma as well as funding from private donors.

Tacoma Rescue Mission deputy director Myron Bernard told The News Tribune expansion will increase the number of available shelter beds from 90 to more than 185.

The project will double the number of toilets and sinks in the facility as well as add a furnished day center for people to come inside and comfortably wait for intake and services.

Bernard said the facility previously did not have a space like that and instead used a wide hallway that would be overrun by people during inclement weather.

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Haley Uliana, marketing manager for Tacoma Rescue Mission, said the organization would expand its recovery program, which aims to help people address the root causes of substance abuse through a year-long program. She said the program previously had 25 dormitory-style beds and will soon have 50.

While construction on the project was previously estimated to be completed by summer 2026, Uliana said the timeline has become more of a moving target through the construction process.

The organization has 17 case managers helping navigate and support unhoused individuals back into stability, but Tacoma Rescue Mission says it will soon ask the city and the county for funding to support more staff as the facility expands.

In 2025, the City of Tacoma closed nearly 200 shelter beds due to anticipated funding shortfalls. As the largest shelter provider in Pierce County, Bernard says Tacoma Rescue Mission has felt the stress of the demand placed by those displaced by the closures.

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They are experiencing the pain this causes in our community, Bernard told The News Tribune. They look to us to have answers we cant always provide.

Uliana said Tacoma Rescue Mission will need increased support to address the demand for shelter and services in the community  either through volunteers or donations.

The organization is reliant on volunteers of various skills levels, ranging from high school students helping landscape to professionals helping to do accounting.

In 2025, the organization benefited from more than 38,844 volunteer labor hours across 2,687 unique volunteers. Tacoma Rescue Mission estimates the value of volunteer labor in 2025 to be equivalent to more than $1.2 million in wages.
Three women were taken to the hospital after a bus and vehicle collided in Washington, D.C., sending the bus crashing into a closed restaurant, according to first responders.

It's not clear what led to the collision. CBS affiliate WUSA reported that the bus, part of Washington, D.C.'s public transit system, hit the vehicle. First responders were dispatched to the site around 7:13 a.m., the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department told CBS News.

The restaurant was closed when the bus crashed through its facade, the department said on X. Photos show the front of the bus surrounded by debris. Another image shows a dark-car van with significant damage on the rear driver's side. A video shows the first responders breaking up the concrete at the restaurant's entrance to facilitate the bus's removal.

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Four patients were evaluated, the department said on X, and three adult female patients were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Metro Transit Police said on X that the bus driver sustained minor injuries. A photo shows one person being wheeled towards an ambulance on a stretcher.

Update vehicle into building 7th & Q Sts NW. 3 adult female patients transported with minor injuries. Further structural assessment will be conducted once bus has been removed from inside building. #DCsBravest pic.twitter.com/qo1APZRWTy  DC Fire and EMS Department (@dcfireems) April 4, 2026

WUSA reported that the restaurant, called Ambar, was empty at the time of the crash, but was set to open for brunch at 9:20 a.m. Ambar serves Balkan food and has two locations in Washington, D.C., one in Virginia, and one in Chicago, Illinois. The crash occurred at the 7th St. & Q St. NW location, according to the department.

Firefighters searched the building as a precaution and secured its utilities, said the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. The department said crews are still working to get the bus out of the building. Once it is removed, the building's structural integrity will be assessed. An initial evaluation found no significant structural issues, the department told CBS News.



The crash is being investigated by the department and by police, WUSA reported.

White House reacts to F-15E fighter jet downed over Iran

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A driver suspected of being intoxicated drove the wrong way down a road and then hit a parked truck, eight motorcycles and three people near a restaurant in Cave Creek on Friday night.

Two of the people hit are said to have life-threatening injuries, Maricopa County authorities said.

Deputies were called to the area near Harold's Cave Creek Corral around 7:19 p.m. for reports of a crash with injuries, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Authorities said the driver drove recklessly through the parking lot before turning the wrong way down Cave Creek Road and crashing into the truck, motorcycles and pedestrians.

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Video from the scene shows bystanders rushing to help out a victim who was on the ground. Authorities said one victim had a significant head injury and another had a head injury and a serious abdominal laceration. The other person had minor injuries and declined transportation to a hospital, officials said.

Deputies said they observed signs of alcohol impairment in the driver, who stayed at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing, officials said.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.

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Police are conducting a death investigation after an elderly woman's decomposing body was found during a SWAT response at a home in the north suburbs.

The incident happened Friday in the 500 block of Saddlebrook Lane in Vernon Hills, officials said.

Police responded to a home at the location for a well-being check. After officers spoke with a male who was inside the home, he barricaded himself inside.

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SWAT officers from both the Illinois State Police and Northern Illinois Police Alarm System were called to assist, Vernon Hills police said.

The woman's 50-year-old son was barricaded in the house for several hours before being detained by SWAT, police said.

The cause and manner of the woman's death remains under investigation.

Her son was being evaluated at a hospital. No charges have been filed, police said.

No further information was available.
A 42-year old Akron man has been sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine throughout Summit County and surrounding areas.

Antonio Guice was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams to 327 months  or 27.25 years  in prison. The judge also ordered Guice to five years of supervised release after he serves his prison sentence.

In November 2025, Guice pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.

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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted a 60-day initiative "focused on Akron's most violent neighborhoods" that resulted in the arrest of Guice and at least 30 others in September, according to an April 3 news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

Federal agents linked Guice to the sale of 470 grams, or more than one pound, of meth after suspecting "that Guice was the source of large quantities of methamphetamine being trafficked throughout the Akron metropolitan area," the release said.

Co-defendants Troy Miller, 54, of Akron, and Wathen Milliner, 40, of Akron, pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy. Miller is serving a 10-year prison sentence, and Milliner is awaiting sentencing.

Law enforcement agencies that conducted the investigation were the ATF Columbus Division's Cleveland Field Office, Akron Police Department, Summit and Portage County sheriff's offices, Barberton Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority and University of Akron Police Department.

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Assistant U.S. Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel prosecuted the case.

Patrick Williams covers growth and development for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at pwilliams@gannett.com or on X @pwilliamsOH. Sign up for the Beacon Journal's business and consumer newsletter, "What's The Deal?"

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron man, 42, sentenced for role in meth distribution conspiracy
MS NOW host Al Sharpton feels former Vice President Kamala Harris has been "been ignored" for a potential 2028 presidential run but will make sure the Black community appreciates her efforts at his upcoming convention.

Sharpton is gearing up for next weeks National Action Networks 35th Anniversary Convention, a New York City event that Politico Playbook said will bring together a "who's who" of Black political power brokers, potential 2028 Democratic candidates vying for Black voters and top influencers.

Harris is an expected attendee, alongside other potential 2028 candidates such as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

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Sharpton intends to remind attendees that Harris remains a popular figure among Black potential voters, even after the party is still reeling over her 2024 loss to President Donald Trump.

Stephen A Smith Regrets Voting For Kamala Harris, Says He Lost Faith In Democrats

Rev. Al Sharpton touted former Vice President Kamala Harris as a "potent force in the Black community." (Getty Images)

"I wouldn't ignore the fact that shes absolutely a potent force in the Black community," Sharpton told Politico.

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"I do not have any idea whether she's going to try to go again, but I think she's due all the respect for what she did, and the fact that she got more votes than any presidential candidate in American history, other than Trump," Sharpton continued. "I think she has been ignored, and we're going to raise that at our convention."

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Sharpton appeared to forget former President Joe Biden still remains the official record-holder for most votes by a candidate in 2020, when he won 81.2 million.

Harris is also planning to attend a series of fundraisers for state parties in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia in the coming weeks, and will speak at an Arkansas Democratic Party event later this month, according to Politico.

Harris Ripped Over Video Previewing Trump Speech She Claims She Wouldn't Watch: 'Sit This One Out'

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to appear at the National Action Networks 35th Anniversary Convention.

The publication suggested Harris "southern swing is both the surest sign that she is primed for a 2028 comeback bid," and also a signal the other contenders need to improve their standing among Black voters.

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"That you've got several candidates that have had experience and have won Black votes in their states makes this very competitive nobody can walk in taking the Black vote for granted," Sharpton told Politico.

Far-left podcaster Joy Reid, a former colleague of Sharpton when MS NOW was still MSNBC, recently said Harris should not run for president again, arguing the U.S. would never elect a woman to the office of the presidency.

"I hope she doesn't run again. I don't think she should run again," Reid said on the "One54" podcast.

Kamala Harris Harshly Critiques President Trump's Sotu Speech Which Triggers Response From White House

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"I think there are great ways she can serve," Reid added. "I don't think that the United States is going to elect a woman in my lifetime."

Harris suggested she may run for president again during an interview in February.

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Fox News Digital's Hanna Panreck contributed to this report.





Original article source: Al Sharpton touts Kamala Harris as potent force in the Black community among potential 2028 Dem candidates
Authorities began searching for a 9-year-old who went missing from Raleigh early Saturday morning.

The boy has since been found safe in New Bern, according to police.

An AMBER alert was issued for Austin Ross just before 1 a.m. Saturday. New Bern Police announced the boy was believed to be with a 45-year-old woman.

Police said the two were found walking along Neuse Boulevard later Saturday morning. The boy was safe and the mother was taken into custody.

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Ross was described as a 4-foot-tall, 50-pound, white male with blonde hair and blue eyes. He is autistic and has ADHD, requiring medication, police said.

Officials said Ross had last been seen wearing a blue Spiderman T-shirt, blue jean shorts, black and white Nike shoes, and a Jurassic World backpack. He had last been seen at 408 E. Front Street in New Bern.

Officials said he was believed to be with Amber Vest. Vest was described as a 5-foot-4, medium build, white female with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple shirt, blue jeans, Hoka shoes, and a dark blue beanie.

WATCH: Victims family says system failed them before courthouse attack
The US labour market added jobs in March, with total nonfarm payroll employment increasing by 178,000 during the month, according to the latest Employment Situation Summary released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 178,000 in March, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.3 percent," the agency reported. However, revisions to earlier data indicate that employment growth at the start of the year was weaker than initially estimated, with employment in January and February of 2026 combined being '7,000 lower than previously reported'. According to the bureau, "The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for January was revised up by 34,000, from +126,000 to +160,000, and the change for February was revised down by 41,000, from -92,000 to -133,000." The Bureau also revealed that federal government employment continued to decline during the month. "Federal government employment continued to decline," the release noted while outlining sectoral trends in the labour market. Other sectors posted notable gains during the month. "Job gains occurred in health care, in construction, and in transportation and warehousing," according to the Employment Situation Summary. The healthcare sector recorded the largest increase. "Health care added 76,000 jobs in March. Employment in ambulatory health care services rose by 54,000, reflecting an increase of 35,000 in offices of physicians as workers returned from a strike," the release said. Construction also contributed to job growth, with payrolls rising by 26,000 during the month. Meanwhile, transportation and warehousing added 21,000 jobs, according to the establishment survey data in the report. However, 'employment in transportation and warehousing is down by 139,000 since reaching a peak in February 2025,' the data revealed. Alternatively, some industries continued to see losses. "Employment in financial activities edged down by 15,000 in March, reflecting a loss in finance and insurance (-16,000). Employment in financial activities is down by 77,000 since reaching a peak in May 2025," the Bureau said. The report also noted limited movement in several major sectors. "Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; retail trade; information; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; and other services," it added. Wage growth remained modest during the month. According to the release, "average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls rose by 9 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $37.38. Over the year, average hourly earnings have increased by 3.5 percent." Meanwhile, working hours edged slightly lower. "The average workweek for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls edged down by 0.1 hour to 34.2 hours in March," the report said. The Employment Situation for April is scheduled to be released on May 8, 2026, the agency added. (ANI)
Ambulance service to rural townships continues to be a challenge not only in Ashtabula County, but around the state of Ohio.

Ohio 65th District State Representative David Thomas is co-sponsoring legislation that would make ambulance service mandatory for government entities throughout the state and provide a financial benefit for those that consolidate services with other entities.

Ambulance service has been especially problematic in the Southeast portion of Ashtabula County, after the closure of the Andover Emergency Room in Spring 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Many of the rural townships and villages dont have the financial tax base to easily fund emergency services. Thomass legislation would provide a potential grant for government groups joining together to create a district to provide services.

Two such districts have been handling emergency ambulance services in Ashtabula County for 50 years. South Central Ambulance District and Northwest Ambulance District service much of the Southwest and Northwest portions of the county, respectively.

We cannot continue to shift the tax burden for EMS to those who have the service and are paying for it while those who use it dont pay, Thomas said in an email.

Thomas said some areas are receiving mutual aid services from existing districts without paying for it. This has become an issue with SCAD and the Southeast portion of the county, which is serviced primarily by Community Care Ambulance.

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SCAD Executive Director Shaun Buehner said he met with Community Care Ambulance and township and village leaders in the Andover area to express concerns that he can no longer make all the mutual aid calls from outside the district.

Ashtabula County commissioners Casey Kozlowski and J.P. Ducro have been working with leaders in an attempt to create a district in the area, but finances are a problem.

The tax base in the rural townships means millage would have to be much higher than present to create a long-term functioning district. Kozlowski said it is still his opinion that a district in the area is necessary, and would like to continue to be involved in the discussions.

Buehner said the meeting with Community Care Ambulance was helpful, as service to the area has improved.

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Andover Village Council President Randy Gentry said he understands SCADs concerns about handling many calls outside their jurisdiction without funding. He said discussions with CCA have created more service when an ambulance has to leave the district for a hospital outside the area.

CCA presently services the village of Andover and surrounding townships. Andover Township Trustee William French said the township recently signed their contract with Community Care.

When the emergency room was open, the turnaround before an ambulance was back in service was quick, but that is no longer the case because transports are to Chardon, Ashtabula, Conneaut, Meadville or Youngstown.

Gentry said he is somewhat concerned that the proposed mandatory ambulance service will become another unfunded mandate. Buehner said he would like to see the ambulance grant be available for existing districts to upgrade services.

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Thomas said the legislation would encourage government leaders to lower costs.

I think we all have to be very open to changes and how we provide services moving forward, because our taxpayers simply cant afford the status quo, Thomas said.

Local leaders also expressed concerns about property taxes going away completely or being drastically reduced, causing further confusion to the ambulance funding situation.
Demonstrators carried signs reading We must stop and Bibi will kill us all, while about 200 people gathered at Horev Junction in Haifa.

Anti-war demonstrations were held across Israel on Saturday evening, with protesters gathering in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, and Kfar Saba despite strict wartime restrictions on public assembly.

Demonstrators carried signs reading We must stop and Bibi will kill us all, while about 200 people gathered at Horev Junction in Haifa.

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Earlier on Saturday, the Home Front Command granted an exceptional permit for a protest of up to 150 people at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, after state authorities told the High Court of Justice that demonstrations would be allowed only in a limited format and under tight attendance caps.

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel sought an urgent hearing, arguing that the restrictions harm the right to protest.

Israelis protest against the war in Jerusalem during the war between Israel, Iran and Hezbollah, April 4, 2026. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Security restrictions and court dispute

One IDF officer said the Home Front Command examined each requested protest site individually on operational, professional, and security grounds, including proximity to protected spaces. As a result, authorities did not approve a large gathering at Habima Square and instead allowed only 50 to 150 participants near a shelter.

The officer said the military declined to provide further details on all of its security considerations, but offered to present them to the court in a closed session.

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We are acting professionally and objectively. There is no political consideration here or any other consideration, he said.

The requests covered several locations, including Habima Square in Tel Aviv, Horev Center in Haifa, Paris Square in Jerusalem, and Weizmann Street in Kfar Saba. In Tel Aviv, the state told the Supreme Court that the protest could proceed in two separate groups of up to 75 people each, for a total of 150 participants.

Protest groups push back

Police and the Home Front Command said the limits stemmed from operational and security concerns, against the backdrop of fears of missile fire and broader wartime restrictions on gatherings.

Civil rights lawyers, however, argued in court that earlier judicial remarks on the importance of political free expression during wartime had not been meaningfully implemented.

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The dispute followed a tense High Court hearing on Friday, during which Supreme Court President Isaac Amit sharply criticized the states position.

The judges stressed that the right to protest does not disappear during war and said police should propose a framework that would allow demonstrations to proceed.
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Credit: NASA

HOUSTON . Sometimes when you're on a road trip and need a shower, nothing's going to get in your way.

That seems to be what happened Friday (April 3), when astronaut Victor Glover , the pilot of NASA's Artemis 2 mission to the moon , suddenly took off his shirt in full view of a live camera feed on the Orion spacecraft after his daily workout.

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Mission Control's reaction was priceless. The video feed suddenly cut out, replaced by a view inside the White Flight Control Room here at NASA's Johnson Space Center while flight controllers prepared a response that sounded a bit sheepish.

NASA astronaut Victor Glover (right) prepares to take a towel bath inside the Orion spacecraft on the way to the moon on April 3, 2026. Also pictured are Artemis 2 mission specialists Christina Koch (top) and Jeremy Hansen. | Credit: NASA

"Integrity, courtesy call," astronaut Chris Birch, Artemis 2 capsule communicator, radioed from Mission Control a few minutes later. "Not knowing your preference, we did have video of Victor, which we stopped from going out on our PAO stream." (PAO is NASA's abbreviation for Public Affairs Office.)

"We appreciate that, Chris. We were definitely good with the go out, but we definitely understand if you want to restrict," Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman radioed back. "No problem either way."

Birch smiled and said she'd add it to the growing list of crew preferences, and the moment passed.

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A short while later, video from the interior of Orion resumed, showing some of the Artemis 2 astronauts wrapping up lunch as a shirtless Glover finished "showering" with a small towel. He had just completed his daily 30-minute workout using Orion's new flywheel exercise device . You can see the full video at the top of this page.

"NASA astronaut Victor Glover, having completed his workout, cleaning up in space," a NASA commentator said. "Obviously we do not have showers aboard the Orion spacecraft ."

The episode, while amusing, offered an unusually intimate glimpse into the daily life of an astronaut in space  in this case, one headed for the moon .

Glover, Wiseman (both NASA astronauts) and Artemis 2 mission specialists Christina Koch of NASA and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency launched toward the moon on April 1 on NASA's first crewed lunar mission since 1972. They will become the farthest-ever humans from Earth when they loop around the moon on April 6 to begin their trip home. The 10-day mission is due to return to Earth on April 10.

Lego Technic Nasa Artemis Space Launch System 42221

The only Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket, once built it can 'launch' thanks to the clever Technic engineering mechanisms inside. It stands 27.5-inches (70 cm) tall but is made from only 632 pieces, making this suitable for ages 9+, compared with the adult-oriented (and $260) static Lego Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System (10341) model.



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NASAs Artemis II mission got the limelight this week, but U.S. Space Force has an arsenal of other space-bound hardware muscling onto Floridas launch pads this year.

This years schedule from either Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station already features six different rockets. Vying for many of the same support assets are two from SpaceX, two from United Launch Alliance, one from Blue Origin plus NASAs Space Launch System rocket.

Just this week, SpaceX tallied two Falcon 9 Starlink missions, NASA managed liftoff of Artemis II on Wednesday and a ULA Atlas V rocket shot to space early Saturday morning. A Blue Origin New Glenn is slated to launch as early as Wednesday and a SpaceX Falcon Heavy that could fly before the end of the month.

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All of them fall under the Space Forces responsibility over the Eastern Range, the area from the Florida coast out over the Atlantic over which the rockets take flight.

Earlier this year, ULA also launched its new Vulcan rocket, and in the coming years, rockets from Stoke Space, Relativity Space, Astra Space and others could join the launch party.

Those launches require a juggling act, as they all need some of the same supplies, facilities and staff, said Space Launch Delta 45 commander Col. Brian Chatman.

For example, many of the spacecraft operators want gaseous nitrogen (GN2) on hand during launches. The inert gas keeps their rocket hardware safe by pushing out more volatile propellants in the case of a scrub.

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A lot of that comes from a plant on Merritt Island, and NASA got first dibs on it last week.

The other launch service providers that require gaseous nitrogen to pull off of the pipeline have to wait until the pipeline is recharged, Chapman said.

Some launch providers, knowing that they could be facing a waiting game at times, have built their own storage facilities for supplies like GN2, so they can keep up operations on their schedule. But that creates other challenges, with more delivery trucks causing logistical and scheduling challenges on a sensitive, controlled facility.

The KSC and Cape Canaveral launch pads hosted a record 109 orbital launches in 2025, with similar numbers if not more expected in 2026. That number has been projected to grow to 300 before the end of the decade.

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Lt. Col. Gregory Allen, commander of the 1st Range Operations Squadron, said his group runs through hundreds of scenarios to avoid conflicts.

Youve got launch service providers that are at various different states of readiness, but they have to get dates on the calendar, sometimes seven to 10 days ahead of time to schedule things like airspace, he said. We have to sort of orchestrate that whole thing in the background. So theres a whole dynamic piece to that that we could probably talk for hours on.

A big change that has allowed for less staff support is the introduction of automated flight safety systems, as opposed to the self-destruct apparatus on older rockets that required more human monitoring during launch operations. Someone had to be on duty for every launch.

Col. Joyce Bulson, deputy commander of SLD 45 said all new commercial launch vehicles coming to the Space Coast will be required to have the automated flight safety system. Its already used by SpaceXs rockets, New Glenn and ULAs Vulcan, but not on NASAs SLS or the remaining Atlas V rockets of ULA.

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So that really allows us to go a lot faster. And the big limiter for current launch vehicles tends to be pad turn times, she said. That will be different in the future as you look to larger and larger launch vehicles.

That includes a more powerful version of New Glenn in the works and the massive SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy, which has three launch towers in the works at two launch sites at KSC and Cape Canaveral.

Those will likely require more throughput from a power, water, wastewater perspective, but thats that couple years out, she said,

Another challenge in the works, and related to future Artemis launches, will be the need to get multiple rockets from multiple providers into space at the same time.

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For the next several Artemis missions, NASAs SLS will need to coordinate with one or several launches of SpaceXs Starship and Blue Origins New Glenn. For Artemis III for instance, the Orion spacecraft atop SLS is tasked with rendezvousing in low-Earth orbit to try out docking with potentially both of those companies moon landers. For Artemis IV and V, those landers will need to launch at similar times with SLS as they head to the moon at the same time.

Getting rockets up at near the same time, though, is something Chapman said hes prepared for.

We did three launches in 24 hours, four launches in just over 36 hours. We did two launches in the same launch window last year, he said.

The Space Forces relationship with NASA and the commercial launch providers vying for slots has become tighter he said. Late last year, SLD 45 hosted a meeting with all of the launch providers to further nail down how things can run more smoothly.

We have done some amazing things, he added. We still have challenges out there, work to go
An airstrike near the Bushehr nuclear power plant has killed a plant security officer and damaged a building on the site in The Gulf, Iran's official IRNA news agency reported on Saturday.

IRNA reported that the projectile had struck near a fence around the site and that there had been no damage to the main parts of the power plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the Iranian authorities had informed it of the attack.

There have now been four attacks near the power plant since the war started on February 28, according to Iranian reports.

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The plant, Iran's sole nuclear power plant, lies around 760 kilometres south of Tehran. Russia's Rosatom is currently building a second block at the facility, which has been in operation since 2011.

Separately, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported airstrikes on the Mahshahr Special Petrochemical Zone at the head of The Gulf. It reported three strikes and large explosions, citing the governor's office.

The companies Fajr 1 and 2, Rijal and Amirkabir had been hit, the agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said, adding that deaths and injuries were likely.

The Israeli military declined to comment on the report.

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Tasnim reported that a complete evacuation of all active industrial units in the region had been ordered.

The Israeli military reported attacks on Friday on Iranian leadership facilities in Tehran that targeted air defences and arms production.

Israeli media reported Iranian missile attacks overnight on an industrial zone in the Negev Desert in the south of Israel that caused a fire.

Other reports referred to power outages in Greater Tel Aviv after an Iranian attack hit a power line. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service reported one man injured.
The Australian government has encouraged people to go ahead with their Easter travel plans, despite fuel shortages at hundreds of petrol stations across the country.

"Easter is a very special time of faith and family," energy minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday, adding: "Go take a break - but get no more fuel than you need".

Fuel prices in Australia have soared since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments.

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Bowen said 312 of Australia's roughly 8,000 service stations had run out of diesel, mostly in rural areas where it takes longer to replenish stocks.

In televised remarks, he said the nation had 39 days worth of petrol, 29 days worth of diesel and 30 days worth of jet fuel in reserve.

Australia imports about 90% of its fuel from the Middle East and has been particularly exposed to the disruption caused by the conflict and Tehran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The near-total suspension of international shipping in the vital waterway - through which around 20% of the world's oil and natural gas flows - has prompted governments around the world to implement measures to conserve fuel.

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In a rare televised address to the nation on Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that the economic shock from the Middle East conflict would be felt for months.

"Australia is not an active participant in this war. But all Australians are paying higher prices because of it," he said.

He encouraged Australians to limit unnecessary fuel use and switch to public transport where possible.

A small number of vessels have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in recent days.

On Friday, a Malta-flagged container ship owned by French company CMA CGM traversed the waterway, according to French media reports.

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It is unclear how the vessel secured safe passage and the ship's owners have not yet commented.

Shipping analysts said it was the first vessel owned by a major Western European firm to go through the strait since the conflict began on 28 February.

While Iran has said "non-hostile vessels" can use the waterway, the ongoing conflict - in which several ships have been attacked - has halted normal transport activity.

A Japanese vessel carrying natural gas also successfully crossed the waterway, its operator confirmed.

On Saturday, Turkey's transport minister said that a second Turkish-flagged vessel had crossed the strait - one of 15 that had been waiting to transit since hostilities erupted.

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The first crossed, with Iranian permission, on 13 March.

"Two of these 15 made the crossing," Abdulkadir Uraloglu told CNN's Turk channel. "This is explained by our initiatives and also by the fact that they were using Iranian ports or carrying goods coming from or bound for Iran."

About a fifth of the world's oil and liquid natural gas is transported through the Strait of Hormuz from the Gulf countries.

While traffic is down about 95% compared to before the conflict, shipping through the narrow waterway has not stopped altogether.

About 100 vessels have been able to pass through the strait, according to data analysed by BBC Verify in late March.

More on this story
The Raymond Police Department, alongside the New Hampshire State Police and mutual aid from other departments, is currently on the search for an armed suspect after seriously injuring an officer in a shooting on Saturday afternoon.

The incident began just after 1:30 p.m. when police were called to a home on Ham Road to reports that a man was firing a weapon towards his family members.

Once on the scene, officers located the individual, prompting him to shoot at the officers. One Nottingham police officer was struck and transported to a hospital. Police say that the officer was seriously injured but the injuries are non-life-threatening.

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The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Matthew Massey. In a press conference on Saturday night, police said that Massey was wanted for a felony related to a fire at a family members house. When officers were dispatched earlier today to set a perimeter around Massey, thats when he opened fire.

State police described him as a 511, 202 pound middle-aged white man with black hair and hazel eyes. Authorities believe that the man is on foot and ask that if you see someone matching their description to contact them.

The suspect is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached, state police said.

Massey fled the scene, prompting authorities to set up a perimeter around the area.

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Authorities locked down the area of Ham Road and Nottingham Road.

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State police added that residents within that area should shelter in place until further notice and anticipate a presence of uniformed law enforcement personnel.

Raymond police also confirmed the shelter-in-place order and asked that anyone not call the station unless you have an emergency or need to report something.

The search was still active. Massachusetts State Police are also aiding in the search by deploying an Air Wing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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New body camera footage shows the moments after a deck railing collapsed a Boston College off-campus residence in Brighton back in March.

Two students sustained injuries.

One victim sustained an injury to the back of his head and was observed to be bleeding a small amount, while the other reported back and neck pain following the fall.

According to a police report from the Boston Police Department, officers arrived on scene around 6:44 p.m. and found two individuals who were receiving medical attention by the fire department.

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Hes in and out....hes lost consciousness, an officer can be heard saying in the newly released video.

In the police body camera footage, one of the victims can be seen laying on the ground while the other one is sitting in a chair.

Several witnesses on scene said a small group had gathered in the backyard of the residence to consume alcohol and smoke.

The witnesses explained that they were using the second entrance of the residence to move between the backyard and the kitchen area to retrieve food, beer, and other beverages from the fridge.

At the time of the incident, both victims were standing near the entrance while conversing and holding drinks when the railing gave way.

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Without warning, a section of the railing, estimated to be about six to eight feet in length, suddenly broke away, the police report states.

As a result of the structural failure, both victims lost their balance and fell from the elevated egress onto the paved driveway below.

Witnesses stated that both victims struck the pavement with significant force, landing on their backs and back portions of their heads.

One of the officers observed the railing and portions of the entrance to be in poor condition. Nails securing the railing to the deck were noticeably short and heavily corroded. The wood also appeared to be deteriorated and rotten in several areas, although it had been covered with pain to conceal the damage.

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Its just nail, no screw. The nail came right off, an officer is also heard saying.

The video also shows authorities using caution tape to rope off the deck.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Israeli fighter jets have pounded energy infrastructure in Iran, hitting petrochemical sites and triggering an evacuation at a nuclear power plant.

On Saturday Tehran also suffered one of its heaviest bombings since the war began, as the US focused on the search for a missing pilot.

Although the strikes were conducted by Israeli rather than US forces, they followed Donald Trumps address to the nation on Wednesday when he said Iran would be bombed back to the stone ages over the next two to three weeks.

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If there is no deal [by April 10], we are going to hit each and every one of their electric-generating plants very hard and probably simultaneously, he added.

On Saturday, the US president repeated his threat, writing on Truth Social:

President's tweet

Irans atomic energy agency said that the strike at the Bushehr nuclear facility had killed a security guard and damaged a support building, adding that it was the fourth time the facility had been targeted during the war.

The plant uses enriched uranium from Russia to supply about 1,000 megawatts for Iran, about 1-2 per cent of Irans total power. Scores of Russian technicians also work there.

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No radiation was released following the strike, but Israel was reported to be helping Russia evacuate its workers from the area.

A diplomatic source told Kan News, the Israeli media outlet: Senior IDF officials are coordinating with senior Russian officials to evacuate Russian experts from the Bushehr reactor, in a sort of safe passage out of Iran.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, released a video statement saying the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had bombed metalworks and petrochemical plants.

He said: After we destroyed 70 per cent of its ability to create steel, which is used as the raw material for the weapons used against us, today we attacked their petrochemical factories.

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These two things are their money machine, which funds their war of terror against us and against the world. We will continue to hit them, as I promised.

Israeli media also reported that defence officials were preparing to escalate the bombing campaign further.

Sources told i24NEWS the IDF was preparing to expand its bank of targets to more energy facilities once the green light had been given by Mr Trump.

Israeli jets targeted a mobile ballistic missile launcher in Tabriz, Iran

In response to the latest strikes, Iran continued to hit back at targets across Israel and the Gulf.

Several salvos of ballistic missiles caused extensive damage to homes and commercial property in Israel on Saturday, hitting more than a dozen separate sites and injuring six people.

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One missile hit the Neot Hovav industrial zone in southern Israel, the countrys main hazardous waste disposal facility, resulting in a major blaze.

As of this time, there are no known injuries and no involvement of hazardous materials have been identified, the Fire and Rescue Service said on Saturday afternoon.

American airman still missing

US forces continued to search for a missing airman after Iran shot down an F-15 fighter jet over the south-west of the country on Friday.

Evidence put out by Iranian press that Iran had shot down an F-15

The jets navigator was rescued by US special forces shortly after he ejected, but the fate of the pilot remains unknown, with Iran continuing to offer a reward for his capture.

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The White House would not be drawn to comment on the downed jet or the search for the missing airman.

Separately, Iran continued to push a diplomatic initiative designed to peel away the US and Israels traditional allies.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Irans consultative assembly, told Al Jazeera Arabic that the war and resulting security breakdown had affected the world.

Escalating tensions against Iran will be met with a decisive and broad response against US interests in the region, he was reported to have said.

He added: The countries of the region can secure their interests through bilateral and multilateral security agreements without foreign interference.

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The main drivers of insecurity in the region must be removed, and security must be built without the US and Israel.

Iran opens Strait of Hormuz to certain ships

The UK and other US allies were not consulted before the launch of Operation Epic Fury five weeks ago, but all have seen an economic impact from Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a conduit for around a fifth of the worlds oil.

Iran is playing on this potential fissure by targeting companies and countries it considers supportive of the US and Israel.

The Kribi, a Malta-flagged container ship owned by French logistics company CMA CGM, was allowed passage in the Strait of Hormuz - Marine Traffic

In the strait, Iran has started allowing ships that submit to vetting procedures and taxes to pass.

A French-owned container ship and three Oman-linked tankers have exited the Gulf during the past 48 hours.

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What this shows is that the Strait of Hormuz is potentially open to select ships and countries that can strike a deal with Iran, Martin Kelly, head of advisory at maritime intelligence group EOS Risk, told the Financial Times.

It seems Iran is officially implementing a procedure for ships to exit the strait and its largely around [denying] the US [transits].

Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.
Boston police say a suspect was shot and killed after attacking an EMS clinician and an officer with a sword near Northeastern University. Several officers were also injured.

In a press conference, Police Commissioner Michael Cox said they received a call from an individual around 10:44 a.m. on Hemenway Street who reported there was four individuals with a gun looking to harm him.

Officers located the caller of the 911 call and began speaking to him through the doorway of the apartment.

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At some point, officers requested assistance of Boston EMS and their clinician as it was clear the individual was in some sort of mental health crisis.

After an extended period of time, they started to ask the individual if he could come out.

According to authorities, the individual opened the door and struck both the EMS clinician on scene, and an officer outside the door. He allegedly stabbed the officer with a weapon, which Commissioner Cox identified as some sort of sword.

One or more officers fired their weapon and taser at the individual, and the person was given immediate medical attention. He succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

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The officer suffered a severe laceration to the arm, and the EMS clinician and several other officers were injured and taken to area hospitals.

For all those impacted by this, our thoughts and prayers are with them. All the public safety professionals who showed up here today to provide service we wish them a speedy recovery and thank them for their service in general. And we also certainly want to send our condolences to the deceaseds family, said Cox.

It happened on Hemenway Street, located near housing for students at Northeastern University.

Northeastern University referred Boston 25 to the Boston Police Department for information on the incident, however Cox said he believed the school sent out notification to students and families that there was no ongoing threat.

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Today serves as a reminder of the dangers inherent in this work and the sacrifice our members make every day. Members of Boston EMS show up to save lives  not to be assaulted," a spokesperson for Boston EMS said. No one should face violence for simply doing their job. Our thoughts are with our injured members, the Boston Police officers, and everyone affected by todays incident.

The incident is under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
NEW ORLEANS, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until May 1, 2026 to 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.

Get Help

Apollo investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-apo/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Apollo 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 ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 4: Demonstrating a remarkable commitment to public service, Municipal Councillor and Member of the Standing and Law Committee, Tajinder Singh Tiwana, has announced that he will donate his entire salary and allowances for his full 5-year tenure to the Mayor's Fund.

Elected from Ward 47 in the recent Municipal Corporation elections, Tiwana has submitted a formal request to Hon'ble Mayor Smt. Ritu Tawde to dedicate his honorarium and committee allowances for public welfare.

Speaking on the occasion, Tiwana said, "Public service is a commitment. As a Nagar Sevak, I believe in selfless service and ensuring help reaches the last person. This is why I have dedicated my entire tenure's earnings to the Mayor's Fund."

Key Highlights of the Decision:

Donation to Mayor's Fund: Entire monthly salary and committee allowances (approximately 25,000-35,000) to be contributed

Purpose: To support needy citizens, emergency situations, and medical assistance for Mumbaikars

Motivation: A strong belief that public service is a lifelong commitment and that governance must reach the last person in societyFormal Action: A written request has been submitted to Hon'ble Mayor Smt. Ritu Tawde

Tiwana's initiative is expected to support welfare efforts across Mumbai while setting an inspiring example of selfless public service.

(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.)
California is challenging President Donald Trumps executive order that looks to exert federal control over voter rolls and mail-in ballots  an order California Attorney General Rob Bonta called a desperate attempt by the president to change the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections.

California, alongside 22 attorneys general and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, is filing a lawsuit challenging the recent order that Bonta called unconstitutional on Friday, April 3. It joins other lawsuits that aim to block Trumps order, with opponents of the order warning this could impact eligible voters' ability to vote.

He sees the blue wave coming, Bonta said. He knows hes going to lose badly. So, his only recourse is to try to impact the elections. If people are able to vote fairly and with integrity and securely, if everyone who is eligible to vote has that opportunity to participate  to vote  in the way that they wish, he will get crushed.

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Trump's order, signed on March 31, requires the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate with the Social Security Administration to create lists of voting-age U.S. citizens who are residents of each state and transmit them to state voting officials at least 60 days before an election.

The U.S. Postal Service would then oversee mail-in ballots, with the order directing the agency to develop rules establishing "uniform standards" for the ballots and preventing it from transmitting ballots of people who are not approved. The Postal Service would provide each state with a list of voters who are "enrolled" with the agency.

According to the order, the Trump administration could withhold federal funds from noncompliant States and localities. Bonta said the order also threatens criminal investigations against elections officials. The attorney general said every state and local elections official should be able to administer elections without fear of federal overreach or threats of prosecution.

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to the USA TODAY Networks request for comment on the lawsuit.

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On March 31, Bonta said that the power to regulate elections belongs to the States and to Congress and signaled his interest in challenging the order in court.

The executive order violates the separation of powers, Bonta said on April 3. The president doesnt have the authority over the time, place and manner of elections in the states.

The presidents order comes as California sees a different battle related to voting play out: Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is running for governor, and his seizure of hundreds of thousands of ballots over allegations of discrepancies of ballot counts in the special election for Proposition 50 last year.

All of this comes just weeks before Californians vote in the primary election on June 2, and later, the general election on Nov. 3.

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"Donald Trump is trying to rig the midterms by suppressing the vote through unconstitutional means," Gov. Gavin Newsom said earlier this week on X in response to Trump's order. "California will fight back to protect the integrity of our elections and peoples right to vote."

USA TODAY Network reporters Zac Anderson and Noe Padilla contributed to this story.

Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California sues over Trumps 'unconstitutional' mail-in ballot order
A handful of children have been hospitalized for a potentially deadly bacterial infection, alarming some doctors about the possible return of a once-feared contagious disease that vaccines tamed.

Serious cases of Haemophilus influenzae type B, or Hib, once impacted 20,000 children in the United States each year. The disease spreads through coughing or sneezing with respiratory droplets containing bacteria.

Invasive infection included infants and toddlers developing pneumonia, meningitis, septic arthritis, blood infection and swelling in the throat, causing permanent disabilities and death in about 5% of cases, or around 1,000 children annually.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) questions Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, as he testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) (R) and Ranking Member Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) preside over a hearing with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 4, 2025 in Washington, DC. The committee met to hear testimony on President Trump's 2026 health care agenda. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) questions Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. during a Senate Finance Committee at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. The committee met to hear testimony on President Trump's 2026 health care agenda. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Sen. Bill Cassidy, (R - LA), questions Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, as he testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Sen. Chuck Grassley, (R - IA) speaks as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C.Y Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) questions Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. during a Senate Finance Committee at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 4, 2025 in Washington, DC. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. See Senators grill HHS Secretary RFK Jr. over vaccine rulings, CDC turmoil 1 of 13 Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025.

Older doctors have haunting memories of severe illness they saw  of brain swelling and children suffocating.

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The Hib vaccine  introduced more than three decades ago and now recommended for all children younger than 5  drastically cut cases, preventing nearly all vaccinated children from developing the disease. Infants receive three or four vaccine doses beginning at 2 months old. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today reports fewer than 50 cases per year, a reduction of more than 99%.

A view of where patients recovering after a surgery come to get checked on by doctors at Wynn Hospital in Utica, NY on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

But as more parents skip routine vaccinations of their children, doctors worry Hib cases will return in force. Two severe cases in a Florida beach towns hospital in 2025, and another two cases presented at a Tennessee research institution, are sparking concern.

If this was something adults would get, you would see a lot of people panicking, said Dr. Eehab Kenawy, a pediatrician in Panama City, Florida, a tourist destination where the local hospital saw two severe cases in intensive care within a six-month period in 2025.

One was an unvaccinated 4-month-old who died, he said. Another was a 2-year-old (also not vaccinated), who had brain abscesses and seizures and has had lasting effects. Kenawy, who didn't personally treat the cases but was on call at the time, first alerted a state Department of Health rule-making conference of the cases in December.

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Both children were visiting from out of state, making it difficult to know how prevalent Hib was in the area. Health experts worry about undetected spread, especially amid cuts to CDC surveillance and reporting to detect diseases including Hib.

Whats really going on? said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphias Vaccine Education Center, who wrote a blog post titled, "The Return of Hib?" in March. This is not a disease you want to come back.

The CDC is not seeing an increase in preventable invasive Hib infections among children, according to an email from Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As of March 28, latest CDC surveillance data showed eight cases this year.

Dozens of states have expansive vaccine exemptions for religion and personal belief. Florida is looking to end school-entry vaccinations, including for Hib. Drops in vaccinations have already contributed to the rapid resurgence of measles outbreaks across the country.

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If we choose not to vaccinate, there are a number of serious diseases that children can acquire, said Dr. Kathryn Edwards, a vaccine safety expert and pediatrics professor emerita at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee, where doctors recently saw two cases of Hib. Parents need to know that, and doctors need to remember.

Since the Hib vaccine nearly eliminated the disease, physicians today may not look for signs of infection in a child.

We brought it down to pretty much zero in the country, said Dr. Mathuram Santosham, professor of pediatrics and international health at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Santosham, like Edwards, worked to pioneer the first Hib vaccines in the 1980s. Its frightening, not only for Hib, but for other diseases, Santosham said.

Edwards, Santosham and Offit, now the three leading experts on pediatric infectious diseases and vaccines, vividly recalled children with complications from Hib who they treated as young doctors, before vaccines were available.

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In Chicago, Edwards witnessed a girl die from epiglottitis, or swelling in the tiny cartilage covering the windpipe that closed her airway. In Baltimore, Santosham remembered the milky spinal fluid hitting his chest during a spinal tap, when he tried to test a 9-month-old with seizures and a bulging soft spot on his head; the child, who had severe meningitis, wound up in a vegetative state before dying, he said. In Pittsburgh, Offit remembered the aquarium in the children's hospitals small, dark room, used specifically to keep infected children calm to prevent them from spasming and closing their airways before they could get intubated.

Its just crazy that were going backwards on these vaccine-preventable diseases, said Dr. Phillip Huang, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services.

Huang, who saw cases in medical school just before vaccines became available, said his county has continued to see significant declines of Hib immunization. A past chair of the Big Cities Health Coalition, Huang said federal monitoring has lagged in reporting and laboratory support to monitor Hib, making it harder to detect cases until its too late.

In Florida, Kenawy, a doctor for 27 years, has never seen the bacterial infection. But he now has to consider that a fever, which is common among children, might be a symptom of something much worse.

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I now have to think of these differentials, he said.

Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@usatoday.com or on Signal at emcuevas.01.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Hib cases spark concern that deadly disease may return
The post How Deforestation Is Reshaping Mosquito-Human Contact appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Quick Take

Only about 24% of the original Atlantic Forests tree cover remains.

To investigate mosquito responses to environmental disruption, researchers analyzed 1,700 mosquitoes across 52 species.

Human biting rates rise due to environmental disruption rather than increased insect aggression.

Mosquitoes in the Atlantic Forest region act as vectors for yellow fever, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, Mayaro, Sabia, and Oropouche.

The Atlantic Forest, extending along Brazils eastern coast, was once among the most biodiverse ecosystems globally. Currently, only about 24% of the original Atlantic Forest remains. Beyond deforestation and wildlife displacement, an important yet often overlooked consequence of forest loss involves the status of the mosquito. The landscape changes alter mosquito behavior, leading to more frequent human contact and a higher risk of disease transmission.

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A recent study illustrates this trend: in degraded forest remnants, mosquitoes not only survive but also show a strong preference for feeding on humans compared to other available hosts. This behavioral shift is particularly concerning given that Brazil currently leads the world in chikungunya cases and continues to report high numbers of dengue cases, though Zika cases have declined in recent years.

To investigate mosquito responses to environmental disruption, researchers conducted fieldwork in two protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro: Sitio Recanto Preservar and the Guapiacu River Ecological Reserve. Light traps were used to collect over 1,700 mosquitoes representing 52 species.

Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and certain body odors. Digital Images Studio/Shutterstock.com (Digital Images Studio/Shutterstock.com)

The primary focus of the study was not on mosquito abundance but on understanding the sources of their blood meals, which provide critical insight into patterns of pathogen transmission. Female mosquitoes that had recently fed were carefully isolated, and DNA was extracted from the ingested blood. By sequencing a specific gene that serves as a biological barcode, researchers were able to precisely identify the vertebrate species each mosquito had fed on.

This molecular approach allowed for a detailed reconstruction of mosquito feeding behavior, effectively turning each mosquito into a biological record of its most recent host interactions. Such data are invaluable for understanding not only which species are at risk of exposure to mosquito-borne pathogens but also the potential pathways for zoonotic spillover events.

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The analysis revealed a striking pattern of host preference. Humans were the predominant blood source, accounting for 18 of the identified meals. In contrast, other vertebrate hosts were much less frequently targeted: six blood meals came from birds, and only one each from an amphibian, a canid, and a mouse. These findings highlight the highly anthropophilic nature of the sampled mosquito populations, suggesting that human-mosquito contact is frequent and that these vectors are likely to play a central role in transmitting viruses such as Zika, dengue, and yellow fever in the region. Moreover, the occasional feeding on non-human hosts suggests that mosquitoes could serve as bridge vectors, facilitating pathogen transmission between wildlife and humans under certain ecological conditions.

Overall, this study demonstrates that analyzing mosquito feeding sources provides essential insights into disease ecology, revealing both direct risks to humans and potential pathways for cross-species viral transmission.

Some mosquitoes fed on multiple hosts, mixing human and animal blood sources. This bridge feeding is concerning since it facilitates pathogen transmission between animal and human populations. Although the forest maintains diverse animal populations, findings show that mosquitoes exhibit a pronounced preference for humans.

Mosquitos can transmit illnesses such as malaria, dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus.

iStock.com/globalmoments (iStock.com/globalmoments)

Mosquito behavior reflects both innate preferences and ecological changes. In intact forests, many species feed opportunistically; however, fragmentation reduces host availability and increases mosquitoes dependence on humans.

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Deforestation reduces populations of wild mammals, birds, and amphibians, compelling mosquitoes to seek alternative hosts, often humans.

Humans become the most abundant host option  With settlement expansion into forest edges, humans and domestic animals become the most accessible and reliable blood sources.

Proximity supersedes innate feeding preferences  Species lacking a strong innate preference for humans will nonetheless bite them if humans are the most accessible hosts.

Behavioral flexibility confers survival advantages Mosquitoes that rapidly acclimate to environmental changes show higher survival and reproductive rates, accelerating the shift toward human feeding.

To summarize, environmental alterations prompt mosquitoes to modify their feeding strategies, increasing human exposure and disease risk, rather than merely increasing aggression. This behavioral shift elevates risks to ecosystems and public health by expanding the transmission of vector-borne diseases.

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Mosquitoes in the Atlantic Forest region act as vectors for a wide range of viruses, including yellow fever, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, Mayaro, Sabia, and Oropouche. Among these, Aedes aegypti primarily transmits dengue, Zika, and chikungunya and feeds mainly on humans, making it highly efficient at spreading these diseases within human populations. Other viruses, such as yellow fever, Mayaro, Sabia, and Oropouche, are mainly transmitted by different mosquito genera. As human activity increasingly encroaches on natural habitats, the risk of zoonotic spillover events and the emergence of new viral outbreaks rises. In this context, understanding the feeding habits and ecological roles of these mosquito species becomes particularly important for predicting and preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in the region.

Mosquitoes are among the deadliest animals in the world due to their role in spreading diseases. mycteria/Shutterstock.com (mycteria/Shutterstock.com)

In intact ecosystems, disease cycles are generally confined to wildlife, with natural barriers preventing widespread spillover into human populations. However, land use changes such as deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion disrupt these ecological boundaries, bringing humans, domestic animals, and wildlife into closer contact.

These patterns illustrate broader global trends: vector species, such as mosquitoes and ticks, are remarkably adaptable and can thrive in anthropogenic environments, from cities to cleared agricultural lands. As a result, human-vector contact intensifies, increasing the likelihood of pathogen transmission. Consequently, the risk of outbreaks of diseases such as Zika, Dengue, Yellow fever, and other emerging infections increases. This process creates a feedback loop in which environmental degradation directly amplifies public health risks, underscoring that ecosystem protection is not only a matter of conservation but also of disease prevention.

Moreover, biodiversity loss removes critical natural buffers that help regulate disease transmission. The decline or local extinction of certain species, those that serve as less competent hosts for pathogens or that control vector populations, reduces ecological resilience and allows pathogens to circulate more freely. For example, a diminished presence of species that prey on mosquitoes or rodents can lead to population surges in vectors, further elevating transmission risk. Preserving diverse ecosystems, therefore, plays a pivotal role in limiting the spillover of infectious diseases and maintaining human health. Early transmission of pathogens increases human exposure to efficient disease vectors.

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Although the results are compelling, the study indicates obstacles in accurately measuring mosquito behavior:

Just under 7% (6.98%) of captured mosquitoes contained detectable blood meals.

Only about 16.5% of these blood meals could be identified.

These findings underscore the need for improved detection techniques, particularly for mixed-blood meals, and for expanding genetic reference databases. Despite challenges in studying mosquito behavior, the evidence warrants urgent measures to reduce landscape fragmentation and minimize human-mosquito interactions.

Moreover, understanding mosquito feeding behavior goes beyond academic interest and has practical applications:

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Targeted surveillance -A strong mosquito preference for humans in a specific area indicates an elevated risk of transmission.

Enhanced control strategies -Control efforts should target high-risk zones characterized by overlapping forest fragmentation and human activity.

Ecosystem-based approaches-Conserving biodiversity and restoring habitats reduces human exposure to disease. Healthy ecosystems maintain natural controls that help prevent outbreaks.

The Atlantic Forest case is not unique; similar dynamics are emerging across tropical regions worldwide, including the Amazon and Southeast Asia. This research shows that disease risk is both a medical and an ecological issue. Forest fragmentation blurs boundaries between human and wild systems. Highly adaptable and opportunistic mosquitoes exploit this overlap, facilitating pathogen transmission. Ecosystem protection safeguards wildlife and preserves critical ecological barriers that prevent disease spillover into human populations.

Each mosquito bite underscores a vital truth: human and ecosystem health are fundamentally interconnected, and protecting one requires protecting the other.

The post How Deforestation Is Reshaping Mosquito-Human Contact appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Editors note: This story was originally published on April 4, 2025.

A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

On April 3, 1968, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. delivered what was to be his final speech, telling a rally of striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee, Ive been to the mountaintop. ... Ive seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land!

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The following day, on April 4, King Jr., 39, was shot and killed while standing on a balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

Kings death triggered a wave of unrest in cities across the United States that killed 43 people and injured more than 3,000.

James Earl Ray, a career small-time criminal who became the object of a more than two-month manhunt before he was captured in England, pled guilty to the shooting and received a 99-year prison sentence.

Though Ray recanted his plea and spent the rest of his life claiming that he had been framed by a conspiracy that was really responsible for Kings assassination, it remains the official ruling.

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Kings civil rights legacy continues on to this day.

Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about the civil rights leader and his many accomplishments:

Visiting Memphis 50 years after Kings assassination

1968: Historians see year as turning point

Slaying of King remembered

The ghosts of 1968

Hosea Williams, Jesse Jackson, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy stand on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., on April 3, 1968, the day before King was shot. King was in Memphis to support striking sanitation workers. | Associated Press

1968: Turbulent year brought changes and headlines that shocked America

Trump issues order to declassify JFK files in 15 days, MLK Jr., RFK files to follow

Weapons experts begin tests on gun in King assassination

Kings visits to Utah are chronicled

Did Rays brothers play role in Kings assassination?

Opinion: Black history and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In this Sunday, April 8, 1968, file photo, Coretta Scott King, third right, is accompanied by her children, Yolanda, Bernice, Martin III, and Dexter at Sisters Chapel on the campus of Spellman College in Atlanta. Martin Luther King Jr.'s family joined thousands of mourners who filed by the casket of the civil rights leader. | Jack Thornell
LEWISBURG  A New Berlin woman edited a jury duty letter from Union County to get extra days off work in January, according to the Union County District Attorney's Office.

Hannah Marie Snook, 45, of Market Street, New Berlin, was charged with a felony count of forgery; a misdemeanor count of tampering with records; and a summary count of harassment. The charges were filed by Detective Timothy Bremigen, of the Union County District Attorney's Office, in the Lewisburg office of District Judge Jeffrey Rowe.

Union County Judge Michael Piecuch notified the district attorney's office on Jan. 28 about a forgery investigation. Management at First National Bank in Selinsgrove emailed the office asking them to verify whether bank employee Snook was on jury duty. Snook provided a document to management on Union County Court letterhead, signed by a court employee, indicating that Snook was on jury duty on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 despite weather conditions, police said.

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The document was determined to be forged. It did not have the correct font, format or information, police said.

Jury duty was originally scheduled on Jan. 26, but had to be canceled due to a snowstorm, police said.

In an interview on Feb. 19, Snook told Bremigen that she did not realize the ramifications of her actions. She said she received the letter from the court, scanned the letter into her computer, added a date and sent the letter to her employer, police said.

Snook was arraigned Thursday and released on her own recognizance. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. April 30 in front of Rowe.

 JUSTIN STRAWSER
A new Chick-fil-A is one step closer to coming to Beavercreek.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

This week, the Beavercreek Planning Commission approved a site plan for a new Chick-fil-A at 3676 Colonel Glenn Highway, at the northeast corner of Presidential Drive and Colonel Glenn Highway.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The proposed site from developer Woolpert Inc. would bring a 5,200-square-foot restaurant near Wright State University.

It would include 92 interior seats, 16 exterior seats, 76 off-street parking spaces, and a two-lane drive-thru with canopies, according to plans submitted to the city.

The site would anchor a larger development called Raider Row, which the Planning Commission agreed to rezone earlier this year.

Raider Row developers told the Planning Commission on Wednesday that the addition of a Chick-fil-A could help them attract other high-quality tenants.

Chick-fil-A already has a restaurant in Beavercreek, on N. Fairfield Road. There is also a Chick-fil-A in the food court at the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
After 12 years on the Frederick County Council, Jerry Donald is hoping to move from Winchester Hall to a seat at the Maryland State House.

Term-limited after three terms on the council representing District 1, Donald said he wants to go to Annapolis to help bring resources back to the county for transportation and other issues.

Donald is seeking one of the three Democratic spots in the June 23 primary for a place on the ballot in the general election, scheduled for Nov. 3.

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He's running against fellow Democrats Andrew Duck, Paul Gilligan, and Alleria Stanley.

Republicans Jason Keckler, April Fleming Miller, and Jesse T. Pippy will advance to the general election.

Donald believes his experience working with County Executives Jan Gardner and Jessica Fitzwater to advance the interests of his council district, as well as experience with legislative processes such as passing budgets, will serve him well in Annapolis.

He's won tight races in all three of his council elections, and knows he'll have a challenge in District 4, where he said Republicans outnumber Democrats by about 10,000 voters.

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His council district also has more Republicans than Democrats, but not to the extent of District 4, he said.

"I'll just have to keep chipping away at that," he said.

But he's lived in Frederick County his entire life, and said he's relying on the connections he's made to help him overcome the edge in voter registration.

Donald taught in Frederick County Public Schools for 35 years, the last 20 as a social studies teacher at Middletown High School.

He and his wife, Beverly, live in Braddock Heights, and have three grown daughters.

One of his proudest accomplishments on the County Council is legislation creating the county's Board of Health.

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The board, a mix of non-voting experts, elected officials and the county's health officer, helps make policy decisions on public health issues in the county, Donald said.

It took three tries to get the legislation passed, he said, but he believes the board will help the county make better decisions in situations such as the pandemic.

Donald voted against expanding a zoning overlay for data centers in the county, and said he has huge concerns about water and energy usage, as well as the impact on agricultural land in the county.

"My problem was with the expansion of the overlay onto rural legacy land," he said.

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He also opposes the construction of new power lines in the county, such as the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project.

That proposed project would build a 67-mile, 500,000-volt transmission line through parts of Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties, cutting through hundreds of private properties.

"These are huge issues," Donald said of the decisions on the future of data centers and power lines.

Donald would like to see the state build a pathway with some parking areas on the areas where the Civil War's Battle of South Mountain, as a way to increase awareness of the battle.

He believes the state needs to review the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, a plan to improve education in the state, in order to see what is feasible and what is not.

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In general, he would like to see the state examine the mandates for policies and costs it passes on to local governments.

That's another area where Donald believes he could be helpful in Annapolis.

The General Assembly would be better served if it had more people who have served at the local level, he said.
By Enas Alashray and Phil Stewart

CAIRO/WASHINGTON, April 4 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel on Saturday stepped up pressure on Iran to open the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway or face attacks on its energy infrastructure, while Iranian and U.S. forces searched for a missing U.S. crew member from one of two downed warplanes.

Trump, who has sent mixed messages since the conflict began with a joint U.S.-Israeli bombardment of Iran on February 28, told Tehran that his latest deadline for a deal to end the war was fast approaching.

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"Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out  48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!" he wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Trump's messaging about the war has veered between hinting at diplomatic progress and making threats to bomb the Islamic Republic "back to the Stone Ages".

In an apparent move to heap further pressure on Tehran following Trump's latest ultimatum, a senior Israeli defence official said Israel was preparing to attack Iranian energy facilities, and was awaiting the green light from the U.S. The timeframe for such attacks would be within the next week, the official said. Trump has previously threatened to hit Iranian power plants if his demands were not met.

Washington faced heightened stakes as the conflict entered its sixth week, with the prospect of a U.S. service member alive and on the run in Iran, slim chances for peace talks and polls showing low public support for the war.

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With Iran's leadership defiant since the start of the conflict, its foreign minister left the door open in principle for peace talks with the U.S. via mediation from Pakistan, but gave no sign of Tehran's willingness to bow to Trump's demands.

"We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us," Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X.

The war has killed thousands, sparked an energy crisis and threatened lasting damage to the world economy. Iran has virtually shut the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.

Iran has rained drones and missiles down on Israel, and also taken aim at Gulf countries allied to the U.S., which have so far held back from joining the war directly for fear of further escalation.

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Iranian state TV said its military had launched drones at U.S. radar installations and a U.S.-linked aluminium plant in the United Arab Emirates and U.S. military headquarters in Kuwait in retaliation for deadly attacks on Iranian industrial centres.

Iran earlier attacked an Israel-affiliated vessel with a drone in the strait, setting the ship on fire, state media said, citing the commander of the Revolutionary Guards' navy.

IRAN TOUTS NEW AIR DEFENCE SYSTEMS

The downing of two U.S. warplanes shows the risks still facing U.S. and Israeli aircraft, despite assertions by Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that U.S. forces had total control of the skies over Iran.

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Iranian fire brought down a two-seat U.S. F-15E jet, officials in both countries said on Friday, and a U.S. official said search-and-rescue efforts had recovered one of the crew.

Two Black Hawk helicopters engaged in the search for the missing crew member were hit by Iranian fire but made it out of Iranian airspace, the two U.S. officials told Reuters.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was combing a southwestern area near where the U.S. plane came down, while the regional governor promised a commendation for anyone who captured or killed "forces of the hostile enemy."

In a separate incident, an A-10 Warthog fighter aircraft was hit and crashed over Kuwait, with the pilot ejecting, the U.S. officials said.

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Iranians, pummelled by air power since the U.S. and Israel began their attacks, celebrated their success.

The Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command said it used a new air-defence system on Friday, which targeted a U.S. fighter jet, three drones and two cruise missiles.

"The enemy should know that we rely on new air-defence systems built by the young, knowledgeable, and proud people of this country, unveiling them one after another in the field," a Khatam al-Anbiya spokesperson said, according to Iran's state media.

The Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted various areas in Israel in a wave of missiles and drones. Israeli media reported that two warheads from an Iranian cluster missile landed near Israels Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.

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Later on Saturday, the Israel Defence Forces said they had detected more missiles launched from Iran towards Israel.

PETROCHEMICAL ZONE STRUCK IN IRAN

Iranian state media reported air strikes at a petrochemical zone in southwestern Iran, with five people reported injured. They later said a fire there had been extinguished.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had struck the plant, which an Israeli military spokesperson said produced materials for explosives and missiles.

Israel has been waging a parallel campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon after the militant group fired at Israel in support of Iran.

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Early on Saturday, Israel's military said it was striking the militants' infrastructure sites in Beirut. It later said an Israeli soldier had been killed in combat in southern Lebanon.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington, Enas Alashray and Hatem Maher in Cairo, Jerusalem bureau and Reuters bureaux worldwide; Writing by Clarence Fernandez, Matthias Williams, Alex Richardson and David Morgan; Editing by William Mallard, Sharon Singleton, Toby Chopra, Sergio Non and Cynthia Osterman)
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers vetoed Republican bills that would eliminate income taxes on tips and overtime, require counties to cooperate with federal immigration agents and overturn his 400-year veto that provided school revenue limit increases.

No tax on tips and overtime

In July 2025, President Donald Trump signed a tax and spending bill that included provisions allowing tipped workers making less than $150,000 to deduct up to $25,000 in tips annually from their federal taxable income and allowing certain employees who work overtime and make less than $150,000 to claim a tax deduction. Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin introduced proposals to align state income tax policy with those measures.

SB 36 would have given tipped employees a state income tax exemption for cash tips, with a sunset date in 2028.

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Evers supported eliminating taxes on tips in his 2025-27 state budget proposal, but GOP lawmakers rejected the provision and instead advanced their bill. Evers proposal would have been a permanent change, unlike the Republican proposal.

We should not be at the whims of a Republican-controlled Congress that has no problem gutting basic necessities and services like food and access to healthcare just to pay for tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires, Evers wrote in his veto message.

Wisconsin Republicans have sent Evers a number of proposals influenced by the Trump administration and Republican-led Congress to varying success. He signed a SNAP bill with funding for DHS that also included a policy to prohibit SNAP participants from being able to use their benefits to buy candy and soda, while vetoing a bill to opt the state into a federal school choice tax credit program.

Evers wrote that his expectation when providing tax relief is to pass proposals that are real, responsible, and targeted to the middle class. Evers has signed a number of tax cuts given to him by Republican lawmakers throughout his time in office. As a result of cuts, a 2024 Wisconsin Policy Forum report found that the state and local tax burden on residents had hit a record low in 2024. In 2025, another report found that the tax burdens remained low as incomes rose.

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Evers said that the state 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. Therefore, I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to adopting a temporary income tax provision instead of working to provide comprehensive and lasting relief to Wisconsin taxpayers.

Evers had a similar message in vetoing AB 461, which would have provided an income tax deduction for overtime. Under the bill, single filers would have been able to claim up to $12,500 per year under the subtraction, while joint filers would have been able to claim up to $25,000. Unlike the no tax on tips bill, the change would have been permanent.

I object to this bill 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 (and is not eligible to earn overtime compensation) should not pay a different amount in taxes from an hourly worker who earns $35,000 through working overtime, Evers wrote in his veto message. We should focus on creating a fairer tax code that provides real, responsible tax relief that supports rather than divides working Wisconsinites.

Vetoes ICE compliance bill

Evers vetoed AB 24, which would have required local law enforcement in Wisconsin to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill would have required sheriffs to check the citizenship status of people being held in jail on felony charges and notify federal immigration enforcement officials if citizenship cannot be verified.

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Counties failing to comply would be at risk of losing 15% of their shared revenue payments from the state, which help cover the cost of fire, law enforcement and other services.

Republican lawmakers, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin), introduced the bill at the start of Trumps second term, saying that the state needed to support his immigration agenda.

Since the introduction of the bill, the Trump administration has stepped up detaining and deporting immigrants. The federal government sent agents to neighboring Minnesota, where they shot and killed two U.S. citizens, including a Wisconsin native. This week in Wisconsin, ICE detained Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian activist and president of the Milwaukee Islamic Society. More local law enforcement in Wisconsin have also entered agreements with ICE in the last year.

According to a Stateline report, experts have said jails are the easiest place to pick up people for deportation, and more local law enforcement cooperation leads to more arrests.

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Evers did not make any specific mention of ICE in his veto message, instead focusing on the potential penalty that local communities could face.

Republican lawmakers are trying to micromanage local law enforcement decisions by threatening to gut state aid by 15% for our local communities  thats a non-starter, Evers wrote. We shouldnt be threatening law enforcement with deep budget cuts; we should be working together with local law enforcement to improve public safety, reduce crime and keep dangerous drugs and violent criminals off of our street.

400-year veto repeal rejected

Evers also vetoed another attempt by Republican lawmakers to repeal his 400-year veto, which extended school districts ability to bring in an additional $325 per pupil annually through funding from the state or through property taxes. Lawmakers rejected calls to provide an increase to schools general aid in the most recent state budget, meaning most schools have raised property taxes to make use of the revenue authority.

Republican lawmakers have argued that eliminating the veto is the best way to help address rising property taxes and pushed forward SB 389 to do so.

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Evers wrote in his veto message that lawmakers all know that my 400-year veto didnt raise Wisconsinites property taxes  its just a heckuva lot easier for them to blame me than it is to tell the truth. He said he objected to repealing the veto, which was upheld by the state Supreme Court, without providing additional resources to school districts.

My 400-year veto is here to stay, lawmakers, he wrote. Just fund our public schools and get over it..

Evers also vetoed AB 460, which would have allowed siblings of students in the states school voucher program to participate regardless of their income level. Advocates of the legislation said it would help keep families together in school, but Evers said the bill would expand the cost of the voucher system and further burden struggling public schools.

Currently to qualify for a school voucher program, a students family must be below a certain income. A student who has attended a prior year remains qualified even if the family income increases above the limit, but then a sibling who hasnt attended might no longer qualify to apply for the voucher program.

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The legislation went to Evers as the enrollment caps on the states voucher programs will sunset next school year. Evers said in his veto message that he objects to increased spending on the states voucher program.

Funding for private parental choice programs remains convoluted and inconsistent across programs, Evers said. The cost burden of private parental choice program expansion falls either on local property taxpayers, who already are struggling due to a lack of investment in public schools by the Legislature, or on the state general fund, which draws resources away from students in public schools.

Vetoes closing holdover appointments loophole

Evers also vetoed AB 248. The GOP bill would have closed the loophole in state law that allows for appointees to stay in their positions past the expiration of their term. The Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld the practice in 2021, when Department of Natural Resources Board member Fred Prehn, appointed during Gov. Scott Walkers second term, stayed after his term was up, blocking an Evers appointee from taking the seat. The Court upheld the loophole again in 2025, when Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe stayed after the expiration of her term.

In his veto message Evers called the bill just the latest in a decade-plus-long effort by Republican lawmakers to abuse the power available to them, undermine basic tenets of our democracy and erode foundational cornerstones of state government that will have impacts on our state for generations. He noted that while he was in office lawmakers delayed confirming his nominees for key positions and fired others from their positions for no apparent reason other than being appointed by a Democratic governor.

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This bill is a representation of the years of Republican efforts to erode our democratic institutions This bill represents the worst of partisan politics and what can happen when a Legislature chooses to put politics before people, Evers wrote. Its shortsighted, and it is politics at its worst and most dangerous. I will not enable the Legislature to continue this ridiculous exercise.

Evers signs handful of school bills

Evers also signed two bills introduced by lawmakers to address concerns about investigations into grooming allegations against teachers. The concerns were prompted after a CapTimes news report that found over 200 investigations into teacher licenses due to allegations of sexual misconduct or grooming from 2018 to 2023.

SB 785, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 185, requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to maintain an online licensing portal that is searchable by the public at no cost. The portal will need to include information on license holders under investigation and the name of individuals who have had their licenses revoked.

AB 1004, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 186, prohibits public and private schools from entering agreements that would suppress information on the immoral conduct of an employee, would affect the report of immoral conduct by an employer or employees or require an education employer to expunge information about allegations of findings or immoral conduct.

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Evers also signed AB 530, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 189, which prohibits the operation of drones over schools in Wisconsin unless there is authorization by the schools governing body or by a sheriff or a chief of a local public protection service agency.

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President Donald Trump demanded to be seated directly in front of the Supreme Court justices during oral arguments in his birthright citizenship case, only to fidget throughout the hearing.

Trump made history Wednesday by being the first U.S. president to attend Supreme Court oral arguments, with critics interpreting his presence as a sign that he was trying to intimidate the justices into ruling in his favor.

Witnesses said the courtroom got quiet when President Donald Trump arrived at the Supreme Court for oral arguments in his birthright citizenship case. / Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty Images

Originally, he was seated at the very end of the first row, but then Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told the courts security that the president wanted to be seated more centrally, ACLU executive director Anthory Romero told MS NOW host Jonathan Lemire on Thursday.

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Then it was clear that he was endeavoring to put his thumb on the scale, said Romero, who was seated about 6 feet behind Trump and had the president directly in his line of vision. He was endeavoring to glower at the justices to kind of intimidate them, almost defy them to rule against him.

The justices did not appear moved by Trumps glowering. / Dana Verkouteren/AP

Romero said he could see Trump fidgeting in his chair while several of his own handpicked justices tore into the case being made by Solicitor General John Sauer.

Then the ACLUs legal director, Cecilia Wang, made her opening statement and began to answer the justices questions.

At that point, You could see he started getting restless, Romero said. His shoulders slumped a little bit.

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About 10 or 15 minutes into Wangs arguments, the president got up and left, Romero added. Although the courtroom got quiet when the president entered, the justices did not mention him being there, and they did not miss a beat when he walked out.

The president seemed to be trying to create some drama or spectacle, but the court didnt take the bait, according to Romero.

The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.

President Trump attending the Supreme Court hearing with his then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, whom he fired the next day. / White House/X

The oral arguments focused on the legality of an executive order the president signed last year that purported to limit birthright citizenship, despite the 14th Amendment to the Constitution explicitly saying that all people born in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are automatically conferred citizenship.

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The president appeared bored in the courtroom and repeatedly closed his eyes while Sauer made his arguments, according to several news reports.

Immediately after the hearing, Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court justices during a White House Easter luncheon.

First thing Thursday morning, he raged against the Kangaroo Court!!! on his Truth Social platform.
Actor Blake Lively has reaffirmed her intent to take legal action against co-star Justin Baldoni, even after a key sexual harassment claim in her lawsuit was dismissed, stating she will not be "distracted by the digital soap opera." In a statement shared on her Instagram Stories, Lively said she remains committed to pursuing justice, with the case now set to go to trial in New York on May 18. "I will never stop doing my part in fighting to expose the systems and people who seek to harm, shame, silence and retaliate against victims," she wrote, adding, "I know it's a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it." Addressing the emotional toll, Lively highlighted the real-world impact of online hostility, stating that "the physical pain from digital violence is very real." She also expressed gratitude to the court for its recent ruling while reiterating that initiating legal proceedings was not her first choice. "The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit," she wrote, attributing her decision to what she described as "pervasive retaliation" for advocating a safe working environment. Her message ended with a pointed note that reads, "See you in court." The development comes a day after Judge Lewis Liman dismissed the sexual harassment portion of the lawsuit, citing jurisdictional issues and Lively's status as an independent contractor during the production of 'It Ends With Us.' However, her defamation and retaliation claims, described by Lively as the "heart of my case", remain active and will be presented before a jury, as per Deadline. Lively alleges that Baldoni, along with executives from Wayfarer Studios and associated public relations teams, orchestrated an online smear campaign against her in 2024, ahead of the film's release. According to her legal team, digital communications and messages support claims that efforts were made to discredit her preemptively. Baldoni and his representatives have consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that the backlash Lively faced online was organic and not coordinated. What remains undisputed is that the actor experienced intense public criticism across digital platforms, as per Deadline. Court-ordered settlement talks between both parties have reportedly failed. Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, had earlier indicated that negotiations in February were "unsuccessful." (ANI)
A flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids MI at 12:48 a.m. on Saturday, April 4. This warning applies to Clinton County and the Maple River.

The NWS warns: "Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov/grr."

Clinton County weather radar

What are NWS meteorologists saying?

At 12:48 a.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information:

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", The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids MI has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Michigan, Maple River at Maple Rapids affecting Clinton County. Portage River near Vicksburg affecting Kalamazoo County.

WHAT: Minor flooding is forecast.

WHERE: Maple River at Maple Rapids.

WHEN: From this afternoon to Sunday, April 12.

IMPACTS: At 9 feet, Expect minor flooding of County Line Road.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: - At 11:15 p.m. EDT Friday the stage was 8.5 feet. - Bankfull stage is 7 feet. - Forecast: The river is expected to rise above flood stage this morning and continue rising to a crest of 9.9 feet Monday evening. - Flood stage is 9 feet. - Flood History, This crest compares to a previous crest of 9.9 feet on 04/06/2023. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood"

What to do during a flood warning

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Use a battery-powered radio or TV to get the latest emergency information.

Do not walk through floodwater - just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

Turn around, don't drown: Never drive into a flooded street. Two feet of moving water can sweep away a car, and roads may be washed out.

Watch for fire hazards.

Move to higher ground.

Stay alert and keep weather notifications on.

Keep children away from floodwaters - they can hide rocks, trees, and debris.

Michigan weather watches and warnings

Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text.

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 Lansing State Journal: Flood warning issued for Clinton County. What to know
No good deed goes unpunished, and apparently in Central Florida that is less of a saying and more of a legal warning. Hans Hamilton was minding his own business, driving north on the 429 Expressway near Walt Disney World, when he spotted a white Lexus that had kissed a guardrail a little too hard. Being the kind of human being most of us only pretend to be, he pulled over to help.

That decision landed him in the hospital with a brain bleed, a concussion, four broken ribs, and a medical bill that would make anyone's stomach drop. His Tesla, which captured the entire ordeal on its cameras, also came out of it worse for wear, because the man he stopped to help used the hood and roof of it as a personal trampoline before things got even uglier.

"This person tried to kill me," Hamilton said afterward. "I don't want anyone else to go through what I did." Hamilton has since started a GoFundMe to help cover the mountain of medical and auto expenses his family, who lives paycheck to paycheck, is now staring down. The irony of needing crowdfunding after being punished for being a decent person is not lost on anyone with a functioning conscience.

What the Tesla Cameras Caught (and You Cannot Unsee)

WOW: Shocking video: Good Samaritan in a Tesla stops to help a crashed driver on Floridas 429 near Disney World and gets viciously attacked. Hans Hamilton now has a brain bleed and broken ribs after Daniel Coman, 44, smashed his windshield then beat him on the ground for pic.twitter.com/3XMolNttcQ  Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) April 3, 2026

When Hamilton first pulled over, the driver of the Lexus, later identified as 44-year-old Daniel Coman, appeared to stagger out of his car and collapse in the grass. Motionless. Very much looking like someone who needed help. The moment Hamilton stepped out of his Tesla, however, Coman apparently made a miraculous recovery, leaping up and sprinting toward the car.

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Coman jumped onto the hood and roof of Hamilton's Tesla, caving in the windshield, before tackling Hamilton to the ground. For nearly 30 seconds he threw repeated punches at Hamilton's head, face, neck, and back. Hamilton eventually managed to break free by striking Coman in the throat, which, all things considered, seems like a pretty reasonable response to being ambushed on the side of an expressway.

The Arrest, the Bond, and the Part That Will Frustrate You

When an Orange County deputy arrived and tried to take Coman into custody, Coman approached in what the arrest report diplomatically calls an "aggressive fighting manner" and swung at the officer. Hamilton, still battered from the beating he had just absorbed, helped wrestle Coman to the ground so the deputy could get him in handcuffs. The man literally helped arrest his own attacker. That is commitment to civic duty that deserves its own category.

Coman was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, assault on a law enforcement officer, battery, and criminal mischief. Investigators also connected him to a separate hit-and-run crash two miles south of the scene and flagged him as a suspect in a similar incident from earlier the same morning. When speaking to the deputy, Coman claimed he only spoke Spanish, despite having spoken English to Hamilton just minutes before. Deputies originally requested he be held without bond. A judge set it at $5,000.

Coman missed his first court appearance because he was hospitalized for an undisclosed reason, and he remained at the Orange County Jail as of Thursday. Meanwhile, Hamilton is recovering from injuries that would sideline anyone and facing bills that have nothing to do with anything he did wrong.

If you want to support Hamilton's recovery, his GoFundMe is active. And if you happen to see a crashed car on a Florida expressway, maybe, just maybe, call 911 and let the professionals handle it. The days of roadside heroism apparently come with risks that nobody puts in the brochure.
The former attorney who represented the Florida family at the center of Netflixs Take Care of Maya is pushing back against new allegations made by his former client of eight years, Maya Kowalski.

Greg Anderson, senior partner at the Jacksonville-based law firm AndersonGlenn LLP, said the accusations are the latest attempt to ensure he and his law firm are not paid for the work they put into the case.

In the latest court filings, Maya Kowalski accused Anderson of inappropriate behavior and comments that made her uncomfortable. Among some of the allegations are that Anderson encouraged Maya to be sexually promiscuous, told her to date older men and sent bottles of wine to her hotel room when she was just 18 years old.

Maya Kowalski also alleged that Anderson did not tell her that when she signed an "Advance Funding Loan" agreement it would limit her ability to make independent decisions in the case including her ability to settle the lawsuit, retry the case, pursue an appeal or retain new counsel.

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Anderson stated that Maya Kowalski's declaration doesn't tell the full story and that for the most part, he and his wife, Jennifer, treated the Kowalskis as their own family.

He argued that he spent a lot of time explaining the loan details to both Jack and Maya Kowalski and denied making inappropriate comments towards Maya Kowalski.

Anderson contended that the declaration was submitted a week before he and his firm were expected to turn in a memorandum detailing the fees he and his firm are entitled to for the work they did on the case.

In addition, he suggested that the declaration was intended to make him out to be a pariah, make it harder for him to find experts to testify on the firm's behalf and to distract him from focusing on compiling documents supporting the memorandum.

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Im very hurt that Maya said these things, Anderson said.

Jack and Maya Kowalski dropped Anderson and his law firm in December 2024, more than a year after Anderson secured a verdict in favor of the Kowalski family against Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital.

The Venice family sued the St. Petersburg-based hospital for $220 million after wife and mother Beata Kowalski took her own life following child abuse allegations.

In 2016, the Florida Department of Children and Families opened an investigation that led to then 10-year-old Maya Kowalski being separated from her family.

The family took Maya to the hospital in October 2016 due to a severe stomachache, which they believed was a relapse of her Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, a disorder that impairs the central nervous system and heightens pain sensations.

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Hospital staff began to suspect possible child medical abuse after they observed what many testified to as inconsistencies between Mayas behaviors and her condition. Staff placed calls to the abuse hotline, beginning a more than three-month ordeal for the family.

The case went to trial in September 2023, and two months later, a six-person jury found the hospital liable for more than $261 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

The jury deliberated on seven claims, down from the initial more than 20 filed against the hospital, a social worker and a part-time medical director of the Pinellas Child Protection Team.

The claims included battery, fraudulent billing, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and two claims of extreme and outrageous actions towards Maya and Beata Kowalski, which led to Beata taking her life.

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The Second District Court of Appeals in Tampa reversed the judgment, which had already been reduced to $208 million by a Sarasota judge, but left the door open for Maya Kowalski to go back to court on several claims. Those included Mayas intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) claim, false imprisonment, battery and medical negligence.

Maya and her father, Jack Kowalski, dropped Anderson and his law firm in favor of his former associate Nick Whitney. Whitney had been Andersons second chair during the trial but left the firm in July 2024.

In December 2024, Whitney and Sheldon Childers of the Childers Law firm in Gainesville filed a motion to replace Anderson as the familys attorney.

'Absolutely unforgivable': Attorney responds to allegations

Anderson is preparing a response affidavit to the declaration, he said over the phone March 23.

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In previous conversations with a Herald-Tribune reporter, Anderson said he and his wife invested not only an exceptional amount of work in the case, but their own financing and time away from their family.

I think more likely, perfectly innocuous circumstances were taken and twisted into this Hail Mary so that the Andersons dont get paid for whats now eight years of work and financing the Kowalskis, Anderson said.

I just think its despicable," Anderson added, "and now to embarrass me in front of my family, my wife, my firm (and) the Bar is absolutely unforgivable.

Addressing each allegation, Anderson began with the hotel room accusation.

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He explained hed booked a suite the night before a hearing in front of Judge Hunter Carroll in January 2024. Since he knew Jack and Maya Kowalski had to drive from their Venice home, he offered to book them both rooms under his ticket so they wouldnt need to make the drive the next morning.

Anderson affirmed he saw it as a good opportunity to discuss the client statement of rights, and have Maya re-sign the documents since shed recently turned 18 years old.

The three of them met in the hotel suite living room space where Anderson said he explained the fee document to Maya in detail. He denied the signing taking place in a bedroom. Anderson also said hed been stone cold sober as he had another client meeting and was preparing for the next days hearing.

While Anderson doesnt know if Jack Kowalski stayed in the hotel, he acknowledged that Maya did.

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He said he called her later the same day to finish signing a waiver of constitutional rights and the contingency fee agreement but did not receive a response.

He decided to go downstairs to check if she was in her room.

Anderson claimed that when the door opened, he saw two young men inside Mayas room  one of which was her ex-boyfriend  and that it appeared a party was happening with plenty of alcohol in the room already.

Anderson denied sending any wine to the room at any time.

Anderson stated he didn't want to have Maya Kowalski sign anything that night because of the party, so he waited until the next day at the courthouse to have her finish signing the waiver of constitutional rights and the contingency fee agreement.

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Regarding the comments about sexual promiscuity, telling Maya to date older men like his 28-year-old nephew and the use of contraceptives, Anderson stated that Maya had initiated conversations of a more intimate nature with both himself and his wife, Jen.

He added that the only reason he even commented about Maya not getting pregnant or continuing to party was because he was trying to protect her from predators.

Anderson said he and his wife were trying to get Maya away from being taken advantage of  and that they had encouraged her to apply to colleges out of state.

As to any of the other things, any discussions of a more intimate nature would be initiated by Maya, and I acted, in many instances, as a father figure for her, Anderson said.

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Anderson added that Maya also often turned to his wife for advice, and he said the two had a close relationship as well.

Anderson said Maya was the one who brought up Andersons nephew after visiting with his family in California while she was in that state to explore the University of California, Los Angeles,

Anderson said he had told Maya that his nephew was too old for her.

Seeing as she was looking at colleges, Anderson thought she might find someone more mature in the university sphere.

Anderson argues he detailed explanation about 'Advance Funding Loan'

In regard to the "Advanced Funding Loan," Anderson states he spent considerable time explaining the agreement to both Jack and Maya Kowalski before they signed.

"I looked her in the eye, and I said, 'You don't have to do this, but you could go for, you know, years without any money.' And we have expert costs, and that means I have to survive if I need to retry the case," Anderson said.

He further explained to Maya that if the appellate court upheld the verdict, she would have to pay back the insurance amount on the borrowed loan.

Since the percentage of interest on the loan was about 12% while the pre- and post- judgement interest on the money awarded to the family was 10.4%, the hospital would pay the family almost all of the interest they'd have to pay back the lender, according to Anderson.

The only issue would be if the appellate court reversed part of the verdict, and the family didn't have enough to cover the interest and loan, they would need to retry the case, which wouldn't be an issue since Anderson had a contingency.

Anderson claimed Maya couldn't wait another five or 10 years for the money and agreed to the loan, which would support her even if the worst happened and the entire verdict was reversed, as was the case here.

However, since it was a non-recourse loan with a high insurance premium, the family wouldn't necessarily be paying it. Instead, it would reduce the amount of the net out of the loan, Anderson said.

Anderson also said he gave them the phone number to the transactional firm who would be dealing with the loan so the Kowalskis could have any further questions answered and included in the closing statement that the family should consult independent counsel to ensure they were comfortable with everything.

Gabriela Szymanowska covers the criminal justice, courts and legal system for the Herald-Tribune. Reach out with a news tip to gszymanowska@gannett.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Former attorney in Netflix 'Take Care of Maya' case denies accusations
Federal prosecutors have charged a former Chester County 911 dispatcher and volunteer firefighter with receiving child sexual abuse material, while alleging additional crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors connected to a local fire company.

Anton Bilski, 25, is no longer affiliated with the Avondale Fire Company and is facing a federal charge tied to what investigators describe as a yearslong pattern of activity involving child sexual abuse material.

Prosecutors say further charges are likely, citing allegations of sexual contact with children, secret recordings, and abuse of his access to minors in the community.

The investigation began in September after U.S. Homeland Security received a tip from a European law enforcement partner alleging Bilski's Instagram account was involved in exchanging child pornography.

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Court records allege the activity continued across multiple platforms as recently as February.

Prosecutors say Bilski paid hundreds of dollars to vendors offering child sexual abuse material and that investigators linked him to nearly 200 files depicting child sex abuse.

Much of the material was allegedly accessed from Bilski's family home in Landenberg, Chester County. Investigators executed a search warrant there on March 20, seizing 13 electronic devices.

According to prosecutors, a victim alleges that Bilski contacted him on Snapchat in 2021, when the victim was 15 years old, and later traveled to meet him for sexual activity, claiming to be 18 when he was actually 20. The encounter allegedly took place in a parked car near Bilski's home.

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The victim also told detectives that Bilski showed him nude images of other minors he recognized from school, which appeared to have been taken without their knowledge.

Investigators wrote that the victim "told detectives that the defendant interacted with some of the other minors because they were volunteers at the Avondale Fire Company, where the defendant was also a volunteer."

Bilski previously served as a lieutenant at the fire company, though leadership there said they cannot confirm the allegations involving underage volunteers.

"We're taking this very seriously. We conducted an internal investigation and at this time have found no involvement of any other members or our systems," said Avondale Fire Company President Guy Swift.

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Swift said the department has revoked Bilski's membership.

"As of today, he's no longer suspended. His membership has been revoked," Swift said.

Fire company leaders said they are cooperating fully with investigators as the case continues and prosecutors have indicated additional charges are likely.

"We're doing our best to keep the membership involved, keep everyone up to speed, and do our best to be as transparent as possible," Swift said.

Bilski remains in custody. On the current charge. He could face between five and 20 years in prison. His attorney declined to comment.
IRAN AFFIARS: Iranian dissident Afshin Javid describes how the regime indoctrinates children to dream of martyrdom.

The civilian cost of the war against the Islamic regime is a tragic but necessary sacrifice that the large majority of Iranians are willing to endure so their children may one day live in freedom. Thats the assessment of Afshin Javid, a former member of the Basij paramilitary forces execution squad, who later became a devout Christian.

Iranian people feel they are condemned to three types of deaths, he said in an interview with The Jerusalem Post on Monday. The options, he said, were to be killed by the regime; experience a death of the soul by watching Tehran brutalize, rape, and murder their loved ones; or be killed in US or Israeli strikes. The choice for Iranians is simple, he noted, as the airstrikes carry with them hope of regime change and a different future.

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It hurts to see your people dying Im still Iranian, so my heart aches every time I hear there is a death, Javid said, speaking about the civilian casualties. But for the first time, Iranian people, myself included, are saying: If there is death, there may be freedom, a light at the end. But if this death does not happen, then they will kill us anyway, with no light at the end of the tunnel.

Understanding the value of life

THE VALUE OF life was not always something understood by Javid. When he was eight, his home in Abadan, Iran, was bombed, and his journey to Islamism began. Told by his grandfather that the West had destroyed everything he owned because he was a Muslim, Javid committed himself entirely to Islam and the Islamic regimes doctrine of martyrdom.

We had been completely desensitized to the value of life itself. Life for them [Islamists] doesnt mean much What is actually glorified is death, especially for a cause for jihad, for a holy war, to be a martyr, he said as he explained the mentality among the regimes supporters and how hard it is for those with a Western mindset to understand this.

Basij militia members during an anti-Israel march in Tehran, January 2025; illustrative. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

I wanted to be a good Muslim, Javid shared, recounting how he heard stories from his childhood martyrdom was the way to serve Allah, particularly after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

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After watching videos of children on TV clearing minefields in Iraq, and hearing the religious praise pushed on those killed in the line of duty, Javid forged his parents signatures to enlist in the Iranian military at age 14. Carrying a cheap metal key, which the minors were told was a key to paradise, and a small Koran, Javid was briefly deployed before his father demanded that authorities return him, furious he had been allowed to be sent to die without parental consent.

Thousands of children were sent to die on the border, and many families were groomed to sacrifice their children by both religious doctrine and the financial benefits offered to those standing behind Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The regime recruited children as young as nine to sweep the minefields, recruiting them from slums and providing families with Bunyad-e Shaheed (Martyrs Foundation) payments when their children were killed or maimed, according to the UN Refugee Agency.

The International Committee of the Red Cross estimated that at least 10% of Iranian prisoners taken during the Iran-Iraq War were under 18, though the official number of child soldiers deployed remains unknown.

We saw on TV how children are becoming soldiers. Theyre walking on landmines; children were volunteering to fight and everything, teenagers as early as 13 to 14, he recounted. It was all the time, 24/7, on TV. I thought, I dont know if Allah is pleased with me. I want to do more. I want to do more.

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I thought, [this is] the only way I know to serve Allah, and he would be pleased with me. Looking back, you realize you have been brainwashed, but at that time, according to the teachings of Islam, it is to be a martyr. So if you are a martyr, then you immediately go to heaven, and you can even vouch for family members to come to heaven, he explained.

RECALLED FROM the border, Javid began volunteering at a local mosque and joined the Basij paramilitary force, a voluntary militia that worked under the IRGC. He would spend his days ensuring the neighborhood was compliant with the countrys new Islamic foundations, checking whether women were fully covering their bodies, and not listening to music. His dedication and the reputation he developed as a true believer led him to be recruited to the militias execution team in the Sabi lawallah (In the cause of Allah).

The first execution he saw was more brutal than those that are described in Western accounts, he said. The victim was lifted by the neck with a rope, ensuring that they suffocated rather than have the quick death that often results from the broken neck of a drop-hanging.

As I watched, I felt like something died in me, rather than the person dying. And reality is that the value of life completely dissipated for me, Javid said. I remember asking myself, at age 14, Is Allah pleased now with me because I killed somebody? I was part of the team that killed somebody, and they told us hes an infidel. Now what?

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I didnt have some sort of affirmation, confirmation that Allah is pleased with me. And then I thought to myself  and this is a buildup on all the things that you are fed through the media, the school system, everything  that you need to find joy when youre doing Allahs will; if youre killing the infidel, you need to be joyful. There needs to be a celebration.

Family's history of regime dissent drove Javid to Christianity

JAVID SAID his parents were unaware of how extreme his involvement in the Basij had become, but his grandfather, a dedicated Muslim but generally opposed to violence, decided he should be sent away to convert Christians to Islam, once he discovered Javids activities.

Javids father was beaten by the regime, since he was not an observant Muslim, though he had initially supported the revolution as a communist rather than as a religious fanatic. This enabled Javid to claim political asylum in Pakistan. After spending a few years preaching the tenets of Islam on behalf of the regime, he was given a fake passport to fly to Malaysia, where he was later arrested for holding false documents.

From jail, Javid continued his dedication to Islam and helped at the mosque until he experienced a religious revelation, or an act of divine intervention, that led him to convert to Christianity.

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I had a vision of Jesus Christ. I was in my room, praying, and a man appeared to me; his whole being was shining. It was beaming out of him, which scared me first, and I instantly knew that he is holy and just. I knew, no matter how much I prayed, how much I do these things, I have not been just. I have not been holy, and he has to kill me, Javid claimed.

But I didnt want to die, so I asked for forgiveness. I kept repeating, Forgive me, forgive me, forgive me, but I didnt think he would or he could. Then I felt a touch on my shoulder, and he said, I forgive you. And I felt, literally, the words penetrating, and I was just lighter.

Javid said the forgiveness had meant so much to him, as he had been taught in Islam that Allah was merciful, but he had never seen mercy from those claiming actions in his name and had always been taught he would need to wait for his day of judgment.

He recalled that immediately after the vision, he rushed to the mosque and tried to convince them to convert to Christianity, which led to attempts on his life. Despite this, he continued preaching about Christ, which prompted prison authorities to summon Iranian diplomats to speak with him.

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I told the Iranian ambassador that he should give his life to Jesus. That didnt go very well either, Javid quipped, adding that the ambassador said he would soon be dealt with back in Iran.

After being supplied with a fake passport to fly back to Iran, Javid was surprised to find himself in Bangladesh after a mix-up with his boarding pass. From Bangladesh, he traveled to Canada in 1992, but eventually relocated to Germany in 2019 after learning of the threat of radical Islam in Europe.

FROM GERMANY, Javid has campaigned for Iranians, including many who fled Iran to safely convert to Christianity from the West, and continues to be targeted by the regime.

He stressed to the Post that if the regime is ever successful in its attempts on his life, he will find peace in knowing he did what he could to help his people escape the regimes brutality.

Javid said he now speaks publicly about his past in the Basij, in the hope that others will better understand how the system operates and how easily it can shape those raised within it. He has since visited Israel on multiple occasions and has spoken openly against the Islamist forces working against the Jewish state.
Gas prices continue to climb.

AAA says the average price of a gallon of regular nationwide hit $4.09 on Friday.

Across Kentucky, it was $3.91.

And in Daviess County, the average price was $3.84.

GasBuddy said the cheapest gas in Owensboro on Friday was $3.54.

 The U.S. Census Bureau says Daviess Countys population is now 105,517  up O.5%,

Owensboros is 60,870 and Whitesvilles is 586.

 Louisville media is reporting that Louisville-based Goodwood Brewing has closed both of its locations in that city.

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Stories say that the company, which has a restaurant in downtown Owensboro, is negotiating with a new ownership group as it faces lawsuits from landlords and vendors for unpaid bills.

 S&P Global Market Intelligence annually ranks the best-performing community banks with assets between $3 billion and $10 billion.

And for 2025, it ranked German American Bank at No. 29 out of 223 community banks in the country.

German American operates 94 banking offices in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

Owensboro is one of those locations.

 Bet you didnt know that April is Kentucky Goat Month.

A news release says Kentucky ranks sixth in the nation for meat goat inventory with 57,000 head.

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And we rank 23rd for milk goat production with 5,800 dairy goats.

 If you have a boat, you no longer have to go to the courthouse to register it.

The state says, To renew online, boat owners will need their Kentucky boat number and the vessels title number. The boat registration must be active and expire this year to be eligible for online renewal. Boat property taxes must be paid at the same time as the renewal. Boat owners who prefer in-person service may still renew at their local County Clerks office. To renew boat registration online and review more eligibility criteria, visit https://drive.ky.gov/Pages/Online-Registration-Renewal.aspx.
Under Germany's new military service law, men aged between 17 and 45 will have to seek approval for being abroad for more than three months, the Defence Ministry confirmed to dpa on Saturday following press reports.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's administration passed a law late last year to bring back military service - initially in a voluntary capacity - in an effort to boost troop numbers.

The law, which took effect on January 1, is a response to the threat posed by Russia, with Germany lagging in its NATO recruitment targets.

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The programme is intended to assist in raising troop levels in the Bundeswehr - Germany's military - from 180,000 to 260,000, with an additional reserve force due to reach 200,000.

All teenagers are to receive a questionnaire after turning 18 as a first step to assess their suitability and motivation to serve in the military. Men are required to fill out the form, while it is voluntary for women.

The Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper has reported that men require approval from the Bundeswehr for lengthy trips abrod.

A Defence Ministry spokesman confirmed the regulation, but said that "approval is taken as given as long as the service is voluntary."

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The military needs to know who is spending long periods abroad, the spokesman said, but he declined to say how many approvals had been requested since the start of the year.

He further noted that the rule had been in force since the Cold War but had never been strictly enforced.

While the consequences of the rule were far-reaching, permission for stays abroad would always be granted if no specific service was required for the relevant period, he said.
If you are looking for President Donald Trump's $2,000 tariff refunds in 2026 or wondering about the new $3,000 stimulus check proposal status and who qualifies for it, here is when and what you need to know.

Trump's tariff dividend proposal to issue $2,000 refunds to "middle" and "lower income" households from the government's tariff revenues was upended by the Supreme Court's decision in February that the far-reaching tariffs were illegal, leaving U.S. Court of International Trade in New York and US Customs and Border Protection with issuing $166 billion in tariff refunds to the more than 333,000 US importers who absorbed the levies.

Since then, several Democratic lawmakers, such as Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker have taken actions to demand refunds to every household in their states, claiming their residents paid the brunt of tariffs through higher prices on goods.

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These tariff refund demands for their constituents, mirror the concept of Trump's prior tariff dividend proposal and pandemic stimulus checks.

A tariff refund mostly goes to whoever wrote the tariff check: the importer of record. Thats not the same person who paid more at the register. So refunds -- if they're offered -- might sound like consumer relief, but in reality, they're corporate windfalls. pic.twitter.com/PGuQgeA0zh  Justin Wolfers (@JustinWolfers) February 21, 2026

A newer stimulus check proposal called the "Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act" was introduced last month by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif) that would establish a 5% annual wealth tax on the 938 billionaires in America and provide an annual $3,000 direct payment to every man, woman and child in a household making $150,000 or less.

Here is what to know about stimulus checks in 2026.

Are we getting a stimulus check in April 2026?

While multiple stimulus check and tariff refund proposals exist, none have been formalized or approved by Congress or the IRS to date.

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There were three prior stimulus checks tied to COVID-era stimulus programs, the third and last of which had an April 15, 2025 deadline to claim. The opportunities to claim or file have now passed for all three stimulus checks.

Are we getting $3,000 checks?

Sen. Bernie Sanders' Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act and the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act sponsored by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and others, are in legislative proposal status, where bills have been introduced but have not been passed or considered.

The Sanders' proposal would send $3,000 checks to many people each year, funded by a 5% tax on nearly 1,000 U.S. billionaires.
Twenty Republican members of the New Jersey Assembly sent a letter Thursday to state authorities urging them to reject a Newark Public Schools nearly $500 million lease agreement that they say follows years of taxpayer waste in New Jerseys highest-funded school district.

The Newark Board of Education voted unanimously last week to proceed with a plan that would ultimately cost the district an estimated $498,397,000 to lease for what would be known as the Riverfront Elementary School, to be constructed and owned by a developer on the site of a crumbling Catholic school on Freeman Street.

The Assembly Republicans, who include Minority Leader John DiMaio, Dawn Fantasia, Paul Kanitra. and Antwan McClellan, called on the New Jersey Department of Education, the Local Finance Board and the State Comptroller to reject a lease they described as a debacle.

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The epic fiscal failures and taxpayer waste perpetuated by Newark Public Schools continue with the latest proposal to execute a thirty-year, half-billion-dollar lease using public dollars for a building the district will never own, the lawmakers wrote. If you allow this agreement to proceed, you will cement New Jerseyans distrust in government and put future school funding for 1.3 million students in jeopardy.

Based on the estimated cost of the lease and comparative figures for other projects, the proposed new Riverfront School would be one of the most expensive ever created in New Jersey.

For example, the New Jersey Schools Development Authority told NJ Spotlight News in 2024 that the new $284 million Perth Amboy High School was the biggest project the agency had undertaken.

Newarks most expensive school prior to Riverfront is also in the Ironbound. The High School of Architecture & Interior Design opened on Jefferson Street in September to its inaugural freshman class.

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Newark Public Schools is going to spend a record $1.67 billion next year, with $1.38 billion of that coming from taxpayers outside of Newark, the lawmakers wrote in their letter. When state taxpayers outside of Newark pay for 83% of the schools budget, they expect a certain level of accountability, transparency, and academic performance. Newark is missing the mark on all fronts.

State aid to Newark schools for the coming academic year increased by $60 million, to a total of $1.39 billion for the year, covering 83% of district costs.

The Assembly members also criticized that the developer supposedly in line to win a $500 million contract to build the school is a donor to Newark Mayor Ras Barakas unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign last year and said it warrants critical inspection.

NJ Spotlight reported that the builder is Scott Fields. The outlet reported that Fields name is on a business status report filed through the state Treasurys Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

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Baraka later told NJ Spotlight News that he had nothing to do with either the agreement to lease this building in the Ironbound neighborhood, or the selection of the developer.

Im being blindsided about something that I have no knowledge of whatsoever, the mayor told NJ Spotlight News. And even if the man donated to my campaign, he could do business in the city wherever he wants it.

The new 151,295-square-foot school would include four stories of classroom, administrative and faculty office space and lounge, gym and locker rooms, a multipurpose room, and other space, school officials said. It would sit atop a 60-space parking garage and below a 10,300-square-foot enclosed rooftop playing area, which would be in addition to an outdoor playing field.

School officials added that the school would alleviate classroom crowding in the citys growing Ironbound section.

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Despite these proposed amenities and the possibility of easing overcrowding, the Republican Assembly members said it is now the states responsibility to ensure that officials at Newark Public Schools stop wasting taxpayer dollars and start properly educating students.

The buck stops with you, they wrote.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill is set to become the first New Jersey governor in more than two decades  and only the third ever  to move into Drumthwacket.

Sherrill announced Friday she and her family will start living this summer in the states official, and unusually named, governors mansion in Princeton.

The Democratic governor and her husband, First Gentleman Jason Hedberg, said in a statement theyre excited to let our fellow New Jerseyans know about the news.

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From Day One this administration has committed to getting to work in Trenton to deliver on our commitments, they said. Were thrilled to further strengthen that commitment by living full time in the governors official residence and being much closer to the Capital City and the State House.

Drumthwacket is the peoples house, and we look also forward to continuing to bring it to life for New Jersey residents and highlight all the incredible history it offers, the couple added. Our family looks forward to this exciting next chapter, and we thank the dedicated New Jersey state staff and the team at the Drumthwacket Foundation for all their work to truly make the residence a home.

Sherrill and her family currently live in Montclair, about an hour north of Trenton. She represented the area in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2009 until just after she was elected governor last fall.

Drumthwacket is only 20 minutes from the capital city.

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Shortly after winning the governors race, Sherrill said at a public event in November she planned to stay in Essex County.

Oh, yeah. Ive got kids in school, said Sherrill, who took office on Jan. 20.

She and Hedberg, an investment banker, have four children.

Sherrills office told NJ.com the states First Family plans to live there for the governors full tenure.

Its unclear if they will sell their Montclair home and whether state taxpayers will cover their utilities and other expenses at Drumthwacket. Sherrill spokesman Steve Sigmund said more details will be announced at a later date.

The state Department of Environmental Protection operates both Drumthwacket and a shorefront house at Island Beach State Park that governors have access to, as well.

Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and Lt. Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell Inauguration

Sherrill will be the third New Jersey governor to live full-time at Drumthwacket since it became the governors mansion in 1981. Jim Florio (1990-94) and Jim McGreevey (2000-04) were the others.

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A 20-room, Greek Revival house, Drumthwacket was built in 1835 by Charles Smith Olden, a merchant and banker who later served as New Jerseys 19th governor. The mansion, with its white, six-columned exterior, sits atop a hill just outside of downtown Princeton, on land that was once owned by William Penn and was later a battle site in the Revolutionary War.

Drumthwackets Scots-Gaelic name means wooded hill and is believed to come from the estate of a hero in Walter Scotts 1819 novel A Legend of Montrose.

The house was sold to the state in 1966 and replaced Morven, another historic home around the corner in Princeton, as the formal governors residence 15 years later.

Aside from Florio and McGreevey, most governors have remained in their own homes, though many have stayed at Drumthwacket overnight sporadically. Gov. Jon Corzine lived there briefly while he recovered from a serious car crash in 2007.

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Governors also use the mansion to host various events and meetings. Tours are given to members of the public, as well.

Murphy, Sherrills Democratic predecessor, initially said he planned to move to Drumthwacket but remained in his Middletown mansion throughout his eight years as governor.

Murphy and his wife, Tammy Murphy, did oversee major renovations to the property, including a new barn to host events. The upgrades were paid for in part by $3.5 million from the private Drumthwacket Foundation and more than $860,0000 in taxpayer money.

Before that, Gov. Chris Christies wife, Mary Pat Christie, raised about $5.5 million through the foundation to renovate the first floor. The Christies remained in their home in Mendham Township during his two terms.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday expressed doubts over the Centre's reported withdrawal of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, saying the government's move "cannot be fully trusted." Speaking to ANI in Nilambur, Tharoor said, "The Centre's reported withdrawal of the FCRA Amendment Bill cannot be fully trusted. The urgency with which the central government is attempting to introduce changes to the FCRA is difficult to understand. There is a possibility of the bill being reintroduced when Parliament reconvenes on the 16th." Tharoor added that the opposition will remain vigilant, stressing, "The opposition will not allow the passage of any amendment that creates anxiety among religious minorities." On Wednesday, opposition MPs protested at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, demanding the withdrawal of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could create uncertainty and anxiety among NGOs and religious minority groups across the country. Congress MP Hibi Eden called it a "draconian law" that could affect minorities and NGOs across the country. Speaking to ANI, Eden said, "It is a draconian law which will hamper the interests of not just the minorities but many NGOs running in India...We will strongly condemn and object, and demand withdrawal of this bill." Congress MP Dharamvir Gandhi said,"...We are against it. It should be an impartial decision which benefits all sections of society; it cannot be selective." Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premchandran said, "It is not the question of Christian or any particular community. It is a planned agenda on the part of the BJP to take away the privileges and rights of the minorities..." The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, has been listed for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The FCRA Bill, 2026, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 25 and seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, and is aimed at enhancing the transparency and accountability of foreign contributions in India. (ANI)
A Gwinnett County family is shaken up after watching on doorbell camera as a man tried kicking in their door.

They say over the weekend, two strangers knocked on their apartment door. One of them can be seen with a gun and the other asks if a woman sent them to the right place.

Police say that about 12 hours later, one of the men came back alone with a gun and wearing a mask and tried kicking down the door.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

He then tries to cover his face up after showing his face already on camera," Corporal Ryan Winderweedle with Gwinnett County police said.

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Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson was at the apartment complex on Legacy Drive off Lawrenceville Suwanee Road on Friday.

He learned that the family is so concerned about police not having caught the man, they moved away.

While he has not been caught, police have identified him as 21-year-old Sonny Stephens. Once arrested, Stephens will face charges of home invasion and possession of a gun during a felony.

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We dont know what the confrontation wouldve been about, but he was not authorized to be there, had no reason to be there, Winderweedle said.

Police are asking for the publics help finding Stephens before he knocks on someone elses door.

Anyone who knows where he is should call Gwinnett County police at 770-513-5300.

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Hezbollah views Israels shift away from disarming the group as a strategic win, believing that the Israeli climbdown will benefit its survival and influence in Lebanon.

Hezbollah appears to be keenly listening to recent Israeli reports that indicate the IDF will not be able to disarm the Iranian-backed terrorist group.

These reports began circulating in the media on Friday and have continued to percolate.

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Hezbollahs supporters are saying that the group is standing on the threshold of a new phase, according to a report in Lebanons pro-Hezbollah Al Akhbar newspaper.

The terrorist group believes that reports of Israels shifting plan in southern Lebanon could work in its favor. As a reminder, Hezbollah was battered in September and October 2024 when Israel struck its leaders and carried out a limited ground invasion.

However, Israels new tactic of slow, systematic advances enables groups like Hezbollah to evacuate areas and relocate elsewhere.

People gather to attend the funeral of Hezbollah's top military official, Haytham Ali Tabtabai, and of other people who were killed by an Israeli airstrike on Sunday, despite a US-brokered truce a year ago, in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon November 24, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED AZAKIR)

Hamas did the same throughout the war in Gaza by moving along with the two-million local population from one place to another.

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More to the point, Hamas survived the war and continues to control Gaza. Hezbollah has done the same.

What is Hezbollah's plan?

The Hezbollah plan since November 2024, when there was a ceasefire, was to withstand the continued Israeli strikes. When Israel responded to Hezbollah fire last month with a large planned offensive, Hezbollah decided to weather the storm again.

Its current plan is to keep up the missile and drone fire on northern Israel. Meanwhile, Hezbollah apparently thinks it will benefit from Israel forcing approximately one million people to flee southern Lebanon. These are mostly Shiites, which allows Hezbollah to hide among them in other areas of Lebanon.

Israels current tactic in Gaza and Lebanon is to remove the civilian population and create buffer zone areas. The result so far  the terrorists move with the civilians.

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Since the IDF is not, thereby, cordoning off the terrorists from the rest of the civilian population, this has the effect of cementing the group in power.

This is what happened in Gaza; Hezbollah is gambling on the same occurring in Lebanons case.

Per Al Akhbar, The enemy army admits: Disarming Hezbollah is impossible.

Disarmament was always going to be difficult. It usually requires a political process alongside the collection of weapons.

It is unclear if removing one million Lebanese north of the Litani River and pushing Hezbollah further north as well will result in the desired outcome  pressure from the Lebanese government to disarm the group.

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Hezbollah clearly thinks that it will not have to disarm.

The Israeli occupation army admitted that disarming Hezbollah under the current circumstances is not possible and is no longer the goal of the war, and that what is required is to keep the party away from the borders to a depth of about four kilometers, according to... Army Radio, Al Akhbar said.

If these reports are any indication, Lebanese Hezbollah parliament members are under the impression that if Israel creates a new zone of control in southern Lebanon, it will be repeating the failures of the security zone from 1982 to 2000.

IDF suffered continued casualties when it established that zone. In those days, the military operated among Lebanese civilians and maintained a partner force in southern Lebanon, the Symbionese Liberation Army.

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Nowadays, Israel has no partners in Lebanon, and removing all the civilians has likely ensured there will be none.

Israeli officials have said they will raze the villages in southern Lebanon, similar to what was done in Gaza. This will clearly not lead to any support among Lebanese civilians.

Hezbollah will use this in its propaganda.

The terrorist group thrived in Lebanon and grew in the 1980s security zone. It was initially small, and back then, many Shiites actually supported Israel when it first invaded southern Lebanon in 1978 and 1982.

Hezbollah was able to use the long Israeli rule in Lebanon to turn people against the Jewish state. As such, Hezbollah views its own success as deeply linked to Israels policy.

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It appears that another long-term Israeli occupation of Lebanon will benefit Hezbollah. It remains to be seen if this is the case.

There is also concern that Lebanon could become more chaotic and collapse under the pressure of hosting a million displaced people in an already cash-strapped country.

Hezbollah hopes to feed off this chaos in the same way that Iranian-backed groups have benefited from the mayhem in the region for decades.

That said, the optimistic message being pushed by pro-Hezbollah media could prove incorrect in the future.

It is possible that it is putting on a brave face, and the group will suffer funding problems and also weapon supply issues as Iran is weakened. Either way, these are the stakes; what will come next remains unclear.
New Jersey pranked its own drivers by posting on the official state government social media account that the long-standing ban on pumping your own gas was over as of April 1.

The debate over the states selfserve gas ban is as divisive as arguments over whether breakfastsandwich meat should be called Taylor Ham or pork roll, where South Jersey begins, and whether Central Jersey exists.

But the April Fools prank landed amid a real policy debate, with a bill pending in the state Senate that would let drivers who choose to pump their own gas do so.

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State Sen. Jon Bramnick, R-Union, proposed a change to New Jerseys 1949 law that currently makes it the only state in the nation with a ban on pumping your own gas. His bill would allow drivers to do it voluntarily, while preserving full service for those who dont.

The bill comes against the backdrop of rising gas prices. The average price for regular hit $4.06 per gallon in New Jersey, and $4.09 nationally on Friday, according to AAA.

An association representing New Jersey gas stations estimated the savings would be around 10 to 15 cents a gallon if drivers pumped their own gas.

Bramnicks bill only applies to drivers who want to pump their own gas for a discount. Oregon, once the only other state with a similar ban, lifted its restriction under a law that took effect in August 2023.

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The bill requires gasoline stations with more than four pumps to continue to offer full-service gasoline between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. It also requires gas stations offering only self-service to pump gas at the self-serve price for motorists with a disability.

Opinion varies on whether making this law would mean the eventual end of New Jerseys full-service tradition.

I believe this bill is an effort to move us one step closer to removing the self-service ban, said Robert Scott III, a professor of economics, finance and real estate at Monmouth Universitys Leon Hess Business School. Oregon went through a similar slow step process in 2018 and eventually removed the ban in 2023.

Scott has written about the pros and cons of rolling back the states ban on pumping your own gas.

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People in N.J. overwhelmingly, as of the latest survey I saw, favor full-service gas, he said.

Could the current high prices be the tipping point?

As were seeing in real time, what happens in the Middle East has far greater impact on gasoline prices than full service, he said. Taxes also play a significant role.

A group that represents gas retailers said full service would be available for those who want it.

We are strongly supportive of this proposal. Its designed so that full service will still be readily available for those who want it, while letting those who want to be able to pump their own gas the freedom to do so, said Eric Blomgren, New Jersey Energy Marketeers Group executive director. It would still leave New Jersey with the strongest full-serve mandate in the country.

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Two former governors, Chris Christie and Phil Murphy, were unwilling to support lifting the ban. Murphy described it as political suicide.

Both current Gov. Mikie Sherrill and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker said no to self-serve gas when asked.

The voluntary option was originally proposed in 2022.

A state Assembly version of the voluntary self-serve bill failed to be heard by the Commerce and Economic Development Committee during the last legislative session.

Bills have to be passed by both the state Senate and Assembly and signed by the governor to become law.

In 2023, the state gas retailers association, now called the New Jersey Energy Marketeers Group, tried to rally support for similar legislation when several gas stations voluntarily lowered pump prices by 15 cents a gallon to illustrate the savings from self service.

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Its the only industry where everyone selling it has a giant sign listing the price right out front, and customers will go out of their way to save a few pennies, Blomgren said. Any station that doesnt pass on the savings will see their sales disappear to the station that does pass on the savings.

The actual per gallon saving for each location depends on how many attendants a station has, what they are paid, and how many gallons they sell a day, he said.

The state chapter of the National Motorists Association supported the bill in the past and made a slightly different proposal.

Allow motorists to pump their own gas but keep the current system as it is today: one price per grade, aside from cash or credit, said Steve Carrellas, NMA state policy director. Just allow convenience and potentially saved time for pumping it yourself.

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Under that proposal, every gas station would have to offer full-service based on the level of service they can afford to offer, which is the case today, he said.

Those who want it will take advantage of it and no one will have to worry about paying more for full-service, Carrellas said.

Choice will be the deciding factor, he said.

Jersey girls know how to pump their own gas and it would still be their choice now that they have options, Carrellas said. What Jersey girl doesnt like options?

Prof. Scott disagreed about promised price and time savings.

Having self-checkout lanes in grocery stores hasnt lowered food prices, he said. If you look at other states with self-service, prices are high and, in some cases, much higher than NJ.

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The perceived extra time spent waiting for an attendant to pump your gas would be transferred to waiting for a driver with less experience to pump their gas, he said.

Another reason is full-service is part of the states unique character, he said.

New Jersey is known as a weird place. The Jersey Girls Dont Pump Gas is a true sociological phenomenon, Scott said. Its silly, of course, but also gives New Jersey a certain je ne sais quoi.

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NEED TO KNOW

Cherise Doyley, a birthing doula, refused a C-section despite hospital concerns about uterine rupture risks

Staff forced her to appear in Zoom court from her hospital bed  without legal representation  and a judge ruled the hospital could perform the surgery in an emergency without her consent

Doyley ultimately underwent a C-section and later criticized the hospital, saying it violated her rights as a patient

A Florida woman was brought into a virtual court hearing while she was in active labor after she refused to have a C-section.

In September 2024, Cherise Doyley  a pregnant mother of three from Jacksonville, Florida  arrived at the University of Florida Health Hospital after going into labor. Doyley, a professional birthing doula, informed medical staff of her birth plan: She wanted to try for a natural birth. However, doctors expressed concerns about the risk of uterine rupture and said she should give birth via C-section.

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A uterine rupture is a life-threatening emergency where the uterine wall tears open and causes severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and fetal distress. Its rare, occurring in about 1 in 300 deliveries, but is more likely in people who attempt a vaginal delivery after having a previous C-section delivery, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

According to a ProPublica report, Doyley said she understood the risk to be less than 2% and told doctors that she wanted to try having a vaginal delivery before consenting to a C-section.

She reportedly argued that recovering from her past C-sections was difficult and left her with complications, including a hemorrhage that put her back in the hospital for a week. Additionally, she expressed concerns that she would not be able to focus on caring for a newborn  or her other three children  while recovering from surgery.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Hours later, while Doyley was still in labor, nurses entered the room and placed a tablet in front of her hospital bed and informed her that she was being taken to court over her medical decision. In a recording of the court hearing obtained by ProPublica, Doyley called it the craziest thing Ive ever seen.

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On the call were several doctors, lawyers, hospital staff and a judge. Doyley had no legal representation, ProPublica reports.



Judge Michael Kalil informed Doyley that the state had filed an emergency petition at the hospitals request to grant an emergency C-section in the interest of her unborn child.

During the hearing, doctors from the hospital expressed their concerns for the babys welfare and the risk of a vaginal birth. Doyley then testified that she felt there was little concern for her own wellbeing.

I still have rights as an American citizen and as a patient that I am allowed to decide what goes on with me and my body and my baby, she said in a clip of her testimony.

If its between them choosing whether I have to live or the baby has to live, I did tell them that I want to live, she continued. I have other children out here in the world that need me. And that is my right because at the end of the day, if I die from a C-section, nobody on this call is going to take care of my children.

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Doyley said she cared very much about her unborn child but believed her case was not an emergency necessitating surgery. She wanted to at least try having a vaginal delivery. Theyre going to tie me up and go give me a C-section against my will? she said in the hearing, per the outlet.

Pregnant woman in the hospital

Credit: Getty

After three hours of testimony, the judge did not order an immediate C-section. However, he said the hospital could perform the surgery without her consent if an emergency arises.

Overnight, doctors reportedly said the babys heart rate had dropped and they rushed Doyley into surgery. She ultimately gave birth via C-section and her baby girl, Arewa, now 1, was taken to the NICU, ProPublica reports.

UFHealth Jacksonville did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

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Today, Doyley said she still feels violated by the hospital forcing her into the surgery.

When we use the courts to basically strong-arm, bully someone into an unnecessary medical procedure against their will, its akin to torture, in my eyes, she told the outlet.

Pregnant woman in the hospital

Credit: Getty

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.

Mentally competent patients have a right to say no to medical procedures that a doctor recommends, according to the American Medical Association. However, pregnant patients are the exception.

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In some states, hospitals can seek a court order if a pregnant patient refuses a recommended intervention, arguing that the fetus has separate rights that must be protected.

There arent any other instances where you would invade the body of one person in order to save the life of another, Lois Shepherd, a bioethics expert at the University of Virginia School of Law, told CNN.

Cases like these are more prevalent following the 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade. Nearly 30 states have passed laws allowing hospitals to invalidate a pregnant patients advance directives.

It reflects a deep understanding of women as the incubators, Elizabeth Kukura, a law professor at Drexel University, told ProPublica. Women in their role as childbearers.

Read the original article on People
SARANAC LAKE  Historic Saranac Lake announced the Grand Opening of their expanded museum campus, with two events scheduled for August.

All members of HSL and those who have contributed to the museum expansion project at any level will be invited to the ribbon-cutting on Aug. 15.

A community-wide celebration will take place the following Saturday when the doors to the Trudeau Building will be thrown open for a free open house.

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HSL purchased the former home and medical office of Dr. E. L. Trudeau in 2019 to preserve the historic building and utilize the additional space for expansion of their Saranac Laboratory Museum. About $5.5 million was invested in the rehabilitation of the building, and construction was completed in 2025.

The historic building will open in August with new exhibits interpreting the history of the Saranac Lake region.

Several years of careful exhibit designs are complete, and exhibit fabrication is underway. The entire first floor and substantial sections of the second floor galleries will be ready to open in August.

The new exhibits were supported by a $250,000 Museums for America grant from the Institute of Museums and Library Services.

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Exhibit design has been led by Travis Wood and Bart Hayes of the Exhibits Department, a small team of award-winning experts who are deeply involved in the exhibits field.

The exhibit team has been terrific to work with, Executive Director Amy Catania said in a press release. Many people have been working very hard on this project, from our design consultants to HSL staff to volunteer exhibit committee members like our area experts, Caroline Welsh, Ted Comstock and Kevan Moss. We really appreciate everyones commitment to the project.

HSL selected Apogee, fabricator of museum and trade show exhibits in upstate New York, to bring the new exhibits to fruition. Catania said,

Mark Taylor, the president and CEO of Apogee, demonstrated a real commitment to get the exhibits done right at a great price, Catania said.

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The firm is expanding their work in museum exhibits with their recent acquisition of Exhibits and More, based out of Syracuse. Related to the local Munn family, Taylor also has deep family roots in the area, and he enjoys vacationing at his camp in the Adirondacks.

Both buildings are intimately connected to Saranac Lakes unique history as a center for tuberculosis research and patient care. But the story of Saranac Lake extends beyond the borders of the village and stories of tuberculosis.

The new museum provides the space to present the rich history of the Saranac Lake region, encompassed by the boundaries of the sprawling Saranac Lake school district. History of Indigenous peoples will be introduced in collaboration with David Kanietakeron Fadden, director of the Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center in Onchiota.

The overarching story of the expanded museum is the relationship of residents and visitors to the natural environment of the Saranac Lake region, Program Coordinator Alex Krach said in a statement. The Adirondack mountains and waterways sustained Indigenous people and attracted health seekers. Today, the natural world continues to drive local economies and draw people seeking recreation.

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"We are excited to welcome local residents, school groups and visitors into the museum to find out more and to share what they know.

Thanks to a grant from the Stewarts Foundation, the exhibits include interactive elements designed to capture the interest of children and visitors of all ages.

There is still time to support the project with a donation of any size to be invited to the Aug. 15 event.

One way to get involved is to dedicate a paver on the walkway in front of the Saranac Laboratory. The deadline for paver orders is May 1.

Pavers can be ordered online at historicsaranaclake.org/pavers.

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HSL is also offering the opportunity to dedicate a theater seat in the new film room. Eleven original seats from Saranac Lakes old Pontiac Theatre are being refurbished for installation in the film room, along with two original Art Deco lights from the Pontiac. Each seat and light can be dedicated with a donation of $1,000. A small plaque will recognize each donor.

Businesses and individuals interested in participating as sponsors in the August opening events should contact HSL 518-891-4606 or email mail@historicsaranaclake.org.

With the museum campus opening this summer, HSL is turning its focus to a final capital project to link the two buildings for all visitors with a new accessible entrance and handicap lift at the Saranac Laboratory. About $425,000 has been raised, and HSL continues to seek grants and donations to complete the project.

Board President Lisa Lauroesch underlined HSLs excitement about the August events.

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We cant wait to open the doors of the new museum this summer. Its an opportunity to invite the whole community to come be a part of Historic Saranac Lake. There is something in the new museum to interest everyone. Now more than ever, this is the communitys museum," Lauroesch said in the release.

Founded in 1980, Historic Saranac Lake is a nonprofit architectural preservation organization that preserves and presents area history and architecture to build a stronger community. The Saranac Laboratory Museum is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
According to the Israel Police and the IDF, no injuries or casualties were reported in the military base hit, while additional falls were reported across central Israel.

Missile fragments hit a parking lot near the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, which serves as the IDF's headquarters, after Iran launched multiple rounds of cluster munitions at central Israel on Saturday.

Later, in Ramat Gan, multiple cars were destroyed by missile fragments, and several apartments were impacted by the explosion. Magen David Adom said there is a possibility that people are trapped inside the affected sites.

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Security forces and bomb sappers worked at the sites of impact. One person in his 50s was lightly injured.

The military also confirmed that the IDF's Home Front Command search and rescue forces were operating at the reported fall sites, and asked the public to stay away from areas damaged by missile shrapnel.

A building damaged after an Iranian missile barrage fired against Israel on April 4, 2026. (credit: ISRAEL FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY)

On Saturday evening, the Houthi terror group fired a ballistic missile from Yemen that triggered sirens in central Israel, with no injuries reported to MDA.

Sirens triggered in Jerusalem, West Bank

Later on Friday, sirens were triggered in the Jerusalem area and the West Bank by both Iranian and Hezbollah missiles fired. All the missiles were intercepted, and no casualties were reported after the barrage.

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According to the Israel Police, missile shrapnel landed in East Jerusalem, with police, sappers, and Border Guards working in the area. No people were wounded by the fall.

Northern mayor warns of possible Hezbollah barrage; IDF says no indication of possible fire

Moshe Davidovich, the head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council, warned northern residents on Saturday that a large Hezbollah missile barrage was expected on Saturday night.

"Following the information received from the army, I ask that you be near protected areas in the near future. Please follow the instructions; this saves lives," he said in a video to residents.

The IDF addressed Davidovich's comments, saying that there were no indications of Hezbollah movements to launch a widespread rocket attack against northern Israel.

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The comments came after the latest Iranian missile barrage targeted northern Israel, with sirens triggered from the Lebanon border communities to the Haifa area. An additional barrage was detected later on Saturday, with both missiles launched intercepted by the IDF, and no casualties reported by MDA.

Electric wires were also torn in the northern Israel town of Kiryat Motzkin in a later incident on Friday, after a missile barrage was fired against the city.

MDA: More than 10 fall sites reported

According to an MDA statement, more than 10 falls were reported in Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, Petah Tikva, Givatayim, Ramat Gan, and Rosh HaAyin.

"We received reports of several crash scenes and went to the scene in ambulances, intensive care units, and MDA motorcycles. We arrived at the scene within a few minutes and saw destruction, fire, shattered glass on the floor, and a lot of smoke," said senior MDA medic Lior Paz.

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"We began extensive scans of the scene, and fortunately, no casualties were found. We continue to scan the scenes and will remain here as long as necessary. Follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and enter a protected area during an alarm," he added.

Two more fragments landed in Bnei Brak, one of them against an apartment building, another fell on an empty road in Petah Tikva, and another one fell on an empty parking lot in Rosh HaAyin. No one was wounded in these incidents.
Iran's missile barrage targeted central Israel and the West Bank on Saturday, causing shrapnel injuries and damage to buildings. Police are investigating the impacts.

Iran launched a barrage of missiles towards central Israel and the West Bank, triggering mass sirens on Saturday afternoon.

Several instances of shrapnel falling in the area were reported to authorities, resulting in minor injuries to two individuals, along with significant damage to various buildings and vehicles.

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The Magen David Adom (MDA) has not reported any casualties at this time, and Israeli police and rescue teams are currently investigating all reported sites of shrapnel impact.

Earlier this weekend, Sirens sounded across Israel throughout Friday night, with reported falls in central and southern Israel causing no casualties.

According to Israel Police, missile shrapnel fell in an industrial site in the Negev region, with Israeli media reporting no hazardous leaks.

A man was slightly injured by shrapnel in the city of Bnei Brak, while fragments from the Iranian missile, which was most likely a cluster munition, fell in Petah Tikva and Rosh HaAyin.

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Magen David Adom and the IDF said their forces were en route to reported falls in central Israel, and the military asked the public to avoid areas with falls.

The Rosh HaAyin incident produced a power outage in the area after one of the fragments fell over a power line, the city's municipality announced. "According to an update from the electricity company, the expected resumption of electricity supply is around 5:00 AM," the authorities said.

Explosions reported in the Damascus outskirts, Syria, were the product of an Israeli interception of Iranian ballistic missiles, the Syrian State TV reported.

Hezbollah fires a rocket barrage towards northern Israel

Earlier on Friday, Hezbollah fired a rocket barrage of some 15 rockets towards Haifa, Nahariya, and the Galilee area, with no casualties reported.

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According to the IDF, all the rockets were either intercepted or fell in open areas, with no reports of injuries or casualties.

The attack triggered sirens across northern Israel, with drone intrusion sirens sounding in the Israel-Lebanon border area later through the night.
Israeli strikes killed the intelligence chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, as the Islamic republic on Monday defied threats from US President Donald Trump to devastate civilian infrastructure if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The warring sides kept up their barrage of strikes, with Iranian missiles and drones targeting Israel, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, and Israeli strikes hitting Iran and swathes of Lebanon where it is battling Tehran-backed Hezbollah.

Iran said that "much more devastating" attacks would come if Trump followed through on his vow to hit civilian targets.

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The American leader had in social media posts Sunday threatened to destroy Iran's civilian infrastructure if Tehran does not bow to his demand to reopen the Gulf to shipping by "Tuesday 8:00 PM" (0000 GMT Wednesday).

Iran has all but blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy chokepoint, sending oil and gas prices soaring and pushing countries around the world to enact measures to contain the fallout.

In a stark, expletive-laden post on Sunday, Trump demanded: "Open the Fuckin' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell."

Tehran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded to Trump's by saying that the US leader had "publicly threatened to commit war crimes" by menacing bridges and power plants.

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Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the strait "will never return to its former status, especially for the US and Israel."

The Guards posted on Telegram Monday that their intelligence chief Majid Khademi had been killed "at dawn" in US-Israeli strikes.

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said his country's military had been behind the strike, saying that it had been a response to Iran's attacks on civilian areas in Israel.

Katz called Khademi "one of the direct perpetrators of these war crimes and one of the top three officials in the organisation", and said of Iran's leaders: "We will continue to hunt them one by one."

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- A deal? -

Prices for US oil benchmark West Texas Intermediate were down 2.2 percent at $109.16 around 0915 GMT Monday, as reports surfaced of a potential halt to the fighting.

Citing US, Israeli and regional sources, US news website Axios said a deal mediated by Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey for a 45-day ceasefire to allow for negotiations on a more permanent peace was under discussion.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had on Sunday confirmed he was engaging in talks with governments across the region, as well as US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi.

"Views and proposals were exchanged on ways to deescalate the military situation in the region given the delicate juncture it is currently facing," a statement from the ministry said.

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Trump told Fox News Iran was "close" to making a deal, but Iran has repeatedly denied it was engaged in any negotiations with the United States and Israel.

- 'Region going to burn' -

The war, which erupted on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has engulfed the Middle East and strained the global economy.

A worldwide oil squeeze was making itself felt, with Indonesia on Monday announcing an increase in an aviation fuel surcharge from 10 to 38 percent.

In an attack on Trump, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, posted on social media that "our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following (Israel Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's commands."

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In Tehran, many residents seemed outwardly indifferent to Trump's invective, with young Iranians exercising, flying kites and holding picnics in a large park in the city's west Sunday.

Trump is due to give details on the rescue of an airman whose fighter jet was shot down by Iran in a press conference later Monday.

Gulf nations reported a wave of fresh strikes from Sunday to Monday, with Kuwait saying six were hurt in an attack on a residential area.

The United Arab Emirates also said on Monday that its air defences were responding to a missile and drone attack, and that one person was injured in an industrial area of Abu Dhabi.

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The Israeli military and medics said a missile fired from Iran hit a residential building in the northern city of Haifa.

Firefighters said two people had been killed and two more were missing under the rubble.

- 'Choose peace' -

In Iran, local media reported several attacks on residential areas over Tehran Monday, while the state broadcaster said that gas outages hit parts of the capital after a strike on a university.

Israel's army said early Monday it had completed a wave of strikes against targets in Tehran.

On another front, Lebanon has increasingly been dragged into the conflict since Iran-backed Hezbollah targeted Israel on March 2.

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Israel has struck back and invaded southern Lebanon, with the army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visiting troops there Sunday and pledging to intensify strikes.

AFP journalists witnessed a new strike on Beirut's southern suburbs Monday after Israeli forces warned residents to evacuate.

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Online posts about the officer included comparisons to the Nazis and derogatory language, behavior that police asserted crosses a dangerous red line" and may constitute a criminal offence.

The Israel Police condemned an online defamation and shaming campaign being perpetuated on social media against a female officer stationed in the Jerusalem district on Thursday.

Online posts about the officer included comparisons to the Nazis and derogatory language, behavior that police asserted crosses a dangerous red line and has no place in discourse about police officers.

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The attempt to make a female police officer a target for incitement and shaming is ugly and offensive, police said in a statement regarding the matter.

Harassment may constitute criminal offence, police say

The police asserted that they take the slander campaign seriously and will not tolerate any attempt to deter police officers from fulfilling their duties through defamation and slander.

Israeli Border Police officers patrol outside Damascus Gate in Jerusalems Old City during the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, February 18, 2026. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)

The online harassment may constitute a criminal offense and an invasion of privacy, Israel Police stated.

The Israel Police is a state enforcement agency, and its officers work day and night to ensure public safety and maintain law and order, police noted, highlighting the importance of their officers.
Israel launched a series of strikes in Lebanon early on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said, amid a further wave of attacks from Hezbollah and Iran.

"The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in Beirut," the military said in a statement on Telegram.

Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported an Israeli drone attack that caused two deaths in the south of the country.

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The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 11 people injured in overnight Israeli air attacks in the south. A hospital had been damaged, it said.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on either report.

Eyewitnesses in Beirut reported a total of seven Israeli attacks in the capital's densely populated southern suburbs, an area seen as a stronghold of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. There were no initial reports of casualties.

The Israeli military has repeatedly called on the population to leave the area.

Air-raid warnings were heard in northern Israel early on Saturday after Hezbollah fired projectiles. Israeli media reported damage to cars and houses from a rocket exploding near the border.

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Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a number of attacks.

The Israeli military has also accused Hezbollah of being responsible for an attack on Friday on a UN military observer post in which three soldiers were wounded, some of them seriously.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission has been monitoring the border region since 1978.

Rockets fired on Israel from Iran

People in the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv had to take shelter in safe rooms around midday on Saturday as police reported several impacts from suspected Iranian rocket fire.

Four people were injured, according to Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service.

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Israeli media reported that homes in suburbs of Tel Aviv were badly damaged.

Iran again used cluster munitions, which are internationally widely ostracized, in the missile attack, the reports said.

Israeli media also reported that a drone launched by the Houthi militia from Yemen was intercepted on its way to the city of Eilat.

The Israeli military further recorded multiple rocket attacks from Iran overnight.

"Search and rescue forces, both reserve and regular forces, are on their way to sites in central Israel where reports of impact have been received," the IDF said.

Attacks on Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant and Tehran

An airstrike near the Bushehr nuclear power plant has killed a plant security officer and damaged a building on the site in The Gulf, Iran's official IRNA news agency reported on Saturday.

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IRNA reported that the projectile had struck near a fence around the site and that there had been no damage to the main parts of the power plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the Iranian authorities had informed it of the attack.

There have now been four attacks near the power plant since the war started on February 28, according to Iranian reports.

The facility, Iran's sole nuclear power plant, lies around 760 kilometres south of Tehran. Russia's Rosatom is currently building a second block at the facility, which has been in operation since 2011.

Separately, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported airstrikes on the Mahshahr Special Petrochemical Zone at the head of The Gulf. It reported three strikes and large explosions, citing the governor's office.

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The companies Fajr 1 and 2, Rijal and Amirkabir had been hit, the agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said, adding that deaths and injuries were likely.

The Israeli military declined to comment on the report.

Tasnim reported that a complete evacuation of all active industrial units in the region had been ordered.

The Israeli military reported attacks on Friday on Iranian leadership facilities in Tehran that targeted air defences and arms production. Residents in the north and west of the city reported explosions.

Attack on Iran-Iraq border crossing

Tasnim further reported that the border crossing at Shalamcheh near the city of Khorramshahr near the border with Iraq had been hit by a US-Israeli strike that caused severe damage. Shalamcheh is a major trade crossing.

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Iraq's INA state news agency reported that one person had been killed and five injured in the attack, and that the crossing had been closed to all traffic.

Attacks around The Gulf

In retaliation for the US-Israeli attacks launched on February 28, Iran has also targeted Gulf countries it considers US allies.

Overnight, residents in Bahrain were urged to seek shelter while in Dubai debris from aerial interceptions fell onto the facade of buildings in two separate incidents. There were no reported injuries, officials said.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday inaugurated the renovation and restoration of Jugmandar Hall at the Dehradun Municipal Corporation, a project executed at a cost of 2.32 crore as part of efforts to preserve and promote the city's cultural heritage. On the occasion, the CM also laid the foundation stone for a canal at the ABC Centre in Kedarpuram and announced the development and beautification of parks at six locations within the municipal area. Addressing the public, Dhami said the state government is pursuing a vision of "development along with heritage", ensuring Dehradun progresses while preserving its rich cultural identity. He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urban areas are being modernised through missions like Swachh Bharat, AMRUT, Smart City, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, enhancing cleanliness, water supply, sewerage, green spaces, and housing for economically weaker sections. He added that over 1,400 crore in development projects are underway to transform Dehradun into a modern city, including a mechanised waste transfer station and an Integrated Command and Control Centre for real-time monitoring of garbage collection. Dhami noted that 35 parks, including a yoga-themed park in Kedarpuram, and special memorial parks for martyrs, have been developed, adding over 50,000 sq meters of green space. Recharge pits are being built to conserve water, and 30 electric buses are now operational with 11 EV charging stations across the city. Dehradun ranked 19th nationally under the National Clean Air Programme. The CM announced that the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, set to be inaugurated soon by PM Modi, will significantly improve connectivity. Plans are also underway for elevated roads over the Rispana and Bindal rivers to ease traffic congestion. Appreciating Dehradun Municipal Corporation's performance, Dhami said revenue collection rose from 52 crore to 73 crore, and door-to-door waste collection vehicles increased from 190-200 to nearly 300. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to preventing encroachment on public land and urged officials and citizens to actively safeguard it. He concluded by calling on citizens to unite in making Dehradun a clean, beautiful, and modern city. (ANI)
Israel launched a series of strikes in Lebanon early on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

"The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in Beirut," the military said in a statement on Telegram.

Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported an Israeli drone attack that caused two deaths in the south of the country.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 11 people injured in overnight Israeli air attacks in the south. A hospital had been damaged, it said.

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There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on either report.

Eyewitnesses in Beirut reported a total of seven Israeli attacks in the capital's densely populated southern suburbs, an area seen as a stronghold of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. There were no initial reports of casualties.

The Israeli military has repeatedly called on the population to leave the area.

Air-raid warnings were heard in northern Israel early on Saturday after Hezbollah fired projectiles. Israeli media reported damage to cars and houses from a rocket exploding near the border.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a number of attacks.

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The Israeli military has also accused Hezbollah of being responsible for an attack on Friday on a UN military observer post in which three soldiers were wounded, some of them seriously.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission has been monitoring the border region since 1978.

Rockets fired on Israel from Iran

The Israeli military also reported multiple rocket attacks from Iran overnight.

"Search and rescue forces, both reserve and regular forces, are on their way to sites in central Israel where reports of impact have been received," the IDF said.

Explosions reported in Tehran

Meanwhile in Tehran, residents in the north and west of the city reported explosions.

Attacks around The Gulf

In retaliation for the US-Israeli attacks launched on February 28, Iran has also targeted Gulf countries it considers US allies.

Overnight, residents in Bahrain were urged to seek shelter while in Dubai debris from aerial interceptions fell onto the facade of buildings in two separate incidents. There were no reported injuries, officials said.
Suspected Mafia boss Roberto Mazzarella has been arrested in a luxury resort on Italy's Amalfi coast, authorities in Vietri sul Mare south-east of Naples reported on Saturday.

The 48-year-old suspect, believed to be the head of Naples' Mazzarella Clan and wanted in connection with a number of contract murders, had been found with his family in a villa in the resort, the report said. He did not resist arrest.

Mazzarella's name is at number four on the Interior Ministry's list of most-wanted Mafiosi. He was found with his wife and two children. The resort charges a levy of 1,000 ($1,150) per night.

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Police found 20,000 in cash, three expensive watches, a number of mobile phones and forged identity documents.

The Mazzarella Clan is one of the most influential in the Camorra, the Mafia organization that dominates the Naples area.

The clan boss is wanted in connection with ordering the murder of a brother of a Mafia hitman in a Naples butcher's in a revenge attack in December 2000.

The Amalfi Coast is home to some of Italy's most popular and most expensive holiday regions, and Vietri sul Mare, with its steep hillsides, is seen as one of Italy's prettiest locations.
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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) blasted President Trump at a Democratic National Committee (DNC) briefing, saying his policies have hurt Americans wallets and livelihoods.

Donald Trump has not managed to liberate the economy, Jeffries said. What Donald Trump has done is decimate the bank accounts of the American people.

Democratic lawmakers and DNC leaders held a press briefing Thursday to criticize the first anniversary of Liberation Day, when the president first announced sweeping tariffs across the world.

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Jeffries on Thursday also criticized Trumps current military campaign in Iran, arguing that the war has increased costs for Americans mostly through higher gas prices.

He added that Trumps tariff regime, which has come under bipartisan fire, also increased costs for Americans. A January study from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy found that Americans paid for almost all of the costs incurred by the tariffs.

The Supreme Court ruled the tariffs, which Trump implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), were unlawful in February. But the president has already made other moves to continue imposing tariffs.

Donald Trump promised that costs would go down on Day 1, but, of course, in the United States of America, during the Trump presidency, costs havent gone down, costs have gone up, Jeffries said. And we can thank the Trump tariffs for imposing thousands of dollars in additional costs on everyday Americans, small-business owners and farmers throughout the country.

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Donald Trumps policies have been a disaster, and Republicans have failed the American people, particularly on the economy, he added.

Jeffries said a string of recent Democratic election wins points to Americans disappointment over the administrations actions over the past year. Taylor Rehmet, a Democrat, flipped a red Texas state Senate seat in a January special election. Democrat Chasity Martinez defeated her GOP opponent in February, securing a Louisiana state House seat. Most recently, Democrat Emily Gregory won a state House seat last month in the Florida district containing Trumps Mar-a-Lago home.

The American people are rejecting Republican extremism and embracing the fact that Democrats are authentically making clear that were going to work as hard as we can to make life better for the American people, to lower the high cost of living, to fix our broken health care system, to get ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] under control and to end this reckless war of choice in Iran, Jeffries said.

Jeffries said if Democrats retake control of the House next year, one of the main priorities would be to ensure Americans are reimbursed for any tariff costs they endured. When the Supreme Court justices struck down Trumps IEEPA tariffs, they did not lay out a plan for doling out rebates, and refunds are largely still up in the air.

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Were going to work as hard as we can on Day 1 to reverse the damage that Donald Trump and Republican extremists have done to America, he said.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A federal judge blocked President Donald Trumps admissions data collection for public universities in 17 states, delivering a major blow to his crackdown on the use of race in college admissions.

The administration significantly expanded the scope of admissions information colleges must submit to the federal government after Trump issued an August memo directing the Education Department to do so. The move is a key part of a Trump administration effort to probe whether schools are discriminating against applicants based on race.

But a group of Democratic attorneys general from 17 states sued in early March to block the data collection.

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Massachusetts District Court Judge Dennis Saylor, a George W. Bush appointee, wrote in a late Friday order the survey was created in a rushed and chaotic manner and problems with it are being compounded by the Trump administrations efforts to shutter the Education Department.

Saylors preliminary injunction is a stark example of how the administration's efforts to dismantle the Education Department are getting in the way of its policy goals.

The states argued that the number of employees at the department's National Center for Education Statistics has been cut from about 100 to only three amid Trump's mass government layoffs, which would complicate the division's work to collect and analyze the data.

The administration disputed that, saying 13 employees remained at the agencys statistical arm and the collection and processing would be handled by contractors.

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But Saylor said the government was "conspicuously silent" in explaining how the data will be handled once the agency no longer exists.

This is not a merely technical issue, Saylor wrote. The process "cannot be turned over to states and local communities; they have no authority  to conduct such surveys. Nor, for that matter, does any federal agency other than NCES.

Once the division no longer exists, the authority to conduct the survey "vanishes  and with it the authority both to collect data and to analyze data collected from prior surveys, he added. Whether and where that data will continue to exist, and who will have access to it, is entirely unclear.

But Saylor's ruling was not a complete victory for the states, with the judge writing that the agency has the authority to collect the data it is seeking.

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Saylor also said he saw no reason to restrict the department from using it to investigate potential discrimination, rejecting an argument by the states that Trump would use the data to punish colleges and could impose severe penalties such as the loss of federal funding.

The Education Department and state officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

The department's efforts to significantly expand the scope of the data collection would have required colleges to submit detailed information on race, ethnicity, gender, family income, parental education and other demographic factors, as well as admission test scores and grade point averages. These data requirements would have applied to all applicants, admitted students and enrolled students at both the undergraduate and graduate level. They also would have dated back seven years.

Previously, the agency had only collected the racial breakdown of enrolled students, not applicants or admitted students.

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The judge's ruling will create a major hole in the data survey, considering nearly 3 million students are enrolled at public universities in Massachusetts, California, Maryland, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

While the ruling only applies to public universities in those 17 states, several groups representing colleges across the country are seeking to intervene in hopes of also being covered by the stay. A hearing is scheduled for April 13 to consider their intervention requests, which could expand the ruling. It also could thwart the Education Department's plans of releasing the data this summer.

The survey stems from the landmark Supreme Court ruling Students for Fair Admission, Inc. v. Harvard, which gutted the use of race in admissions, with the Trump administration probing whether schools are discriminating against applicants based on race.

Usually data collection changes take time to implement, but the Education Department said it needed to meet Trumps 120-day deadline. College officials and other education experts have expressed concern that schools will not be able to submit accurate data by the deadline. They say schools would need to hire more staff to do this work and that the demand is placing a significant strain on their offices.

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Saylor said the law does not require a lengthy gestation period for proposed changes to the survey.

The problem is not the data collection or how it will be used, Saylor said, but rather the rushed and chaotic manner in which the survey was created.

Saylor said the agencys statistical arm created a process to permit careful consideration of complex issues and give schools time to adapt to new requirements.

The Trump administration discarded that process here solely in order to try to meet the 120-day deadline, Saylor wrote.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito fell ill at an event in Philadelphia last month and was treated for dehydration before returning home to suburban Washington, the courts spokeswoman said Friday.

Alitos illness did not require an overnight hospital stay and he was back on the bench the following Monday, spokeswoman Patricia McCabe said in a statement.

Alito was an active questioner during arguments that day in an important case about mailed ballots and participated in all the courts hearings over the ensuing two weeks.

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Alito, who turned 76 on Wednesday, is the second-oldest member of the court, after 77-year-old Justice Clarence Thomas.

The episode was first reported by CNN, which also said the treatment was administered at a Philadelphia hospital. The court did not say where Alito had been taken.

The incident is the latest example of the justices reticence to discuss their health, at least until the news somehow leaks.

In 2020, the court confirmed that Chief Justice John Roberts had spent a night in the hospital after a fall that required stitches in his forehead, only after the Washington Post reported it first.

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Alito was driven by his security detail from Washington to what CNN said was a dinner following a Federalist Society panel that looked at his 20 years on the court.

When he didnt feel well in the evening, he agreed with his security details recommendation to see a physician before the three-hour drive home to northern Virginia, McCabe said. He was given fluids for dehydration, she said.

While the justice has not said anything about retirement, speculation has swirled that Alito might soon step down, which would give President Donald Trump the chance to appoint a fourth justice, after the three who were confirmed during his first term.

While Alito is young by Supreme Court standards, he might not want to stay around and gamble on the possibility of Democrats flipping the Senate in the November elections and seeing a Democrat capture the White House two years later.

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Retiring in the summer would allow Trump to name a similarly conservative but much younger replacement who would almost certainly win confirmation from the Republican-led Senate.

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The US has rescued the missing crew member of the US F-15 fighter jet which was shot down on Friday over southern Iran.

President Donald Trump confirmed the rescue on social media on Sunday morning after the US military "pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations" in its history. The officer is "now SAFE and SOUND!" he added, though in a later post Trump said he had been "seriously wounded".

Two crew members were on board the jet, and both ejected from the plane. One of them had already been rescued by US forces.

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Iranian officials said the warplane was shot down by its air defence system.

Details around the rescue operation and how it unfolded are still emerging. Here is what we know so far.

[BBC]

How was the officer rescued?

The US and Iran were in a race to locate the missing crew member after the jet was downed over southern Iran.

The exact circumstances of the US rescue remain unclear, but one person familiar with the operation described it as a "huge" combat search and rescue mission in southern Iran.

Trump paused a number of other operations in Iran to focus on the rescue, directing dozens of special operations forces personnel to the effort, the BBC's US partner CBS reported.

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"This type of raid is seldom attempted because of the danger to 'man and equipment.' It just doesn't happen!" the president said on social media.

The rescue of crew members of a downed jet is one of the most complex and time-sensitive operations - known as combat search and rescue (CSAR) - that the US military and its allies prepare for.

The missions are often conducted by helicopters, which fly low over enemy territory, alongside other military aircraft that conduct strikes and patrol the area.

William Fallon, a retired US Navy admiral, told the BBC that time of day probably worked in the mission's favour. "Darkness is better for our people because they're used to operating at night," he said.

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In his social media post, Trump said the airman - a colonel - "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".

Mikey Kay, military analyst and host of the Security Brief on BBC News, said ejection from an aircraft is "a brutal process" that "can produce massive forces on the body".

Kay said that as soon as he was on the ground he is likely to have gathered the parachute and concealed it. He would be trained to get the beacon signal on, get to high ground, conceal himself and establish communications.

Officials told US media that the crew member spent more than 24 hours on his own, hiding in the mountains and hiked up a 7,000ft (2,000m) ridge line.

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The president added the airman's location was monitored "24 hours a day" by officials who were planning the rescue operation.

After he was rescued, he was flown to Kuwait to receive treatment for his injuries, CBS said quoting US officials.

[BBC]

Media reports said the CIA played a crucial role in the rescue by tracking the airman and passing his exact location to the Pentagon.

The agency engaged in a deception campaign inside Iran, reports said. While the rescue attempt was taking place, it spread word the airman had already been found and was being extracted.

Trump said the US military sent dozens of aircraft into Iran and claimed the operation was carried out without any casualties.

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Two transport planes that were intended to fly out rescue crews were unable to take off from a remote base inside Iran, and were then destroyed to keep them out of enemy hands, US media said. Commandos then flew out after three extra aircraft were sent.

Earlier, Iran offered a reward to citizens for help in finding them.

The crew of a downed jet are highly trained for such situations.

"Their number-one priority is to stay alive and to avoid capture," Jennifer Kavanagh, director of military analysis at think tank Defense Priorities, told the BBC.

"They're trained to... try to get away from the ejection site as quickly as possible, and to conceal themselves so that they are safe."

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They're also trained on survival techniques so that they can go without food or water, or find resources from the local terrain, for as long as possible, Kavanagh said.

Where and when was the jet shot down?

Iranian state media first claimed on Friday that the country's forces shot down a US jet over its southern region.

The exact location where the F-15 was reportedly downed was unconfirmed, but two possible provinces were mentioned in Iran's state media - Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, and Khuzestan.

Two crew members were on board. The pilot was recovered in an earlier operation. That operation reportedly included an A-10 Warthog aircraft which was hit over the Gulf, with its pilot ejecting before being rescued.

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One helicopter carrying the rescued pilot from the F-15E jet was hit by small arms fire, injuring crew members on board - but it landed safely, US media reported.

Iran's top joint military command has credited new Iranian air defence systems with the downing of both US warplanes, according to Iran's state-affiliated IRNA news agency.

What do we know about the jet's purpose?

The F-15E is designed for both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions. In Iran, they are most likely to have been involved in defensive roles to shoot down Iranian drones and cruise missiles.

In its air-to-ground strike role, the jet is capable of dropping laser and GPS guided precision munitions, as well as other bombs.

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The aircraft has two crew: the pilot and a weapons systems officer in the back seat. The weapons officer, known as a "Wizzo", is responsible for selecting targets and making sure the weapons are programmed for the appropriate attack.

We do not know what specifically brought down this US jet, but if it was taken down by the Iranians, the most likely reason is a surface-to-air missile (SAM).
Several central and southeast Wisconsin counties are under flood warnings through the weekend.

As of noon on Friday, April 3, the National Weather Service had issued warnings for the following areas:

Root River Canal at Raymond: Warning in effect until early the morning of Sunday, April 5. Impacting Racine County.

Fox River Lower near New Munster: Warning in effect from late Friday to the morning of Tuesday, April 7. Impacting Lake and Kenosha counties.

Wolf River near Shiocton: Warning in effect from Saturday evening until further notice. Impacting Waupaca, Outagamie and Shawano counties.

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At Root River Canal, minor flooding was already occurring as of Friday morning. The river is expected to rise to a crest of 9.7 feet  above the flood stage of 9 feet  during the afternoon of Friday, April 3, then fall below the flood stage by Saturday morning. The flooding could affect Koerber Park and nearby rural and agricultural land, the weather service said.

Fox River Lower was at 10.5 feet as of Friday morning and expected to rise to a crest of 11.3 feet by Saturday evening, surpassing its flood stage of 11 feet. Water could reach the yards of some homes in Salem Lakes and Wheatland, including on Riverside Drive and Shorewood Drive, the weather service said. The river is expected to fall below flood stage by Tuesday morning.

Minor flooding is also forecast at the Wolf River, where the river is expected to reach a crest of 11.9 feet by Tuesday morning, compared to its flood stage of 11 feet. The city park and adjacent lowland agricultural land are both likely to see minor flooding.

"Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas," the weather service warned.

See weather radar for Wisconsin

What to do during a flood warning

Here's what the National Weather Service recommends during a flood warning:

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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 six 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 two 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.

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 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about flood warnings issued for three Wisconsin rivers
BEIRUT (AP)  When the Israel- Hezbollah war broke out in early March, Hussein Shuman fled the heavy bombardment of the southern suburbs of Beirut, but he didnt bother trying to rent an apartment elsewhere.

In areas deemed safe because the Lebanese militant group has no presence, he feels that Shiite Muslims like him are not welcome. Residents regard them with suspicion as potential Hezbollah members, and landlords charge exorbitant prices to rent to displaced families.

Instead, the 35-year-old, who works at a perfume company, headed to central Beirut where he set up a small tent where he has been staying, along with his wife, 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter.

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Shuman even rejected an offer from a friend who invited him to bring his family to the Christian mountain town of Zgharta. He preferred to remain in his tent, even though it has flooded twice in the past two weeks.

By staying here I have my dignity and respect, Shuman said, sitting on a chair near his tent as a barber gave him an open-air hair cut. We will not stay in a place where we are going to be humiliated.

In a country full of suspicion, the more than 1 million people  most of them Shiite  displaced as a result of Israels evacuation orders and airstrikes have limited options.

Some landlords in Christian areas refuse to rent to Shiites. Others demand inflated rents and deposits that few can afford. Fatima Zahra, 42, from Beiruts southern suburbs, said she and her sister sold their finest jewelry to pay the $5,000 the landlord charged up front for two months rent.

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In some Beirut neighborhoods, displaced people who can afford to pay high rents are only allowed to take the apartment after landlords inform the security agencies to check on whether the family has any links to Hezbollah.

Sectarian tensions are a sensitive issue in Lebanon because the country fought a 15-year civil war ending in 1990 that largely broke down along sectarian lines.

Rising tensions

Social frictions have worsened since Israels targeted airstrikes killed Hezbollah officials or members of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in predominantly Christian, Sunni and Druze areas, raising fears among the hosts that Hezbollah members are mingling within the civilian population.

The Lebanese are deeply divided over Hezbollahs wars with Israel, with many in the small nation blaming the Iran-backed group for dragging the country into a deadly conflict that has so far left more than 1,300 people dead and over 4,000 wounded. Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel two days after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, triggering the ongoing Middle East war.

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The renewed war has caused widespread destruction and paralyzed the economy at a time when Lebanon is still in the throes of a historic economic crisis that broke out in late 2019. The country has not yet recovered from the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2024.

In mid-March, an Israeli airstrike on an apartment in the town of Aramoun killed three people, prompting some local residents to call for the displaced to leave the area.

Days later, an airstrike on the nearby town of Bchamoun also killed three people, including a four-year-old girl, who were displaced from Beiruts southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence.

In neither case did Israel announce the intended target of the strikes, but neighbors assumed that someone in the targeted apartments was a Hezbollah member.

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Had we known that they were linked to Hezbollah, we would have kicked them out, an angry man who owns an apartment in the building in Bchamoun said at the scene.

In late March, a missile exploded over the predominantly Christian Keserwan region north of Beirut, with debris falling on different areas. Although the Lebanese army later said that it was an Iranian missile passing over Lebanon that fell, many initially assumed that it was an Israeli airstrike targeting displaced people.

No one was was hurt by the missile debris, but a group of young men attacked displaced Shiites in the district of Haret Sakher near the coastal city of Jounieh, calling for their eviction, before local officials intervened.

We dont want them here, shouted a Haret Sakher resident shortly after the strike. He said that some of the displaced refer to their hosts as Zionists, accusing them of being aligned with Israel because they criticize Hezbollah for dragging the country into the conflict. He added: We dont want national coexistence.

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George Saadeh, a member of Jouniehs municipal council, told The Associated Press that he had called on Haret Sakher residents to avoid any reaction so that we can preserve civil peace.

In a predominantly Christian area just north of Beirut, plans to house displaced people in an abandoned warehouse near the port were suspended last week after drawing backlash from lawmakers and residents.

Fears of civil conflict

The Israeli targeting campaign has created a lot of paranoia, said Maha Yahya, director of the Beirut-based Carnegie Middle East Center. If you see a displaced person, maybe you wonder, What if this person is a target?

Fearing the tension could slip out of control, the army has beefed up its presence on the streets.

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Last week, army commander Gen. Rudolphe Haikal toured Beirut and the southern city of Sidon and told troops that they should be firm in the face of any attempt to undermine internal stability, the army said in a statement.

Police forces, including a SWAT unit, were deployed at major intersections in the capital to preserve peace and prevent any friction between the displaced and locals. Police patrols pass through the tent city by Beiruts coast where Shuman and his family are staying.

An official at the municipality of the predominantly Sunni town of Naameh, just south of Beirut, said that they have received thousands of people displaced from southern Lebanon.

The official said that in order to avoid tensions, they opened a school in one district for displaced Shiites and another in a different neighborhood for people displaced from Sunni border villages.

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There are concerns among people, that conflict could break out said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

With the Israeli airstrikes and ground invasion mainly targeting Shiite areas, U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, a Lebanese-American, was criticized for stoking sectarianism. He told reporters in late March that the U.S. had asked Israel for a commitment that Christian villages in southern Lebanon will not be attacked.

We have asked the Israelis to leave Christian villages in the south alone and they told us that they will not touch Christian villages, Issa said. However, he added, They (Israelis) said that they cannot guarantee that the villages would be left alone if there is infiltration into these villages by Hezbollah members.

Several Christian villages in southern Lebanon have asked displaced Shiites who were sheltering there to leave, fearing that their presence might trigger Israeli attacks.

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Legislator Taymour Joumblatt who is the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, the largest Druze-led political group in the country, said that the biggest concern in the country now is strife.

The most important thing is to reduce sectarian pressures on the ground, Joumblatt said. Our Shiites brothers are part of this country and our humanitarian duty is to help them.



Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre contributed to this report from Beirut.
Ann Arbor  The cannabis activists gathered in Ann Arbor for Hash Bash on Saturday have plenty to celebrate after several years of recreational and medicinal marijuana use being legal in Michigan, but organizers cautioned the crowd against relaxing on the high of success.

Hash Bash is still a protest, Ann Arbor guitarist Laith Al-Saadi said after performing the national anthem. The war on drugs continues, corporate profiteers have corrupted the state's recreational cannabis industry and the University of Michigan still prohibits marijuana on campus, Al-Saadi said.

Thus, he said Hash Bash remains, as always, a "f--- you to the man."

Hundreds of people crowded University of Michigan Diag on Saturday, April 4, 2026, for the annual Hash Bash in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Hundreds of people crowded the U-M Diag on Saturday for the 55th annual Hash Bash, an iconic Ann Arbor event that began in 1972 as a show of support for John Sinclair, an activist and poet who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of two joints.

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Michigan voters legalized marijuana for recreational use in 2018, ten years after medicinal use of cannabis was decriminalized by voters at the ballot box.

Sinclair's sentence drew national attention  Yoko Ono and John Lennon performed at a 14-hour freedom rally hosted for him in 1971. Sinclair was released on bond a few days later, and in 1972 the Michigan Supreme Court determined the state's harsh marijuana laws were unconstitutional.

Sinclair died in 2024 at age 82. His legacy was honored Saturday. His daughter, Sunny Sinclair, thanked the crowd and urged people to continue fighting to decriminalize marijuana and for the release of people imprisoned on marijuana charges.

More: Marijuana activist and 'Detroit's resident radical' John Sinclair has died at 82

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"Mr. Hash Bash" Adam Brook read one of Sinclair's poems in which Sinclair defends the right to indulge in life's great pleasures, especially the carnal, lackadaisical and gluttonous ones.

Most of the verses were decidedly unfit for publication in The News, but the poem ended with this: "Baby, please. We've got a right to our bad habits. And it ain't nobody's business if we do."

Hash Bash has been tied to politics since activists hosted the first in 1972 to celebrate the state's newly reduced penalties for pot possession and fight for more freedoms. Over the years, bash attendees have pushed for the legalization of medicinal and then recreational marijuana, and to reduce the federal classification of cannabis.

This year's demonstration comes as Michigan's marijuana industry last month filed a second lawsuit challenging a 24% wholesale tax passed into law last year, arguing the taxing structure set up by the state compounds the levies on marijuana and overinflates a state sales tax constitutionally required to stay at or below 6%.

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More: Hash Bash turns 50. A look back at Ann Arbor's pot party

Hash Bash attendees blast Michigan marijuana tax

Tammy Abbott of Brighton held a sign that read "24% Tax Killing Small Biz!"

The tax increase will increase the price of marijuana, which Abbott uses medicinally. She grows and processes it at home.

"I'm not happy at all. As a cannabis patient, it is going to affect me," Abbott said. "It makes it harder to make medicine."

Tammy Abbott of Brighton holds a sign protesting Michigan's new 24% wholesale tax on marijuana at Hash Bash in Ann Arbor. Hash Bash is an annual event hosted by marijuana activists at the University of Michigan Diag.

The lawsuit was filed by marijuana grower Mitten Distro X LLC, retailer Refine Michigan Co., and the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association in the Michigan Court of Claims. The Michigan Legislature created the 24% wholesale tax last year to generate an estimated $420 million annually for roads.

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When you do the math, the states 24% wholesale tax on cannabis simply doesnt add up for the Michigan voters who made cannabis legal," said Rose Tantraphol, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association.

More: Marijuana group appeals court order upholding 24% wholesale tax, urges action by Jan. 1

The first lawsuit contended that the Legislature's passage of the law in late 2025 lacked the supermajority in support required to amend a ballot proposal. The 2018 ballot initiative legalizing recreational marijuana set a 10% excise tax at that time on retail sales.

Activists voice support for Lansing's Trevino, imprisoned on marijuana charges

Speakers this year stood in front of a banner that said "Free Danny Trevino," a Lansing man who owned a marijuana dispensary and several storefronts in the state. Trevino was sentenced in 2020 to 15 years in prison for federal marijuana charges and for violating the complicated rules of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, a law enacted by a voter-driven ballot initiative in 2008.

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Trevino was a "sacrificial lamb" for the authorities fighting Michigan's medical marijuana law, said Hash Bash volunteer Richard Clement, a 69-year-old from Detroit. Legalizing marijuana makes sense, Clement said, because it allows police and prosecutors to focus on violent crime.

"Do you really want to clog up the courts on weed cases?" he said.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, spoke at the 2026 Hash Bash on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Hash Bash is hosted annually by marijuana activists at the University of Michigan Diag in Ann Arbor.

Some Ann Arbor Democratic politicians took to the microphone Saturday, including U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, state Sen. Jeff Irwin and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit, who is contending for the Democratic nomination for attorney general at the Michigan Democratic Party's April 19 endorsement convention.

"Are we having fun?" Dingell asked the crowd, which cheered in response.

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"Are some of us high?" she then asked, to louder cheers.

As she has at previous Hash Bashes, Dingell admitted Saturday she hasn't smoked marijuana  she's too much of a control freak, she said. Still, Dingell chastised the cultural stigmatization of the substance and defended its use as a painkiller.

Dingell called for more research into cannabis' effects and for additional banking options for marijuana growers. She also encouraged the crowd to get engaged politically and vote in the midterm elections in November.

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ckthompson@detroitnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Marijuana activists protest tax, war on drugs at Ann Arbor's Hash Bash
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday offered prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple in Varanasi. The Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi is one of the city's most ancient and revered shrines, dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Known as the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi, Kaal Bhairav is believed to be the protector of the city. Devotees believe that worshipping Kaal Bhairav removes fears, grants protection, and liberates one from negative energies. Earlier on Thursday, he personally reviewed dozens of public grievances during a 'Janta Darshan' program held at the Gorakhnath Temple premises. It was earlier held at the CM's residence in Lucknow on Monday, where he interacted with the citizens as part of his routine outreach programme. During Janta Darshan, people expressed their problems and presented their issues before the CM, as he listened to their grievances and issued directions to the officials for resolving them. CM Yogi, after being elected as the CM of Uttar Pradesh, frequently conducts the 'Janata Darshan' program. Menawhile, CM Yogi Adityanath on March 25, flagged off 250 electric and CNG vehicles powered by environmentally friendly green energy for better waste management by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation in Lucknow. Addressing the event, the CM highlighted the development of Lucknow over the past nine years, emphasising improved living standards, infrastructural growth, and enhanced safety measures. "In the last 9 years, Lucknow has achieved new heights of development. In nine years, the scope of Lucknow city has expanded, it has helped improve the standard of living of the people living here, and metro operations have started in Lucknow," said CM Yogi. He emphasised his administration's commitment to sustainable development and solar energy integration across the state. "Ayodhya city has been developed as a solar city, and Lucknow is also being made solar-equipped on the same lines... There is less discussion of good works, but we will do it so that it increases encouragement," the Chief Minister stated. Focusing on urban safety, the CM touted the successful implementation of Smart City technologies and LED lighting in the state, drawing a contrast with previous governments, saying, "For those who had the habit of pulling off robberies in the darkness of night, the darkness was just fine. We, however, are worshippers of the sun... We have put LED street lights in every municipal council". (ANI)
Apr. 4The Lodi Police Department said it is reviewing the city's municipal code regarding motorized bicycles and e-bikes to determine how to address concerns raised by the community in recent months.

"(We are) aware of recent concerns regarding groups of bicyclists riding in the roadway and the increasing number of motorized bicycles and e-bikes operating throughout the community," Capt. Kevin Kent said. "We recognize that these issues can create safety concerns for both riders and motorists, and we want to assure the public that proactive steps are being taken to address them."

Under the California Vehicle Code, individuals riding bicycles are granted the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles when using the roadway.

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At the same time, the vehicle code requires bicyclists traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic to ride as close as they safely can to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, with certain exceptions.

Kent said that the department knows there is potential for bicycle safety issues to increase in Lodi, and police have implemented several initiatives focused on education, enforcement, and community outreach.

Department personnel have received updated training on bicycle laws and enforcement to ensure, he said, adding that the department has partnered with AAA to distribute brochures promoting bicycle safety to riders and local schools.

In addition, Kent said the department's motor unit has visited every Lodi Unified School District campus to discuss common violations and share bicycle safety information with staff and

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administrators.

"Our school resource officers will be monitoring bicycle-related violations during arrival and dismissal times," he said. "During these contacts, the primary focus will be on education and voluntary compliance rather than citations."

Kent said traffic safety remains one of the most common concerns expressed by community members, and that department's Special Traffic Operation Project team conducts enforcement operations throughout the month to address traffic safety issues.

Last month's operations were specifically focused on bicycle-related enforcement, he said.

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The Lodi Police Department's efforts to increase awareness of motorized bike and e-bike laws come as Galt police officers towed an e-bike for traffic violations for the first time last weekend.

Galt officers have spent the last several months visiting schools in that city to discuss rules and regulations with students, after staff, elected officials and residents reported instances of children not wearing helmets when riding, reckless speeds, multiple passengers on the vehicle or devices, not paying attention while riding, and the location where the vehicles or devices were being operated.

The Galt City Council in October adopted an urgency ordinance regulating the use of bicycles, electric bicycles, motorized scooters and electrically motorized boards after several community members raised concern.

Children who violate the ordinance will receive warnings, and then fines as much as $500 for subsequent offenses.

"The Lodi Police Department also encourages parents, grandparents, and guardians to speak with young riders about the importance of following traffic laws and practicing safe riding habits," Kent said. "Our shared goal is the safety of everyone who uses our roadways, and education remains a key component of preventing injuries and tragedies. The department remains committed to working with the community to promote safe and responsible use of our streets."
50 YEARS AGO  1976

 Though he's no longer a spring chicken, Col. Harland Sanders can turn on an 86-year-old charm that has a positive effect on all people, from kids to Madison Avenue ad men of all ages. The octogenarian success story, symbol of the Kentucky Fried Chicken Corp., visited Plattsburgh Wednesday to present to the local franchise the company's "White Glove Award," signifying outstanding achievement by the store in regards to general health and cleanliness. Franchise owners David White and Drew Sabella arrived with the colonel, who immediately began to do what he does best, spread that old Kentucky charm to everyone in the store. That included customers, sales girls, Mayor Roland St. Pierre, photographers and reporters. Slowly walking around the place with the aid of an ornately carved wooden walking stick, used because of a touch of arthritis, the colonel soon proceeded to the award presentation. After the customary presentation, the colonel was given a tour of the kitchen facilities by store manager George Chaney. Only, getting the colonel in the kitchen to show him how to cook was like showing the Wright Brothers how to build a glider.

 At 12:01 p.m. today, in the 150th year of its operation, the Lake Champlain Transportation Co. will become the property of its fourth owner. According to Lewis P. Evans, president of LCT until today, the closing formalities were conducted between himself, James Wolcott, Richard Wadhams and the company's new owner, Ray Pecor Jr., of Burlington, Wednesday afternoon. The amount of money involved in the deal was not disclosed by Evans. Evans explained that Pecor is purchasing all the assets of the company that are concerned with the operation and maintenance of the ferry business. This includes, he added, Lake Industries Inc., a fully owned subsidiary of LCT. Assets of the company, which had been in the hands of Evans, Wadhams and Wolcott since 1948, include seven ferry boats ranging in size from the 52-car ferry Valcour, which made headlines last year when it ran aground on Ferris Rock off Port Kent, to the smaller vessels, such as the Gov. George D. Aiken, which was christened last summer.

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75 YEARS AGO  1951

 In keeping with the Civil Defense organization in Plattsburgh, an two-minutes air raid test will be held in Plattsburgh sometime Friday, it was announced yesterday by George A. Rogan, city director. The test will be for the purpose of determining if the present alarm system is sufficient to meet the needs of the community. Consequently, the hour of the test has not been announced.

 More scouting for more boys was the theme of an organization conference held Monday night at the American Legion Memorial Home. Clinton County Judge Sherlock E. Haley, an ardent scouter, was the principal speaker. He also launched a campaign that is expected to triple membership in the Boy Scouts of America in Plattsburgh and Clinton County during the next two months. Haley stressed that the Boy Scouts program is a strong factor in building healthy home relationships, adding that, of the many cases heard by him in Clinton County Children's Court, not one has involved a boy who had received the advantage of scouting. Clifford Rhodes ,of Dannemora, chairman of the Clinton district organization and extension committee, in reviewing facts of the present organization, explained the county has a potential scout unit membership of 76 Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops and Explorer Scout posts. He explained this potential number could be activated if enough chartered institutions were given the opportunity to form units.

100 YEARS AGO  1926

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 King Winter shook his feather bed again yesterday, and Clinton County was liberally sprinkled with white for what is hoped to be the last time in months. Ellenburg received a couple of inches in addition to the 10-inch fall of Sunday. Dannemora reported a heavy snowfall. The Colonial busline took on courage yesterday and bucked as far as Mooers with one of its plows. It is hoped to get from Mooers to Ellenburg in the next three or four days. Former Supervisor Geo. O'Connor of Ellenburg Center told the Press last night that people in Plattsburgh have little conception of what conditions are in his neighborhood. "The drifts between Ellenburg and Chateaugay range from 10 to 15 feet deep," he declared, then added with a chuckle, "Some people go calling on their neighbors and have to climb down the chimney to get in. The doors are blockaded with snow." Up to the first of April, 54 inches of snow had fallen this winter, according to J. W. Harkness, Clinton County's veteran weather recorder. If the snow on the ground lasts until next Saturday, winter will have been six months long. The first snowfall fell Oct. 10. The Delaware and Hudson railroad sent out a snow plow yesterday morning as a precautionary measure on the Chateaugay branch.

 Yesterday, Lt. Col. Arthur M. Wolff, vice-chairman and treasurer of the Plattsburgh Memorial, with headquarters at No. 1 Madison Ave., New York City, was in town in the interest of the national memorial chapel, which is to be constructed at the Plattsburgh Barracks. Wolff had with him photographs of the plans, which depict a handsome structure both artistic and useful in its conception. Wolff, together with Chaplain Webster, called upon a number of townspeople, explaining the memorial and the work of the organization in charge of its construction. Mrs. John H. Booth has accepted the chairmanship of the Women's Committee of Plattsburgh. The chairmanship of the Men's Committee will be announced within a few days. Wolff has aroused much interest wherever he has called and has shown that it is the desire of the national committee in charge to make this memorial chapel an integral part of Plattsburgh and of the "Plattsburgh Idea."

 Compiled by Contributing Writer Ben Rowe
The mother and stepfather of a 16-year-old Los Angeles County girl were sentenced to prison for torturing her to death over text messages she had sent to teen boys.

Oriana Estela Elias, 38, and Vincent Gibbs, 39, were sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for the August 2021 death of their 16-year-old daughter, Pearlene V., the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office announced.

On Aug. 15, 2021, Elias and Gibbs became upset with Perlene after she reportedly sent inappropriate text messages to some teen boys.

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They punished her by forcing her to perform strenuous exercises in the hot sun. They also beat her with a wooden plank and a belt for several hours, prosecutors said.

The abuse was witnessed by the girls sisters.

Pearlene eventually collapsed and later died in a makeshift bathroom inside a trailer that the family was living in. The trailer did not have running water or electricity, authorities said.

Before paramedics arrived at the scene, Elias told the victims sisters to lie and refrain from telling the police or paramedics about what they had done to her, court documents said.

The couple was arrested and, nearly five years later, on March 17, 2026, both were found guilty by a jury of their roles in the girls death.

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Elias was found guilty of one count of second-degree murder, one felony count of torture, one felony count of child abuse and two felony counts of dissuading a witness from reporting a crime. They also found true the allegation that she caused great bodily injury.

Gibbs was convicted of one count of second-degree murder, one felony count of torture and one felony count of child abuse. The jury also found true the allegation that he caused great bodily injury and used a weapon in the commission of the crime.

On April 3, 2026, they were sentenced to 22 years to life in prison.

This sentence reflects an unthinkable betrayal by parents who are meant to protect their children from harm, said L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Pearlene was denied the chance to grow up and become who she was meant to be. There is no punishment that can restore the loss of life. I am grateful to Deputy District Attorneys Suzanna Friedman and Diane Hong for their diligence, compassion and resolve to ensure that the victim received justice and the defendants were held fully accountable.

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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 KTLA.
In a move housing advocates are calling a temporary win, a U.S. Appeals Court rejected the federal governments effort to impose restrictions on housing funds that help more than a thousand homeless people in Maine remain in stable housing.

We talk a lot about numbers, but each number is a human being  and they are going through one of the hardest times of their lives, said Dan Hodgkins, vice president of social work at statewide housing organization Preble Street. And the truth is, in order to have an effective homeless response system in Maine, we need federal dollars, state dollars, all working together.

Federal funding for homelessness services predominantly comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Continuum of Care program, which supports about 1,800 people across Maine. But last year, the department sent two different notices that would substantially restrict the eligibility, amount and type of services for those experiencing homelessness.

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Maine is among several states that won an initial lawsuit last December when U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy issued a preliminary injunction barring the housing department from implementing the policy changes, saying HUDs actions would cause irreparable harm to the plaintiffs. On Wednesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit rejected the federal governments request to temporarily allow restrictions to go into effect.

Theres a clear message from the federal bench that any policy changes have to align with congressional directives and follow administrative procedures  and that the Trump administration has not done that, said Katie Spencer White, president of the MidMaine Homeless Shelter & Services. Theyve acted outside of their scope of legal authority, and theyve been arbitrary and capricious in doing it.

The first policy notice from the housing department slashed the amount of funding the federal government would provide Maine for homelessness services by more than half, and shifted support away from permanent housing, instead prioritizing short-term programs that impose work requirements. The administrations other funding priorities also included helping law enforcement remove encampments, and requiring unhoused people to undergo mandatory treatment for addiction.

The second notice changed who would be eligible to use these services, excluding transgender people and municipalities without camping bans (which are often used as an enforcement tool to prevent unhoused people from setting up temporary tents in municipalities).

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Experts told Maine Morning Star that these policy shifts would keep people homeless for longer, instead of helping them transition out About 1,200 Mainers  of the 1,800 supported by federal funding  were anticipated to return to homelessness, or experience unsheltered homelessness for the first time, due to the policy changes, according to Preble Street, which operates several shelters and provides other services for people experiencing homelessness.

Wednesdays ruling means the state will receive another year of funding, said Hodgkins, so we have sort of a one year reprieve until the potential impacts of funding cuts could materialize.

But the whole process has added to the instability of an already precarious, homeless response system in Maine, he added, noting that until the new notice is released, groups wont know how much federal funding will be available and what restrictions will be imposed on it.

In a statement, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey said, While this attempt by HUD was obviously unlawful, the stress and uncertainty the Administration created in a vulnerable population and the people working hard to support them is wholly unnecessary and deeply destructive.
A New York man is accused of shooting his sister in the head with a crossbow as part of a plot to kill her over several arguments they had about their Long Island homes thermostat temperature, according to prosecutors.

Samy Sedhom, of Lawrence, has been indicted on charges including attempted murder and assault in connection with the February 13 attack on his sister, the Nassau County District Attorneys Office said in a Thursday, April 2, news release.

Sedhom, 21, had allegedly planned to kill his sister for several weeks, since December 2025, according to prosecutors.

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In a statement, Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly described Sedhoms actions as violent and calculated.

Florida Mom Accused of Shooting, Trying to Kill Sister Smiles in Mugshot After Arrest

Sedhom allegedly tracked his sister and lain in wait before brutally attacking her with a crossbow in a clear attempt to take her life, Donnelly said. An attack that was born out of revenge for an ongoing dispute about the temperature in their home and came within inches of being fatal.

At his arraignment on April 2, Sedhom pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him, court records viewed by Us Weekly show.

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His defense attorney did not immediately return a request for comment from Us.

Over the course of the alleged, repeated disagreements about the temperature of their house, prosecutors said Sedhom bought a high-performance Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow, three hunting arrows and a GPS device, which he placed inside his sisters car.

According to the district attorneys office, Sedhoms indictment details how he allegedly shot his sister with the crossbow after she got home from the gym on February 13.

When Sedhoms sister came home, she saw her brothers car parked across the street before she parked inside of a detached garage at their home, prosecutors said.

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While she was typing in a code to shut the garage door, Sedhom appeared with the crossbow, according to prosecutors.

Man Dismembered Pregnant Sister Because She Was No Longer Innocent, Left Pieces of Her on Neighbors Steps

He fired at his sister, hitting her in the head, causing her serious bleeding and injuries to her right ear, right cheek, and face, the district attorneys office said.

She was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery, where she got treatment to stop the bleeding and to close the approximately six-inch-long laceration to her face, according to prosecutors.

Following the attack, Sedhom is accused of getting rid of the crossbow at an intersection in his town, prosecutors said. Nassau County police officers later found the weapon.

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That evening, investigators searched Sedhoms bedroom and found a black Katana sword, a laptop and a crossbow box, without a crossbow inside, according to the district attorneys office.

He was arrested the next day, on February 14, prosecutors said.

Sedhoms attorney, Stephen Mullkoff, has argued that Sedhom had no plans to kill or injure his sister, NBC New York reported.

"My client intended to scare his sister and never intended to hurt her in any way," Mullkoff said.

If Sedhom is found guilty of the charges against him, he would face up to 25 years in prison, according to prosecutors. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 30.

Home should be a safe haven, not a place of fear and bloodshed, Donnelly said.
A 68-year-old man was arrested at a Washington nursing home after being charged with first-degree murder in the 1992 death of his wife.

Janice Randle was found dead in her bed in November 1992, the Pierce County Sheriff's Office said on social media, with her toddler daughter Katie in a crib nearby. Her estranged husband, James Robert Randle, told police that she had likely overdosed and said she had a history of using painkillers. The couple was going through a divorce and living separately, the sheriff's office said.

Initially, police investigated the death as a possible overdose. When later autopsy results showed no drugs in her system at the time of death, the case became a homicide investigation, but "only breadcrumbs of information could be pieced together, with nothing substantial to establish probable cause for an arrest," the sheriff's office said.

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The case remained unsolved until family members came forward with new information, including "witnessed confessions" from Randle, the sheriff's office said. CBS affiliate KIRO reported that Randle had confessed to killing his wife in conversations with his siblings and one of his children.

Janice Randle. / Credit: Everett County Sheriff's Office

"He actually talked to his brother about how he staged the crime scene," a deputy prosecutor said in court, according to KIRO. "He also confessed to this murder to one of his daughters later on as well. He told her that he had had to put a pillow over his wife Janice's head and said, with regards to the murder, quote, 'Just know it was me.'"

The sheriff's office said the tips and new information "led to a thorough investigation with a new perspective." The sheriff's office said it is now believed that Janice Randle "died as a result of a violent struggle" with Randle, and that evidence gathered in the new investigation "contradicted the original account given in 1992." Police were able to establish probable cause on which to arrest Randle, who was living in a retirement facility in Everett, Washington.

Body camera video shows police arresting Randle, now 68, at the facility. He can be heard asking, "What's this about?" before being handcuffed and led to a waiting vehicle.

James Robert Randle being taken into custody. / Credit: Everett County Sheriff's Office (Everett County Sheriff's Office)

Randle was arraigned on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder, KIRO reported. He is being held on a $1 million bail, KIRO said. The sheriff's office said the case "stands as a powerful example of how advancements in technology and investigative practices can bring justice, even decades later."

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Katie Wakin, Janice Randle's daughter and Randle's stepdaughter, told KIRO that "no one in our family ever doubted" that Randle was responsible for her mother's death.

"We just had no way to prove it back then," Wakin said.

Wakin said she and her siblings, including the sister who was found in the crib near Janice Randle's body, are still healing from their mother's death and the new investigation into their father. Wakin told KIRO she plans to attend all court hearings.

"Our mom was taken from her; she has no memories of her. My mom loved her very much. Very, very much," Wakin said. "She loves (her father), but she knows that he needs to be accountable, and she's willing to put aside all of that to make sure justice is met and that our mom's story is told."

White House reacts to F-15E fighter jet downed over Iran

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NEED TO KNOW

A man who was bitten by more than 200 species of snake has helped scientists develop a new antivenom drug

Tim Friede, a herpetologist and venom expert, has spent two decades voluntarily letting hundreds of deadly venomous snakes bite him

His efforts allowed researchers to create an antivenom cocktail that can decrease the effects of certain snake bites

One man is opening up about willingly being bitten by more than 200 snakes  and scientists believe their research on his built-up immunity to venomous snake bites could help future snakebite victims.

Tim Friede, described as an autodidact herpetologist and venom expert by the biotech company Centivax, has spent two decades voluntarily letting hundreds of deadly venomous snakes bite him. According to scientists who published research last year in the journal Cell on the antitoxin antibodies Friede has developed, the man's snakebite efforts have helped researchers create an antivenom cocktail that can reduce the effects of certain snake bites.

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Speaking to NBC News and Science News last year, Friede shared that he had had a "simple curiosity" with venomous animals for years before he started injecting himself with small doses of snake venom to try to develop some immunity. He would increase the amount of venom he was injecting which he milked from snakes himself  to try to build up his tolerance before letting venomous snakes bite him directly.

At first, it was very scary, Friede told NBC. But the more you do it, the better you get at it, the more calm you become with it.

A king cobra moves through its enclosure at the reptile house in the Bronx Zoo.

Credit: Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty

He admitted to NPR last year that his experiments have been "a rocky road," and recalled being "put in ICU after two cobra bites," which put him "in a coma for four days."

However, the process allowed Friede to successfully develop immunity to many different lethal snakes, including black mambas, king cobras, and tiger snakes.

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He hoped his research would serve a purpose, too, he told NBC. Friede spent time emailing any scientist he could find and asking them to study his tolerance.

Eventually, one group of researchers got back to him and found that the immunity Friede had built up to snakes over the decades made him a hyperimmune human blood donor with antibodies that could be used in antivenom developments.

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.

"What was exciting about the donor was his once-in-a-lifetime unique immune history," the study's lead author and Centivax CEO, Jacob Glanville, said in a news release at the time. Not only did he potentially create these broadly neutralizing antibodies, in this case, but it could also give rise to a broad-spectrum or universal antivenom.

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"If anybody has broken through the problem of getting the immune system to focus," Glanville told NPR of Friede, "it's this guy, by this repeated stimulation with all these snakes."

There is a need for further research on antivenom. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), somewhere between 81,000 and 137,000 people die from snakebite every year, and around three times as many snake bites lead to amputations and permanent disabilities.

The process of creating antivenom can also be expensive and difficult, according to NBC, as it involves injecting large mammals like horses with venom and collecting the antibodies they produce.

However, researchers working with Centivax analyzed Friede's unique antitoxin antibodies, enabling them to develop a new antivenom cocktail.

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The cocktail was created by combining two of Friedes antibodies with a toxin-blocking drug. Researchers found that the antivenom protected mice completely against 13 snake species and partially against six more.

This is critical, because although there are millions of snake envenomations per year, the majority of those are in the developing world, disproportionately affecting rural communities, Glanville said of the research.

According to Centivax, the next stage of testing for the antivenom treatments is set to take place in Australia, using dogs brought in for snakebite injuries.

"I couldn't believe it. I really couldn't believe it," Friede said of learning about the results of the research and the resulting cocktail. "I know I'm doing something for humanity and giving back to science."

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As for Friede's snake-biting habit, it's been several years since he's had such close contact with a venomous reptile.

"[But] to know you can beat that and keep your calm and keep your cool, it's a wonderful thing," he told NPR.

Read the original article on People
Americans views of both the Democratic and Republican parties remain deeply negative, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS. And in an election year that may turn on which party voters see as the lesser of two evils, the Democrats hold an early advantage.

About one-quarter of the public holds a negative view of both parties  so-called double haters. Voters in that group prefer the Democrats in the upcoming midterms by 31 points.

In an era characterized by negativity toward all sides in Washington, the voting patterns and preferences of people who have negative feelings toward both Democrats and Republicans can play a key role in elections.

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Those voters who had unfavorable views of both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton proved decisive in the 2016 election and broke in Trumps favor again in 2024. In the 2022 election, when both parties were viewed negatively by just over half of all voters, double-hater voters broke in Republicans favor by a wide margin, according to CNN exit polls.

The vote preferences of the current crop of double haters are driven more by opposition to the GOP rather than enthusiasm for the Democrats.

Just 28% of Americans hold a favorable view of the Democratic Party, with the Republican Party a few points higher at 32%, in large part because Republicans take a more positive view of their own party than do Democrats.

Compared to the midterms in President Donald Trumps first term, both the president and the Democrats have grown less popular. While Trumps 35% approval rating is 7 points lower than it was at this point in the 2018 midterm cycle, the Democratic Partys net favorability has shifted from about even then to net negative by nearly 30 points now. Ratings for the GOP were deeply underwater in both years.

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Overall, registered voters say by a 6-point margin that theyd prefer the Democratic Partys candidate over the Republican candidate if the elections for Congress were held today.

The most motivated voters break 57% for the Democrats to 38% for the Republicans on the generic ballot; it was a similar 56% Democrats to 41% Republicans among that group in January.

What do double haters hate?

When asked what they most dislike about each party, double haters offer different reasons for their dissatisfaction with each. Their most common reasons for disliking Democrats are viewing them as do-nothing (22% say this), saying theyre not standing up enough to Trump and the GOP (11%) or theyre too liberal (10%). Another 9% call them weak or spineless, with another 9% saying the party doesnt care about people.

Double-haters most common reason for disliking the GOP is what they see as the partys failure to stand up to Trump (14%), followed by a sense that the party doesnt care about people (10%), views about Trump more generally (8%), and a perception of the party as corrupt (8%).

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There is such a divide and no one can compromise to get anything done, wrote an independent who answered the survey. They act like spoiled brats.

Democrats have an advantage with their base

The Democratic Party faces greater internal discontent and dissension than the GOP, but also a clear advantage in motivating its base and an ability to capitalize on anti-Trump sentiments.

Democratic and Democratic-leaning registered voters are 17 points likelier than those aligned with the GOP to describe themselves as extremely motivated to vote even as theyre 14 points less likely to hold a favorable view of their own party.

Democrats overall advantage in motivation and on the generic ballot, which has remained relatively stable in recent polling, also match a trend in midterm politics that predates Trump: Voters tend to swing against the party in power, particularly when the occupant of the White House is as unpopular as Trump currently is.

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More than three-quarters of voters who plan to support the Democrats in the midterms see their vote as a message of opposition to Trump, while only about half who plan to vote Republican say theyll do so as a way to show support for the president. That could help to carry even some voters who arent enthusiastic about the Democratic Party: 44% of voters who plan to vote Democratic say that their vote will be primarily motivated by opposition to the Republican candidate, higher than the share who plan to vote Republican out of opposition to the Democrats.

Both parties leaders in Congress, meanwhile, remain deeply unpopular with the public. GOP leaders Mike Johnson and John Thune and Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer all see negative ratings.

Schumer sees particularly low numbers, with a net minus-32 favorability rating among the public as a whole and a net minus-4 even among those aligned with the Democratic Party. Jeffries, Johnson and Thune all see net positive ratings within their respective parties, although Thune remains largely unknown to the public.

Whats dividing each party?

Both parties supporters largely see their own party as more united than divided. Only about one-third of Democratic-aligned adults see their party as mostly divided, and just 19% of Republican-aligned adults say the same of the GOP  numbers that are little changed since last January.

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But that doesnt mean that there arent meaningful fractures within each party. On the Democratic side, 72% say that a divide over the nations approach to Israel is causing problems within the party. About two-thirds say that the Democratic Party is facing problematic divides over its priorities and its ideological position, with a smaller 58% majority seeing the party divided on whether Democratic elected officials should ever cooperate with Trump.

Just above half of Republican-aligned adults think the GOP is facing problems due to divides on what the party should focus on (54%), whether it should move rightward or to the center (52%), or whether Republican officials should ever publicly oppose Trump (52%). Slightly fewer than half, 47%, say Israel is posing a problematic divide with the party.

But theres also a split on how divisive those issues are within the GOP: Moderates are 24 points likelier than conservatives to say the party faces problems from divides over ideology, and those younger than 45 are 24 points likelier than older Republicans to view Israel as controversial.

Those younger Republican-aligned voters, meanwhile, stand out as particularly disengaged from the coming election: Just 33% of Republican and Republican-leaning voters younger than 45 say theyre extremely motivated to vote, compared with a majority of older Republicans.

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The CNN poll was conducted by SSRS online and by phone from March 26-30 among a random national sample of 1,201 adults. Results for the full sample have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.2 percentage points.

CNNs Edward Wu contributed to this report.

The story headline has been updated.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Apr. 4MITCHELL  Mitchell entrepreneurs hope to spark future retail growth through launching student businesses into local storefronts.

Students from Mitchell High School, Mitchell Technical College (MTC) and Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) competed for their choice of business storefronts in the Palace Park Mall courtyard on Thursday night at MTC's Nordsby Trades Center. The courtyard storefronts are across Main Street from the Corn Palace and are owned by the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce.

The competition was judged Shark Tank-style, with local business owners and experts evaluating each business and giving mentorship-level business advice to the storefront candidates.

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MTC entrepreneurial program coordinator and instructor Ryan Van Zee believes placing entrepreneur students at the Corn Palace courtyard storefronts is proof of concept for Mitchell retail, and that these students can be spring-boarded into other retail space. "We needed to fire up retail in this town, and now we did," he said.

Van Zee believes teaching entrepreneurship to students will keep young people in town.

"How are they going to know how to do it if we don't teach them?" Van Zee said.

There were three competitors. Wesley Robertson placed first with his business SoDak BBQ Supply, Natasha Foster was second with Natasha Lynn Designs, and Shaylin Knigge third with Shay's Coffee. The largest courtyard storefront is a little under 200 square feet and rents for $800 per month, and two courtyard storefronts are roughly 100 square feet and rent for $400 per month, according to Mitchell Area Development Corporation and Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Mike Lauritsen. The chamber is charging $100 per storefront for a lease that will run through Labor Day weekend, according to Lauritsen.

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The panel of "sharks" was moderated by Lauritsen and included local philanthropist Roger Musick, Davison County Commissioner Randy Reider, First Dakota National Bank president Trevor Dierks, Mitchell Area Housing Inc., President Terry Sabers, Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce vice president Joanna Allen, and chamber board members Karissa Hart of Hart Dental and Zach Flood of Alvine Law. The shark tank competition came about as an idea from chamber interns and Mitchell High School seniors Katie Hohn and Jessica Gerlach.

Robertson has been in business since 2021 selling BBQ sauce, rubs, spices and grilling accessories. He does not make the items, but sells through his website and at local markets. He sells 27 brands from 20 different states and plans to retail items from three countries.

Robertson hopes to have a permanent retail space. There are no area specialty barbecue stores and no sampling before purchasing, and Robertson believes shoppers do not know what they're going to taste unless they've bought an item before.

Robertson taste-tests BBQ sauces so that he can better direct customers to flavor profiles ranging from spicy to sweet. Robertson believes his BBQ supply company can give people new experiences from different cultures, and that he's heard people say South Dakota is bland for seasonings.

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"I thoroughly enjoy having people sample the stuff, getting out there, because a lot of the a lot of the products that I have in stock are actually bringing new flavors into South Dakota," Robertson said.

SoDak BBQ Supply is self-funded. Robertson works as a team lead at Walmart, and plans to man a courtyard storefront with family help while working his job. Robertson has been a vendor at Arts in the Park, but not the Corn Palace Festival or First Friday events, which are both held along Mitchell's Main Street. Many of his products are shelf-stable, so they do not require refrigeration. Hart suggested Robertson offer gift baskets.

Robertson believes the courtyard storefronts are ideal for his retail wares, with high foot trafic from tourists and locals.

"It's a prime destination," he said.

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Robertson can take credit card payments, ship products for tourists who may not have much space while traveling, and has about $7,000 to $8,000 worth of product to stock the storefront. He's made about $4,000 so far. Robertson includes tax within purchase prices and sells items at round figures for easier customer change handling. His demographic is 30- to 45-year-old blue collar workers, according to sales data Robertson referenced.

"I have turned it from a hobby into a passion, into a business," Robertson said.

Robertson has about 60% repeat buyers. Hart asked Robertson if he was doing any email marketing, and Robertson noted he had not, but was looking at email and text messaging.

Van Zee believes Robertson had a top presentation because of strategies taught in the MTC entrepreneurial program, where he is a student. Van Zee noted the program has a model to figure out business problems.

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"Everyone who comes to class has a product or a service that they want to sell, and each one needs a unique solution, because selling barbecue sauce is very different than selling drone piloting services. But by being in a class like this, they become expert problem solvers and innovators," Van Zee said.

Foster and Knigge brought samples of products for judges to see and taste, but Robertson did not.

Foster, 17, is a senior at Mitchell High School, and was in Van Zee's co-starter student program when she was 13, according to Van Zee. She assembles the jewelry pieces herself and has been in business since 2022. Her vendor booths feature a charm bar and customizable jewelry.

Judges encouraged Foster to incorporate her labor time into the price of her products, and Musick noted that pre-made items with signage for grandmothers to buy gifts for granddaughters would increase sales.

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Knigge, 20, is a junior and an entrepreneurial leadership major at DWU. She makes coffee syrups with locally-sourced ingredients free of dyes and artificial flavors.

"Consumers are increasingly choosing more products with natural ingredients, especially in food and beverages ... And this matters because customers aren't buying flavor, they're buying transparency and quality they can trust," Knigge said.

Musick and many other sharks suggested Knigge and Foster raise prices of products to make a profit. Reider noted the sharks were pushing storefront candidates away from a hobby to making things work.

"Everybody new in business believes they have to be cheap, that's not really how you make money," Musick said.

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Van Zee believes the Corn Palace courtyard is ideal because customers come in by the bus load, and noted the chamber opened the courtyard up to students first.

"If you had a diminished retail space like downtown, how could you intentionally grow it? And the answer is, go to young people and show them that this is a great place to do business," Van Zee said.

Success always breeds more success, he said.
Dozens of people gathered on April 4 at Jefferson Square Park to protest the deadly police shooting of Katelyn Hall, a 28-year-old biracial woman.

Louisville police shot and killed Hall in her East End apartment on March 27 after she emerged from a bathroom where she had locked herself and approached first responders, holding a piece of broken porcelain believed to have come from a toilet.

Body camera footage from the shooting, released on April 3, shows that Hall was experiencing a mental health crisis, made repeated suicidal statements while inside the bathroom and threatened to harm anyone who tried to help her.

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Family members who called 911 told dispatchers that Hall had cut her wrists with glass and had swallowed cleaning products in an attempt to take her life.

Although Louisville Metro has an alternative response program with mental health experts handling calls instead of armed police, officials said the situation didn't qualify for the program because Hall was believed to have a weapon and was trying to hurt herself.

At the demonstration held at Jefferson Square Park, which became the focal point for frequent protests after the 2020 killing of Breonna Taylor by Louisville police and many subsequent protests since, the speakers delivered a clear message: Hall, a salutatorian of Southern High School and a 2022 graduate of Bellarmine University, deserved better, and the police could have done more to help her.

Katelyn Hall needed compassion, and she was met with bullets, said Shameka Parrish-Wright, District 3 councilmember and democratic mayoral candidate.

Shaun Spencer spoke at the Justice For Katelyn Hall protest demanding accountability for a life taken for a person going through a mental health crisis. Sandra Fields, Katelyns paternal grandmother, was by her side. April, 4 2026 Bruce Sweeney was at the Justice For Katelyn Hall protest demanding accountability for a life taken for a person going through a mental health crisis. April, 4 2026 People showed up at the Justice For Katelyn Hall protest demanding accountability for a life taken for a person going through a mental health crisis. April, 4 2026 People showed up at the Justice For Katelyn Hall protest demanding accountability for a life taken for a person going through a mental health crisis. April, 4 2026 Tonya Buckler was at the Justice For Katelyn Hall protest demanding accountability for a life taken for a person going through a mental health crisis. April, 4 2026 Louisville protesters demand justice after killing of Katelyn Hall 1 of 5 Shaun Spencer spoke at the Justice For Katelyn Hall protest demanding accountability for a life taken for a person going through a mental health crisis. Sandra Fields, Katelyns paternal grandmother, was by her side. April, 4 2026

Many speakers linked Hall's death to Taylor's, arguing it demonstrates the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has made little to no changes in its operations.

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Walter Holder Jr., an associate minister at Bates Memorial Baptist Church, which some members of Halls family attend, said he previously worked at a psychiatric unit for troubled boys and used impact cushions to de-escalate violent situations. He questioned why LMPD could not have used a similar device or even riot shields in Halls case.

When it comes to this situation with Katelyn, I didnt see where that needed to happen, Holder said. I didnt see where her losing her life needed to happen.

Shaun Spencer read a statement from Sandra Fields, Hall's grandmother, in which she said, Love and support must be matched with action. We cannot keep losing our loved ones in moments where they need us the most.

What the body camera footage shows

LMPD on March 30 identified the officers who shot Hall as Robert Noah Baker and Robert Gabbard. Both officers began their careers with LMPD in 2023 and have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation into the shooting continues.

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Baker is assigned to the 2nd Division and received an oral reprimand in 2024 after investigators found he was responsible for what was only described as an accident on a discipline notification form. Gabbard is assigned to the 1st Division and has not faced discipline since his hire.

Robert Baker (left) and Robert Gabbard fatally shot 28-year-old Katelyn Hall on March 27 after responding to a report of a person experiencing a mental health crisis who was armed with a sharp weapon.

Body camera footage of the shooting shows Baker arriving at the apartment on Vieux Carre Drive, where Hall lived, just before 8 p.m. on March 27. He talks to Hall while standing away from the bathroom door, and Hall makes many suicidal statements. Baker radios for less lethal options, which LMPD Deputy Chief Emily McKinley has explained was him asking for backup officers to provide cover using less lethal weapons, like a Taser, pepper spray, expandable baton and a bean bag shotgun.

More officers arrive, along with firefighters from the Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS. One of the firefighters says they need to force that door if Hall has cut her wrist. Baker and another officer, Mareno Greenwade, agree. Baker says hell be hands, and asks another officer to be lethal and another to be less lethal. However, they do not discuss when each form of force could or should be used.

A firefighter then breaks the bathroom door lock. The sound of a Taser activating can be heard, and a green dot from the device's aiming system appears on the door. Greenwade tried to open the bathroom door by pushing it, but police believe Hall was sitting against it. After several attempts, he turns and tells the others they need to wait until more people arrive.

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But then another firefighter offers to break the door hinges. He does so and moves away once finished. Hall then opens the door, holding a jagged piece of porcelain that, McKinley said, measured 8 to 12 inches. Baker raises his firearm with both hands and starts saying whoa whoa whoa, hey, hey, hey. As Hall moves into the bedroom with the piece of porcelain, Baker fires multiple times. At least seven shots can be heard, but its unclear how many were fired by each officer.

Gabbard, the other LMPD officer who fired his gun, was not present during the previous discussion about who would provide less-lethal cover and who would provide lethal cover. Gabbard arrived as the firefighter was breaking the door hinges and moved the firefighter aside to fire his gun. The shooting took place about 12 minutes after Baker first reached the apartment.

The officers and firefighters immediately applied chest seals and performed CPR on Hall, McKinley said at a news conference on April 3, but her injuries were too severe, and she was pronounced dead at the University of Louisville Hospital. In addition to gunshot wounds, Hall had what McKinley described as significant self-inflicted lacerations to her wrists, especially her left wrist. McKinley said the cuts to her left wrist were so severe that tendons and bones were visible.

Mayoral candidate Shameka Parrish-Wright, District 3, hugs Sandra Fields, Katelyns paternal grandmother, at the Justice For Katelyn Hall protest demanding accountability for a life taken for a person going through a mental health crisis. April, 4 2026

Questions over police actions

At the April 3 news conference, McKinley said an unnamed officer did not use their Taser. When asked why, McKinley said she could not comment on the officer's actions and that it would be investigated. She also said the time from when Hall opened the door to when officers fired their weapons happened quickly.

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Our Tasers take time to deploy. You have to fire twice, McKinley said. So, you fire one probe and you put another probe somewhere else, so it takes a little bit more time to effectively use a Taser in a situation like this. It could be very difficult when a subject is advancing toward you in such a confined space.

When asked about the decision to break down the door, McKinley said that the first responders knew Hall was injured and felt they needed to help her. McKinley also said that, based on the distance between her and the officers and the sharpness of the porcelain piece, Hall could have absolutely injured or killed the officers. Regarding whether the officers had a chance to tackle her, McKinley again said it will be part of the investigation.

LMPDs Public Integrity Unit is investigating the shooting for potential criminal charges. The investigation's findings will be shared with the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorneys Office, which will decide whether to present the case to a grand jury to determine if the officers should be indicted. LMPD will also provide the completed criminal investigation to the Kentucky State Police and the Louisville Metro Office of Inspector General, which reviews complaints against the police department and evaluates LMPDs practices and procedures.

LMPD's Professional Standard Unit will also investigate the shooting for potential policy violations. The department's Performance Review Board will separately assess whether the officers' actions comply with policy and whether they could have handled the situation differently.

Shooting prompts discussions, officials say

McKinley said on April 3 that the shooting had sparked discussions among top department officials about when officers should wait or when they should force a door open when dealing with suicidal individuals. She said that LMPD is encouraging officers during roll calls to reflect on how they would respond and handle situations like the one involving Hall. Additionally, LMPD is reviewing bean bag shotgun deployments to guarantee they are evenly spread across the department.

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A citywide deflection program has been in place since 2024, where mental health professionals handle calls instead of police. Approximately 4,900 calls for service were diverted last year to crisis triage workers, and 937 calls resulted in a mental health professional responding. However, calls involving weapons, intoxication, overdose, self-harm attempts, known violence, injuries from self-harm or violent crimes are not eligible for deflection, according to LMPD.

All LMPD officers who attend the departments training academy receive 40 hours of crisis intervention training (CIT), though its unclear whether Baker and Gabbard completed advanced CIT training. Last year, LMPD responded to 3,200 crisis intervention-related calls, according to McKinley. Of those calls, about 80 resulted in officers using force, with most involving takedowns or control holds. Less than 1% of those calls resulted in injuries to either subjects or officers, according to McKinley.

Mayor Craig Greenberg said last week that he would be open to a co-responder program where mental health professionals and police officers respond together. On April 3, McKinley said that LMPD is open and willing to try anything that prevents something like this from ever happening again.

If there is a co-responder model that could help in a situation like this, could help officers with making decisions or giving some feedback on how to deescalate or maybe what could be a hook or trigger for the person behind that door to try to continue a conversation that would be extremely helpful and we would definitely be open to anything that would prevent something like this in the future, McKinley said.

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LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said on April 3 that Halls death should serve as a catalyst to create more accessible, effective approaches to mental health.

Former Democratic Kentucky state representative Charles Booker, whos running for retiring U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnells seat, is encouraged by Greenberg, Humphrey and McKinleys statements but said they must be backed up by action.

We know that this is likely to happen again if we dont act, Booker said at the April 4 demonstration. For Katelyns life, for every child, for every person who has had a hard time, they should know their city is here for them and not take them away when theyre crying out for help.

Halls killing is the first shooting by Louisville police this year. Louisville officers shot eight people last year, killing five, marking the citys highest number of police shootings since 2023.

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If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.

Monroe Trombly covers public safety. He can be reached at mtrombly@gannett.com. His X handle is @MonroeTrombly

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville protesters demand answers in police killing of Katelyn Hall
Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Saturday reacted to the removal of Raghav Chadha as the Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, saying the action was unjustified. He stated, "Raghav Chadha has not spoken any such word, yet it is unknown why AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal is angry. The party wants its workers to work like slaves... This is an independent country, which is why Raghav Chadha refused to do slavery, and this is why such action is being taken against him." The minister's remarks come amid internal party tensions in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) following Chadha's removal, highlighting concerns over leadership decisions and worker autonomy within the party. Raghav Chadha's removal as AAP's Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha was 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. Saurabh also criticised Chadha, citing concerns over his reluctance to raise issues against the Central Government. Speaking to ANI, Bhardwaj asserted that he "consistently hangs back" whenever the party wants to raise issues against the Central government in Parliament. 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)
NEED TO KNOW

Jessica Hainley tells PEOPLE her C-section was delayed twice, leading to her son being born with severe birth injuries

Hainley alleges poor communication and inadequate care from hospital staff during labor and delivery

The hospital denies wrongdoing

A new mom in Georgia is claiming that a delayed C-section caused her newborn to suffer severe injuries.

Jessica Hainley was scheduled for a C-section at Memorial Health University Medical Center on Oct. 10, 2025. However, her water broke on Sept. 25.

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Going to the hospital, the 33-year-old tells PEOPLE that her water was "very clearly broken," but she alleges that when it came time to do a cervical exam, she was told there were no gloves in the exam room, and a shift change would be coming soon.

Jessica Hainley and her baby

Credit: Amber Walton- Aspen & Co Photography LLC

Hainley tells PEOPLE that because she didn't have a cervical exam, despite telling hospital staff her contractions were five minutes apart, she labored for five hours without anyone assessing her labor progress.

During this time, she claims that her C-section was pushed back twice for "more urgent cases," all while she continued not to be checked or reevaluated.

"We were continuously told how busy they were," she says.

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Her husband, whom Hainley refers to as her "support person," was allegedly not allowed to come to the pre-op area with her and was only brought back to the operating room after she was cut open.

All this allegedly came after Hainley says he had routinely gone back and forth to the nurses' station while she was in the exam room to check whether her monitors were accurately capturing her contractions and vitals.

Hainley says that when he was finally brought into the operating room, he walked in on her, "screaming and crying in pain with the operation in full swing"  something that Hainley says he describes as "seared into [his] brain."

Jessica Hainley, her partner and her baby

Credit: Amber Walton- Aspen & Co Photography LLC

The new mom alleges to PEOPLE that there was no communication during the delivery of her son because doctors did not check in on her pain level or discomfort.

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After the baby was delivered, Hainley claims that the OBGYN never explained what happened, and it was only when her son was in the NICU that she was asked if there were any complications to explain her son's injuries. He was ultimately born with skull fractures and brain bleeds "due to birth injury," according to medical records reviewed by PEOPLE.

The medical records also state that Hainley's son required resuscitation measures like oxygen, CPAP, and suctioning.

Despite this, Hainley's medical records noted that there were no complications during the procedure and that her "infant was delivered atraumatically," without any injury. The records do note, however, that the newborn had low [muscle] tone and pallor, and that the doctors later determined he had multiple hemorrhages or brain bleeds, as well as a fractured skull.

Memorial Health University Medical Center told PEOPLE in a statement that "Our priority is to provide high-quality care in a safe, supportive environment. When a patient does not feel that was their experience, we meet with them to hear their concerns. We did that in this case. We also work with regulatory agencies on an ongoing basis to identify ways we can both maintain and strengthen our processes."

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"The opinions in the story you referenced are not supported by the medical facts," the statement continued. "Unfortunately, complications can happen with all procedures, even when appropriate care is provided. When they do occur, they do not always appear immediately. Medical records are chronological accounts of care as it happens and are updated as new information is obtained."

"As a regional center for high-risk obstetrics and Level IV NICU, our teams routinely care for some of the tiniest and sickest newborns. We are committed to providing safe, compassionate care for every patient we serve," said the statement.

Hainley tells PEOPLE and documents reviewed by PEOPLE show that her son remained in the NICU for eight additional days, where he received a blood transfusion, had external oxygen, and a feeding tube.

Jessica Hainley and her baby

Credit: Amber Walton- Aspen & Co Photography LLC

While his skull fractures have healed and his hematomas have resolved, he is still under the supervision of a neurologist and requires additional monitoring based on his birth-related injuries, which put him at an increased risk of developmental issues, Hainley claims.

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Hospital records reviewed by PEOPLE also show that Hainley's "postpartum course was complicated by symptomatic anemia," resulting in her receiving a blood transfusion.

She tells PEOPLE she took time to process her experience and adjust to becoming a new parent before filing a complaint with the hospital around the end of October.

The hospital, however, asserts that the information shared by the parents is " not supported by the medical facts."

After receiving a letter from the hospital on Nov. 12, stating that her complaint had been received, Hainley says she heard nothing from the health center for approximately two months.

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When she reached out again, Hainley says she was told that while an in-house Morbidity & Mortality conference had taken place regarding the C-section itself, they could not share those findings, and no other investigation had taken place that they could share with her, she tells PEOPLE.

Jessica Hainley, her partner and her baby

Credit: Amber Walton- Aspen & Co Photography LLC

Hainley then decided to make her concerns more public by posting on social media to outline her experience. A few days later, she was invited to meet with the hospital's leadership.

She recalls getting emotional during the meeting and feeling that an attendee was trying to shut it down.

After allegedly being promised that her family would receive an outline of how the hospital is working to improve safety and quality, she tells PEOPLE she received only a "short note that included only meaningless platitudes."

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She reached out again on Feb. 10, 2026, to express her dissatisfaction with the response and has not heard back from the hospital since.

Hainley also reached out to the Joint Commission Office of Quality and Patient Safety, which accredits the hospital, to share her complaint.

The Joint Commission responded to Hainley's message, claiming that "requirements for improvement were identified during the onsite review" and that Memorial Health will have to demonstrate evidence of compliance with them and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

When reached out to by PEOPLE, the Joint Commission Office of Quality and Patient Safety said, "Joint Commission's activities regarding the healthcare organizations it accredits and the programs it certifies  including whether or not a complaint or voluntarily reported event was received  are required to be confidential. All publicly available information about accreditations and certifications issued by Joint Commission is available on our website."

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Hainley tells PEOPLE that she wants families going through similar situations to know they are not alone, and she stresses the importance of reporting quality and patient safety concerns to the Joint Commission.

"While the harm done to us and trauma inflicted cannot be undone, we want to prevent others from suffering the same," she tells PEOPLE.

Hainley says that Memorial Health "must do better and be held to a higher standard," and has started a Change.org petition in hopes of that.

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.

"Birth is supposed to be a beautiful thing, but for myself and so many other mothers in Georgia, our birth stories come with PTSD and a mix of emotions that are unable to be captured by the human vernacular," she says.

Read the original article on People
The summer residence of Italys fascist dictator Benito Mussolini has been sold, municipal officials confirmed on Saturday.

Villa Mussolini, situated on the seafront promenade of the seaside resort of Riccione on the Adriatic coast, now belongs to the local council.

According to Mayor Daniela Angelini, the purchase price was 1.2 million ($1.3 million).

The villa, which is over 130 years old, has been used by the local council as a cultural and exhibition centre in recent years, but it was owned by a savings bank foundation.

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Angelini described the purchase as a "far-sighted decision."

"Riccione does not suppress its complex past, but processes it critically through culture," he said. There had also been fears that Mussolini admirers might take over the villa.

The sale took place several days ago but received little attention.

There had been repeated controversy over its name in the past. However, the municipality intends to retain the name Villa Mussolini.

The building was built around 1890 in the typical style of holiday homes on the Adriatic coast.

In 1934, the Mussolinis bought it and used it as a summer residence. After World War II, the property became state-owned and was subsequently transferred to the foundation.

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There are still numerous Mussolini supporters in Italy, including within the ruling Brothers of Italy party led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which has its roots in post-fascism.

Mussolini is still listed as an honorary citizen in various municipalities to this day, while neo-fascists at rallies raise their right arms in the "Roman salute," which is actually banned.
New Jersey has joined a coalition of states that are suing over President Donald Trumps executive order which restricts mail-in ballot voting, according to the state Attorney Generals Office.

On March 31, Trump signed an executive order which attempts to establish a national list of eligible voters and directs the U.S. Postal Service, an independent federal agency, to transmit mail ballots only to those on the list, the office said in a statement.

In the order, the president threatens states and elections officials with criminal prosecution and the loss of federal funding if they do not comply with his demands, the office said.

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But, New Jersey and the 22 other state attorneys general argue that the order would require states to act contrary to their own voter roll procedures, vote-by-mail systems, and voter registration laws, officials said.

In Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro is the one bringing the suit, not the attorney generals office.

The Constitution makes clear that states administer elections in America  not the federal government, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said in a statement Friday. Changes to election rules cannot be made by the president through a blatantly unlawful executive order that seeks to disenfranchise voters in the name of debunked conspiracy theories about widespread fraud from voting by mail.

Americans trust their local and state officials to run free, fair, and secure elections, Davenport continued. We are confident the courts will reject this blatant power grab.

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The U.S. Constitution gives states the primary authority to administer elections, and it does not allow the president to unilaterally impose changes to federal election procedures without an act of Congress permitting him to do so, the states argue in the suit.

State and federal law entitle all eligible voters to cast ballots and have their votes counted in state and federal elections, the suit states.

The states filing this lawsuit permit registered voters to cast their ballots by mail if they meet their states requirements for doing so, the office said. Voters of all parties, in all states, and of every demographic utilize mail-in voting  including the president himself.

New Jersey has allowed voting by mail  once called absentee voting  for decades and it has become increasingly popular among voters, accounting for 20% to 30% of votes cast in general elections in the state over the last five years, officials said.

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Security features on vote-by-mail ballots include a unique barcode and voter ID on the ballot envelope and prepaid postage return envelope, the office said. Mail-in voters also are required to complete a certification, and their signatures are compared with the voters signature in the voter registration system.

The states in the suit allege that the executive order violates the separation of powers and unlawfully interferes with states mail voting programs and they asked the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts to prevent the federal government from implementing or enforcing the order.

Davenport is joined in the lawsuit by the attorneys general of California, Massachusetts, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, and Shapiro.

The suit is one of many that has been filed against the Trump administration since the Republican president took office again in January 2025.

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Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrills administration has sued the Trump administration several times in the first three months of her governorship. Most recently, New Jersey and Roxbury sued the administration in an effort to stop controversial plans to convert a warehouse in the Morris County township into an ICE detention center.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A leading civil rights group is expressing outrage after an ABC7 Eyewitness News I-Team report this week, showing San Leandro officers struggling with a homeless man, driving him seven miles to Oakland, and "dumping" him - in their words. The I-Team is hearing from sources that San Leandro Police Chief Angela Averiett is attending roll calls and saying no one did anything wrong. But the bodycam video shows what happened.

Monday's I-Team report is drawing strong reaction from the Oakland Chapter of the NAACP.

"That was very, very disturbing, for me to watch. What has happened to people that you can do this callous and treat people this way," said retired Superior Court Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte who investigates civil rights violations for the Oakland Chapter of the NAACP. She tells us that Shaquille Coleman should not have even been handcuffed during the December 2024 incident. San Leandro officers admitted he had committed no crimes, but they forced him into the patrol car, pulled out his braids, and drove him seven miles into Oakland, "dumping" him in their words.

VIDEO: San Leandro officers 'dump' homeless man in Oakland; I-Team questions PD supervisor

Bodycam video captured San Leandro police officers handcuffing a homeless man at a strip mall, and then "dumping" him seven miles away in Oakland.

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Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte: "They should not be hired by any other police agency anywhere. There needs to have been something done, something that sends a strong message."

Dan Noyes: "You're saying that these officers, those who were involved, ought to be fired?"

Judge Harbin-Forte: "In my view, yes, absolutely."

Police Chief Angela Averiett and Mayor Juan Gonzalez on Friday, again declined my request for an interview, but Gonzalez put out a recorded statement repeating that the city investigated and that the officers faced corrective action. "Their actions didn't meet the standards of conduct and professionalism that the city expects of all employees," said Gonzalez.

The NAACP and other groups want to know the details; they want more transparency about how the city is handling the controversial case. That's the message from a news conference held by the Anti-Police Terror Project.

VIDEO: San Leandro police chief investigated for hit and run: Here's why she hasn't been charged

The ABC7 Eyewitness News I-Team questions San Leandro's police chief about why she left the scene of an off-duty accident in her unmarked police car.

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Cat Brooks, the APTP's co-founder, said, "And I personally am tired of responding to these incidents. When are we going to admit that policing as we do it does not keep people safe? That it in fact makes people usually our most vulnerable people less safe?"

Recalled Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price also spoke; she's running for the office again. "And the fact that they felt like they could take this man, Mr. Coleman, and treat him like trash and dump him, dump him in Oakland is is a crime against humanity and it's outrageous behavior," Price said,

Price wants the current DA to investigate what happened. Ursula Jones-Dickson called the I-Team late today to say she first heard about this case from our report, and that discussions are underway to figure out which agency should take the lead. On another front, several groups are looking for Shaquille Colemen; they believe he may have grounds for a lawsuit against the city.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
Today co-anchor Savannah Guthries mom, Nancy Guthrie, is still missing more than two months after the abduction from her Tucson, Ariz., homeand a law enforcement insider just sent a direct message to Savannah and her family.

On Thursday, April 2, NewsNation Senior National Correspondent Brian Entin interviewed a source with inside knowledge of the investigation into the 84-year-olds missing case.

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The insiderwho remained anonymous, with their voice changed to protect their privacyshared what the Pima County Sheriff's Department would say to Savannah, at the request of Entin.

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Just to explain it to Savannah that, just because we have an incompetent lead doesnt mean that we dont care," he explained. "That we dont want Nancy to be brought home safely and that were not with her in this. We are completely with her and her family on this.

Related: Nancy Guthrie Update: Law Enforcement Insider Sends Blunt Message to Sheriff Chris Nanos

It's unclear whether the "incompetent lead" was Sheriff Chris Nanos or the lead investigator who reportedly never worked a homicide case before. However, Entin's source also weighed in on the recent no-confidence vote against Nanos.

"This isnt the first no confidence vote that weve done. So, it should have been no surprise to him, especially with whats been going on," the insider pointed out. "So now, not only our local community, Arizona in general, but just the nation now sees that we have no faith in Chris Nanos.

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Nancy was last seen on the evening of Jan. 31 at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson. As of writing, no suspect has been named, despite Savannah's $1 million reward offer.

Next: Nancy Guthrie Update: New Details on Suspect Situation Revealed by Law Enforcement Insider

This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
An RSPB reserve will construct a "beach-style" nesting pontoon for a species of seabird that breeds at the site.

Colonies of common terns migrate from Africa for the British summer, and raise their young at St Aidan's nature park near Castleford.

The wildlife charity has secured funding for a shale beach pontoon to replace the small wooden rafts that the birds had previously nested on.

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Lydia Teague, manager at the RSPB's reserves in the Aire Valley, said the amber-listed common tern was "absolutely stunning, beautiful".

Teague said the species was nicknamed "sea swallow" because of its size and forked tail.

She added: "They take advantage of the small fish we have up here and our nice long days to raise their young."

Common terns prefer areas surrounded by water with protection from ground predators.

They nest on shingle beaches, but are increasingly suffering from disturbance and are now classed as at moderate risk of conservation concern because of significant population decline in the past 40 years.

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Teague said: "Common terns do nest in continental Europe but we want to make sure we don't lose these species from the British Isles."

The nesting pontoon will be built at RSPB St Aidan's in the Aire Valley [RSPB]

The new artificial raft at St Aidan's will mean the birds "can settle together and feel safer," she added.

It will also reduce competition with the larger black-headed gull for breeding space at the site, as both species prefer the same habitat.

The pontoon will be installed at a time that is beneficial to the terns to prevent other birds colonising the space first.

"The common tern arrives back in the UK from mid-April," Teague said.

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"Black-headed gulls have already settled down by then and are sitting on their nests.

"It's all in the timing."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

More on this story
An explosion has occurred at the Israel Centre in Nijkerk to the east of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Dutch media reported on Saturday.

No one was injured in the blast, which took place late on Friday, the ANP news agency reported, citing police. Damage was reported to be limited.

Police appealed for information and said they were investigating. No arrests were made initially.

On its website, the organization describes the building as a meeting point for Christians with feelings of affection for Israel: "Our mission is to bring Biblical understanding in the Church concerning God's purposes for Israel and to promote comfort of Israel through prayer and action."

According to a report in the Dutch daily Trouw, the centre has in the recent past repeatedly been a target of protests by pro-Palestinian groups during which damage to property has been recorded.
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NASA shared this photo of Earth, snapped by Artemis 2 Commander Reid Wiseman, on April 3, 2026. | Credit: NASA/Reid Wiseman

We now know how far the Artemis 2 astronauts will get from Earth  and that distance will be unprecedented.

The Artemis 2 crew  NASA's Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen  will travel a maximum of 252,757 miles (406,773 kilometers) from their home planet, NASA announced today (April 3).

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The current human-distance record, set in April 1970 by the three astronauts of NASA's Apollo 13 mission, is 248,655 miles (400,171 km).

Artemis 2 will set the new mark on Monday (April 6), when its Orion capsule loops around the far side of the moon and starts heading back to Earth.

The mission was always expected to break Apollo 13's record. But the new distance estimate  which was revealed by Judd Freiling, the Artemis 2 ascent flight director, during a press briefing this afternoon  carries more weight than previous ones did.

That's because it was calculated after Orion's translunar injection (TLI) burn, a nearly six-minute-long maneuver that sent the capsule out of Earth orbit and on its way to the moon. Orion aced the TLI on Thursday evening (April 2), charting the course for the rest of the mission  and giving NASA some real numbers to crunch.

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"The translunar injection burn is the last major engine firing of the mission," NASA officials wrote in the Artemis 2 press kit .

"It propels Orion on a path toward the moon and sets it on the free-return trajectory that will ultimately bring crew back to Earth for splashdown," they added. "Though only two days into the mission, it essentially doubles as Orion's deorbit burn as well."

As those words indicate, Artemis 2 will not land on the moon, or even enter lunar orbit. It was designed from the start as a flyby mission, which aims to show that Orion is capable of carrying astronauts to and from the moon. If all goes to plan, more ambitious Artemis flights will follow, including the program's first crewed lunar landing with Artemis 4 in late 2028.

Apollo 13, by contrast, was supposed to touch down on the moon. However, an oxygen-tank explosion 56 hours after launch scotched those plans and put the mission into survival mode.

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And survive it did, thanks to the ingenuity and perseverance of the Apollo 13 astronauts  commander Jim Lovell, lunar module pilot Fred Haise and command module pilot Jack Swigert  and the folks in Mission Control. Lovell, Haise and Swigert made it back to Earth safely after swinging around the moon, etching their names into the history books for multiple reasons.

Lego Technic Nasa Artemis Space Launch System 42221

The only Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket, once built it can 'launch' thanks to the clever Technic engineering mechanisms inside. It stands 27.5-inches (70 cm) tall but is made from only 632 pieces, making this suitable for ages 9+, compared with the adult-oriented (and $260) static Lego Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System (10341) model.



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Members of an Ohio community are coming together to help a 5-year-old girl who was the sole survivor of a house fire that killed her mother, father, and 9-month-old brother this week.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As previously reported, the fire was reported around 1 a.m. on Wednesday in Lancaster.

Police identified the victims to our news partners at WBNS as Mason Marshall, Christen Woodman, and their 9-month-old baby.

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The sole survivor of the fire was the couples 5-year-old daughter, Rowyn.

A police report obtained by our news partners at WBNS revealed that Marshall held Rowyn out of a third-story window. Neighbors and police used a ladder to get her down.

After that, the officer told Marshall to go back inside and get the baby. He went back in, but did not return.

In the chaos of the moment, officers were under the impression additional victims were inside an upstairs window and asked for them to be retrieved. An adult as the window returned inside just as the upstairs floor became engulfed, Lancaster Police Chief Nicholas Snyder told WBNS.

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The house is considered a total loss from the fire.

In the days following the fire, business owners in Lancaster are stepping up to help the little girl, who is now staying with her grandfather.

Several businesses have started collecting donations of clothing, shoes, toys, blankets, gift cards, and money for her.

My heart breaks for them, so just very sad. We want to support the best way that we can, Danielle Axe, owner of Sweet Betty, said to WBNS.

There is also an online fundraiser that has already surpassed $35,000.

The cause of the deadly fire remains under investigation.

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Campaign contributions from Palantir are becoming a thorn in the side of Democrats in the midterms, as lawmakers on the left dig into the Trump administrations immigration efforts and the controversial tech companys involvement.

Several Democratic candidates have returned or donated funds from top Palantir executives and the companys political action committee (PAC), distancing themselves from the controversy over the firms sizable contracts with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The data analytics and software giants PAC and several top executives have donated to candidates in both parties for years, but its contributions are presenting new challenges for Democrats, who are criticizing enforcement tactics and surveillance technology while also running for office and collecting campaign funds.

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A campaign spokesperson for Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), who returned a $2,500 donation from the Employees of Palantir PAC earlier this year, told The Hill we dont want Palantir co-founder Peter Thiels money and we dont want his surveillance in our streets.

The donation, made to Moultons congressional committee before he launched a bid for Sen. Ed Markeys (D-Mass.) seat, was returned to the PAC in early January, campaign finance filings show.

As soon as we learned Palantirs tech was being used against the very community Seth stood beside in Minnesota, we purged their past donations from our books, the spokesperson told The Hill.

Concerns about ICE and Customs and Border Protections (CBP) crackdown on immigration reached a boiling point in Minnesota earlier this year, when the White House ramped up the presence of immigration officers in the state. Two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, were shot and killed by federal agents in separate incidents in January, amplifying criticism of President Trumps immigration policy.

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As midterm season gets underway, Democrats are seizing on the falling popularity of Trumps immigration agenda and the companies enlisted to help. Palantir is at the center of this debate, with lawmakers and immigration advocates raising concerns over broader surveillance and privacy implications of the technology.

Palantir, a longtime federal contractor, has scored several high-profile contracts in Trumps second term, including a $30 million deal with ICE to build an Immigration Lifestyle Operating System and a $1 billion purchasing agreement with the DHS.

In the face of Palantirs reputational challenges, several Democratic candidates have pledged not to take future funds tied to the company or donated contributions to advocacy groups.

A lot of Democrats are relying very heavily on political mobilization based on the outrage with ICE and the administration, political strategist Basil Smikle told The Hill. The questions around why candidates are taking that money and the relationship that they have with these interests is going to become much more important and relevant in these individual campaigns.

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Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said in late February he would no longer take such contributions. Khanna also donated the $49,000 he received from Palantir executives  including the companys chief technology officer Shyam Sankar, chief technology officer for U.S. government work Akash Jain and head of government affairs Mehdi Alhassani  since 2011.

I am proud to be the first Bay Area member to take the pledge to refuse all future individual contributions from Palantir, Khanna said last month. This quarter, I have donated all of the contributions I have ever received from Palantir executives  not just from this cycle.

Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) also stopped accepting donations from Palantir employees since the company secured a contract to develop an extensive surveillance platform for ICE last year, a spokesperson for the senators reelection campaign told The Hill on Wednesday.

He is donating previous Palantir-linked funds to nonprofits that provide legal assistance, shelter and other services to immigrants in Colorado, the spokesperson added. Campaign finance filings show he received about $51,000 from Sankar, Jain, Alhassani and Palantir CEO Alex Karp from 2020-25.

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Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) similarly pledged to donate Palantir-linked funds after The Colorado Sun inquired about the campaign contributions in February. He received $48,600 from the same four executives over the past five years, according to campaign finance filings.

These four executives, in addition to Jacob Helberg, a former senior adviser to Karp and current Trump administration official, accounted for 85 percent of Palantir employees total political contributions since 2006, according to the Purge Palantir campaign, which launched a tool earlier this year to track Palantir-linked political contributions.

Palantir has unmasked the true nature of their politics and vision of government, of what their company should be doing, said Jacinta Gonzalez, who works on the Purge Palantir campaign and serves as head of programs at progressive communications organization MediaJustice.

For that reason, its even more important now than it was to have accountability around how theyre using money to be able to manipulate the political environment and also policy, she said.

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Company-affiliated contributions have also been fodder in Democratic primary races. In the race to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), one attack advertisement knocked Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) for receiving money from the company.

Raja Krishnamoorthi is scared, so hes misleading you about Juliana Stratton. Because he has something to hide, the ad said, referring to the Illinois lieutenant governor who ultimately won the Democratic primary last month.

Hes been taking donations from an ICE contractor for 10 years. During that time, he voted to fund ICE. And when Chicago was being raided, he was taking money from an ICE contractor and even voting to honor ICE. When Illinois needed a fighter, Raja Krishnamoorthi sold us out.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported in December that Krishnamoorthi donated the $29,300 he received from Sankar to immigrant rights groups, though the congressmans defunct Senate campaign was not reachable for comment.

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In the race for retiring Rep. Jerry Nadlers (D-N.Y.) seat, an AI super PAC took aim at New York Assembly member Alex Bores in a series of attack ads in January, accusing him of hypocrisy over his work for Palantir. Bores served in various roles at the firm for about four years and says he resigned in 2019 because of the companys work with ICE.

Bores hit back at the super PAC at the time, accusing it of targeting lawmakers like me, who want real AI regulation instead of industry handouts.

It remains to be seen whether Palantir donations will be a litmus test in the midterms, but it will definitely be a way for voters to differentiate candidates, particularly within a Democratic primary, Smikle said.

A spokesperson for Palantir told The Hill the company will continue its work to protect U.S. troops, target terrorists, ease disaster relief delivery and catch child traffickers.

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Well continue to work with and support candidates and elected officials from either party who have a clear-eyed view about these issues and the role Palantir (and technology) plays in making America safer, the spokesperson added.

The dynamic around Palantir was on full display in the primary for the Democratic nomination to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.).

Michigan state Rep. Mallory McMorrow returned $4,750 that she received from a Palantir business development employee and a company lobbyist last year, a campaign spokesperson confirmed to The Hill.

Her opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), also received $1,500 from two Palantir lobbyists in 2025. She does not plan to return or donate the funds, a campaign spokesperson confirmed. When pressed by The Detroit News in March, the spokesperson argued Stevens is leading the fight to overhaul ICE and voted against funding for the agency until serious reforms are made.

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Democrats have demanded reforms to ICE and CBP, including stricter requirements for judicial warrants, a universal code of conduct for use of force and a ban on masks, in order to fund the DHS. The agency has been shut down since mid-February, though the end could be near as Republicans and Trump reached an agreement Wednesday that will involve a two-step path to reopen the DHS.

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.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President MK Stalin on Saturday said the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 targets minority communities and threatens religious freedom. He expressed concern that thousands of Christian schools and colleges could be affected and accused the Centre of using Prime Minister Modi's attendance at Christian events as a mere eyewash. While addressing a rally in Nagercoil, the Tamil Nadu CM said, "Minority communities are being targeted today. Due to amendments to the FCRA law, Christians are deeply angered. There are alleged plans to confiscate their properties. Prime Minister Modi is attending Christian events merely as an eyewash. Thousands of Christian colleges and schools across India could be affected. This is seen as an attack on religious freedom." The Bill provides for the cessation of the FCRA certificate of an organisation upon expiry, non-renewal or refusal of renewal by the government. The amendments also establish a designated authority for "a comprehensive framework for vesting, supervision, management and disposal of foreign contribution and assets, including provisional and permanent vesting." Earlier, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that minorities are receiving greater attention under the Government of India. He accused the Congress of treating Muslims as a vote bank and clarified that only illegal FCRA accounts would be impacted by the proposed changes. Speaking to ANI, Rijiju said, "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 govt. 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." (ANI)
In the wonky world of federal budgeting is the most tired cliche of all: The president proposes, and Congress disposes.

In other words, any White House budget request is nothing more than a political draft thats ultimately going to be significantly altered  or torn to shreds  by lawmakers who hold the constitutional power of the purse.

But this administrations moves to wrest spending authority away from Congress have turned that dynamic on its head. A year of funding clawbacks, shutdowns and Supreme Court challenges has changed the way many in Washington are looking at President Donald Trumps budget plan released Friday. Ultimately, even if Congress refuses to approve Trumps latest funding wishes, the administration may implement many of them anyway.

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Plus, its not just Congress and the White House involved in the budget conversation right now  everyone is still waiting to see if the Supreme Court weighs in on the legality of the so-called pocket rescissions that Trump employed last year to circumvent Congress and unilaterally cancel nearly $5 billion in foreign aid spending.

Its hard enough to get 12 appropriations bills done and even harder when youre not sure if the deal that you strike is even a deal, said Joe Carlile, an associate director at OMB during the Biden administration and longtime House Appropriations aide who now runs Bluestem Consulting.

The pocket rescissions gambit refers to occasions where an administration sends Congress a list of previously-approved funding to eliminate with less than 45 days to go until the end of the current fiscal year, then pockets  or withholds  that funding until a new fiscal year begins, at which point it is considered expired.

Though the Supreme Court, in a preliminary decision last fall, allowed the Office of Management and Budget to proceed with canceling the foreign aid funding, justices havent yet weighed in on the larger pocket rescissions question. That could only empower Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, certainly the most powerful OMB director in recent memory, in his approach and the expansiveness of his mandate.

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Under President Trumps bold leadership, every tool in the executive fiscal toolbox has been utilized to achieve real savings, Vought wrote in an introduction to the administrations newest fiscal framework.

A historic paradigm shift in the budget process is occurring and is producing real results for the American public, he added.

These days, Voughts aggressive use of his budget tools looms over every budget debate and document, including the one released Friday. Voughts proposal asks Congress to approve a massive $1.5 trillion defense request as well as a $73 billion cut to domestic programs, including many that lawmakers refused to cut last year.

Given the Administrations focus on nondefense discretionary spending reductions, most budget analysts assume that this would be the target of rescissions if they were unsuccessful in the appropriation process, said G. William Hoagland, a senior vice president of the Bipartisan Policy Center who spent decades on Capitol Hill as a senior Republican budget aide. It does change the way we look at the request.

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In another power move Friday, the Trump administration is asking Congress to ram through $350 billion in defense spending to assist Iran conflict through the party-line budget reconciliation process as an end-run on the Senate filibuster. That recommendation would upend one of the last bipartisan traditions on Capitol Hill: funding the government through the dozen annual government funding bills.

The proposal has Democrats and Washington lobbyists now closely watching the budget proposal and OMBs current spending moves for signs of what the White House may try to muscle through, rescind or delay next  and how they should approach Appropriations Committee markups later this year in the House and Senate.

Meanwhile, less than a year after Elon Musk and DOGE rampaged through the federal bureaucracy, the government  just five months past its last major shutdown  remains in the grip of a partial closure, with a deal to fully open the Department of Homeland Security still on the table.

Congressional appropriators have sought to assert their independence in previous budget battles. Still, their power has been declining for the better part of three decades now  and the way Washington budgets seems increasingly disrupted.

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While the Administration proposes a budget, Congress holds the power of the purse, Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) said in a statement Friday.

True, but who disposes is as unclear as ever.
A class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California yesterday, alleging that Perplexity AI shared users personal information with Meta Platforms Inc and Alphabet Inc.s Google, in violation of California privacy laws.

The lawsuit  Doe v. Perplexity AI Inc., 3:26-cv-02803, US District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco)  filed by a Utah man identified as John Doe stated that he shared personal information about his taxes, investments and family finances with the AI chatbot, believing those conversations were private, Bloomberg first reported.

Doe claimed the AI company integrated undetectable tracking software into its search engine code, which automatically sends users' conversations to Meta, Google and other third parties.

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We have not been served any lawsuit that matches this description, so we are unable to verify its existence or claims," Jesse Dwyer, chief communications officer for Perplexity, wrote in a statement to Benzinga.

The lawsuit also accused Meta and Google of violating state and federal computer privacy and fraud laws.

Perplexity and Others in Court

This was not the first time that Perplexity has been sued.

Last month, a federal judge in San Francisco issued a preliminary injunction preventing Perplexity from using its Comet browser's AI agent to enter password-protected areas of Amazon's website and make purchases for users.

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The lawsuit alleged the company deliberately disguised its AI agent as a regular Google Chrome browser session and was not transparent about its usage.

Amazon also has another lawsuit against Perplexity over its "Buy with Pro" e-commerce feature, which Amazon alleged scrapped product listings without authorization.

Trending: This Startup Thinks It Can Reinvent the Wheel  Literally

This was not the first case of artificial intelligence overstepping the boundaries of set rules and regulations.

In a class action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Julia Angwin  a contributing opinion editor at The New York Times  alleged Grammarlys artificial intelligence tool Expert Review used her name and others without prior consent.

Anthropic, the AI company behind the Claude chatbot, was facing a lawsuit from music rights management company BMG.

According to a Rolling Stone report, BMG alleged Anthropic used lyrics from major artists to train its chatbot without obtaining proper authorization.

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In a more serious case, three Tennessee teenagers filed a federal class-action lawsuit against Elon Musks xAI, claiming its AI chatbot Grok created and spread sexualized images of them without consent, Reuters reported.

Read Next:

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This article Perplexity AI Under Fire In Lawsuit Alleging Privacy Violations originally appeared on Benzinga.com
Chicago police said a male of unknown age was found dead on train tracks on the CTAs Blue Line on Saturday morning.

Responding officers found the male lying on tracks in a train tunnel just after 10 a.m. in the 5400 block of the Eisenhower Expressway, police said. Police didnt say whether the male was struck by a train or suffered any other trauma.

The male was pronounced dead at the scene and an autopsy was scheduled for Sunday.

Illinois State police assisted Chicago police with lane closures on the eastbound Eisenhower and Cicero Avenue, authorities said.
A Pittsburgh man was handed his sentence on Thursday after being convicted of distributing child pornography.

Justin Hughes, 45, was sentenced in federal court to 15 years in jail, followed by 10 years of supervision, according to the Department of Justice. He was also ordered to pay restitution to a victim.

Prosecutors say Hughes sent at least two emails containing child pornography, including 11 video files and an image, to another person in Ohio.

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Law enforcement connected the emails to Hughes, a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania with a prior sexual abuse conviction around 2007, the DOJ says.

Before handing down the sentence, the judge commented on how serious the offenses were and noted the harm done to a victim.

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Its Nerf War Season for local students, and one police department is cautioning students to stay safe.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Bellbrook Police Department said every year they see the real risks that come with the tradition.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Across Ohio, Nerf Wars have led to car crashes, 911 calls for suspicious persons, dangerous misunderstandings, and, in one case, a shooting.

The department reminded students to:

Never play in or around moving vehicles

Do not trespass or hide on private property

Keep Nerf blasters brightly colored

Avoid masks or behavior that could alarm others

If you are stopped by police, follow commands

Have fun, but remember not everyone knows youre playing a game, the department said.

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Fort Pierce Police Department is investigating an early morning shooting in the 1600 blook of North 12 Street.

At approximately 4:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, officers responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting on North 12 Street, according to the Fort Pierce Police Department reports. An adult male was found dead at the scene with an apparent gunshot wound, reports said.

Police reports say this appears to be an isolated incident with no threat to the public. No other information is available at this time.

Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar is coming to Fort Pierce in 2026. These photos are from the Winter Haven location. Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar is coming to Fort Pierce in 2026. These photos are from the Winter Haven location. Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar is coming to Fort Pierce in 2026. These photos are from the Winter Haven location. Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar is coming to Fort Pierce in 2026. These photos are from the Winter Haven location. Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar is coming to Fort Pierce in 2026. These photos are from the Winter Haven location. Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar is coming to Fort Pierce in 2026. These photos are from the Winter Haven location. Hungry Crab is coming to Fort Pierce in 2026 1 of 6 Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar is coming to Fort Pierce in 2026. These photos are from the Winter Haven location.

Those with any information regarding this incident are asked to reach out to the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-462-6800.

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This story may be updated.

Colleen Wixon is the Indian River County government watchdog reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Fort Pierce police investigate shooting; one person dead
ROME (AP)  Pope Leo XIV washed the feet of 12 priests in the traditional Holy Thursday ritual, restoring a tradition his predecessor had broken by including laypeople and non-Christians in ceremonies at prisons, juvenile detention halls and centers for asylum-seekers.

The priests included 11 ordained by Leo last year, along with the Rev. Renzo Chiesa, the director of the Rome Diocese's primary seminary.

Leo poured water from a golden pitcher over the priests feet before drying them with a white cloth and bestowing a kiss, in what the pontiff in his homily called a gratuitous and humble gesture" that demonstrates the true omnipotence of God.

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Indeed, through this act, Jesus purifies not only our image of God  from the idolatry and blasphemy that have distorted it  but also our image of humanity, Leo said in his homily inside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the official ecclesiastical seat of the pope as the bishop of Rome.

For we tend to consider ourselves powerful when we dominate, victorious when we destroy our equals, great when we are feared, said the pontiff, who has been outspoken against war. In contrast, as true God and true man, Christ offers us the example of self-giving, service and love.

The Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony is a hallmark of every Holy Week and recalls the foot-washing Jesus performed on his 12 apostles at The Last Supper together before he was crucified.

Francis revolutionized the ritual for the Vatican by insisting, from his first Holy Thursday as pope in 2013, that it include women and people of other faiths among the 12. Previously, popes performed the ritual on Catholic men only at the Rome basilica.

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Leos decision to restore the prominent place of priests during the ritual is both a return to tradition and a gesture consistent with what seems to be his effort to encourage Catholic clergy and reinforce his appreciation of their service.

Pope Francis often criticized priests and what he called the clerical culture that places priests on a pedestal, above the laity. Francis believed such an attitude was responsible for the abuses of power and authority epitomized by the clergy sexual abuse crisis.

Leo, though, has spoken out about the need to protect priests' rights. He devoted his April prayer intentions to priests in crisis, those who have lost hope because of loneliness, exhaustion or doubt.

Let them feel they are not mere functionaries or lonely heroes, but beloved sons, humble and cherished disciples, and pastors sustained by the prayer of their people, Leo said in the prayer intentions released this week by the Vatican.

He asked for God to teach the faithful to care for their priests, to listen without judging, to give thanks without demanding perfection, and accompany them with prayer.
PennDOT will be back in Bucks County in the coming days making pavement repairs.

The agency has received more than 6,000 complaints about potholes in southeastern Pennsylvania so far this year, according to a PennDOT release, and used almost 1,700 tons of asphalt in the Philadelphia region in 2026.

PennDOT officials said that periodic daytime closures and possible slowdowns will occur next week at the following Bucks County locations:

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U.S 13 (Bristol Pike), Falls Township and Tullytown Borough

Route 513 (Hulmeville Road), Bensalem Township

Route 663 (John Fries Highway), Milford Township and Quakertown Borough

County Line Road/Main Street, West Rockhill Township and Telford Borough

Fifth Street, East Rockhill Township and Perkasie Borough

Highland Avenue/Comly Avenue, Middletown Township and Langhorne Manor Borough

Mechanicsville Road, Buckingham and Solebury townships

Old Bristol Pike, Falls Township and Morrisville Borough

Those who want to report potholes on state highways may call 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

Retired Bensalem Police Officer David Clee Sr. remembers the Abt family, who were murdered by George Geschwendt in 1976, in Trevose on March 25, 2026. An old Bucks County Courier Times newspaper clipping about the Abt family, who were murdered by George Geschwendt in 1976, that Retired Bensalem Police Officer David Clee Sr. kept at his home in Trevose on March 25, 2026. Retired Bensalem Police Officer David Clee Sr. goes through old bucks County Courier Times newspaper clippings about the Abt family, who were murdered by George Geschwendt in 1976, in Trevose on March 25, 2026. Old Bucks County Courier Times newspaper clippings about the Abt family, who were murdered by George Geschwendt in 1976, that Retired Bensalem Police Officer David Clee Sr. kept at his home in Trevose on March 25, 2026. Retired Bensalem Police Officer David Clee Sr. goes through newspaper clippings about the Abt family, who were murdered by George Geschwendt in 1976, in Trevose on March 25, 2026. A copy of the book, Killer In The House, by Kathryn Canavan about the Abt family, who were murdered by George Geschwendt in 1976, in Trevose on March 25, 2026. The side door of the house the Abt family, who were murdered by George Geschwendt in 1976, lived in in Trevose on March 25, 2026. Retired cop still remembers shocking murder of Abt family 1 of 7 Retired Bensalem Police Officer David Clee Sr. remembers the Abt family, who were murdered by George Geschwendt in 1976, in Trevose on March 25, 2026.

Heres how to know if a road is maintained by the state:

Signs  look for keystone-shaped roadside markers such as Route 32 (River Road), 413, 611 and 132 and PA 663. Bridgetown Pike and Swamp Road are also state-owned.

4-Digit markers  in rural areas, look for small, white, index-card-sized signs with 4-digit numbers on poles.

Road names vs. numbers  many state-maintained roads in urban areas have local names, but are officially classified under a 4-digit SR number in the PennDOT Location Referencing System.

Maps and apps  use PennDOT's interactive map or county maps to confirm, as these are constantly updated.

Numbers range  Traffic routes are 00010999, while secondary, state-maintained "quadrant routes" are numbered 10004999.

Here's how potholes form, according to PennDOT.

Jess Rohan can be reached at jrohan@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Potholes in these Bucks County towns to get fix in early April
The radiated tortoise is one of the most striking reptiles on Earth, yet it is now facing a serious threat to its survival. Found only in the dry southern forests of Madagascar, this species has experienced a dramatic population decline over the past decade. Experts estimate that its numbers have dropped by nearly half, raising urgent concerns among conservationists. Known for its beautiful shell with bright yellow star patterns, the radiated tortoise is both visually unique and biologically remarkable. Its domed shell is not just protective but also sensitive, containing nerves and blood vessels that allow it to feel touch. These tortoises are also known for their exceptional longevity, with some individuals living well beyond a century. One recorded tortoise even reached an estimated age of 188 years, highlighting the species' long life cycle and slow reproduction rate. However, these same traits also make recovery from population loss extremely difficult, increasing the risk of extinction if current trends continue.

The primary drivers behind the decline of the radiated tortoise are human activities, particularly hunting and illegal trade. In parts of Madagascar, the tortoise is hunted for its meat, which is considered a delicacy despite legal protections. At the same time, its beautifully patterned shell has made it highly desirable in the illegal pet market. Conservation groups estimate that hundreds of thousands of these tortoises are removed from the wild each year, a rate that the population cannot sustain. The combination of poaching and trafficking has devastated natural populations and disrupted ecosystems where the species plays an important role. Without immediate intervention, experts warn that the radiated tortoise could face extinction within the next two decades. Conservation efforts are underway, focusing on habitat protection, stricter law enforcement, and raising awareness about the consequences of wildlife exploitation. The story of the radiated tortoise serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly human actions can threaten even the most resilient species. Protecting it will require global attention and long term commitment.
For more than a century, shoreline stations operated by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have measured water temperatures along the California coast. This year, they are flashing a warning sign.

Over the last three months, several stations have repeatedly posted record-breaking daily high temperatures  with the La Jolla station registering temperatures a full 10F above historical average at one point last month.

The waters of southern California historically warm every few years as tropical currents make their way north, a phenomenon known as El Nino. But the marine heatwave that started last fall wasnt caused by tropical currents. Instead, a high-pressure atmospheric system  think of calm, sunny days  has perched above southern California, warming both air and sea above historic levels. The same phenomenon has helped fuel a ferocious California heatwave on land.

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Related: Testing the waters: can pumping chemicals into the ocean help stop global heating?

The extended ocean warming has drawn comparisons to the Blob, a three-year marine heatwave caused by similar prolonged high-pressure conditions a decade ago that devastated marine life. The next few weeks are likely to determine whether this marine heatwave fizzles out or evolves into something more Blob-like, scientists say.

The biggest concern is how the year plays out, Andrew Leising, an oceanographer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said. We could be looking at much larger impacts next fall and winter, if it stays warm and then its followed by a strong El Nino.

Its typical in the spring for shifting atmospheric conditions to generate north-westerly winds that push warm surface water back out to the open ocean, allowing cooler water from below to rise to the surface  a phenomenon called upwelling. Upwelling brings nutrient-rich water from the depths to the surface, feeding the phytoplankton that play a crucial role in supporting much of Californias marine life.

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Over the last few days, high water temperatures have cooled somewhat, raising the prospect that the heatwave may be dissipating already. It will take more time, however, to know for sure that the heat is clearing.

The expectation right now is that likely the waters down to even southern California should start cooling a little bit into next month, but its not a guaranteed thing, Leising said. The concern is the sequence of events and how they unfold.

Prolonged ocean heat has a devastating impact on phytoplankton and can cause harmful algal blooms. Those changes can wreak havoc on many forms of marine life, from sea lions and dolphins, to shore birds and halibut. The Blob years led to one of the worst Dungeness crab seasons in recent history, said Melissa Carter, a researcher at the UC-San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Such heatwaves are becoming more common and lasting longer, partly because of the slow warming of the oceans driven by the climate crisis, and partly because of atmospheric changes that scientists are still struggling to understand.

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The question is whats causing us to have these extreme warm temperatures? Carter said. What are the drivers? Thats what were trying to find out.

What concerns Carter is that once these high-pressure systems establish themselves in an area, they create a feedback loop that tends to reinforce warm, calm conditions, making upwelling less likely to occur, she said.

If these systems do become that strong and persistent, where they come every year, it can have the potential to shut down upwelling, Carter said. Everything we think of related to the health of the ecosystems of the west coast could be forever altered.

The lingering ocean heat offers a few upsides, though they pale in comparison with the costs. The warmer water temperatures bring tuna far closer to shore, making it easier to fish for them. Surfers and swimmers have also enjoyed warmer water through the winter.

I enjoy being in the water when its a marine heatwave, Carter said. But our ocean should not be a swimming pool. Nothing can live in a swimming pool. Thats not what we want.
Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Kharagpur Sadar assembly constituency, Dilip Ghosh, on Saturday expressed serious concern over the law and order situation in West Bengal, citing recent violent incidents that have drawn nationwide attention. Speaking to ANI, Kharagpur Sadar BJP candidate Dilip Ghosh said, "The kind of incidents happening in Bengal are a matter of concern for people across the country...Mamata Banerjee said that people are coming from outside and committing these crimes. What does her government do? What does the police do?..." On Friday, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju also slammed the West Bengal government over the Malda incident, asserting that it "doesn't believe in the Constitution" and perceives itself to be "above the judiciary and Supreme Court." "The TMC government in West Bengal doesn't believe in the Constitution of India. TMC thinks it is above the judiciary and the Supreme Court. One must follow the rule of law and follow the Constitution. TMC, being frustrated, is taking the law into its hands. The people of West Bengal are ready to punish the TMC government in Bengal," he told ANI. The Malda incident triggered a major political storm in the state after seven judicial officers, including three women, were reportedly held hostage by villagers on April 1. The standoff arose following mass deletions from the electoral rolls under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Furthermore, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to instigate unrest in Malda, alleging that outsiders were brought in to provoke violence. The allegations come amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal, with parties gearing up for the upcoming state Assembly elections. As West Bengal assembly elections near, on Thursday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of conspiring to get the upcoming polls cancelled and impose President's rule in the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP plans to "cancel the elections and capture Bengal forcefully". "You (BJP) have tried to provoke people in many ways. The plan is to cancel the elections. If that happens, nobody will have the right to vote. They will capture Bengal forcefully. ECI has snatched away my powers and has imposed a 'super President's Rule' with the help of the Home Minister and the Governor," CM Banerjee said. The 294-member West Bengal Assembly will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. In the 2021 elections, the Trinamool Congress had secured a landslide victory with 213 seats, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats. Congress and the Left Front had failed to win any seats in the last polls. . (ANI)
A juvenile gray whale that somehow found its way into the north fork of the Willapa River in Pacific County may have made its way back to open waters.

The whale was spotted on April 1. While it was thin, it was behaving normally and didnt appear to have any injuries, according to the Cascadia Research Collection (CRC).

A CRC team was out on the river on Thursday trying to relocate the whale, but was unsuccessful.

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We are giving the whale time and space to leave the river on its own, but plans are being made with our partners at NOAA and WDFW if intervention is needed in the coming days, CRC wrote on Facebook on Thursday.

Its unclear how far inland the whale got.

CRC and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), with assistance from members of the Chinook and Shoalwater Bay Tribes, conducted an extensive on-water search for the young gray whale.

The whale was not seen on the river on Friday, and CRC said it is hopeful that it made its way back to Willapa Bay and open water.

If the whale is seen again, report it to 360-791-9555.
The House voted overwhelmingly Friday to allow introduction of a resolution calling for the expulsion of an absentee Republican delegate, only to see it assigned to the House Rules Committee where it is likely to die without a hearing.

Del. Lauren Arikan (R-Harford) introduced the resolution late Friday to remove Del. Christopher Bouchat (R-Carroll and Frederick), who has been skipping floor votes and committee sessions since late February.

Because it was introduced Friday  weeks after a deadline for legislation to be introduced  Arikan needed support from at least 95 delegates to allow the resolution to be introduced. The vote to accept was 102-14. But then it was assigned to the House Rules Committee, where it chances are slim with a little more than a week left in the session.

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The committee meets on Monday afternoon to discuss two bills. Rules Committee Chair Del. Anne Healey (D-Prince Georges) cast doubt on the Bouchat resolution getting a hearing before the session ends on April 13.

I dont know that we will, Healey said Friday. Its very late filed. We dont normally have hearings on late-file bills.

Arikan said the resolution was filed late because it was just this week when it became clear that Bouchats absence was hurting the work of the Judiciary Committee, which she and Bouchat sit on. Healey was not impressed,

Everybody has a justification for their late-filed bills, but it is very late, and we have a lot of work to do, so Im not sure that well get to it, Healey said after the vote. We have a lot of bills that are piling up.

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When asked if failing to take up the resolution told other delegates that consequences can be avoided if they wait until late in the session to stop coming to work, or otherwise flout the rules, Healey said: I dont have anything to say about that.

Arikan drafted the resolution after Bouchat, in late February, began skipping his legislative duties. He comes to the State House daily  he was not present Friday  to register his attendance on the House floor in the morning. After checking in, he leaves Annapolis and returns to his welding business in Arbutus.

Arikan held out hope the committee would still take up the matter.

I think he should be removed and I think the people of Carroll and Frederick should have the opportunity to have somebody appointed by the governor to replace him, Arikan said after the vote. Anybody who doesnt want to be here, who feels that his presence is irrelevant, I would say, Sure, and well replace you with somebody who wants to be here.

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Both the House and Senate set their own rules governing their respective chambers. The Maryland Constitution lays out provisions for removal of lawmakers, including failure to act  the provision to which Arikan said she drew her resolution. But no lawmaker has ever been removed under the provision, though one  Sen. Frank J. McCourt  came close in 1969.

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House Minority Leader Del. Jason C. Buckel (R-Allegany) said there is not a clear standard for how you can expel a duly elected member for failure to perform their duties. But he said he would tell Bouchat to come here and participate.

Whether he enjoys it, whether he thinks its fruitless or not, Buckel said. I think for the remaining days that hes been here, he would have done himself a better service, and his constituents a better service, to participate.

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In addition to the Arikan resolution, Bouchats District 5 colleagues and the Frederick News-Post have both called on the first-term delegate to resign.

Buckel, who voted to allow Arikans resolution to be introduced, wondered if an effort to expel Bouchat would make much difference.

So, after the next few days, does Delegate Bouchats absence really make much of a difference? No, but well see, Buckel said. He shouldnt have done things the way that hes done them. We wish that he wouldnt have, but at the end of the day, Im not sure what the standard is to expel someone under those circumstances.

Bouchat, in a text exchange Friday, called the expulsion effort truly a distraction and seems disingenuous.

Del. Christopher Eric Bouchat (R-Frederick and Carroll) sports a Maryland flag-themed top hat on opening day of the 2024 session. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

He said others including Del. Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) have not been subjected to similar efforts. Jones, the former speaker, has missed all but a handful of days of the 2026 session.

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Few details about Jones absence are known, except that she is said to be under a doctors care and her absences are considered excused. Bouchat, on the other hand, has intentionally skipped floor and committee meetings starting in late February after expressing frustration over one of his bills being held in committee, and questioning the effectiveness of Republicans who make up just 39 of the 141 House seats.

I think, quite frankly, there are several members of the House of Delegates this session who indicated they werent running for another term, Buckel said. Theyre in their last few days here, who arent here very often. Im sure they all have particular factors that go into that. But Del. Bouchat has been much more almost confrontational in ways about his decisions not to be here and why hes doing it, how hes doing it.

Bouchat has also complained that his job as a delegate cost his business at least $250,000 as he misses time at work to attend the 90-day sessions.

Bouchat  who is not seeking reelection this fall  did not respond to direct questions about whether he should be expelled. He questioned the need to remove him with the session entering its last full week.

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In two weeks there will be no more voting and we will all be doing the same thing, he said in the text. I have employees off, so I am busy in shop being productive as a welder.

 Reporters Danielle J. Brown and William J. Ford contributed to this report.
April 4 (UPI) -- A Russian drone attack on a market in Nikopol, Ukraine, killed five people and injured at least 19 others Saturday, local officials said.

The strike hit the town in southeastern Ukraine, just across the Dnipro river from Ukrainian land now occupied by Russia, the BBC reported. Nikopol faces regular attacks from Russia due to its proximity.

Oleksandr Hanzha, the head of the regional military administration, said there were three women and two men among the dead. The injured included a 14-year-old girl, Sky News reported.

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The Ukrainian prosecutor general's office described the attack as "yet another war crime by Russia."

The nearby city of Sumy was also targeted by strikes overnight, with 11 people injured, the national police said. Among the damaged buildings were residential areas and utility networks.

The country's State Emergency Service also reported strikes at a three-story office building in Kyiv, causing a fire on the first floor.

All told, the Ukrainian military said it down 260 of the 286 drone strikes launched toward its airspace overnight.

uk
(FOX40.COM)  A Sacramento man is a multimillionaire after snagging a lucky lottery ticket from a local liquor store.

Video: Warm Friday with a chilly evening  temperatures should creep into 80s for weekend

The man, Raul Servellon de Leo, won $12 million. He bought the ticket on Nov. 29, 2025.

He purchased the SuperLotto Plus ticket at King Wine & Liquor 2 on Fruitridge Road in Sacramento, according to a news release from the California Lottery.

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The odds of hitting all five numbers and the Mega is 1 in 41.5 million.

Each SuperLotty Plus jackpot starts at $7 million. Each prize gets larger if there are no winners.

If theres more than one grand prize winner, the jackpot is equally divided among them.

Ninety-five percent of each dollar is contributed to public schools and colleges.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
April 4 (UPI) -- Israel's military suspended attacks in an area of Iran where a U.S. airman is believed to be lost as U.S. forces carried out a second day of search-and-rescue operations Saturday.

The service member was one of two pilots on board an F-15E fighter jet that Iran shot down over its airspace on Friday. U.S. officials were able to safely rescue one of the pilots, but the second was missing.

An unnamed Israeli official told The New York Times that the Israeli military halted its operations in the area -- the mountainous regions of Kohgiluyeh, Boyer-Ahmad and Khuzestan provinces -- amid the search. The official said it was also sharing information with U.S. officials to aid in the rescue mission.

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Meanwhile, state-run media in Iran encouraged civilians in the region to also look for the missing U.S. airman, The Guardian reported.

Speaking Friday with NBC News, President Donald Trump said the downed U.S. fighter jet won't affect the United States' negotiations with Iran more than a month after U.S. and Israeli forces began strikes on the country.

"No, not at all," Trump said of the possibility. "No, it's war. We're in war."

A U.S. official told NBC News that it's believed that the downed F-14E fighter jet was originally based out of Royal Air Force Lakenheath in Britain.

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Elsewhere, Iraq closed its border crossing with Iran at Shalamja on Saturday after an Iranian missile strike at the site killed one person and injured five others. Lt. Gen. Omar al-Waeli, who heads the Border Ports Authority, said the injured were injured were taken to a hospital in Iran.

All trade and passenger traffic were halted, the Iraqi News Agency reported.

"There are alternatives to Shalamja crossing, regarding the entry of goods, such as the Safwan border crossing, in addition to the existence of other land crossings operating in the rest of the govern orates in order to secure the entry of goods and commodities," al-Waeli said.
President Donald Trump had said Iran couldn't "do a thing" about American aircraft operating over its territory, insisting its air defences had been significantly weakened.

His Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also said the US had achieved "air superiority" over Iran.

So, Friday's downing of a F-15 Eagle is a significant blow to Washington DC.

It suggests Iran is still able to defend its skies, even if at a limited capacity.

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The stakes could rise further, though, depending on who the missing weapons systems officer is captured, or rescued, by.

The BBC understands President Trump's national security team spent much of Thursday in the West Wing briefing him on a search-and-rescue mission that also came under Iranian fire. US media report the crew were wounded but managed to escape Iranian airspace.

Publicly, the president has played down this entire incident and suggested it won't affect negotiations with Tehran to end the war that began with US and Israeli strikes on 28 February. But privately, this is likely to be of serious concern - particularly as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is said to have launched its own search for the missing American, reportedly using troops and locals, and offering them a reward of around $66,000 (50,000) to capture him alive.

[BBC]

If the missing American is found by Iranian forces, the implications could be profound. At the very least, it would be a political embarrassment for Washington.

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The US airman could be paraded as a propaganda tool, which would bring back grim reminders of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, when American diplomats were held for 444 days.

Following a failed military rescue, the US secured their release by lifting some sanctions and unfreezing nearly $8bn worth of Iranian assets. It was an event that left deep political scars in the US.

Successive administrations also went to great lengths to secure the release of detained Americans, at times through controversial means.

For example, in 2014, President Barack Obama's administration exchanged five Taliban detainees, held at Guantanamo Bay detention camp, for Bowe Bergdahl, a US Army soldier captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2009. Critics argued this swap incentivised future hostage-taking.

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That history raises difficult questions for this White House.

The capture of a US service member could intensify pressure on President Trump to act decisively and escalate militarily in response, or, on the other hand, it could create an opening to pause operations and pursue backchannel efforts to secure the airman's return.

If the missing American is captured by the Iranians and used as a bargaining chip, it would be a serious test for Washington in this already volatile conflict.

For now, what's unfolding is a high-stakes race on the ground between the two adversaries to find him.

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Lawmakers here in Washington have said prayers and expressed support. However, divisions are emerging. Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace said it was "far past time we bring troops home", while Democratic Senator Tim Kaine urged Iran to treat any captured airman in line with international law.

There is growing concern about the risk to US service personnel in this conflict, particularly amid talk of a possible ground invasion. Across the political spectrum, there is little appetite for another so-called "forever war", or for further American casualties.

On Saturday, President Trump reiterated his deadline for Iran to agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Monday, 6 April, or face "hell", including strikes on its energy infrastructure. His deadlines have shifted repeatedly, alongside claims that ongoing talks are "very good" and "productive" - talks Tehran denies have taken place.

With promises of further US strikes in the coming weeks, a steady US military build-up in the Gulf, and forewarnings by Trump of further US casualties, the signs increasingly point to an escalation that is already under way.
A second person has been arrested in connection to the deadly shooting of a baby girl in Brooklyn.

Police believe 18-year-old Matthew Rodriguez is the second suspect wanted for operating the moped during the deadly shooting of 7-month-old child Kaori Patterson-Moore on Wednesday in East Williamsburg. He was taken into custody in Pennsylvania on Friday by NYPD detectives assigned to the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force. Charges against him are pending.

The alleged gunman, who was a passenger on the moped, was already in custody.

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The suspected gunman, 21-year-old Amuri Greene, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and assault. He was arrainged from his hospital bed on Friday where he is being treated for a broken leg.

He was remanded and held without bail and is due back in court on April 8.

Officials say Rodriguez was identified through his suspected gang ties and his fingerprints left on the scooter, recovered by police in the hours after the shooting.

Rodriguez has one prior arrest as a juvenile that is sealed. Greene also has a juvenile record which is sealed.

The 7-month-old child was being pushed in a stroller by her mother when shots rang out on Wednesday at Humboldt and Moore streets around 1 p.m.

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As people ran for cover, the baby's mother, father and 2-year-old brother fled to a nearby bodega where they realized the baby had been shot. The child's father ran to the nearby Woodhull Hospital with the baby, where she was pronounced dead.

The baby's family said she had just started talking and saying the word "mama."

Eyewitness News spoke with the baby's mother extensively on Friday, and she gave us permission to share her post from TikTok:

The baby's mother gave Eyewitness News permission to share what she posted on TikTok.

Attorney General Letitia James will attend a noon vigil Saturday for the 7-month-old girl, organized by local clergy.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

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A man accused of posing as a rideshare driver in San Francisco and raping four women in the last decade is set to spend more than 100 years in prison.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced the conviction on Friday and talked about the key evidence that led the jury to reach this verdict Wednesday.

A once cold case now resulting in a conviction of a serial rapist in San Francisco.

"After many years of waiting, justice has finally been served," said District Attorney Jenkins.

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Orlando Vilchez Lazo, 44, is facing more than 100 years to life in state prison for attacking, kidnapping and sexually assaulting multiple women.

His first victim: a 21-year-old coming out of a nightclub in 2013. He took her to "an abandoned, industrial area, locked the car door and proceeded to rape her."

"It began to be clear that the strategy of this serial rapist was to present himself as a rideshare driver," said Jenkins.

RESOURCES: Get help with sexual assault, rape, and abuse

For five years, the DNA of an unknown rapist sat in a database. Then in 2018, there was a match.

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Three other victims also in their early 20s reported a driver with a rideshare decal on his vehicle, tricked them into believing he was the driver they were waiting for when they exited night clubs in the SoMa neighborhood. All instances report a similar pattern of being taken to Mansell Street where the driver violently raped them.

An SFPD undercover team noticed a suspicious driver circling the area of Howard and Second Street at night and pulled him over. It was Vilchez Lazo.

"Some of the victims were able to identify Mr. Vilchez Lazo out of a line up. Multiple phones of their that he took from them so that they couldn't call for help were found in his residence," said Jenkins.

RELATED: 'Rideshare Rapist' accused of raping 4 women in SF pleads not guilty to all charges

In a statement, the San Francisco Public Defenders office said they were disappointed by the verdict and accused SFPD of acting "...unconstitutionally by collecting key evidence from Mr. Vilchez Lazo without a warrant. We intend to appeal, and we're optimistic that the appellate court will render an appropriate ruling."

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Vilchez Lazo is an undocumented immigrant from Peru.

Uber and Lyft have worked for years to increase safety features for riders and passengers including background checks, but Ivy Lee, director of the Mayor's Office for Victims' Rights, doesn't think the changes and new policies have been enough.

"The rideshare company should immediately have zero tolerance they should share information with every other rideshare company that says this person can no longer drive," said Lee.

We asked DA Jenkins about the five year gap between attacks and if there were other victims.

"At this time, I think we all have that same question. Unfortunately, we don't know," said Jenkins.

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Lee is encouraging any other survivor to come forward.

"It's safe to do it now, if you want to. If you do want to there are many resources that are available to be there for you to listen to your story and believe you," said Lee.

DA Jenkin and Lee both emphasized the importance of reporting these crimes and getting the DNA into the national database.

Vilchez Lazo sentencing has not been scheduled, but is expected to happen later this month.

Full statement by the SF Public Defenders office:

"While we are disappointed in the jury's verdict, we appreciate their diligence over the last few months," said Deputy Public Defender Max Breecker, who represented Vilchez Lazo. "This was a difficult case that was marred by clear misconduct by the San Francisco Police Department, which acted unconstitutionally by collecting key evidence from Mr. Vilchez Lazo without a warrant. We intend to appeal, and we're optimistic that the appellate court will render an appropriate ruling."

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
WARSAW, April 4 (Reuters) - The European Union should end sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports, take steps to restore Druzhba oil pipeline flows and end the war in Ukraine to tackle the energy crisis stemming from the war in Iran, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Saturday.

Fico said in a statement after a call with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban that the EU should renew dialogue with Russia and ensure conditions so member states can get missing gas and oil supplies from all sources, including Russia.

Hungary and Slovakia's leaders are outliers in the EU for maintaining relations with Moscow.

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Oil prices have surged since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran started on February 28, holding up shipments from the Gulf and creating, what the International Energy Agency called the biggest oil supply disruption in history.

Central European nations have taken measures to cool the impact of high prices at the fuel pump for people and businesses.

The EU was importing just 1% of its oil from Russia by the final quarter of 2025, having slashed imports since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Hungary and Slovakia were the only two EU countries still importing Russian oil by January 27, when Kyiv said a Russian drone strike hit pipeline equipment in Ukraine, disrupting Russian oil shipments.

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Budapest and Bratislava have accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying the repairs to resume oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, triggering a political dispute that has seen Hungary block an EU loan to Kyiv. Ukraine says it is fixing it as fast as it can.

In the statement on Saturday, Fico said it was not enough to deal with the energy crisis only at the national level.

Meanwhile, five other European Union countries are calling for a windfall tax on energy companies' profits in reaction to the rising fuel prices, according to a letter from finance ministers to the EU Commission seen by Reuters on Saturday.

The bloc's energy chief said on Tuesday it was considering reviving energy crisis measures used in 2022, including proposals to curb grid tariffs and taxes on electricity.

(Reporting Jason Hovet; Writing by Karol Badohal;Editing by Alison Williams)
Quick Read

The Social Security Administration sent out an urgent warning.

According to the SSA, scams are on the rise.

Retirees need to be aware of signs of scams so they dont fall victim.

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

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

The Social Security Administration recently provided an important warning to retirees. Seniors need to take heed of the alert because if they don't, their finances could be adversely impacted.

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Here's what the Administration told retirees to watch out for, along with some details on why paying attention to its words of caution is so important for seniors.

Retirees need to listen to this Social Security warning

The Social Security Administration's warning to seniors came from the Office of the Inspector General. The OIG stated that there had been a "significant increase in government impostor scam emails" recently. These scams involve criminals pretending to be from the Social Security Administration and claiming that they are providing the recipient access to their Social Security statement.

Obviously, for retirees who rely on Social Security as a key income source, getting a statement that claims to be a summary of their benefits would be a top priority and would be a document that they would want to open ASAP. Unfortunately, the email is not actually a legitimate one. Instead, the OIG warns that the senders are impersonating the SSA in order to obtain either money or personal information.

The OIG not only said that scammers had increased the number of communications they were sending out, but also that they were using a wide variety of different communication methods to convince vulnerable retirees to provide sensitive details for nefarious purposes. To make the scam even more convincing, criminals are also now using the names of actual employees from the Social Security Administration, and they sometimes attach a picture of the real employee as proof that they are legitimate -- even though they aren't.

The Social Security Administration says to be alert for these signs of scams

Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels and JJ Gouin from Getty Images

Senior citizens don't want to get tricked by the growing number of scammers, so the SSA has provided four signs that retirees should look out for, which could indicate that the person they are dealing with is not legitimate or that the communication they have received is a phishing email rather than a legitimate text or email.

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According to the SSA, four key signs of a scam to be aware of include:

Pretending to be from a reputable organization or agency -- in this case, the Social Security Administration

Claiming that there is a problem or informing you that you have won a prize or are entitled to some benefit -- but only if you take the actions they're requesting.

Pressing you to take action immediately before you have time to consider your actions or to check with others, such as family members who might prevent you from falling for the scam.

Telling you to pay in a specific way, often by providing the numbers on gift cards, wiring money via wire transfer so it can't easily be recovered, or purchasing and sending cryptocurrency because it is untraceable.

The Social Security Administration says you should be skeptical of any unsolicited communications from any "government agencies," especially if the communications involve attempts to use fear to motivate you to provide them with money or your information quickly. If you find yourself communicating with someone who engages in these specific behaviors, end contact ASAP.

If you aren't sure if you were really talking with the SSA or any other government agency, you can look up the contact details of that agency and call them back yourself independently at a number you know is legitimate. This way, you'll never accidentally fall victim to a scam and provide sensitive details or funds to someone who is trying to steal from you.

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Most investors spend years learning how to pick good stocks and funds. Far fewer have a clear plan for turning those investments into a reliable retirement paycheck. The truth is, the transition from building wealth to living on wealth is one of the most overlooked risks facing successful investors in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve. Its a free guide that outlines the straightforward math and strategies you need to convert your investments to income. Learn more here.
Congress candidate Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday, during his election campaign in Murshidabad, alleged that he was attacked by TMC workers while canvassing in the Berhampore Assembly constituency. Chowdhury, who was earlier an MP from Behrampore, said he had raised concerns with the administration over security arrangements during the ongoing election campaign. Earlier on Thursday, he expressed strong confidence in securing public support in Berhampore, saying his long-standing relationship with the people remains unshaken despite his official responsibilities. "From what you have seen and the scenes before you, you might also agree that the winds are changing and the atmosphere is shifting. I am fully confident that I will receive the blessings and support of the common people here," Chowdhury said. He also criticised the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for stalling work in his constituency. He alleged delays in rail-related projects in his constituency, claiming obstruction from the ruling Trinamool Congress. "A rail-related work here remains pending because they don't want any work done in the area from where I am contesting," he added. "It is incomplete because they do not want Adhir Chowdhury to get any credit under any circumstances. All this work remains stalled even after all these years. The Railways were ready to provide all funds, and the state government didn't need to spend a single penny," he emphasised. Chowdhury further alleged that the TMC prioritised political credit over development. "The only issue is--no one should clap for Adhir Chowdhury, and Adhir Chowdhury should receive no credit. All the credit must go to Mamata Banerjee. Even if West Bengal suffers, Mamata Banerjee wants to remain 'Mamata Shree,'" he added. Chowdhury, a five-time MP from Berhampore, is contesting the Assembly election after 30 years, aiming to revive the Congress party's presence in West Bengal. He's facing tough competition from BJP's Subrata Moitra and TMC's Naru Gopal Mukherjee. West Bengal will hold polling for the elections in two phases, with the first phase scheduled on April 23 and the second phase on April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), the first phase covering 152 Assembly constituencies will begin with the issuance of the gazette notification on March 30. The last date for filing nominations for this phase is April 6, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 7. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations until April 9. Polling for the first phase will be held on April 23. For the second phase, which covers 142 Assembly constituencies, the gazette notification will be issued on April 2. The last date for filing nominations is April 9, and the scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 10. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until April 13. Voting for this phase is scheduled for April 29. (ANI)
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Socorro ISD will host another Operation College Bound event to help their seniors get ready for their next step in their education.

The event will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 6 at Americas High School, 12101 Pellicano Dr.

The Socorro Independent School District has partnered with El Paso Community College and The University of Texas at El Paso to provide high school seniors with convenient on-site enrollment services at Operation College Bound events at the districts six comprehensive high schools.

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The events have been hosted this year at Montwood, Eastlake and Socorro high schools. They continue April 6 at Americas High School, April 15 at Pebble Hills High School and April 16 at El Dorado High School.

Operation College Bound provides SISD seniors with information about the opportunities at both EPCC and UTEP, from courses offered to student life. EPCC and UTEP staff will assist students throughout the enrollment process and address any questions they may have.

Seniors interested in EPCC can meet with an admission counselor, register for fall courses and receive their class schedule. For students interested in UTEP, assistance will be available to complete admissions applications, register for new student orientation, and enroll in an anchor course. Additionally, students will receive guidance on applying for financial aid.

SISD high school administrators and counselors also will be available to assist during the event.

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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 KTSM 9 News.
A South Carolina boutique owner accused of repeatedly scamming customers was booked in jail for the 15th time since the start of 2026, records show.

Pamela Brooke Schronce was arrested in Greenville County on Thursday, April 2, on five counts of obtaining property valued at $2,000 or less under false pretenses, according to court and jail records viewed by Us Weekly.

This marks Schronces 15th arrest  and the 15th time she has had her mugshot taken  throughout the state since January 1, WHNS reported.

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Schronce, 30, of Anderson County, who owns Thomas & Turner Boutique in Belton, is accused of failing to deliver items that dozens of customers have purchased online from her business, according to authorities, Us previously reported.

Real Housewives Mugshots: Wendy Osefo, Luann de Lesseps and More Stars Who Have Been Arrested

Her customers have complained for months that Schronce has never given them refunds, WHNS reported.

Schronce markets her business as a boutique for trendy little babies that offers custom designed pieces, according to her boutiques Instagram page.

Her business has not returned previous requests for comment from Us.

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A webpage for her business says that Thomas & Turner Boutique is no longer accepting online orders.

Prior to April 2, Schronce was arrested in Anderson County on March 19, Us previously reported. This was her 14th arrest.

Schronce turned herself into authorities in Pendleton, according to Pendletons Interim Police Chief David Poulson.

Similar to the latest arrest, she was charged with obtaining property valued at $2,000 or less under false pretenses, police said.

Every Real Housewife Who Went to Jail: Wendy Osefo, Jen Shah and More

After Schronces 13th arrest in Newberry County, where she was charged with six counts of obtaining goods under false pretenses with a value of $2,000 or less in March, her attorney Joy C. Davis, previously told Us that the case is still in the very early stages.

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I can tell you that Ms. Schronce is really looking forward to her day in court, Davis wrote in an emailed statement on March 3.

Davis did not immediately return a request for comment on Friday, April 3.

Following Schronces latest arrest on April 2, she bonded out of the Greenville County Detention Center and was released, records show. Her bond had been set at $5,000.

She was previously arrested in Greenville County on February 13, according to WHNS.

In February, the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office was asked to prosecute Schronce, according to WHNS. The office previously said it was working on how to determine the best path forward.
Stacey Abrams, the author, political activist and former Georgia lawmaker who became a national Democratic figure after her gubernatorial campaigns and voting rights work, will keynote the University of Maryland Eastern Shores Presidential Lecture Series on Wednesday.

Abrams is scheduled to speak at 6:30 p.m. in the UMES Student Services Center theater. The event is open to the public.

Abrams served more than a decade in the Georgia House of Representatives and is widely credited with helping former President Joe Biden carry Georgia in 2020. She was the first Black woman to become a major partys nominee for governor in Georgia, running as a Democrat in 2018 and 2022.

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Abrams is no stranger to Maryland and has visited Baltimore several times, both for conferences and at the Enoch Pratt Free Library during a prior book tour.

Baltimore is an extraordinary city, Abrams said in an interview on Friday. Like so many places, it has exceptional potential. I think the mayor is smart and thoughtful. You have great bones. And what is so exciting about Baltimore, is that Baltimore has been intentional about reducing its crime rate, increasing its options towards young people, and leveraging whats available to really generate a city that everyone can be proud of.

On the Eastern Shore at UMES, Abrams plans to speak about the 10 Steps campaign, a nationwide mobilization and education effort on the threat of authoritarianism that she founded in 2025.

The important conversation that I want to have with the students and campus-wide attendants is the threat of authoritarianism is real  but so is the power of resistance and the power of actually building the democracy we deserve, she said.

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Abrams said the idea for the campaign came from a conversation with college students at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Center last year.

One of them said, Will we have democracy in a decade? Abrams said. What was so useful about that engagement was that they didnt have context  they knew things were wrong, but figuring out how all of the wrong fits together is the first step. So, people have to understand it. And we are most afraid of the things we dont understand.

Step two is activating around that understanding, and the third step is what comes next, Abrams said.

Thats why Im so delighted to have this opportunity with [UMES students], because as much as it will be a conversation about what to do, the building is the part that these young people are going to be responsible for, she said. And I want them to excavate this horrible malaise that were in for the power thats embedded, and thats going to be the conversation.

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UMES President Dr. Heidi Anderson launched the Presidential Lecture Series in February 2025 to engage students, faculty and the community in conversation around social justice and Black culture.

Have a news tip? Contact Eastern Shore bureau chief Josh Davis at jdavis@baltsun.com or on X as @JoshDavis4Shore.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel collaborated with Wisconsin Watch to develop this fact brief. Wisconsin Watch is a member of the Gigafact program, newsrooms across the U.S. that deliver bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Read more about our methodology.

Yes

Endorsements from nearly 50 current and former Wisconsin judges were listed on the campaign website of conservative Wisconsin Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar as of April 2.

They were not added until late March.

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At a debate April 2, Lazars opponent in the April 7 state Supreme Court election, liberal Wisconsin Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor, said of Lazar: "I don't know of one public judicial endorsement that she has had."

Lazar said in early March: If you look at my website, I don't even list any of my endorsements yet; we may be posting some. I don't think it's necessarily important.

Lazars endorsements include Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler, three former justices and no appellate judges; the others are current or former Circuit Court judges.

Taylor's site lists endorsements from some 160 judges and former judges. They include four current justices, one former justice and 10 current appellate judges.

Sources

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Has Supreme Court candidate Lazar been endorsed by Wisconsin judges?
A man found guilty of shooting an Illinois State Police trooper in Springfield could end up spending the rest of his life behind bars.

A judge sentenced Cristobal Santana to 95 years in prison on Friday.

The 40-year-old shot ISP Trooper Dakotah Chapman-Green several times during a traffic stop in October 2023.

Police say Santana then beat Chapman-Green, leaving him with a skull fracture, brain bleeding, and an injured leg.

Santana is also charged in the murder of his girlfriend, Adrianna Lopez.
Over the last year, Texas Republicans have enacted sweeping regulatory and legal changes that have upended all facets of life for noncitizens. The state has limited who can get an occupational license; register or buy a car; obtain commercial drivers licenses; and get in-state tuition at colleges and universities.

The changes are wreaking havoc on the 1.7 million people without documentation in Texas, as well as tens of thousands of refugees and people with temporary protected status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Already, more than 6,400 refugees and DACA recipients have lost their commercial drivers licenses. Many more noncitizens are expected to lose the ability to work in licensed industries from construction and medicine to air conditioning and cosmetology.

The complicated patchwork of new rules has led to widespread fear and uncertainty, immigration attorneys and advocates say.

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These all represent a broader and more coordinated shift  to create a pipeline of exclusion that stretches from limiting access to K-12 education, all the way into participation in the workforce and basic mobility through the state, said Corinne Kentor with the Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.

For many Republican elected officials, thats the point. The party that once scorned the idea of mass deportations and worked to ensure undocumented students could access higher education has now begun digging through decades of law and policy to undo benefits and services that made Texas hospitable to noncitizens.

The Biden-era immigration surge, President Donald Trumps brazen immigration crackdown and a contentious election season are pushing state leaders to pursue policies once seen as too extreme within the party. And theres more to come: Some Texas elected officials want to take aim next at Plyler v. Doe, a landmark 1982 Supreme Court ruling that requires public schools to educate undocumented students.

Benefits, licenses, and taxpayer-funded services should not be used to incentivize unlawful presence at the expense of hardworking Texans, Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Gov. Greg Abbott, said in a statement. These steps ensure compliance with federal law, protect the integrity of our systems, and prioritize jobs and resources for legal residents and citizens.

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These changes are happening outside the typical legislative process, contributing to confusion even within the agencies responsible for implementation. For Democratic lawmakers who successfully held off many of these proposals during the session, this sudden deluge of executive branch actions during the interim has been frustrating.

The governor is legislating through rulemaking, Rep. Ramon Romero, D-Fort Worth, said. We are an equal branch of government, and its just completely disingenuous for anyone that swears to the Constitution, swears that oath, and then just goes around it.

A parade of changes

When a bill aiming to revoke in-state tuition from undocumented college students stalled out last session, immigration advocates thought this meant the 2001 law would remain safe for at least the next two years.

But just days after the Legislature gaveled out, Attorney General Ken Paxton took matters into his own hands, working with the Department of Justice to get the courts to overturn the law. Students are now required to show they are lawfully present in the country to get in-state tuition, imperiling higher education access for potentially as many as 18,500 students who had previously been covered by the program. Some universities have incorrectly told DACA recipients they no longer qualify, even after receiving guidance from the state, which arrived months after the ruling and did little to quell the confusion.

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GOP lawmakers who had been frustrated by the bills failure rejoiced, with one calling it a step toward ensuring every Texas tax dollar is deployed for the greatest benefit.

In the 10 months since the regular legislative session concluded, Paxton, Abbott and various agencies led by the governors appointees have remained busy working the legal and regulatory system to eliminate services and benefits for noncitizens.

In September, Abbott directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to strictly enforce a federal English proficiency requirement for truck drivers, and ordered the agency to stop issuing commercial drivers licenses for non-English speakers. DPS said it took enforcement action against more than 400 drivers, most of whom were licensed in Mexico, as a result.

Soon after, the agency said it would no longer issue or renew commercial drivers licenses for DACA recipients, refugees and people with asylum. This came after the Trump administration issued a similar policy at the national level, which was temporarily blocked by a federal court for failing to articulate a satisfactory explanation for how the rule would promote safety.

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Republican officials point to a small number of high-profile crashes involving drivers without permanent residency, including a wreck in Austin that left five dead last March. Federal officials launched a nationwide audit in the wake of that crash, after which DPS revoked commercial licenses from more than 6,000 drivers, according to an agency spokesperson.

The Department of Motor Vehicles also added stricter photo identification requirements for registering and purchasing a car, after state Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, called on the agency to enhance its oversight.

The Texas government should be a force multiplier of President Trumps efforts to combat illegal immigration, not enabling or incentivizing it, Harrison, one of the Legislatures rightmost members, wrote on social media in November, when the agency made the change. It is past time the Texas government starts acting like we are in a battle for the future of western civilization, because we are.

Harrison alleged undocumented drivers had driven up car insurance premiums and made the roads more dangerous. But at a legislative hearing, people representing small businesses, industry groups, county tax assessor offices and advocacy organizations testified that these stricter requirements would actually increase the number of unregistered, uninsured drivers, having the same effect that Harrison feared.

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Car dealership owners, especially those who serve predominantly Hispanic communities, are seeing declining business now that customers must provide identification that proves they are in the country legally before they can buy a car, said Pablo Higueros, the president of Texas United Auto and Community Alliance, a coalition of car dealership owners, insurance agents and tax collectors.

Many potential customers are traveling out of state to buy and register their car, he said. Others are being forced to drive unregistered cars to get to work or school, increasing the risk that theyll be pulled over and potentially face deportation, especially as state and local police work with federal immigration authorities.

The state in a way got really smart, Higueros said. Now when a cop stops you (for driving an unregistered vehicle), they do have probable cause to arrest you and theres no way we can fight it.

Most recently, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation voted to sharply limit which types of noncitizens can be licensed for a wide range of jobs, from electricians to speech pathologists and dog breeders. Most noncitizens will not be able to obtain an occupational license unless they have a green card, are granted asylum or refugee status, or are recognized as a victim of human trafficking; DACA recipients will be ineligible for licenses.

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Lorena Chavarria, a social worker and advocate for domestic violence survivors, founded DACS Academy, the first Spanish-language cosmetology school in Austin. The school, an acronym for Dios Abriendo Caminos De Superacion, or God Opening Paths to Overcoming, helps women, many of whom are undocumented and facing domestic violence, get trained, licensed and working.

Individuals who, through our program, were able to leave environments of violence or hardship are now at risk of returning to cycles of instability, economic dependence and even extreme lethargy, Chavarria, speaking through her daughter, told agency commissioners at a public hearing earlier this month. This situation affects not only individuals but entire families. Behind every student there are children, households, and dreams that depend on this opportunity to move forward.

Rules and regulations

Before becoming general counsel for the League of United Latin American Citizens, Gloria Leal worked as a lawyer for state agencies, including the Texas attorney generals office. While agencies typically make new rules in response to laws passed by the Legislature, these recent changes seem unusually self-generated, she said.

Theres a [legislative] process to make sure that whatever comes out meets the will of the people, and the representatives who represent us, she said. This just eliminates that, and you have to wonder, why? Whats the urgency?

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Romero, chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, said many of the recent changes were first filed as bills by legislators, but they didnt have the votes to pass through the Republican-dominated chambers.

Most Republicans understand where our workforce is coming from, Romero, who works in the construction industry, said. They dont want people driving without registered vehicles, which means more uninsured motorists and higher insurance costs. They dont want property prices going up because the labor is that much more expensive.

Romero said Abbott is overstepping Texas traditionally weak governor role in helping to usher in these changes outside the legislative process.

All proposed agency rules must be run by Abbott before they are made public, after a directive he issued in 2018 gave him more oversight of these executive branch entities.

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In the years since, Abbott has continued to consolidate power by appointing scores of allies to an enormous range of agency boards and commissions. Six of the seven members on the commission that approved the occupational licensing change were initially appointed by Abbott. All nine members of the board that approved the car registration rule were appointed by him.

Apparently whoevers in power gets to abuse that power, said Jim Harrington, a longtime constitutional law professor and founder of the left-leaning Texas Civil Rights Project. Were not gonna abide by the way our government is structured or the way that it has operated in the past. If we have the power, were gonna do it the way we want to do it.

Mahaleris, Abbotts spokesperson, said the governor would continue using every necessary tool to deter illegal immigration and keep Texas a law-and-order state.

These rapid fire changes have left advocates bracing for what might come next  even with the Legislature out for another nine months. Recently, senior White House adviser Stephen Miller grilled Texas GOP lawmakers on why they hadnt yet passed a law to challenge Plyler v. Doe, the decision guaranteeing public education for undocumented students.

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But as with the other recent changes, upending Plyler may require legal or regulatory action outside the Capitol. One GOP official with knowledge of what was discussed at the White House meeting suggested the Legislature wasnt ready to pass a bill to challenge Plyler.

Nobody in the mainstream of the Republican caucus wants to take away educational opportunities from the children of illegal immigrants, who through no fault to their own were brought into the United States, said the Republican, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations. What we would prefer is for the federal government to deport the family, or, if they dont, then pay for the education.

 Renzo Downey contributed to this report.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved new proof-of-residency requirements for anyone buying a recreational hunting or fishing license in the state.

The changes, aimed at preventing fraud and ensuring that only eligible residents receive lower-priced licenses and benefits, take effect on August 1  two weeks before annual licenses go on sale on August 15.

Under the updated rules, Texas residents and those from most other states must present an unexpired drivers license or personal identification certificate when purchasing a license.

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Residents of the District of Columbia and 19 other states  California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington  will need to show an unexpired drivers license or identification card that meets the federal REAL ID Act of 2005.

Those without a REAL ID-compliant card must also present an unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, a U.S. military identification card, a Texas license to carry a handgun, an original birth certificate, or an original U.S. government-issued document for a child born abroad to U.S. citizens.

People from foreign countries must present a valid foreign passport and any other documents required for legal entry into the United States.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said the revisions will help stop individuals from misrepresenting their residency status at the point of sale.

Recently, the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation adopted a similar rule to deter ineligible individuals from obtaining or renewing occupational licenses. Applicants must now present a valid Social Security number or another document verifying their lawful presence in the U.S., such as a state REAL ID driver license or identification card, a U.S. passport, a U.S. military I.D., or an immigration document.
It was an unusual scene. A lion cub alone for days in southern Californias sprawling Santa Monica mountains, emitting a noise that sounded like a cross between a purr and a light squeal, perhaps calling out for his mother.

Where was his mother?

The National Park Services biologists, who monitor the recreation areas small mountain lion population, visited the cubs location on several occasions.

They surmised that his mother had likely moved to another den, abandoning the cub in the process.

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The lion kittens health was taking a turn for the worse. He appeared weaker and was losing weight.

In consultation with the California department of fish and wildlife, the biologists swooped in to rescue the kitten, which would land in the care of the Oakland Zoo.

The 3-week-cub, later named Crimson, arrived in late March to the Oakland Zoo, emaciated and unable to stand, according to the zoos chief executive officer Nik Dehejia. He was extremely tiny, Dehejia said. The newborn cub could fit into cupped hands.

Its rare for mountain lions to abandon their offspring. Its unclear why exactly Crimsons mother left him.

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Often times well never know, Dehejia said, although one hypothesis emerged that the cubs abnormality  missing toes  could have signaled to his mother that he would not be able to survive as well. Its hard to know how many cubs were potentially there, how many cubs the mother was taking care of.

Now at the Oakland Zoo, Crimson is in an intensive care unit at the zoos veterinary hospital, Dehejia said. He has received bottle feedings every 3 hours to pump nutrients back into his body.

He is the 33rd mountain lion that the Oakland Zoo has rescued. Another young mountain lion, a three-month-old named Clover, is currently at the zoo as well.

We never want to pull a mountain lion from the wild, Dehejia said.

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While the zoo is proud to be rehabilitating Crimson, they want cubs to be with their families, he said. These cubs need their mother actively for nursing and socialization.

Crimson was abandoned by his mother. But, other factors including habitat fragmentation, urban development and human-wildlife conflict have contributed to the zoo receiving distressed animals, Dehejia said.

More often than not we are in their habitat versus they being in ours. This is a broader scale issue over how we build, how we live, how we co-exist with wildlife around us.

For now, the zoo is focused on helping Crimson grow strong and weaning him off bottle feedings, Dehejia said.

Crimson and Clover being close in age could make them well-suited companions, although itll be weeks before the zoo gradually introduces the two.
Much of Oklahoma was under a severe weather watch or warning on Friday night, April 3, as a tornado-warned storm crossed the region, bringing with it large hail, flash flooding and strong winds.

Two rounds of strong-to-severe storms were expected Friday afternoon and evening, with storms moving out of the area overnight.

NWS confirms one tornado Friday night, more info to come

The National Weather Service in Norman has confirmed a tornado north of Interstate 40 in Shawnee on Friday night.

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The agency says they found mostly tree damage from reports, as well as what appeared to be a tornado form on the radar. Much of the tornado remained north of Shawnee, in parts of Pottawattomie County.

The NWS is looking into more reports from the community and investigating other potential tornadoes and will provide additional information throughout Saturday.

See possible tornadoes, storm damage in Oklahoma, US last night

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management asks residents with damage in recent storms to report them online at damage.ok.gov. Reporting damage helps authorities understand the impact of damage and can help connect you to recovery resources.

Weather alerts: See where tornado watch, tornado warnings have been issued

Power outages in Oklahoma

Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Was there a tornado last night? Oklahoma storm damage, power outage reports
Dearborn  The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings across southeast Michigan as severe storms moved through the region Saturday evening.

All warnings have expired as of 7 p.m. Saturday.

Update: EF1 tornado confirmed in Michigan's Van Buren Township

Warnings were issued for Dearborn, Taylor and Dearborn Heights until 6:15 p.m., and Monroe, South Monroe and West Monroe until 6:30 p.m. Warnings were in effect for Warren, Sterling Heights and Troy until 7 p.m., as well as St. Clair Shores, Roseville and Eastpointe.

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More: Flood watch issued for southeast Michigan

At 5:48 p.m. Saturday, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Belleville, about 7 miles southeast of Ypsilanti, and was moving northeast at 45 mph, according to the weather service. Radar indicated rotation within the storm.

The storm was located over Romulus at 5:55 p.m. Saturday, also moving northeast at 45 mph, according to the weather service. Radar also indicated rotation within the storm, prompting urgent warnings for communities in its path. Communities including Taylor, Romulus, Dearborn, Wyandotte and Greenfield Village were expected to be impacted around 6 p.m., with additional areas such as Inkster, Wayne, Melvindale and Westland also in the storms path.

A separate tornado warning was issued for Monroe County communities, including Monroe, South Monroe and West Monroe, where similar severe conditions were possible through 6:30 p.m.

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The third warning covered parts of Macomb and Oakland counties, including Warren, Sterling Heights and Troy, through 7 p.m. And the fourth covered St. Clair Shores, Roseville and Eastpointe until 7 p.m. The warnings also covered several major roadways, including stretches of Interstate 75 between mile markers 35 and 44, Interstate 275 between mile markers 13 and 21, Interstate 94 between mile markers 188 and 209, Interstate 96 near mile marker 183, and M-39 between mile markers 6 and 10.

Residents in southeast Michigan instructed to take cover

Residents in all warned areas were urged to take immediate shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and to avoid windows. Officials also advised motorists to avoid travel in the storms path and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.

Forecasters warned the primary hazard is a tornado, with impacts including dangerous flying debris, damage or destruction of mobile homes, and likely damage to roofs, windows, vehicles and trees.

Tornado Warning including Dearborn MI, Taylor MI and Dearborn Heights MI until 6:15 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/WuEo24kERV  NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) April 4, 2026

Tornado Warning including Monroe MI, South Monroe MI and West Monroe MI until 6:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/oQyd6undr3  NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) April 4, 2026

Tornado Warning including Warren MI, Sterling Heights MI and Troy MI until 7:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/tJo7dO1qnd  NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) April 4, 2026

Tornado Warning continues for Saint Clair Shores MI, Roseville MI and Eastpointe MI until 7:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/zZrvy3yqVf  NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) April 4, 2026

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Marine warning also issued in Metro Detroit

The weather service also issued a special marine warning for the waters of Lake Erie from the Detroit River to North Cape, as well as the Detroit River, until 6:45 p.m., warning of dangerous conditions for boaters.

Special Marine Warning including the Michigan Waters of Lake Erie from Detroit River to North Cape MI and Detroit River until 6:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/3OW8jk4nO0  NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) April 4, 2026

Flood watch issued earlier Saturday

Meteorologists are warning that heavy rain on Saturday could trigger flooding across southeast Michigan, with conditions expected to worsen through the evening hours. Officials are urging residents to remain alert, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

The National Weather Service in White Lake Township issued a flood watch Saturday afternoon covering Metro Detroit as well as parts of Ann Arbor, the Thumb and central Michigan. The watch remains in effect until midnight, with forecasters cautioning that excessive runoff may lead to rising water levels in rivers, creeks and streams.

More: Whitmer seeks federal aid after deadly southwest Michigan tornadoes

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Rainfall totals between 1 and 3 inches had already been recorded Saturday morning, with additional rounds of rain expected later in the day. Urban areas and locations with poor drainage are especially vulnerable, and waterways could quickly overflow if heavier downpours develop.

Earlier Saturday, a severe thunderstorm watch was also issued for Monroe County at 3 p.m., with wind gusts up to 60 mph possible. Forecasters said the storms Saturday could bring heavy rain, damaging winds and even a brief, weak tornado, underscoring the regions ongoing vulnerability to flooding, including on major roadways and near Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus.

Michigan still recovering from March tornadoes

Saturday's tornado warnings come after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently asked President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster in three southwest Michigan counties following a series of deadly tornadoes that left four people dead, injured others and caused widespread property damage. If approved, the declaration would make residents eligible for federal aid to assist with recovery.

Whitmer said the request is aimed at helping affected communities access resources for home repairs, temporary housing and other recovery needs. She noted that while the state has already declared an emergency, federal assistance is critical to support long-term rebuilding efforts.

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The National Weather Service confirmed that four tornadoes struck the region on March 6, marking Michigans deadliest weather event in nearly 50 years. The most severe was an EF3 tornado in Branch Countys Union City area that killed three people and injured 12, while a separate EF1 tornado in Cass County claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy.

Additional storms included an EF2 tornado in St. Joseph Countys Three Rivers and an EF0 tornado in Calhoun County. Preliminary damage assessments across Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties found 33 homes destroyed, 74 with major damage and more than 200 with minor damage, though officials say the true toll may be higher.

Whitmers request estimates that roughly $1.4 million in federal assistance is needed to support recovery, including funds for temporary housing, repairs and other needs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will review the request and make a recommendation to the president, with officials emphasizing that the scale of damage exceeds the states ability to respond without federal support.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Tornado warnings expire in southeast Michigan. What we know
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday slammed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his claims that Pakistani media was campaigning for Congress, while taking a dig at the CM's earlier remark on Rahul Gandhi's alleged body double during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2024. Speaking to ANI, Gogoi said the Chief Minister is growing increasingly desperate as "the ground is slipping beneath his feet" and ridiculed Sarma for raising the issue of a body double. "The Chief Minister even dreams of seeing Rahul Gandhi's body double. It is sad that the Chief Minister of a state has so many problems... the ground is slipping beneath his feet," Gogoi remarked. Earlier, CM Sarma had alleged that Gogoi and Congress were backed by Pakistani media, claiming those involved were a "left-wing liberal gang who want to finish the Sanatana." "Daily talk shows are happening in the Pakistani media in which Gaurav Gogoi is being given a clean chit. Even the Pakistani media is campaigning for Gaurav Gogoi. Now, even you have seen just how strong his Pakistan connection is. Otherwise, are talk shows regarding the Assam elections held in Pakistan?. All these people are a left-wing liberal gang who want to finish the Sanatana," CM Sarma had said. Gogoi, who is a Congress candidate from Jorhat constituency, also asserted that a "wave of change" is sweeping across Assam, adding that people are eager to end ten years of what he described as "oppression" and "corrupt administration" under the BJP-led government. "They've endured oppression for ten years. They've endured corrupt administration for ten years. Now, the people of Assam want freedom, and that's why they have faith in our Congress-led alliance," he said. The remarks come as political parties intensify campaigns in the run-up to the Assam Assembly elections, as the state is all set to go into single-phase elections on April 9, with 126 constituencies 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)
NASA's historic return journey to the moon is well underway. The four Artemis II astronauts have preparations and photography scheduled on Saturday, April 4, during their epic trek toward the moon and deep space.

Want the latest on the Artemis II moon mission?

With NASA's flight tracker, you can follow along with the four astronauts of the Artemis II mission as they make their way toward the moon.

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After a successful launch from Florida on April 1, the Artemis II mission was more than 70,000 miles away from Earth as of 6 a.m. Friday, April 3.

NASA has a website and an app to help you keep track of everyone during the 10-day mission that's sending astronauts to the far side of the moon and back.

Artemis II tracker. Follow moon mission in real time

NASA's online tracker  available both on desktop and as a mobile app  allows you to follow along with the Artemis II astronauts as they venture toward and around the moon aboard an Orion crew capsule.

The tracker, officially referred to as the "Artemis Real-time Orbit Website" (AROW), allows users to not only see where the Orion spacecraft is and how fast it's traveling, but to see in miles its distance from both the Earth and the moon, according to NASA.

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The interface of the desktop website version includes key mission milestones and characteristics about the moon, including information about landing sites during the Apollo era. The mobile version for smartphones included in NASA's app is similar, with the addition of an augmented reality feature that allows users to move their phones to see where Orion currently is relative to Earth.

Download the app on your smartphone here:

 App Store

Google Play

The data is collected in real time by sensors on Orion and then sent to the Mission Control Center at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston. That information is being constantly updated throughout the 10-day mission.

Artemis II mission: Where is the Orion capsule now?

Shortly before 6:30 a.m. April 3, astronauts were more than 72,000 miles from Earth.

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At 1 day and 11 hours into their 10-day mission, the astronauts are traveling at 4,880 mph and have just over 180,000 miles to go before reaching the moon.

What was Artemis II crew scheduled to do on April 3?

According to NASA, on Friday, April 3, the astronauts will:

Practice the procedures they'll carry out as they fly close to the moon on the sixth day of the mission. This includes running through the observations they plan to make of the lunar surface.

The astronauts will also need to get some exercise, using the Flywheel exercise device.

They'll also conduct safety demonstrations, such as CPR and evaluation of the medical kit.

NASA said Mission Specialist Christina Koch will spend the second half of the third day testing Orions emergency communications system with the Deep Space Network.

Meet the Artemis II crew

The Artemis II astronauts leave crew quarters at Kennedy Space Center, FL April 1, 2026 headed to Pad 39B for launch on an 10-day rendezvous with the Moon. Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

The four crew members of Artemis II arrived March 27 in Florida after entering standard preflight quarantine to avoid illnesses. Here's a look at the team:

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NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman , a Baltimore native and the mission's commander who last flew to space in 2014 on a Russian Soyuz rocket to the International Space Station.

NASA astronaut Victor Glover , the pilot from Pomona, California, who flew to space in 2020 on a SpaceX mission to the space station.

NASA astronaut Christina Koch , a mission specialist from Grand Rapids, Michigan, who holds several space agency records and who flew in 2019 on a Soyuz ISS mission.

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, another mission specialist who will fly to space for the first time.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Track Artemis II astronauts on their moon mission
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, April 3 (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission on Friday proposed to ban the import of Chinese equipment from a group of manufacturers after previously barring approvals of new models in 2022, the latest move by Washington to crack down on Chinese-made electronic gear.

The FCC had in 2021 added telecommunications and video surveillance equipment made by Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision and Dahua to its so-called "Covered List" of companies posing U.S. national security risks.

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In November 2022, the U.S. telecoms regulator decided not to authorize the import or sale of new models from those Chinese companies.

The FCC said on Friday it was seeking comment on whether to bar the continued import of equipment from the listed Chinese firms approved for sale in the U.S. before the 2022 order.

The agency said it had tentatively concluded that "prohibiting the continued importation and marketing of previously authorized equipment added at that time is necessary to protect national security by mitigating risks to the U.S. communications sector."

The Chinese Embassy in Washington and Hikvision did not immediately comment.

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The FCC said the proposal would allow Americans to continue to use already-purchased communications equipment. The regulator said it could bar the importation as soon as an order was finalized "to avoid a rush to import new devices".

The FCC has taken a number of actions targeting Chinese tech, including banning imports of all new models of Chinese drones in December.

Last week, it banned the import of new models of Chinese-made consumer routers, the boxes that connect computers, phones, and smart devices to the internet.

In October, the FCC voted 3-0 to block new approvals for devices with parts from companies on its Covered List and let the agency bar previously approved equipment in some instances.

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Hikvision filed a lawsuit in December challenging the FCC decision in October, saying it exceeded its authority and "seeks to retroactively curtain lawful authorizations without a sufficient legal or evidentiary basis".

In February 2025, a U.S. appeals court rejected a bid by Hikvision to lift the 2022 FCC ban on approvals of its new video surveillance and telecommunications equipment.

The FCC had previously barred some Chinese companies from providing telecommunications services in the U.S. on national security concerns, and it has recently moved to withdraw recognition from test labs owned or controlled by the Chinese government.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Arun Koyyur)
Donald Trump has given his vice-president, JD Vance, a new side gig: fraud czar.

The president this week announced a fresh crackdown on fraud in Democratic states and tapped Vance to lead the charge. Officials swiftly announced a string of arrests in California.

In a Truth Social post on Friday, the US president announced that his vice-president was now in charge of fraud in the United States, claiming the problem is massive and pervasive. Without citing evidence, Trump said that Vance would focus on everywhere but primarily in those blue states where crooked Democrat politicians  have had a free for all in the unprecedented theft of taxpayer money.

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Trump pointed to California, Illinois, Minnesota, Maine and New York, and alleged fraud was so large that, if successful, we would literally be able to balance our American budget, without providing evidence.

Trump announces fraud crackdown in Democratic states

In recent months, the Trump administration argued that southern California was rife with healthcare fraud and pledged to crack down, while frequently using the matter politically to criticize the states Democratic leadership. Nearly all cases cited by the justice department in the wave of arrests as part of Operation Never Say Die were tied to southern California.

Read the full story

One of two US crew members rescued after F-15E jet shot down over Iran

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.

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Read the full story

Trump accused of running misogynistic administration after Bondi dismissal

Donald Trump has been accused of running a misogynistic administration after making Pam Bondi the second woman to be fired from a cabinet already dominated by men.

The US president dismissed the attorney general on Thursday amid mounting frustration with her performance, especially over the release of files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move came less than a month after Trump ousted Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, after criticism of her management of the department and immigration enforcement.

Read the full story

Relationship with Trump may be beyond repair, UK PM Starmer told

Keir Starmer has been warned his relationship with Donald Trump may be beyond repair after the US president derided the prime minister for consulting his team about military decisions, in a mocking impersonation.

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In a new low for UK-US relations, Trump appeared to imitate Starmer in a weak voice during an Easter lunch speech at the White House, and said the UK was not our best ally.

Read the full story

Democratic attorneys general sue Trump over order to restrict mail voting

More than 20 Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit Friday challenging Donald Trumps Tuesday executive order to restrict who can vote by mail.

In his order, Trump directed the US Postal Service to abstain from sending mail-in or absentee ballots to people who were not on a pre-ordained list of eligible citizens.

Read the full story

US military archbishop says Iran conflict does not meet just war standard

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.

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Read the full story

US defense spending would rise $445bn under Trump budget plan

Defense spending would surge to its highest level in decades under a budget proposal put forward by the Trump administration on Friday, while other government programs would face cuts totaling 10%.

Read the full story

What else happened today:

Catching up? Heres what happened Thursday 2 April.
A quiet shift in federal health policy is starting to raise big questions about how Americans enter Medicare, and it comes down to what happens when someone does nothing. The default option at age 65 has long been traditional Medicare. Now, officials are exploring whether that starting point should change.

That discussion surfaced last month when Medicare Director Chris Klomp spoke at the STAT News' Breakthrough Summit East in New York. Klomp said the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is exploring whether new beneficiaries who take no action could be automatically enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans instead of traditional Medicare.

Don't Miss:

A Default That Could Reshape Enrollment

Klomp said the agency is "mulling the feasibility" and "thinking through" whether the current system delivers the best long-term outcomes. He questioned whether traditional fee-for-service Medicare creates a consistent relationship between patients and providers and asked whether models built around Medicare Advantage or accountable care organizations could produce "healthier beneficiaries."

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Under current rules, individuals who turn 65 and do not actively choose a plan are automatically enrolled in traditional Medicare Parts A and B. They can later switch into Medicare Advantage, which is administered by private insurers. The idea under consideration would reverse that process, placing beneficiaries into a private plan by default while still allowing them to opt out or change coverage during enrollment periods.

Officials have not introduced a formal proposal, and no rulemaking process has begun. Any changes would likely be tested through pilot programs or require additional administrative steps.

Trending: Caught With Nothing Saved for Retirement? These 5 GameChanging Tips Could Still Save You

Private Insurers Already Cover Millions

Medicare Advantage already plays a major role in the system, covering nearly half of all beneficiaries. These plans are offered by companies, including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna.

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Supporters point to the added benefits often included in these plans, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage, along with limits on out-of-pocket costs. Some also argue that coordinated care models can improve outcomes by aligning providers more closely with patient needs.

Critics, including some advocacy groups and lawmakers, have raised concerns about trade-offs. Medicare Advantage plans typically operate within defined provider networks and often require prior authorization for certain services. There have also been concerns about care denials and access challenges for people with more complex medical needs.

The idea of shifting the default enrollment aligns with broader policy discussions that favor expanding the role of private plans in Medicare, though no final direction has been set.

See Also: Think you're saving enough for your kids? You might be dangerously off  see why

Costs, Access, And What Comes Next

The financial impact remains uncertain and would depend on how any policy is structured. Many Medicare Advantage plans advertise low or zero additional premiums beyond the standard Part B cost, which can make them appealing. However, out-of-pocket costs can vary based on network restrictions and plan design.

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From a federal spending standpoint, some analyses suggest Medicare Advantage costs more than traditional Medicare. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has estimated that payments to these plans exceed traditional Medicare spending by more than 20% per enrollee, adding tens of billions in annual costs.

Research from health care research nonprofit KFF has also indicated that automatically enrolling beneficiaries into Medicare Advantage could increase overall spending and, in some cases, premiums paid by seniors.

Access remains another key issue. Traditional Medicare is widely accepted by providers nationwide, while Medicare Advantage plans can vary by region. That difference may be more noticeable in rural areas or places with fewer plan options.

For now, the idea remains in an exploratory phase and would not affect current beneficiaries. Seniors approaching eligibility still have the same responsibility under existing rules, which is to review their options and make an active choice about their coverage.

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As retirement decisions grow more complex  from healthcare coverage to long-term costs  some individuals choose to speak with a financial professional to better understand how these choices fit into their overall plan. Services like AdviserMatch connect users with financial advisors who can help evaluate major financial decisions in retirement.

Read Next: Before you make an offer, ask these 6 questions every homebuyer should know  or face serious regret later.

Image: Shutterstock

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 Trump Officials Want to Auto-Enroll New Seniors in Medicare Advantage  Here's What It Could Mean If You're Turning 65 originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is closing all four of its Forest Service research and development facilities in Michigan as part of a massive restructuring effort, the federal agency announced this week.

The move could impact the health of Michigan's nearly 3 million acres of national forestland, a Michigan forestry researcher said. State officials are still assessing how the restructuring could impact Michigan's woods.

The U.S. Forest Service headquarters will move from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City, Utah, the department announced on March 30. The Forest Service will close 57 research and development facilities, including those in Houghton, East Lansing, Wellston in Manistee County and L'Anse in Baraga County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

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With the closure of Michigan's research facilities, the closest to the state will be in Rhinelander and Madison, Wisconsin, and Delaware, Ohio.

A USDA spokesperson did not answer how many employees in Michigan would be affected by the reorganization. At least some will be able to relocate to other facilities.

"The transition will occur in phases," the spokesperson said in an email. "Employees will receive clear information about relocation timelines, available options, and resources to support their decisions."

There are three national forests in Michigan: the Huron-Manistee, Hiawatha, and Ottawa national forests. Collectively, the forests are nearly 3 million acres in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.

Could the Forest Service's moves harm Michigan's woodlands?

The Forest Service's East Lansing facility is on Michigan State University's campus, MSU forestry professor Bert Cregg said. The federal employees work alongside MSU researchers and share resources, he said, which is why many Forest Service research facilities are located on university campuses.

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Forest Service researchers Cregg has worked with in East Lansing focused on forest health issues caused by diseases and invasive pests, he said.

Michigan is facing a "litany" of such problems, such as emerald ash borer and beech bark disease, that are harming Michigan's woodlands, he said.

"With global trade, they're not going away," Cregg said. "There are only going to be more and more. That's one of the things that could impact us... I don't know exactly how this is all going to shake out, but it's hard to envision where it's good news."

U.S. Forest Service plans new western headquarters in Salt Lake City

The shift westward will streamline Forest Service operations by putting leaders closer to the larger swaths of federal lands, which is in the western U.S., USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a press release.

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"Moving the Forest Service closer to the forests we manage is an essential action that will improve our core mission of managing our forests while saving taxpayer dollars and boosting employee recruitment," Rollins said. "Establishing a western headquarters in Salt Lake City and streamlining how the Forest Service is organized will position the Chief and operation leaders closer to the landscapes we manage and the people who depend on them."

Cregg, who worked for the Forest Service in the 1990s when he graduated from his doctoral program, questioned the logic of closing research stations.

"They're going to move the Forest Service headquarters to be closer to where the forests are, but they're closing the research stations that are where the problems are," he said.

It's unclear how the Forest Service's reorganization will affect the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' forestry work, DNR spokesman John Pepin said in an email. DNR foresters co-manage the three national forests in Michigan.

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The DNR works closely with the Northern Institute for Applied Climate Science in Houghton, which is being moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, Pepin said.

ckthompson@detroitnews.com

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: U.S. Forest Service to close all of its Michigan research facilities
WASHINGTON, April 4 (Reuters) - U.S. federal agents have arrested the niece and grand-niece of late Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their lawful permanent resident status, the State Department said on Saturday.

"Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement," the State Department said in a statement after Rubio revoked their green cards.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Alison Williams)
The niece and grand-niece of the deceased commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen Qasem Soleimani, have been arrested, the US state department has said.

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter's lawful US permanent resident status was revoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a statement released on Saturday said.

However, Soleimani's daughter has called the state department's claims false, saying the arrested individuals "have no connection whatsoever" to her father.

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Soleimani, who was Iran's most powerful military commander, was killed in 2020 in a US air strike in Iraq which was ordered by then US President Donald Trump.

In a post on social media, Rubio said the two women were in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), pending removal from the country.

He added in the statement on X that Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were "green card holders living lavishly in the United States".

After entering the US on a tourist visa in 2015, Soleimani Afshar was granted asylum in 2019 and became a green card holder in 2021, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement to the BBC's US partner CBS News.

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In filing for a naturalisation application in 2025, she revealed that she had visited Iran four times since receiving her green card, according to the DHS.

"Her trips to Iran illustrate her asylum claims were fraudulent," the DHS said.

The DHS added that Soleimani Afshar's daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny, came to the US in 2015 on a student visa and was later granted asylum in 2019 and a green card in 2023.

The state department said Soleimani Afshar was an "outspoken supporter of the totalitarian, terrorist regime in Iran" and had promoted "Iranian regime propaganda" on her social media account.

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Soleimani Afshar's husband has also been barred from the US, the statement said. The state department did not name Soleimani Afshar's husband.

In a statement, Narjes Soleimani, Soleimani's daughter, said: "The individuals arrested in the US have no connection whatsoever to Martyr Soleimani and the claims made by the US State Department are false."

She added that the US had "become so weak and insignificant" and was "fabricating lies against a great figure".

The BBC contacted the state department for further comment, but it said it had "nothing to add".

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Soleimani spearheaded Iranian military operations in the Middle East as head of Iran's elite Quds Force.

The 62-year-old was killed at Baghdad airport, along with other Iran-backed militia figures.

Trump spoke about Soleimani during his national address on Wednesday, referencing the strike he ordered on the commander.

"I killed Gen Qasem Soleimani in my first term. He was an evil genius, brilliant person, a horrible human being however, the father of the roadside bomb, and he lived just horrible, what he did," Trump said.

He added that Iran would have been "perhaps in a far better, stronger position" in the war if Soleimani was still alive.
The latest developments in the Middle East war:

- Pope urges peace -

Pope Leo XIV urged "those who have the power to unleash wars" to "choose peace", in his first Easter blessing.

"We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people," he told a crowd in St Peter's Square.

- US rescue mission -

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Iran's military said a US operation to rescue a missing airman from a downed fighter jet had been "completely foiled", hours after President Donald Trump announced the crew member had been recovered in a "daring" operation.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the Iranian military's central command, said two C-130 military transport planes and two helicopters were destroyed during the operation.

Trump, in a social media post, said "dozens" of US aircraft took part in the rescue operation and that the crew member was injured "but he will be just fine". The other crew member from the downed warplane was rescued on Saturday.

- Iran, Oman talk Hormuz -

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Oman and Iran held talks on easing passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the Omani state news agency reported Sunday.

"The experts from both sides put forward a number of visions and proposals regarding it," the news agency said.

- Israel targets Beirut -

The Israeli military said it had begun striking Lebanon's capital Beirut to take out "Hezbollah infrastructure sites".

Shortly after, an AFP photographer in Beirut saw a missile hit a building and Israeli warplanes flying at low over the city. Lebanese state media said a building in south Beirut was hit.

- Israeli strike kills family -

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An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed seven people including a family of six, a source from the Lebanese civil defence told AFP.

The family had been waiting for a relative to pick them up in Kfar Hatta, a town around 70 kilometres (45 miles) from the border that Israel had ordered to be evacuated.

- Iran Guards killed -

US-Israeli strikes killed five fighters with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the northwestern Ardabil province, the official IRNA news agency quoted the Guards as saying.

- Record web blackout -

Iran's internet blackout has reached 37 days, making it the longest nationwide shutdown on record for any country, according to the monitor NetBlocks.

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- Lebanon urges Israel talks -

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun renewed a call for negotiations with Israel, saying he wanted to spare south Lebanon from destruction on the scale seen in Gaza.

"It is true that Israel might want to do in southern Lebanon what it did in Gaza," Aoun said in a televised address, after Israel launched airstrikes and a ground offensive.

- Bahrain blaze -

An Iranian drone attack sparked a fire at a storage tank belonging to Bahrain's state energy firm, the company said in a statement.

The blaze had been "fully extinguished" and no injuries were reported, Bapco Energies said, adding that the damage was still being assessed.

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- Israeli warship targeted -

Hezbollah said it had targeted an Israeli warship off the Lebanese coast with a cruise missile, the first such claim by the group since the start of the war. The Israeli military said it was "not aware" of the attack.

- Abu Dhabi plant ablaze -

Authorities in Abu Dhabi said they were battling fires at a petrochemical facility caused by falling debris, as Iran pressed an aerial campaign against its Gulf neighbours.

The emirate's media office said work at the plant had been suspended to allow the damage to be assessed, but there were no reports of injuries.

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- Aluminium threat -

The UAE's defence ministry said its air defences were responding to missile and drone attacks after Iran said it was targeting "aluminium industries".

- Strikes on Kuwait -

Two Kuwaiti power and water desalination plants were damaged by a drone attack from Iran, the electricity and water ministry said.

The attack caused "the shutdown of two electricity generating units" but there were no reports of casualties, the ministry said.

burs-jxb
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)

The White Houses Rapid Response team addressed rumors circulating on social media that President Donald Trump must be incapacitated because of the early press lid called Saturday morning in the midst of the Iran war.

Trump did not make any press statements Friday following news of multiple American aircraft being shot down by Iran and the frantic search for one airman still missing. In addition, the White House declared a press lid at 11:08 a.m. Saturday, indicating there would be no updates because the president was engaging in Executive Time.

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Deranged liberals cook up insane conspiracy theories when @POTUS goes 12 hours without speaking to press, read a post on the Rapid Response 47 X account. (They said nothing when Biden routinely went 12 days without speaking to press).

Fear not! President Trump literally never stops working, the account added.

Deranged liberals cook up insane conspiracy theories when @POTUS goes 12 hours without speaking to press. (They said nothing when Biden routinely went 12 days without speaking to press) Fear not! President Trump literally never stops working. https://t.co/Tu9KvLnYDR  Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 4, 2026

White House communications director Steven Cheung also posted Saturday, There has never been a President who has worked harder for the American people than President Trump. On this Easter weekend, he has been working nonstop in the White House and Oval Office. God Bless him.

There has never been a President who has worked harder for the American people than President Trump. On this Easter weekend, he has been working nonstop in the White House and Oval Office. God Bless him.  Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) April 4, 2026

In addition, CBS News producer Emma Nicholson posted a photo to X, writing, A Marine sentry is standing at the door of the West Wing as of 1:50pm, indicating the president is working inside.

A Marine sentry is standing at the door of the West Wing as of 1:50pm, indicating the president is working inside. pic.twitter.com/UYGDhQeJJA  Emma Nicholson (@emmacnicholson) April 4, 2026

Shortly after the press lid was called Saturday, rumors circulated on X that something was afoot at Walter Reed Medical Center, and that must mean Trump was receiving treatment:

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There are some reports, some speculation and unconfirmed info coming in that Trump has been taken to Walter Reed Hospital  it is currently reported that roads around the hospital have been closed, and the White House announced that the President will not appear before the public today.

BREAKING  UNCONFIRMED There are some reports, some speculation and unconfirmed info coming in that Trump has been taken to Walter Reed Hospital  it is currently reported that roads around the hospital have been closed, and the White House announced that the President will not pic.twitter.com/wcqx8kUEYw  DR JANE RUBY  (@RealDrJaneRuby) April 4, 2026

Theres a temporary flight restriction (TFR) for Walter Reed.

Much clearer image. Theres a temporary flight restriction (TFR) for Walter Reed. pic.twitter.com/5nPFcKdmmF  IndictmentTime (Hunter Cullen) (@IndictmentTime) April 4, 2026

Speculation is rising that Donald Trump is at Walter Reed Medical Center.

BREAKING: Speculation is rising that Donald Trump is at Walter Reed Medical Center.  Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) April 4, 2026

There is growing speculation that Donald Trump is currently at Walter Reed Medical Center. Details are still emerging. Stay tuned.

  There is growing speculation that Donald Trump is currently at Walter Reed Medical Center. Details are still emerging. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/e50aUboC17  Jon Cooper  (@joncoopertweets) April 4, 2026

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There are credible reports that Donald Trump has been hospitalized.

BREAKING: There are credible reports that Donald Trump has been hospitalized.  Mark Slapinski (@mark_slapinski) April 4, 2026

The news about President Donald Trump being rushed to the hospital broke about three hours ago but several people are now sharing it.

The news about President Donald Trump being rushed to the hospital broke about three hours ago but several people are now sharing it. https://t.co/MU78aKnN5C  Kirby Sommers (@LandlordLinks) April 4, 2026

Trumps account on Truth Social has posted several updates Saturday about Fridays favorable jobs report, as well as several posts about Trumps high approval rating among CPAC attendees, and threats to Iran with one ending, Glory be to GOD!

The post White House Addresses Trump Walter Reed Rumors on Social Media: Fear Not! first appeared on Mediaite.
A Jared Taylor speaking engagement is back on at Salisbury University, about one month after school officials pulled the original March 9 event, citing safety concerns. Taylor has been described as a white nationalist and called The Godfather of the Alt Right.

Event organizer Colin McEvers, chairperson of the Maryland Federation of College Republicans, posted on social media this week that the event is now set for April 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Opposition to the original event included students and civil rights groups, and Maryland Republican Party Chairwoman Nicole Beus Harris, who said, there is no place for racism in our party.

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Taylor, in an email to The Baltimore Sun on Friday, said Salisbury University had no choice in the matter.

As a public university, it has a First Amendment obligation to support free speech, Taylor said. I look forward to giving a well-attended talk on the 29th.

In a prior interview with The Sun, Taylor rejected the notion that he is a white supremacist and had a simple message for those who said they felt threatened by his views: Grow up.

They should never feel threatened by ideas, Taylor told The Sun.

In a social media post titled Never Surrender, McEvers called the announcement a huge win in our war to dismantle cancel culture and censorship on college campuses.

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We did not succumb to the leftist pressure to cancel this free speech event. I have been fighting the administration and other forces to reschedule, and victory has been achieved, McEvers said.

McEvers added that Salisbury University is charging thousands of dollars for security (which other groups have not needed to do).

Salisbury University Public Relations Director and University spokesperson Jason Rhodes said events hosted by outside groups on campus are routinely subject to fees for space rental, audio-visual equipment, security, and other associated services as part of the universitys standard rental agreement.

Each event is assessed individually for potential security needs, and the lessee is billed based on those needs. As always, the safety of our campus remains our top priority, Rhodes said.

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Rhodes added that Salisbury University does not endorse Taylors views.

While the Maryland Federation of College Republicans has chosen to reserve space at SU to hold its event, Salisbury University does not endorse, sponsor, or support the views expressed by Mr. Taylor  whose extremist rhetoric stands in direct opposition to the Universitys core values of respect, equity, and inclusion  or the event itself, Rhodes said.

As a state institution, we are bound by Maryland law, which prohibits discrimination against those wishing to lease event space at public institutions, assuming all financial, insurance, and safety requirements are met, and we are committed to upholding the constitutional principles of free speech and expression, even when those viewpoints conflict with the values of our community, he added.

Have a news tip? Contact Eastern Shore bureau chief Josh Davis at jdavis@baltsun.com or on X as @JoshDavis4Shore.
SHANGHAI, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From April 2 to 31, the Assembly Character Toys brand Blokees made its debut at the 2026 Thailand Toy Expo. Blokees unveiled its two major categories  Blokees Model Kits and Blokees Wheels, highlighting a diverse product matrix of more than 300 products across 17 globally recognized IPs, including Ultraman, Transformers, DC, Evangelion, Naruto, Minions, Jurassic World, Hatsune Miku, and Hero Infinity. Four new model kits also made their global debut, emerging as key highlights of the event.

Mario Maurer attended the opening ceremony of Blokees Thailand Toy Expo as a special guest and engaged in interactive exchanges with consumers.

In the Blokees Model Kits category, Blokees exhibited its Champion, Legend, and Fantastic Series, featuring popular IPs such as Transformers, DC, Mega Man, Saint Seiya, Evangelion, and Naruto. More than 50 products were presented to consumers. Among them, four newly launched itemsincluding Blokees Saint Seiya-Champion Class-12-Phoenix Ikki, Blokees Saint Seiya-Champion Class-14-Andromeda Shun, Blokees DC-Champion Class 05-Batman (HUSH), and Blokees DC-Champion Class 06-Catwoman (Hush)drew strong interest from fans.

Blokees also highlighted its HERO5 and HERO10 series, featuring well-known IPs including Transformers, Saint Seiya, and Naruto, catering to consumers of hero-themed collectible models.

The DaaLaMode series introduced a range of products inspired by popular IPs such as Hatsune Miku, appealing to female consumers. Meanwhile, the TERRAVENTURE series presented nature and creature-themed model kits based on Jurassic World, further expanding Blokees' offerings across different consumer segments.

In the Blokees Wheels category, which integrates construction, play, and customization, products are organized into the C, E, and S series. The lineup includes IP-based offerings from Transformers, Ultraman, and Batman, with upcoming collaborations featuring Fast & Furious and Ford.

In addition, Blokees highlighted its global consumer ecosystem, BFC (Blokees Family Creator). Selected works from 2025 The 3rd BFC Creation Contest Stellar Season were exhibited in Thailand for the first time, reflecting strong user creativity and engagement. 2026 The 4th BFC Creation Contest Season of Awakening has officially launched, further encouraging global participation.

Under its "Universally appealing, Stepwise pricing, Globally promoting" strategy, Blokees continues to expand across Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America. Thailand is rapidly becoming a strategic hub in its regional expansion, as the company strengthens both product innovation and community-driven growth worldwide.

SOURCE Blokees
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Saturday demanded a CBI investigation into the recent Malda incident. He accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of making statements that incite unrest and said statistics over the past three years show minorities have suffered under Trinamool Congress (TMC) rule. Speaking to ANI, Bhattacharya said, "The Chief Minister is shifting stance and now, turning under pressure. Her statements are seen as attempts to incite unrest, but the people of Bengal will reject such conspiracies. Statistics from the past three years show that many minorities have suffered under TMC rule. We call for a CBI investigation in the Malda case." A major political storm had 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. ADG North Bengal K Jayaraman stated that 35 people have been arrested so far in connection with the Malda hostage incident, asserting that authorities will not tolerate further violence. "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," Jayaraman said. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to instigate unrest in Malda, alleging that outsiders were brought in to provoke violence. The allegations come amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal, with parties gearing up for the upcoming state Assembly elections. The 294-member West Bengal Assembly will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. (ANI)
There's no denying that the People's Republic of China has led the world in the development of hypersonic missiles. The first modern hypersonic missile was produced by Russia, but China has seemingly surpassed it in variety, capability, and total weapons in its inventory. Its newest one could potentially endanger United States Navy vessels. China revealed the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile in September 2025 at its annual Victory Day parade, and it has Western defense officials taking note.

All anti-ship missiles pose a significant danger to U.S. warships, but when they're elevated to hypersonic, which is a speed of Mach 5 (3,836 mph) or higher, things get complicated. The YJ-20 is designed to strike and sink U.S. aircraft carriers, which makes sense, as they're the foundation of the U.S. Navy's strength. To counter threats from anti-ship missiles, carriers are at the center of a layered defense via their Carrier Strike Groups.

These include multiple types of surface and subsurface vessels that provide offensive and defensive capabilities to protect one another. Unfortunately, hypersonic missiles offer a complex problem in terms of interception. As of writing, it's almost impossible to intercept a hypersonic missile, and even if one were to be shot out of the sky, China has the arsenal to fire multiple YJ-20s at a single target, potentially overwhelming its defenses. While not much is known about the new hypersonic missile, the scant details that are available suggest that the U.S. and its allies need to step up their defensive game in countering these new, high-speed threats.

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Read more: 5 Weapons That Could Actually Sink A US Aircraft Carrier

The dangers posed by China's new hypersonic anti-ship missile

YJ missiles 2025 V-J Parade - /Wikimedia Commons

While most near-peer nations to the United States have a variety of anti-ship missiles, making them hypersonic is a huge technological leap that leaves most surface vessels completely vulnerable. A hypersonic missile travels at speeds of around one mile-per-second, a figure that's hard to fathom. As these missiles scream through the air, they fly so fast, the time between launch and striking the target is condensed to a point that onboard missile defense systems cannot keep up.

China will begin at-sea testing in short order, and it's likely that the YJ-20 will soon find itself in an operational status. While China isn't in the habit of attacking the U.S.' aircraft carriers, it maintains a ready supply of weapon systems to keep the fleet at bay. This kind of strategy requires an advanced offensive capability designed to mitigate the superior firepower and technological advantage presented by the U.S.' modern nuclear aircraft carriers.

China's advanced development of hypersonic missiles varies considerably, as the arsenal includes a variety of missile types that can reach the U.S. in as little as 90 minutes. For a ship that's in the water somewhere near China, that time would be cut considerably by a YJ-20, likely eliminating the Navy's ability to employ successful countermeasures and defenses. Because of this, the U.S. is working hard on the problem as the one-upmanship of technology continues between the two leading world superpowers.

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Read the original article on SlashGear.
Raleigh police have made two arrests in last month's deadly shooting at the Patio Nightclub, RPD said Friday.

The March 22 shooting left 33-year-old Jorge Dorantes-Carranza dead and another man seriously injured.

Giovanny Hernandez-Jaramillo, 35, was arrested at a home in Houston on Friday morning by U.S. marshals and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Police say the second person remains hospitalized and is being treated for serious injuries.

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Hernandez-Jaramillo was charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury

RPD officers arrested Martha Jones, 52, on Thursday at a home in Raleigh. She was charged with felony accessory after the fact. Court documents indicate Jones assisted the shooting suspect after the killing.

Download the ABC11 News app

Court documents state Jones gave Hernandez-Jamarillo a new cellphone and money to help him flee North Carolina. Detectives said she was still communicating with him as recently as Wednesday night but would not disclose his location.

"We understand that this is your family member. But you know, we don't want anyone else to get hurt. We don't want them to be hurt or killed. We need your help, right? But with that, they do a soft warning of look, and if we find out that you're helping to harbor them, there's an additional federal charge for harboring," Retired FBI agent Frank Brostrom said. "It's very serious when you harbor a fugitive, especially in a homicide case where you're letting you know someone who just killed somebody escape, and you're, you're trying to help them escape; they could harm someone else."

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On Friday night, Dorante Carranza's family gathered to honor him, describing him as a devoted father and beloved older brother. They said they have struggled since his death.

Brostrom explained how investigators typically begin tracking a fugitive, starting with basic questions about a suspect's background and possible connections.

"Where are they from? Do they have other addresses in other states? Well, they're going to set leads to those other states for those addresses to look for them," Brostrom said.

He said agents rely on a range of tools, including fugitive warrants, interviews with family and friends, and careful warnings about the consequences of helping a suspect evade capture.

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Brostrom added that investigators also use technology such as social media and cellphone data to locate suspects, gathering "every piece of the puzzle" to help families find closure and justice.

In addition to FBI Houston, the Houston Police Department, the Houston Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Fugitive Investigative Strike Team (FIST), and the USMS Gulf Coast Violent Offender Fugitive Task Force all assisted in tracking and arresting Hernandez-Jaramillo.

Hernandez-Jaramillo is expected to face an extradition hearing to return him to North Carolina.

ABC11 is tracking crime and safety across Raleigh and in your neighborhood
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  On March 24, a woman was sentenced to a year in prison after pleading guilty to eluding law enforcement in Norfolk in 2025, according to the Norfolk Commonwealths Attorneys Office.

Just after midnight on Dec. 16, 2025, a Norfolk Police patrol officer saw a vehicle near the intersection of Tidewater Drive and St. Julian Avenue matching a vehicle that was under investigation for a crime in Chesapeake. The officer then attempted to pull the vehicle over.

The vehicles driver, Kendria Powell, 35, ignored the police car and sped off. Powell drove on the wrong side of the road multiple times while reaching speeds up to 70 mph, turned off her headlights, and ran nine red lights and stop signs.

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She then stopped and parked the vehicle in front of a residence on Tait Terrace. Powell, who didnt have a valid drivers license at the time, was charged with several traffic violations and misdemeanors as well as felony eluding.

On March 24, 2026, Powell entered an agreement to plead guilty to felony eluding and misdemeanor driving without a license, and to be sentenced to serve one year in prison, with another two years suspended on the condition that she completes five years of uniform good behavior after her release. Powells license will also be suspended for 90 more days.

In exchange for Powells guilty pleas, the Commonwealth withdrew the remaining misdemeanor charges and traffic infractions from the incident. Judge Jamila D. LeCruise accepted Powells plea agreement and sentenced her.

Once again, we see someone who, had she pulled over, would have been in minor trouble, but who got herself into big trouble by eluding the police, said Norfolk Commonwealths Attorney Ramin Fatehi. No matter what the problem is, fleeing makes it more dangerous, and it increases ones exposure to felony convictions and prison sentences. In the interest of protecting the community, we will continue to seek accountability for people who endanger others on our roads.

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Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Abigail L. Ottinger prosecuted Powells case and Norfolk Police Officer Milo K. Morse oversaw the investigation.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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 WAVY.com.
"Its powerful to know that so many people are as enraged, disgusted, and angry about this as I am," says writer Leslie Vooris. Michael B. Thomas via Getty Images

Thegrotesquecatch-kit bill, more formally known as the Clean Water For All Life Act that was introduced by Rep. Mary Miller (R) of Illinois, has generated a fair amount of well-deserved backlash this week.

The bill proposes that women use catch kits to collect their own fetal remains in the case of a miscarriage or use of mifepristone (medical abortion pill). It also institutes a $50,000 fine and five years of prison time if violated. What a truly odd way for conservatives to express their concerns about the environment.

With this bill, Miller is implying that discarding the residual chemicals in the abortion pill in the public sewage system is a public health risk, citing the unproven possibility infertility and cancer. This is, of course, just another attack on our abortion rights through the vehicles of shame and fear.

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While there are trace amounts of all medications in American wastewater, Anna Bernstein, a federal policy adviser for the Guttmacher Institute, said in a statement this week that they pose no public health risk to either the drinking water supply or to the environment.

Republicans have been adamant about furthering their anti-abortion agenda since the demise of federal abortion protections in 2022. As a result, more pregnant people are having to rely on methods of abortion access like medication via mail. And in another recent development, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has proposed another bill to ban mifepristone for abortion use due to unfounded rhetoric concerning its potential dangers to users.

The implications of this newest bill could not be clearer: Womens bodies are contaminated, and women who seek access to abortion are immoral and a danger to society.

As I continue to read the details, I find myself shaking my head in disbelief. How in the world did we get here? Our present-day reality is becoming more dystopian by the day.

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And we all have a back story that informs our resistance to this Handmaids Tale-esque administration. As an adoptee, Im alarmed about how the religious right has promoted the idea that adoption is the moral alternative to abortion. This is a concept I cannot get on board with. Pregnant people should be free to make their own decisions about their bodies.

Read: People Are Sharing the Subtle Signs a Woman Is Secretly Right Wing, and They're Painfully Specific

Its powerful to know that so many people are as enraged, disgusted and angry about this as I am. Here are some of our favorite responses after asking readers how they feel about the bill on HuffPosts Facebook page.

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By Olena Harmash

KYIV, April 3 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the frontline situation for Ukraine was the best since the middle of last year, adding that Kyiv's troops had foiled a Russian offensive in March.

With the war in its fifth year, the fighting is raging along more than 1,200 km (745 miles) of the frontline. Russian troops are grinding down Ukrainian defences, but Kyiv is also counterattacking.

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Zelenskiy said that taking into account both the occupation and the liberation of the territories, Kyiv was "slightly in the positive", liberating about 20 sq km. He did not specify a time frame for the gains.

"The offensive they were planning for March was thwarted by the actions of our armed forces. That is why the Russians will now simply step up their assault operations," Zelenskiy said, in remarks released by his office on Friday.

"At this point, we do not see a large-scale threat."

RUSSIAN TROOPS GATHER NEAR POKROVSK

Russia controls just under 20% of Ukraine's territory - much of that seized before the 2022 full-scale invasion. The DeepState open source intelligence map suggests Russia has advanced by only around 500 sq km in total since the start of January, slowing the pace from last year.

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"Overall, the front line is holding ... The situation is complex, but the best it has been in the last 10 months," he said, citing data from Ukrainian and British intelligence.

The Russian troops were amassing near the logistics hub of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region and also near Hulaipole in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, Zelenskiy said.

The Ukrainian General Staff reported 230 combat clashes over the past 24 hours, saying that most of the attacks were near Pokrovsk and Zaporizhzhia. It said fighting typically accelerates as the weather warms, and efforts to find a diplomatic solution have so far brought no results.

ZELENSKIY INVITES U.S. NEGOTIATORS TO KYIV

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Russia has repeatedly said that its troops were extending their gains in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, whose capture Moscow has made one of the objectives of its invasion.

Moscow is demanding that Kyiv withdraw its troops from the parts of the Donetsk region it still controls. Zelenskiy rejects that and aims to negotiate a lasting peace deal and strong security guarantees for Ukraine.

With the war in the Middle East increasing uncertainty over future weapons supplies to Ukraine, and peace talks brokered by the U.S. effectively suspended, Zelenskiy said he invited U.S. negotiators to visit Kyiv and then potentially travel to Moscow.

"The delegation will do everything possible, under the current circumstances  during the war with Iran  to come to Kyiv," Zelenskiy said. "This is an alternative format to a trilateral meeting at the level of technical teams."

(Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Alison Williams)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday.

"We discussed bilateral relations between our countries, as well as the situation in Europe and the Middle East," Zelensky wrote on X.

The two sides "agreed on new steps in security cooperation" and Ukraine is ready to assist Turkey with "expertise, technology and experience," Zelensky said.

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The Ukrainian president toured a number of Middle Eastern countries a week ago, offering the Gulf monarchies technology in warding off attacks by Iranian drones.

Ukraine has garnered considerable experience in dealing with drone and missile attacks by Russia.

Turkey has hosted several rounds of direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives seeking an end to the war, which began with the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022.

Moscow and Kiev recently held talks under US mediation in the United Arab Emirates and in Switzerland without securing a breakthrough. The Iran war, which erupted on February 28, has delayed a fresh round in this format.

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Zelensky said he and Erdogan also discussed "opportunities for joint development of gas fields."

The Ukrainian leader also expressed his gratitude for the Turkish people's "consistent support for our independence and territorial integrity."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Istanbul on Saturday for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on efforts to secure a durable peace in Ukraine.

Announcing his arrival on X, Zelensky posted: "We are working to strengthen our partnership to ensure real protection of people's lives, advance stability and guarantee security in our Europe, as well as in the Middle East."

The Ukrainian president toured a number of Middle Eastern countries a week ago, offering the Gulf monarchies technology in warding off attacks by Iranian drones.

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Ukraine has garnered considerable experience in dealing with drone and missile attacks by Russia.

Turkey has hosted several rounds of direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives seeking an end to the war, which began with the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022.

Moscow and Kiev recently held talks under US mediation in the United Arab Emirates and in Switzerland without securing a breakthrough. The Iran war, which erupted on February 28, has delayed a fresh round in this format.
Tri-Cities fitness trainer attacked by crocodile. It shook him like a dog with a rag toy
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate Srinath on Saturday filed his nomination for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections from the Thoothukudi Assembly constituency. The nomination was submitted in accordance with election procedures, in the presence of several key party functionaries and supporters. Many party leaders and cadres participated in the nomination filing event and expressed their strong support for Srinath. They also voiced confidence that he would secure victory in the upcoming election. Party members also highlighted the growing presence of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the region and said they were committed to ensuring a strong performance in the constituency. With multiple candidates expected to contest from Thoothukudi, the seat is likely to witness a closely fought electoral battle, prompting all major political parties to intensify their campaign efforts in the region. The nomination comes as Tamil Nadu prepares for single-phase assembly elections on April 23, with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA emerging as the main contenders, while Vijay's TVK aims to make it a three-way contest in several key constituencies. Vijay is contesting from two seats, Perambur and Trichy East, against DMK's incumbent MLAs RD Sekar and Inigo S Irudayaraj, respectively. The Perambur constituency used to be a CPI(M) bastion till 2016. RD Sekar has held the seat since winning the bypolls in 2019. TVK has promised "anti-drug protection zones" and a monthly assistance for students. Unveiling the manifesto, Vijay announced a monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 for graduates and Rs 2,000 for diploma holders. 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)
David M. Drucker is a columnist covering politics and policy. He is also a senior writer for The Dispatch and the author of "In Trump's Shadow: The Battle for 2024 and the Future of the GOP."
Speaking at the launch of "School Chalo Abhiyan", CM Yogi alleged that the SP actively facilitated cheating in schools and had no concern about the child's well-being.

"What was the situation before 2017? Neither was education on the government's agenda, nor was there any concern about poor children or any ordinary child, because 'their people' used to facilitate cheating," said CM Yogi.

In contrast, the UP Chief Minister asserted that his government has invested over Rs 80,000 crore in school education.

He further noted that the BJP administration has provided these comprehensive facilities free of cost to every child enrolled under the Basic Education Council.

"In Uttar Pradesh, we spend more than Rs 80,000 crore on school education. The double-engine government has provided all these facilities free of cost to every child studying in the Basic Education Council--two uniforms, a bag, books, shoes, socks, a sweater in a year," said CM Yogi.

CM Yogi announced a significant increase in honorariums, setting the monthly pay at Rs 17,000 for instructors and Rs 18,000 for Shiksha Mitras, effective from April itself.

Later, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister emphasised the importance of education, asserting that it is a powerful medium for shaping society.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the comprehensive "School Chalo Abhiyan" at Varanasi on Saturday. He distributed certificates to promising students, ensuring 100% enrolment and transition by the 2026-27 academic year. (ANI)
Union Minister Giriraj Singh, while backing the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), alleged that certain Muslim organizations aim to turn India into an Islamic country. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the Union Minister asserted that laws such as the UCC and "One Nation, One Law" will come into effect across the country during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. "Muslim organisations want to make India an Islamic country. This is not possible. One Nation, One Law, UCC will be implemented in the country during the tenure of PM Narendra Modi's government..." said Singh. Singh's remarks come amidst the BJP's recent promise of implementing the Uniform Civil Code in Assam in their election manifesto, once they return to power in the state. While releasing the BJP's manifesto for Assam polls on Wednesday, following the footsteps of Uttarakhand and Gujarat, and tapping into the BJP's core agenda, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma promised a Uniform Civil Code and action against the alleged "love jihad". The UCC, he said, will exclude the areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and will not be implemented on tribal communities. CM Sarma said, "We want to make Assam the brightest state. We don't want to be a dependent state; we want to take part in nation building of the country. In the Sankalp Patra, we have made 31 promises. We will implement UCC in Assam, excluding Sixth Schedule, ST areas. We will take strong steps against Love Jihad. We will try to make flood-free Assam, and in the first two years, we will spend Rs 18,000 crore." 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 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)
With Keralam Assembly polls due next week, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday expressed confidence in a Congress-led UDF victory, a major electoral shift towards the party in the southern state. Speaking to ANI, the Thiruvananthapuram MP alleged widespread corruption under the LDF government's, and alleged transformation of the state's development model into a "debt model." "I don't think the people are going to vote as they did in the past. They saw the failures, corruption, scandals of the current government, who made the Keralam model a debt model," he said, citing a NITI Aayog report ranking Kerala 15th out of 19 states in fiscal management, questioning, "How can they (LDF) ask for the 3rd term when they messed up the last 2 terms?" Emphasising the need for a strong majority to prevent opposition interference, he expressed a desire for 100 seats out of 140. "100 is a desirable number for us, but as long as we have a majority, we will make a difference for the future of the state. We need a decent majority... the opposition has a kind of strength to paralyse our efforts. We want to bring about a meaningful change, therefore we are asking for a good majority from the voters," he said. On the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which has triggered a row between the Centre and the opposition, Tharoor argued that the government should not have the power to confiscate assets from organisations involved in social service. "Whatever Congress may have done to strengthen the FCRA, we never had any provision to confiscate the assets of those who have been working in social service in our country... Why should the government that did nothing to build the institutions, such as hospitals, schools, have the right to confiscate it?" 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. Regarding a reported attack on his convoy, Tharoor described the incident as an isolated event and confirmed he would not alter his campaign schedule. "It was an untoward incident that should have never happened, but I have been travelling for 15-16 days and this is a single incident. We have put it behind and we are moving on. There are still 4 days left for the campaign, we are not going to change anything, we will travel everywhere we are supposed to and spread our message to the public." The Congress leader alleged that his gunman was injured in the incident and stated that the police are handling the matter. The 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)
Highlighting the "fearless and courageous" spirit of women in Keralam, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday, emphasised the United Democratic Front's (UDF) commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of every young girl in the state. Speaking at a public rally in Idukki, Gandhi stressed the fearless attitude of a young girl who recited Vande Mataram in front of a large crowd. "The young woman who sang Vande Mataram at the public meeting, before such a large crowd and without fear, represents the women of Keralam - fearless and courageous. And that is why we want to ensure that every woman in Keralam is protected. This is why bus travel is going to be free for every woman after the UDF comes to power," the LoP said. Reiterating his allegations regarding US influence over Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi claimed that Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is under Modi's control, similar to how Modi is "controlled" by US President Donald Trump. "Narendra Modi is fully controlled by Donald Trump... The most humiliating part is that Narendra Modi calls Donald Trump 'Sir'. He thinks he is back in the British times... Donald Trump controls PM Modi the way PM Modi controls Pinarayi Vijayan," said Gandhi. Earlier, Gandhi took aim at the Left Democratic Front (LDF), asserting that the coalition has abandoned its ideological principles and that there will be nothing "Left" in the LDF following the elections. Addressing a public rally in Alappuzha, the Congress MP asserted that the United Democratic Front had been battling against LDF ideas and the party stood for certain policies due to which they had the word "Left" in their political organisation's structure. "The LDF were our opponents for years, and we fought them, and we will continue to fight them. But for many years, they stood for certain ideas we disagreed with, and we fought them on those ideas. But they stood for something, and as a symbol of that, they have the word 'Left' in their organisation structure's name. What does LDF stand for? Left Democratic Front. Frankly, there is nothing 'Left' about the Left front, and after the elections, there will be nothing 'Left' of the Left front," said Rahul Gandhi. Alleging a nexus between the BJP, RSS, and LDF, Gandhi accused a "hidden hand" of controlling the Keralam government, undermining the Constitution, and targeting citizens and described many LDF leaders as opportunistic, acting solely to gain power, while some party workers feel betrayed and hurt. "What is disturbing the leader on the stage is that their policies are no longer of the Left. What is disturbing him, and many, many workers of the Left Front, is that there is a hidden hand today that is running the LDF government. The hidden hand is communal, doesn't accept the Constitution of India, divides the people of India, attacks the people of India, humiliates the people of India, and everybody in Kerala can see that there is a relationship now between the BJP, RSS, and the Left Front, CPM," said Gandhi. The Congress MP further described the LDF as a bloc full of "opportunistic" leaders who cannot go to any extent to gain power. He further highlighted that such leaders do not care about being helped by the BJP, RSS, adding that there is a certain party cadre who doesn't have such ideas, feels betrayed and hurt. "Most leaders in the Left Front are opportunistic leaders. Understand this: some opportunistic leaders will do anything to come to power. They don't care whether they are being helped by the BJP, RSS. They don't care. Then, some leaders believe in something. Some workers have spent many, many years working for the ideology, who are feeling betrayed, let down, hurt, and who are very upset about what is happening to their party," he said. Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress MP stressed his regular attacks on him and Congress; however, he questioned him for not targeting the LDF government. Gandhi further reflected on his fight against the BJP, RSS, adding on how his Lok Sabha membership, house and 38 cases were registered, but he never "backed down" in front of the government. "I fight the BJP. I fight the RSS. I have got 38 cases on me. They took away my house. They took away my Lok Sabha. I am out on bail. They interrogated me for 55 hours, but I never backed down. PM Narendra Modi attacks Congress every single time. Why does he not attack the Chief Minister? Why does he not attack his family?" said Gandhi. The Congress leader also reflected on PM Modi's recent speeches with a religious context but questioned him for not speaking about the Sabarimala gold theft issue. Gandhi noted that the Prime Minister forgets god, religion and temples when he comes to Keralam because he wants to "help the LDF government", and "UDF is on his target." "Forget that, Narendra Modi in every other speech mentions God, temples, and religion--every second speech of his. How somebody has insulted his God, temple, or religion. And the most valued temple in Kerala, the gold was stolen from that temple. Gold is stolen from Lord Aiyappa's temple. It is replaced by brass. The Prime Minister comes to Kerala, doesn't say a word about it. He has forgotten God, the temple, and religion because he wants to help the LDF and the Kerala CM. Truth is, that LDF can never challenge him in India. That is why the UDF is his target," said Gandhi. The main political contest in Kerala has always remained between the Left Democratic Front and UDF, wherein both have returned to power one after another in elections; however, the trend was broken in 2021, when LDF was voted to power once again. However, this time, with a three-way fight, the NDA have their prospects high with the recent successes of winning their first ever Lok Sabha seat in the name of Thrissur in 2024, whereas on the other hand, the party was able to secure victory in the Thiruvananthapuram local body polls. The Left Democratic Front, which is led by Communist Party of India (Marxist) include other key parties, including Kerala Congress (M), Rashtriya Janata Dal and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). On the other hand, the UDF bloc consists of the Indian National Congress, Kerala Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League. The National Democratic Alliance, led by Bharatiya Janata Party, also feature few relevant state parties, including the Twenty 20 Party, Bharath Dharma Jana Sena and Kerala Kamaraj Congress. 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)
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday accused Congress of bringing Bangladeshi infiltrators to Assam and hindering the state's progress. Ahead of the upcoming Assam legislative assembly polls, Sonowal reflected on the BJP government's developmental works, which he said brought "unprecedented change to the state". He lauded the eviction drives conducted by the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government which "succeeded in ensuring constitutional protection of indigenous people". "Congress never wanted Assam to progress, and that is why during their 55-year rule, the state remained significantly backward... In contrast, over the last 10 years, the BJP government has brought unprecedented change to the state through various developmental works. The Congress party brought illegal Bangladeshis into Assam and settled them by providing land in various districts," he said. "The BJP government, under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, has succeeded in ensuring the constitutional protection of the indigenous people by conducting eviction drives on 1.5 lakh bighas of land to preserve the land of our ancestors," he added. Earlier on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also 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. Addressing a gathering in the rally in Assam, 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," he said. "In 60 years, Congress built three bridges. 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. 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)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Left Democratic Front (LDF), accusing them of making "irresponsible" and "senseless" remarks regarding the West Asia crisis that could endanger the safety of millions of Indians working in the Gulf. Addressing a massive public rally in Tiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, the Prime Minister alleged that the Congress wants the West Asian countries to consider India as their enemy and they deliberately spread panic to gain political mileage and "hurl abuses" at him, even at the cost of jeopardising the lives of Indian migrants. "The Congress wants the West Asian countries to consider India as their enemy, that we should make some mistake here, give some statement like that, and trouble befalls Indians living in the Gulf countries, so the Congress is giving statements that anger the Gulf countries. The Congress wants panic to spread, and for it to get a chance to hurl abuses at Modi," the Prime Minister said. Emphasising that the safety of Keralites remains his top priority, PM Modi said the elections will come and go. "I want to tell the people of Congress, LDF, and UDF that politics has its place and elections will come and go, but for me, the safety of the lakhs of Keralites there is the priority, and I am committed to that," he said. The Prime Minister further stated that the ongoing war crisis in West Asia has exposed the "designs" of the Congress and its allied parties as they are deliberately making statements that sow distrust among the Indians living in West Asia. "The war crisis in West Asia has exposed the designs of the Congress and its allied parties. Today, the entire country is watching how the situation has unfolded in the Gulf countries, where millions of our people are working, yet Congress's big leaders deliberately make statements that put the safety of Indians living in West Asia at risk and sow distrust among the people there," the PM said. He added that India's strong diplomatic ties with Gulf nations have ensured the protection of the Indian diaspora during the conflict. "It's only because of our good relations that the governments of the Gulf countries consider all our Indians as their own family and are protecting them... This is not the time to say such things; the safety of those Indians is our priority... Please stop making senseless remarks that cause trouble for our people there," he added. Assuring the families of those working abroad, PM Modi said the Government of India is in constant touch with leaders in the region to ensure the well-being of every citizen. "In these circumstances of war, I understand your concern. Therefore, I am in constant contact with the leaders of the Gulf countries; we are continuously talking with the governments there. I assure all of you family members that your son, your daughter, your relatives, even if they are far from you, are not alone; the Government of India is with every Indian living in those countries," the PM stated. Referring to the rescue operations involving Indian fishermen, the Prime Minister accused the Congress of "selfish politics" and said they should apologise to the people of Keralam. "To win elections, to hurl abuses at Modi, the Congress is ready to sit back and put the lives of one crore migrants in jeopardy. Meanwhile, our fishermen in Iran are from Tamil Nadu, Goa, Keralam, Telangana, and Puducherry; their lives are in danger. We are rescuing them from the crisis; today, hundreds of fishermen brothers and sisters are returning to India. Their lives are precious to us. The Congress should apologise to the people of Keralam for this selfish politics," he stated. The Prime Minister's remarks come in the backdrop of recent statements by Congress leaders due to the West Asia crisis, questioning the Centre's preparedness in handling the rescue of indian diaspora in West Asia. Meanwhile, while addressing a public rally in Idukki on Saturday, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi claimed that Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is under Modi's control, similar to how Modi is "controlled" by US President Donald Trump. Reiterating his allegations regarding US influence over Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi said, "Narendra Modi is fully controlled by Donald Trump... The most humiliating part is that Narendra Modi calls Donald Trump 'Sir'. He thinks he is back in the British times... Donald Trump controls PM Modi the way PM Modi controls Pinarayi Vijayan." (ANI)
Within the jurisdiction of Cubbon Park Police Station, Central Division, Bengaluru City, during the Tata IPL-2026 RCB vs SRH match held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, mobile phones belonging to spectators and members of the public were stolen. In connection with the said incident, on March 31 2026, one accused and three juveniles in conflict with law were apprehended. Upon interrogation and investigation, approximately 21 mobile phones of various brands were recovered from the accused. The accused was produced before the Court and taken into police custody for further investigation. The three juveniles in conflict with the law were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, and as per the Court's orders, they were sent to a Government Observation Home. On 02nd April 2026, six more juveniles in conflict with the law connected to the case were apprehended and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. As per the Court's directions, they were also sent to a Government Observation Home. On April 3, four persons who were in police custody were further interrogated. During the investigation, 70 stolen mobile phones of various brands, along with 5 mobile phones used for committing the offence, were recovered, totalling 75 mobile phones. On the same day, three accused were produced before the Court and were remanded to 7 days of police custody. The investigation is ongoing. This operation was carried out under the guidance of Akshay M Hake,, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Division; under the leadership of Dr. Priyadarshini Ishwar Sanikoppa, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Cubbon Park Sub- Division, and by Police Inspector Shri Devendrappa K.S. along with other officers and staff of Cubbon Park Police Station, who successfully apprehended the accused in a short time. (ANI)
The Government of Rajasthan will roll out a series of roadshows across major Indian cities ahead of the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM)-2026, scheduled from May 23 to 25. Led by the Department of Agriculture, the initiative aims to engage with investors, agritech firms, research institutions, startups, and key stakeholders to drive participation and investment in the state's agriculture ecosystem. The roadshows will commence in Jaipur on April 10, followed by New Delhi on April 17, Ahmedabad on April 24, Hyderabad on May 6, and Pune on May 8. These engagements will serve as a platform to present Rajasthan's evolving agricultural landscape, highlight policy support, and showcase emerging opportunities across agribusiness, food processing, and value-added sectors. The initiative is also aligned with the state's broader vision to integrate innovation, advanced technologies, and digital solutions into agriculture. The roadshows are expected to facilitate high-level interactions between prospective investors, agritech developers, industry representatives, and policymakers, with a focus on building long-term partnerships and unlocking investment potential in the sector. Commenting on the initiative, Manju Rajpal, Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Horticulture & Panchayati Raj (Agriculture), said, "Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet-2026, to be held in May, is a key platform to connect Rajasthan's agriculture sector with global investment and innovation. The roadshows are an important step towards showcasing the state's strengths and engaging with stakeholders from across India and beyond." Participants will also be provided an overview of GRAM-2026's key highlights, including technical sessions, workshops, exhibitions, smart farm and livestock showcases, Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings, as well as dedicated investment dialogues. The Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM)-2026 is positioned as a premier international platform bringing together investors, agri-entrepreneurs, agritech innovators, researchers, policymakers, and farmers. The previous edition of GRAM was held in 2016-17. The upcoming edition is expected to see participation from over 75,000 farmers across Rajasthan, more than 250 exhibitors, and over 100 companies from India and overseas. Delegations from partner regions, including South Asia, Europe, Australia, and North and South America, are also likely to participate. (ANI)
SHANGHAI, April 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From April 2 to 31, the Assembly Character Toys brand Blokees made its debut at the 2026 Thailand Toy Expo. Blokees unveiled its two major categories  Blokees Model Kits and Blokees Wheels, highlighting a diverse product matrix of more than 300 products across 17 globally recognized IPs, including Ultraman, Transformers, DC, Evangelion, Naruto, Minions, Jurassic World, Hatsune Miku, and Hero Infinity. Four new model kits also made their global debut, emerging as key highlights of the event.

Mario Maurer attended the opening ceremony of Blokees Thailand Toy Expo as a special guest and engaged in interactive exchanges with consumers.

In the Blokees Model Kits category, Blokees exhibited its Champion, Legend, and Fantastic Series, featuring popular IPs such as Transformers, DC, Mega Man, Saint Seiya, Evangelion, and Naruto. More than 50 products were presented to consumers. Among them, four newly launched itemsincluding Blokees Saint Seiya-Champion Class-12-Phoenix Ikki, Blokees Saint Seiya-Champion Class-14-Andromeda Shun, Blokees DC-Champion Class 05-Batman (HUSH), and Blokees DC-Champion Class 06-Catwoman (Hush)drew strong interest from fans.

Blokees also highlighted its HERO5 and HERO10 series, featuring well-known IPs including Transformers, Saint Seiya, and Naruto, catering to consumers of hero-themed collectible models.

The DaaLaMode series introduced a range of products inspired by popular IPs such as Hatsune Miku, appealing to female consumers. Meanwhile, the TERRAVENTURE series presented nature and creature-themed model kits based on Jurassic World, further expanding Blokees' offerings across different consumer segments.

In the Blokees Wheels category, which integrates construction, play, and customization, products are organized into the C, E, and S series. The lineup includes IP-based offerings from Transformers, Ultraman, and Batman, with upcoming collaborations featuring Fast & Furious and Ford.

In addition, Blokees highlighted its global consumer ecosystem, BFC (Blokees Family Creator). Selected works from 2025 The 3rd BFC Creation Contest Stellar Season were exhibited in Thailand for the first time, reflecting strong user creativity and engagement. 2026 The 4th BFC Creation Contest Season of Awakening has officially launched, further encouraging global participation.

Under its "Universally appealing, Stepwise pricing, Globally promoting" strategy, Blokees continues to expand across Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America. Thailand is rapidly becoming a strategic hub in its regional expansion, as the company strengthens both product innovation and community-driven growth worldwide.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2949701/image_5032250_44313405.jpg
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday issued a scathing rebuttal to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, describing his recent statement on X as "deeply irresponsible" and accusing the Centre of "weaponising" education funds to coerce states into accepting "Hindi imposition."In a detailed post on X, Stalin firmly rejected the National Education Policy's (NEP) three-language formula and accused the Union Government of "illegally" withholding Rs 2,200 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme to penalise Tamil Nadu."@dpradhanbjp Your remarks are deeply irresponsible and reckless, and reflect an entrenched disregard for India's plurality, federal values, and respect for states. Tamil Nadu firmly rejects the three-language policy. This is not about opposing languages, but about resisting imposition and defending Constitutional rights," Stalin stated.The Chief Minister dismissed the Union Minister's claim that there is no Hindi imposition as "plainly dishonest," arguing that tying crucial education funding to policy compliance removes any element of choice. "The claim that there is "no Hindi imposition" is plainly dishonest. When a policy structurally corners non-Hindi speaking states like Tamil Nadu into adopting a third language with little real choice, and when crucial education funding is tied to compliance, it ceases to be a matter of choice," he said."It is nothing short of audacity to illegally withhold a humongous sum of Rs 2,200 crore under the 'Samagra Shiksha' Scheme, effectively penalising Tamil Nadu for refusing to accept Hindi imposition. These are not discretionary grants, but funds that rightfully belong to the people of Tamil Nadu, collected through taxes; they cannot be weaponised as a tool of coercion," the CM added. Stalin remarked that Tamil Nadu will not accept language imposition under any circumstances, whether disguised as flexibility, backed by financial pressure, or projected as national interest. This policy attempts to dilute India's linguistic diversity into a monochromatic, homogenised 'One India' framework.Stalin further challenged the Union Minister to provide data on the implementation of South Indian languages in Northern states and the appointment of Tamil teachers in Kendriya Vidyalayas over the last decade."In the din of rhetoric, you must not evade basic questions. What third Indian language is actually being implemented in schools across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat? How many PM SHRI Schools genuinely offer South Indian languages such as Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu... in northern India? I challenge you to place on record how much the NDA government has spent on promoting classical languages like Tamil compared to Sanskrit," he asked. "How many schools under the Kendriya Vidyalaya 'Sangathan' are actually teaching Tamil? How many Tamil and other South Indian language teachers have been appointed in the last 10 years?" Stalin asked.Defending the state's educational standards, Stalin called the suggestion that Tamil Nadu lacks infrastructure "baseless," highlighting the state's success in science, technology, and medicine under its proven two-language policy. He also mentioned the Chief Minister's Free Breakfast Scheme, which benefits over 20 lakh students, and the DMK's 2026 manifesto promise to extend it up to Class VIII, benefiting an additional 15 lakh students. "Public education remains our top priority, viewed not as expenditure but as a social investment generating long-term societal benefits," he added. "Our opposition to Hindi imposition is not born out of fear. Our mother Tamil will never be weakened. Tamil and Tamils have endured and will continue to resist and survive every form of imposition or cultural intrusion. This is a matter of principle, dignity, and the preservation of India's true diversity," he said. Tamil Nadu will not abandon its proven two-language policy, built on social consensus and strong educational outcomes," he added.The Chief Minister concluded by challenging the Union Minister to advocate for the compulsory three-language policy on Tamil Nadu soil while seeking votes. He also called upon AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami to clarify his stand on the issue. "I also call upon AIADMK General Secretary Thiru. Palaniswami and his NDA allies to clearly state their position. Do they support this aggressively pushed three-language policy of the BJP?" he asked. "It is time for Thiru Palaniswami to make his stand unequivocally clear, whether he stands with the people of Tamil Nadu or with his Delhi bosses who seek to impose Hindi under the guise of policy," Stalin stated. This comes after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday accused the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the DMK government of using the "Hindi imposition" narrative as a "facade" to mask administrative failures and deprive students of educational equity. (ANI)
A five-storey building collapsed at the bus stand in Kotma town of Anuppur district here on Saturday, triggering panic in the area, an official said. Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams from the police, SDRF and local administration deployed at the site. Authorities fear that several people may be trapped under the debris. Anuppur Superintendent of Police (SP) Moti-Ur-Rehman said that the priority is to rescue those trapped and provide medical assistance to the injured."Rescue operations are underway at the site of the building collapse in Kotma bus stand. Police, SDRF and local administration teams are present on the spot. Our priority is to safely evacuate those trapped and provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. The area has been cordoned off, and further investigation into the cause of the collapse will be conducted," he told ANI Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Congress leader Harish Rawat on Saturday criticised Donald Trump and Israel over the West Asia Conflict, stating that Donald Trump, America and Israel are fighting against the entire world and humanity. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Rawat said," It feels like Donald Trump, America and Israel are fighting against the entire world and world humanity. You have dropped so many bombs on Iran, you have destroyed a civilisation, the civilisation of Tigris and Euphrates, the Persian civilisation, and even after that, you are not stopping. And the way the crisis is increasing, the world economy will also be ruined. Donald Trump, no matter what he does, will not be able to save the world from the era of recession. Therefore, now there is only one option for America: it should completely withdraw from this fight with Iran, from this fight in the Gulf. He highlighted the negative impact of this war on the global landscape and the Indian economy. "We are concerned that this will definitely affect our economy, which was moving very fast. We are concerned as to what level and how much we will be able to face it. Yesterday, I spoke with the Iranian special envoy in India. I also requested him, and he said that we are letting the Indian ships go because we know that the people of India are with Iran. And the truth at this time is that all the struggling people are now with Iran," said Rawat. Escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, have led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route that handles nearly one-fifth of the world's crude oil supply. Before the crisis, India sourced around 12-15% of its oil imports through this route. The West Asia crisis began on February 28 with US-Israel strikes on Iran, and subsequent Iranian retaliation engulfed the region in the conflict, affecting the airspace in the Gulf region. (ANI)
According to the press release, the women, identified as Afroza Khatun (47) from Narail district, Khulna, and Luki Begum (36) from Comilla district, were intercepted on April 1 in the Shalimar Bagh area while heading towards Haiderpur.

They initially claimed to be Indian citizens working as housemaids in local homes, but their inconsistent answers raised suspicion.

A team led by Inspector Vipin Kumar, under the supervision of ACP Akash Rawat, conducted surveillance based on specific informer input. Further investigation revealed that both women were Bangladeshi nationals living in India without any valid documents or visas.

One of the women is a graduate from Bangladesh who came to Delhi to earn more money, while the other is illiterate. Police recovered two smartphones from them containing the banned IMO application and Bangladeshi national identity documents stored in the phone gallery.

The duo has been produced before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), and deportation proceedings have been initiated against them.

This operation is part of the Delhi Police's ongoing efforts to check illegal immigration in the national capital. (ANI)
During the operation, suspect movement was detected, and the vehicle attempted to evade the security forces, leading to a brief chase before being intercepted. The swift response by the joint team resulted in the recovery of 30 soap cases of heroin weighing approximately 349 grams, with an estimated market value of Rs 2.10 crore.

Three individuals were apprehended in connection with the recovery.

The recovered contraband, along with the apprehended individuals, has been handed over to the police for further investigation.

Earlier in February, the Assam Rifles launched a joint operation with Cachar Police based on information about the trafficking of drugs in Cachar district.

During the operation, the team apprehended one individual who was transporting heroin worth Rs 4.05 crore via Silchar Bypass near Maharpur late at night on February 17.

The apprehended individual, along with the seized vehicle, has been handed over to the Cachar Police for further investigation, according to the Headquarters Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East).

Assam Rifles has been at the forefront of anti-drug operations in the region, conducting regular operations to disrupt and dismantle narcotics networks. This seizure is a significant milestone in the effort to combat drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles launched a joint anti-narcotics operation along with CRPF and Manipur Police in the general area Sehjang, in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, following specific intelligence inputs on Tuesday (February 17).

The operation involved area domination and systematic searching of suspected cultivation sites. During the conduct of the operation, the joint team detected illicit poppy cultivation spread over 22 acres, which was destroyed.

The destroyed cultivation had the potential to yield about 160 kilograms of opium, estimated to be worth multiple crores, thereby dealing a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating in the region, according to Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (East). (ANI)
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday released its list of star campaigners for Phase I of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, featuring top party leaders, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and AITC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The list includes key names such as Subrata Bakshi, Chandrima Bhattacharya, Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, Kalyan Banerjee, Dr Manas Ranjan Bhunia, Dr Shashi Panja, Snehasis Chakraborty, Birbaha Hansda, actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, Jay Prakash Majumdar, Kunal Ghosh, Deepak Adhikari (Dev), Mahua Moitra, Kirti Azad, Satabdi Roy, Partha Bhowmick and Saayoni Ghosh. The announcement comes as campaigning intensifies ahead of the two-phase elections scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes on May 4. Addressing a public meeting in Manikchak, Mamata Banerjee urged voters to unite against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "If you want to live peacefully for the next 5 years, then you must unite to stop the BJP. BJP will ruin the country. They don't respect any religion," she said. Launching a sharp attack, Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to impose a "manufactured religion" and failing to understand Bengal's cultural ethos. She also alleged misuse of central agencies for political purposes. "NIA, CBI, ED, BSF and CISF are under Mota Bhai's control... Innocent people are getting arrested," she claimed. The Chief Minister further alleged a tacit understanding between the BJP and Congress in the state, warning voters against supporting other parties. "Don't cast a single vote in favour of any other party. Otherwise, NRC will happen. It will be followed by detention camps. The AITC government will not allow even a single person to be sent," she said. Banerjee also raised concerns over migrant workers, alleging that they were being prevented from returning to vote. "However, you must return. Don't let anyone take away your rights," she urged. The upcoming elections are expected to witness a high-voltage contest between the TMC and BJP, with multiple parties vying for influence in the state. (ANI)
The incident led to an immediate response from the fire services. The blaze erupted at a company named Tex Polymer.

According to an Official, the fire at the used-clothing facility created an atmosphere of fear among locals.

Fire brigade teams from KASEZ, the Municipal Corporation, and the DPA were rushed to the spot soon after the blaze was reported.

Firefighting operations are currently underway to bring the situation under control, the Fire Department said.

A major disaster, involving a massive conflagration and potential loss of life, was successfully averted.

The official said that four fire brigade teams brought the blaze under control by dousing it with water.

Just a short while ago, another fire had broken out at a different clothing company within the KASEZ area.

More details are awaited. (ANI)
Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council Opposition Leader Botsa Satyanarayana on Saturday said that while he is not opposed to the development of Amaravati as the state capital, he strongly objects to the "extravagance and exorbitant costs" involved in the project, alleging large-scale corruption in its execution. The Rajya Sabha on April 2 passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeking to recognise Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. Addressing the press conference here, the Legislative Council member raised concerns over the financial management and transparency of the Amaravati capital project. He claimed that there has been a lack of clarity regarding the progress of construction works since the current dispensation assumed office. "We are not opposed to Amaravati itself, but rather to the extravagance and exorbitant costs associated with it," he said. Botsa further alleged that there has been no proper disclosure of project updates and accused the authorities of failing to address key commitments made during the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. "After assuming office, no details have been provided regarding the progress of the project; furthermore, the failure to incorporate Special Category Status along with other assurances made in the State Reorganisation Bill remains a matter of concern," he said. Highlighting what he described as inflated construction costs, the senior leader pointed out a stark difference between standard rates and those being applied in Amaravati. "While the standard construction rate is Rs 4,000 per square foot, in Amaravati it exceeds Rs 14,000 -- a disparity that clearly demonstrates the extent to which public funds are being squandered or misappropriated," Botsa alleged. The remarks come amid ongoing political debate over the future and financing of Amaravati, which was envisioned as a world-class capital city following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The project has since been a subject of contention between successive governments, with disagreements over cost, scale, and implementation priorities. On Thursday, the Rajya Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeking to recognise Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. Once the bill becomes a law, Amaravati will be the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh with retrospective effect from June 2, 2024. With the passage of the bill in the Rajya Sabha, following its approval in the Lok Sabha a day earlier, the Andhra Pradesh state expressed gratitude to the nation and its representatives for affirming Amaravati as its capital. (ANI)
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday welcomed the Indian fishermen who arrived in Chennai after being repatriated from Iran via Armenia, following a significant diplomatic effort by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Speaking to reporters, Piyush Goyal described the return as a "Joyous day" for the families of the fishermen, who had been stranded in Iran amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. "Today is a joyous day where our brothers and sisters who are suffering in Iran are coming back home to their families, motherland. We warmly welcome all our fishermen brothers and sisters... It was a difficult journey for them. They had to go 20 hours to Armenia and other countries," Goyal said. "The MEA Officials worked day and night to bring them to Armenia. Today they are flying back from Armenia. We are very happy to receive them, welcome them back home," he added. On MK Stalin's recent statement on imposing Hindi in the state, Goyal further claimed that Chief Minister MK Stalin has "lost" the upcoming Assembly elections and is resorting to "false allegations" out of desperation."I think Stalin has lost this election. He has already given up on these elections. That is why he makes false allegations. The people of Tamil Nadu know that no one is trying to impose Hindi on them. We want more and more children to learn Tamil. The third language is optional; whatever they want to learn. There is no compulsion to learn any particular language," the Minister stated.Goyal's remarks follow a heated exchange between CM MK Stalin and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday over the National Education Policy (NEP) and the alleged withholding of funds for Tamil Nadu's refusal to adopt the three-language formula.Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday expressed gratitude towards Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen from Iran amid the conflict in West Asia."Thank FM Ararat Mirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar wrote on X.Armenia has been facilitating the evacuation of Indian nationals in Iran. On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that more than 1,200 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran, out of which 996 moved to Armenia. (ANI)
Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Saturday lashed out at the BJP and the Election Commission, alleging large-scale voter irregularities in several states, including West Bengal, Bihar, and Haryana. Speaking at a press conference, Sibal claimed that the BJP was not self-reliant in elections and needed the support of the Election Commission to win. "This means that the BJP is also not 'atmanirbhar' in elections. It is only 'atmanirbhar' when the EC is supporting it - that is why Home Minister Amit Shah says I will spend 15 days in West Bengal because they are not 'atmanirbhar'. So, they have to seek help, and whose help they have to seek, we know that, you know that, the people of the country know that, and the government also knows that, but they don't speak out, and the CEC is fully supportive." Sibal said. "If you remember we had made allegations to the effect that in Maharashtra 40 lakh voters were added and 5 lakh voters in Delhi were added. These issues were raised by several political parties but after the polls," Kapil Sibal said, adding "Luckily in West Bengal, things have come to light before the polls," He added. Sibal cited the example of five voters who were registered in both Bihar and West Bengal, alleging that this was just the tip of the iceberg. "We have the instance of at least five people who are voters in Bihar and are registered both in Bihar and West Bengal. These five have been caught; there would be thousands like this," he said, displaying the details and Epic numbers of the five voters. The Congress leader also questioned the Election Commission's role in allowing such irregularities to take place. "Hundreds of thousands of people have registered voters in their homes. The houses are small, but there are many voters. Hundreds of voters are registered in a two-room house. This happened in Haryana. This happens everywhere, and will happen everywhere because only then will the BJP remain self-reliant," he alleged. His remarks come after Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced that he will continue to stay in West Bengal for the next fifteen days for campaigning and preparing his party for the two-phase assembly elections scheduled to be held on April 23 and 29. "I will stay in Bengal for 15 days for the elections. I will have many opportunities to talk with you all. But today I am here for the nomination filing of our four leaders," Amit Shah said while addressing a rally in Bhabanipur, which is Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's constituency. His remarks come as the assembly elections for 4 states and 1 Union Territory are set to commence from April 9. Polling in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will be held on April 9 in a single phase. While in West Bengal, the first phase of voting is scheduled for April 23, followed by the second phase on April 29. Tamil Nadu will hold its elections on April 23 in a single phase. Counting of votes for all five states and UTs is scheduled for May 4. (ANI)
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has raised serious questions regarding the sincerity of US diplomatic efforts, following a lethal attack on the family of a prominent Iranian official. In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the President revealed that the spouse of a high-ranking figure was killed during a recent strike. He noted that the "head of our Strategic Council on Foreign Policy" was the subject of an "assassination attempt" which ultimately resulted in the "martyrdom of his innocent wife." https://x.com/drpezeshkian/status/2040175054831444195?s=20 Linking the timing of the violence to his own international outreach, Pezeshkian highlighted the contradiction between calls for peace and active hostilities. He remarked, "Just as I was addressing the American people," the targeted attack took place, casting doubt on the possibility of constructive engagement. The President further challenged the international community to evaluate the conduct of both nations involved in the escalating friction. "Let the world judge; which side engages in dialogue and negotiation, and which in terrorism?" he wrote, further straining the already fragile prospects for regional stability. This diplomatic crisis unfolds as the military situation intensifies, with the Iranian military asserting 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, significantly heightening tensions across the region. 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 took place in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor. 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 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, with debris identifying the jet as belonging to the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. (ANI)
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, have approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to request the prioritised scheduling of their appeals, Dawn reported. The couple is seeking to overturn their conviction in the Toshakhana I case and the suspension of their sentences in the 190 million-pound corruption case. The move, made on Friday, comes as the petitioners allege "inordinate delays" and "dilatory tactics" on the part of the prosecution. This follows an IHC adjournment on 31 March regarding the suspension of sentences in the Al-Qadir Trust case, which occurred after the defence requested more time to consult with their clients. In their legal filings under Section 561-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the couple also urged the court to instruct prison authorities to allow for unhindered sessions with their legal advisors. According to Dawn, the appeals specifically contest a January 2024 ruling by Accountability Court No. 1, which resulted in a 14-year prison sentence at Adiala Jail. Although the IHC suspended these specific sentences in April 2024, the new petitions claim the original trial court judgment lacked the "proper application of judicial mind" and was marred by a "serious misreading and non-reading of material evidence." The documentation further highlighted the former premier's medical concerns, specifically "right central retinal vein occlusion," noting that the required medical care is not accessible within Adiala Jail. Dawn noted that the health of the 71-year-old leader has been a subject of significant concern since his eye condition was first disclosed earlier this year. Regarding Bushra Bibi, the legal team described her as a "parda-nasheen" lady who has never held public office, arguing her involvement in the case stems purely from her marriage. She has separately requested a merit-based decision on her sentence suspension in the Al-Qadir Trust case, which has reportedly been pending for over ten months. The petition further alleged that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has utilised "procedural manoeuvring" to delay the legal process. Dawn reported that the plea emphasises Bushra Bibi has already completed more than a year of her seven-year term and should be granted statutory leniency as a female defendant. Both petitioners expressed alarm over their inability to access legal counsel within the prison. Imran Khan's petition argues that blocking these visitations violates constitutional protections, including the "right to fair trial" and the principle that the "dignity of man and the privacy of the home shall be inviolable." Lead counsel Barrister Salman Safdar stated in a separate application that he has been barred from seeing his clients for roughly three months. This restriction has made it impossible to receive the "fresh instructions" required to move forward with the primary appeals. The legal team, which includes Salman Akram Raja and Barrister Ali Zafar, stressed to the IHC that "justice should not only be done but also be seen to be done." As per Dawn, the lawyers urged the court to ensure a swift resolution of these cases to avoid "irreparable loss." (ANI)
President Donald Trump has withheld details regarding the potential US response should a missing crew member, forced to eject over Iran, be harmed or captured, The Independent reported. The President declined to specify a course of action during a brief telephone interview on Friday. When questioned by The Independent about the measures he might take if the airman is mistreated by Iranian forces, Trump stated, "Well, I can't comment on it because we hope that's not going to happen." The tension surrounding this search is compounded by further claims from Tehran, as the Iranian military asserted that its forces also 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, significantly heightening regional friction. 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. The army public relations team 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 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. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal cited Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, which shared a map on X, circling the specific region where the search 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, with debris identifying the jet as belonging to the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. Addressing the broader diplomatic fallout, 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. 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." (ANI)
The central headquarters of the Iranian armed forces has issued a stark warning to the United States and its regional partners following recent threats made by President Donald Trump, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, released a statement early on Saturday threatening devastating strikes against American and Israeli assets. The warning specifically extended to the infrastructure of nations that continue to host US military bases, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. This military posturing is a direct response to President Trump's recent assertions that the US would continue targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure, including bridges, power plants, and energy facilities. According to Press TV, the Iranian military command has warned that any execution of these threats will be met with overwhelming force by the Islamic Republic's armed forces. "In response to the US President's inflammatory rhetoric and his repeated threats regarding the destruction of bridges, power plants, and Iran's electricity and energy infrastructure, we warn once again," the spokesperson asserted. The Iranian military further cautioned that its retaliatory operations would go beyond military assets. The spokesperson noted that the armed forces would target "more important and extensive sectors of their capital, as well as those of the host countries and allies of the US and the Zionist regime." As per the statement, these potential strikes would focus on fuel, energy, and economic centres, as well as power plants across the region and the occupied territories. Press TV reported that the promised response would be "more severe and crushing than ever before." Addressing the regional nations that provide facilities for American forces, the Iranian command delivered a clear ultimatum. "The countries hosting US military bases in the region must force the Americans to withdraw from their territory if they do not wish to be harmed," the spokesperson stated. The current conflict follows the launch of an unprovoked and illegal war by the US-Israeli coalition on 28 February. Press TV highlighted that the initial offensive targeted the country's top civilian and military leadership, resulting in the death of the former Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The Iranian military command maintained that the withdrawal of foreign forces is now the only way for host nations to avoid being caught in the crossfire of the ongoing war, Press TV reported. (ANI)
Islamabad's attempt tp position itself as a mediator in the West Asia conflict has come to naught with the Iranian side refusing to meet any US led delegation in Pakistan, reports the Wall Street Journal. Iran has also called the list of demands from the US as unacceptablem, pushing the possibility of an early resolution to the crisis to the back burner. Pakistan had staked its diplomatic heft by pitching itself as a mediator claiming to have been behind messaging to both the Iranian and US sides. However, it appears that with this significant trust deficit the Iranians are reluctant to let Islambad play any role in negotiations. However, some hope was ignited as reports suggested that Iran could move towards a mediation effort brokered by Qatar, another key player in the region. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the region after the reports of a missing US airman after a US aircraft was downed by the Iranians and the taking down of another US A-10 plane. US President Donald Trump withheld details regarding the potential US response should a missing crew member, forced to eject over Iran, be harmed or captured, The President declined to specify a course of action during a brief telephone interview with The Independent on Friday. When questioned by The Independent about the measures he might take if the airman is mistreated by Iranian forces, Trump stated, "Well, I can't comment on it because we hope that's not going to happen." The Iranians say their forces have now executed Wave 93 of their retaliatory campaign against US-Israel. IRGC claimed to have dealt precise blows to critical Israeli military staging grounds deep inside the occupied territories. During this IRGC said that centres of gathering and combat support of the Israelis in Western Galilee, Haifa, Kafr Kanna, and Krayot were precisely hit. In what will spell further trouble for the US and its allies, Iran said it has the ability to sustain the current situation in the Strait of Hormu for years, A senior Iranian security official told Press TV that Iran's heightened sensitivity over the strategic waterway stems from the fact that the majority of equipment used to supply US military bases and garrisons across the region has historically been transported by sea. "Iran has the capability to sustain this situation for years," the official said, referring to the effective shutdown of the strategic waterway to US and allied vessels. The official further stated that Iran believes it should no longer allow such logistical support to continue. (ANI)
Pakistan has decided to return USD 3.5 billion in debt to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before the end of the month, a senior Pakistani official said, as reported by the Dawn. The official described the move as a step taken to uphold "national dignity", despite the expected impact on the country's foreign exchange reserves. "The amount will be returned as soon as possible," the official said, adding that "national dignity could not be compromised for financial considerations." The news report said that Abu Dhabi had sought the immediate return of the funds, which were part of external financial support extended in 2019 through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to stabilise Pakistan's balance of payments. As reported by Daw, Pakistan is currently under an International Monetary Fund programme that requires it to secure about USD 12.5 billion in rollovers from key partners, including China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, to maintain reserve levels and meet external financing needs. The latest data, as reported by Dawn, places Pakistan's central bank reserves at approximately USD 16.3 billion. A repayment of around USD 3 billion could reduce reserves by nearly 18 per cent, significantly weakening the country's external buffer and import cover. Officials acknowledged that the repayment would impact reserves, but said the decision was taken in light of evolving bilateral considerations and the UAE's demand for immediate settlement. Economic analysts warned that the move could increase pressure on Pakistan's currency and complicate its position under the IMF programme if not offset by fresh inflows. However, no immediate replacement financing arrangements were indicated. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Finance Ministry said in a post on X that it is "continuously monitoring and managing Pakistan's external flows to ensure stable foreign exchange reserves". https://x.com/Financegovpk/status/2040128431413973406 Meanwhile, 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. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) extended greetings on the occasion of Easter, joining Christians worldwide in commemorating Holy Week and the "resurrection of Jesus Christ". In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, " Happy Easter to all, may God bless you, may God bless the United States of America." Delivering a detailed Holy Week message, Trump emphasised the significance of Christ's life, death and resurrection. "This Holy Week, I'm proud to join with Christians across the country and around the world to celebrate the most glorious miracle in all of time, the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," he said. Highlighting Christian teachings, he added, "In his life, Christ displayed true humility. In his death, he modelled true love. And in his resurrection from the tomb, he proved that even death itself will not silence those who place their trust in Almighty God." Citing scripture from the Gospel of John, Trump said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, for whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Eternal life, such beautiful words." He noted that the festival serves as a reminder of hope and faith for millions of believers worldwide. " This Easter millions of Christians all over the globe will be reminded that because of what Jesus did on the cross, all of us can live every day with hope in God's promise, knowing that in the end evil and wickedness will not prevail," he said. "As I have often said, to be a great nation, you must have religion, and you must have God. In churches across the nation on Sunday, the pews will be fuller, younger, and more faithful than they have at any time in many, many years. Religion is growing again in our country for the first time in decades," he added. Trump reiterated his greetings and expressed confidence in the country's progress, saying, "Our country is doing so well like never before." Earlier on Friday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog 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 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. (ANI)
The Islamic Resistance, an umbrella body of Iran-backed militia, has carried out 19 drone and missile attacks targeting the United States' bases in Iraq and in the region on Friday (local time), Al Jazeera reported. The Iran-backed militia has been attacking US bases in West Asia amid the ongoing conflict between the two nations. Meanwhile, an Iraqi police source told Al Jazeera that there's been an attack against the Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF)'s headquarters in al-Qaim in western Iraq. An air raid was also reported on the headquarters of the 34th Brigade of the PMF in Mosul. Shia military factions The Islamic Resistance and the PMF, have been part of several proxy wars in the region. Earlier on Thursday, the Baghdad US Embassy issued a security alert, warning that Iran-aligned militia groups may be planning attacks in central Baghdad. In a post on X, the embassy cautioned that such groups "may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours," raising concerns over the safety of US citizens and installations in Iraq. According to the advisory, "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)." The embassy warned that potential targets could include US citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other locations perceived to be associated with the United States. The alert also highlighted the risk of kidnappings, noting that " terrorist militias have targeted Americans for kidnapping." "The Iraqi government has not prevented terrorist attacks in or from Iraqi territory," the embassy stated, adding that some Iran-aligned militia groups may claim affiliation with Iraqi authorities and could "carry identification denoting their status as Iraqi government employees." Embassy, in an X post, also asked the public to provide information on the militias involved in attacks in Baghdad. "Help us stop the terrorist attacks against the United States Embassy in Baghdad or anywhere else. If you have any information about the Iran-allied terrorist militias or about the individuals responsible for these attacks, send it to us today," the Baghdad US Embassy wrote. (ANI)
Earlier on March 28, a shipment of 47,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) arrived at the Vadinar Terminal of DPA Kandla in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Saturday.

The vessel, MT Jag Vasant, is set to transfer its cargo to another ship at anchorage through a Ship-to-Ship (STS) operation.

Indian Navy warships were on standby to provide support to the merchant vessels, sources told ANI.

The Centre has been in talks with Iranian authorities to allow Indian vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz amid a maritime blockade due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Earlier, the Shipping Ministry informed that there were 18 vessels and around 485 seafarers in the Persian Gulf.

Speaking at a joint inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in the Gulf region, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mukesh Mangal, stated that all Indian vessels and crew currently in the Persian Gulf are being closely monitored. "All seafarers in the Persian Gulf remain safe," he added.

"18 Indian vessels with around 485 seafarers are in the region. Over 964 seafarers have been repatriated so far, while ports across India continue to operate normally," Mangal informed.

On port operations, he said, "We are maintaining continuous coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and other stakeholders in the maritime sector."

About 5,98,000 passengers have returned to India amid the developing security situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, a senior government official said.

The West Asia crisis began on February 28 with US-Israel strikes on Iran, and subsequent Iranian retaliation engulfed the region in the conflict, affecting global fuel supplies. (ANI)
Fresh allegations of enforced disappearances in Balochistan have surfaced, with two new cases reported in recent days, even as one previously missing student has safely returned home, according to local accounts and rights groups, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, a 17-year-old student, Shahek Baloch, son of Rahim Bakhsh and a resident of Buleda Mehnaz in Kech district, was allegedly taken into custody on March 31 in Turbat. Sources claim that individuals linked to a state-supported militia were involved in his detention. Since then, there has been no information regarding his whereabouts, raising concerns among his family and the wider community. Noor Khan, a 21-year-old student from Sardasht Kalanch in Pasni tehsil, was reportedly detained on March 28. Witnesses stated that personnel believed to be affiliated with Military Intelligence intercepted him at a van stop in Pasni. He was allegedly forced into a vehicle and taken to an undisclosed location. His fate remains unknown. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has acknowledged both incidents, warning that such cases reflect an ongoing and troubling trend in the region. The group has urged international human rights organisations to take cognisance of the grim situation and press for accountability, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post. Meanwhile, there has been a rare development in the form of a safe return. Mumtaz Baloch, a fifth-semester student from the Balochi department at the University of Balochistan, who had reportedly gone missing earlier, has returned home. He was allegedly picked up from Kolwai Bazaar in Turbat's Absar area during the third night of Eid and remained unaccounted for several days. While his family has expressed relief, the anguish continues for other family members or relatives who are still missing, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI)
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Amid growing criticism over a recent judicial decision, Dr Paul Jacob Bhatti has called on the government to constitute an independent parliamentary commission to investigate cases of forced religious conversion and child marriage involving minority girls, as reported by Geo News. According to Geo News, in his statement, Dr Bhatti, who heads the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, described the issue as deeply alarming, warning that repeated incidents of coerced conversions and underage marriages are eroding fundamental rights, including freedom of belief, child protection, and human dignity. His remarks come in the wake of nationwide protests triggered by a controversial verdict delivered by Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court. The ruling, issued by a two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Muhammad Karim Khan Agha, declared a 13-year-old girl to be of "sufficient maturity," placing her in the custody of her alleged husband, a 30-year-old man, and recognising her conversion to Islam as lawful under Sharia law. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts, civil society organisations, and child rights activists. Despite the girl's parents presenting official documents proving her minor status, the court dismissed the evidence. The family has been pursuing legal recourse since her reported abduction in July 2025. A subsequent probe ordered by a sessions court reportedly found the marriage certificate to be forged, with local authorities confirming that no official registration of the union exists. Nevertheless, the higher court upheld the marriage, a move critics argue could embolden perpetrators and further endanger minority communities, as cited by Geo News. Dr Bhatti emphasised that minors cannot legally or ethically provide informed consent in matters of religion or marriage. He insisted that any such cases must undergo independent and transparent scrutiny to ensure legitimacy. He also urged authorities to revisit the court's ruling in light of Pakistan's constitutional commitments and its obligations under international conventions on child rights. He further proposed establishing an autonomous review body comprising human rights experts, legal professionals, religious representatives, and child protection specialists to ensure impartial investigations and safeguard victims, as reported by Geo News. (ANI)
Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev said the mid-voyage rerouting of an Iranian crude shipment, which was supposedly destined for India, reflects evolving market dynamics rather than any unusual development, describing it as a case of the "free market playing out." In an interview with ANI on Friday, Sachdev said, "I don't see it as anything surprising; it's probably right now free market playing out." He explained that multiple factors could be influencing such decisions, including competitive pricing and logistical requirements. "There are many buyers as well as sellers; sellers want to sell quickly. Iran knows it has a 30-day window to sell its oil at sea, Russia knows it has a 30-day waiver," he said, adding that rerouting could also stem from better offers or documentation requirements by Indian importers like Nayara Energy. On Iran's warning to the United Nations Security Council, Sachdev expressed scepticism about the global body's effectiveness. "Fundamentally, there is nothing that the United Nations can do; it does not have the structural elements," he said, pointing to divisions among permanent members. "Everything goes up to the UN Security Council, you have Russia and China, America and others, any proposal will not be able to bridge the gap," he added, calling the UN "at an impasse" and stating it "cannot deliver anything other than statements and expressions of concern." Highlighting India's concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, Sachdev said the situation remains critical for global energy security and maritime safety. "The Strait of Hormuz is a matter of huge concern for everyone. We have been impacted not only economically but in terms of the lives of our mariners," he said, noting that diplomatic efforts remain the only viable path forward. "Military force is ruled out; what remains is dialogue and diplomacy, which India has always been promoting." On rising tensions between the United States and Iran, Sachdev warned of further escalation. "It will invite a tit-for-tat response," he said, referring to reported strikes on infrastructure. "What the United States is doing now is systematically attacking and damaging physical infrastructure, which is a war crime by the way, so that when they decide to stop, at the end of it Iran is hugely weakened," he said, adding that such actions could provoke retaliation targeting power grids and desalination plants across Gulf countries. He also pointed to competing narratives around recent incidents, saying, "Lots of dirty games are also going on." (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday expressed gratitude towards Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen from Iran amid the conflict in West Asia. "Thank FM Ararat Mirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar wrote on X. Armenia has been facilitating the evacuation of Indian nationals in Iran. On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that more than 1,200 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran, out of which 996 moved to Armenia. 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 1200 Indian nationals have been evacuated, 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. Over 6 lakh passengers have returned to India amid the developing security situation in West Asia. Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, 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." The West Asia crisis began on February 28 with US-Israel strikes on Iran, and subsequent Iranian retaliation engulfed the region in the conflict, affecting the airspace in the Gulf region. (ANI)
The Petroleum Ministry on Saturday refuted the reports alleging that an Iranian crude cargo heading to India was diverted to China due to 'payment issues'. In an X post, the Petroleum Ministry stated that India has faced no payment hurdle in securing crude oil imports. Rubbishing the media reports, the ministry said that the Bills of Lading often carry indicative discharge ports and destinations, and on-sea cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage based on trade optimisation and operational flexibility. The ministry said, "The news reports and social media posts of an Iranian crude cargo being diverted from Vadinar, India, to China due to 'payment issues' is factually incorrect. India imports crude oil from 40+ countries, with companies having full flexibility to source oil from different sources & geographies based on commercial considerations. Amid Middle East supply disruptions, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran, and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports as per some rumours being circulated." "Claims on vessel diversion ignore how oil trade works. Bills of Lading often carry indicative discharge ports, destinations and on-sea cargoes can change destinations mid-voyage based on trade optimisation and operational flexibility," the post stated. Addressing the rumours around LPG supply, the ministry clarified that the LPG vessel Sea Bird, carrying around 44 TMT Iranian LPG, berthed at Mangalore on Thursday and is currently discharging. "It is reiterated that India's crude oil requirements remain fully secured for the coming months. On LPG too, some claims being made are incorrect as LPG vessel Sea Bird carrying around 44 TMT Iranian LPG berthed at Mangalore, India on April 2 and is currently discharging," the X post read. This comes after media reports, citing a commodity market analysis firm, claimed that a crude oil vessel heading to India diverted to China due to payment issues. Earlier today, India-flagged large gas carrier Green Sanvi safely transited the Strait of Hormuz on Friday night, carrying approximately 46,650 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cargo, official sources said. The Centre has been in talks with Iranian authorities to allow Indian vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz amid a maritime blockade due to the ongoing West Asia conflict. The West Asia crisis began on February 28 with US-Israel strikes on Iran, and subsequent Iranian retaliation engulfed the region in the conflict, affecting global fuel supplies. (ANI)
Three members of the U.S. House of Representatives have put forward a bipartisan bill designed to bolster the resilience of Taiwan's undersea cables and other critical infrastructure in response to increasing threats from China, as reported by the Central News Agency (CNA). According to the proposed legislation, the United States would upgrade undersea surveillance systems by deploying advanced sensors capable of identifying sabotage and delivering real-time intelligence to help Taiwan safeguard its essential cable networks. The bill also requires the US to work alongside its allies to assist Taiwan and regional partners in strengthening their ability to recover from attacks on undersea infrastructure and reduce service disruptions. Republican Representative Mike Lawler stated in a press release that as threats from the People's Republic of China (PRC) continue to intensify, the United States must take the lead in ensuring that undersea infrastructure in the region remains secure and resilient. The legislation comes after a series of recent disruptions to undersea cables involving Chinese vessels, which experts have described as "gray zone" tactics. These incidents, cited in the CNA report, include multiple occurrences near Taiwan's outlying islands between 2023 and last month. Lawler added that the bill aims to deter such actions by imposing sanctions on individuals or entities found responsible for, or complicit in, damaging undersea infrastructure affecting the US, Taiwan, or their regional allies. Democratic Representative Dave Min emphasised, as reported by CNA, that Taiwan's communication infrastructure plays a crucial role not only in its national security but also in global trade and regional stability. Min further stated that China's repeated interference with Taiwan's undersea cables is intentional and forms part of a broader strategy to isolate a democratic partner while testing the limits of authoritarian coercion without facing consequences. He also noted that the bill sends a clear message that the United States will not overlook "gray zone" tactics intended to undermine peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, a corresponding bill in the Senate, introduced by Republican Senator John Curtis and Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in January, the CNA report added. (ANI)
Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has cited reports of unnamed global think tanks to suggest that the current camapaign by US-Israel in Iran points to a "strategic failure" for Israel and the United States, while underscoring Iran's resilience. In a post on X, Fathali said, "A review of global think tanks, from the US and Europe to Asia, reveals a clear pattern: strategic failure for Israel and the US." https://x.com/IranAmbIndia/status/2040343494032867539 He further highlighted Iran's enduring strength, adding, "What stands out is an Iranian-Islamic civilizational resilience that turns pressure into endurance, and endurance into sustained strategic leverage." Earlier, the central headquarters of the Iranian armed forces issued a stark warning to the United States and its regional partners following recent threats made by President Donald Trump, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, released a statement early on Saturday threatening devastating strikes against American and Israeli assets. The warning specifically extended to the infrastructure of nations that continue to host US military bases, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. This military posturing is a direct response to President Trump's recent assertions that the US would continue targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure, including bridges, power plants, and energy facilities. According to Press TV, the Iranian military command has warned that any execution of these threats will be met with overwhelming force by the Islamic Republic's armed forces. "In response to the US President's inflammatory rhetoric and his repeated threats regarding the destruction of bridges, power plants, and Iran's electricity and energy infrastructure, we warn once again," the spokesperson asserted. The Iranian military further cautioned that its retaliatory operations would go beyond military assets. The spokesperson noted that the armed forces would target "more important and extensive sectors of their capital, as well as those of the host countries and allies of the US and the Zionist regime." Earlier on Thursday (local time), 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. (ANI)
Former US F-15E combat pilot Ryan Bodenheimer expressed strong reservations about the possibility of a US ground invasion of Iran amid the escalating conflict in the region, which is currently in its second month, calling it "not a good plan" and urging alternative strategies to avoid prolonged conflict and heavy troop deployment in the region. Speaking in an interview with ANI, Bodenheimer, who previously flew around 70 combat missions during his deployment in Afghanistan, said past military engagements have demonstrated the limitations and risks of large-scale invasions. "I'm hopeful that it's a no. That's just my personal opinion," he said, referring to the possibility of a ground invasion. "I really hope that there isn't a big ground invasion. I flew over Afghanistan. I flew 70 combat missions there. I saw the results of trying to occupy a country on that level, and I just don't think it's a good plan. That's an old playbook that we saw pretty clearly doesn't work. But I'm actually very hopeful with Iran that it won't take that," the former US combat pilot and host of the Max Afterburner YouTube channel added. His remarks come amid growing speculation over a possible US ground invasion of the Islamic Republic following reports of military preparedness in the region, increased troop positioning, training exercises, and deployment of strategic assets. While acknowledging he has no direct insight into current plans of the US administration under President Donald Trump, Bodenheimer suggested that supporting internal resistance within Iran could be a more viable path, emphasising the potential role of Iranian citizens seeking freedom from the influence of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). "What I'm hopeful for is that the free Iranian people want to be free, and they want to be outside of the thumb of the IRGC; they actually lean more than what we saw in Iraq and Afghanistan. So that would be ideal, to support the free people that could actually rise up, whether that means arming them or just supporting them and giving them the ability to take their country back in some fashion themselves," he stated. Bodenheimer further added that such efforts could involve advisory roles or limited military assistance from the US rather than direct occupation, as potentially planned by Washington. He outlined a hypothetical scenario in which opposition forces could liberate and hold strategic cities, gradually building momentum without the need for a large-scale US troop presence. However, he cautioned that war, in any form, carries severe consequences. "Maybe they would be tasked with liberating a city to start with. They liberate a city that becomes the first free city in Iran, And it's not controlled by the IRGC, but it's not the US troops that are there. It's a city that seems strategically positioned to hold strong while they amass support. And then you go to the next city with those people without the US. Maybe US advising and some US weaponry," he said. "I know war is terrible. I'll just say that in my opinion, I think war is terrible. I would never advocate for war, but once we're in a conflict, I think we have to do it as smartly as possible to lose as few friendly lives as possible," Bodenheimer added. The former combat pilot also raised concerns about Iran's military capabilities, including its missile and drone programmes and its nuclear ambitions and argued that these developments pose significant global security risks, potentially triggering broader conflict involving regional and global powers. Despite these concerns, he maintained that a full-scale invasion would be strategically unsound. Highlighting Iran's size and military strength, including an estimated 200,000 IRGC personnel, he suggested that a ground operation could require up to one to two million troops--an "unsustainable" commitment. Instead, Bodenheimer advocated for a more targeted, technology-driven approach. "I think it's a very tough question, the invasion, but I think there are other ways to do it. And special forces and marine expeditionary units have some of this advanced technology we're talking about. My vote is to go high-tech, which is different than lower tech, which is boots on the ground," he noted. "I really hope, instead of that [ground invasion], it's special forces, surgical strikes, taking out command and control first, and just getting control of the Strait of Hormuz. I think an invasion of the country strategically just doesn't; it just doesn't make sense to me. It's a country that's massive," Bodenheimer added. He also stressed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that securing the critical waterway on which global energy trade depends, through a coalition effort, possibly involving NATO, could exert pressure on Iran without escalating into a full invasion, noting that the strait is the "last domino" for Iran to negotiate. "Instead of a boots-on-the-ground situation, if the US could just focus on the Straits of Hormuz, a coalition would be better. If there was a NATO coalition just going in, focusing on the Straits of Hormuz, opening it up and taking away the last domino of Iran to negotiate. But they know that's their last domino. So they're going to throw everything they have at the problem," he noted. Bodenheimer concluded by reiterating his opposition to a ground invasion, emphasising the importance of minimising risks to American forces and pursuing smarter, more sustainable military strategies. "I think it's way smarter. And I just don't think a ground invasion is smart. So it's hard for me to talk about the strategy of it when I really just don't believe in it," the former combat pilot added. (ANI)
Iran on Saturday asserted it will "achieve complete control" of its airspace after claiming to have shot down multiple US fighter jets amid the ongoing conflict in the region, Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) reported, highlighting the role of its modern air defence systems in challenging US aerial operations against the Islamic Republic. According to IRIB, the spokesperson of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said that the country's air defence units carried out "powerful, fast, and accurate" operations against enemy aircraft, including fighter jets, drones, and helicopters, while describing Friday as a "proud day" for Iran's armed forces and a "Black Friday and a disgrace" for US and Israeli forces. The spokesperson claimed that Iran's air defence systems had shot down several advanced platforms. However, US official sources confirmed to CNN only the downing of an "F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet." "On the thirty-fifth day of the war imposed by the American-Zionist enemies was a proud day for the country's air defence units. The steadfast and brave warriors of Islam were able to deliver powerful, fast, and accurate strikes against enemy fighters, helicopters, drones, and aircraft, shooting down a significant number of them. Friday should be called Black Friday and a disgrace for the American and Zionist enemies," the spokesperson said, as quoted by IRIB. The spokesperson further stated that these actions demonstrate Iran's growing military capabilities, adding that such systems are being deployed operationally. "We had previously announced that we would show our abilities on the field. The enemy should know that we are equipped with modern air defence systems that have been built by the proud and knowledgeable youth of this country and are being unveiled one after another in the field. We will definitely achieve complete control of our country's skies and prove to the world the infernal enemy's inhumanity more than ever before," the spokesperson said, as quoted by IRIB. Separately, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ashura unit told Tasnim News Agency that Iran would ultimately prevail in the conflict. The commander said that the Iranian people expect officials to directly confront US and Israeli policies and stand firmly with the nation. "The ultimate victor in the war is the Iranian nation. The expectation of the Iranian people from all officials is direct confrontation with the policies of America and the Zionist regime. Officials must stand alongside the people," the commander said, as quoted by Tasnim. (ANI)
The US Department of State revoked the lawful permanent resident (LPR) status of certain foreign nationals accused of supporting Iran's regime, following which they were taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the termination of their green card status. According to a statement issued by the State Department on Saturday, the LPR status for these individuals was revoked following an order by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after which they were arrested by ICE agents on Friday. The Department of State said that Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, identified as the niece of former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Qasem Soleimani, and her daughter were taken into custody by ICE agents following the termination of their green card status. According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Afshar was an "outspoken supporter" of the Iranian regime and allegedly promoted its propaganda while residing in the United States. Authorities accused her of celebrating attacks on American military personnel and expressing support for the IRGC, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by Washington. "Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As identified by both press reporting and her own social media commentary, Soleimani Afshar is an outspoken supporter of the totalitarian, terrorist regime in Iran. While living in the United States, she promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against American soldiers and military facilities in the Middle East, praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced America as the "Great Satan", and voiced her unflinching support for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated terror organisation," the statement read. The State Department further alleged that Afshar maintained an affluent lifestyle in Los Angeles while disseminating pro-Iranian regime content on social media. Her husband has also been barred from entering the United States. "In addition to the termination of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter's LPR status, Afshar's husband has also been barred from entering the United States," the statement added. Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike at Baghdad International Airport in January 2020 along with five others, including Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy head of the Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF). In a separate action earlier this month, Rubio terminated the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Larijani, along with her husband, Seyed Kalantar Motamedi. Both individuals are no longer in the United States and have been barred from future entry. Ali Larijani was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran last month. The State Department expressed appreciation to the US Department of Homeland Security and ICE for their coordination in the matter, stating that the move reflects ongoing efforts to safeguard national security. "The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes," Rubio stated in a post on X, announcing the termination of their LPR status. The development comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the administration taking a stricter approach toward individuals linked to Iran's political and military establishment amid the conflict in West Asia. (ANI)
A total of 345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran amid the ongoing West Asia conflict arrived safely in Chennai on Saturday evening after being evacuated through Armenia. According to the Ministry of External Affairs's External Publicity & Public Diplomacy Division, the fishermen were brought back as part of India's continued efforts to ensure the safety of its nationals in the conflict-affected region. Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a post on X, expressed gratitude to the Armenian government for facilitating the evacuation and thanked his counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for enabling the safe transit of Indian nationals from Iran to India amid the conflict. "Thank FM Ararat Mirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar wrote on X. Armenia has been facilitating the evacuation of Indian nationals in Iran. On Thursday, the MEA said that more than 1,200 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran, out of which 996 moved to Armenia. 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 1200 Indian nationals have been evacuated, 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 and noted that arrangements are in place to assist evacuees in transit before they are brought back to India. Meanwhile, over 6 lakh passengers have returned to India amid the developing security situation in West Asia. Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, 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." The West Asia crisis began on February 28 with US-Israel strikes on Iran, and subsequent Iranian retaliation engulfed the region in the conflict, affecting the airspace in the Gulf region. (ANI)
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, on Saturday expressed "deep concern" over the strike near Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, while confirming that no increase in radiation levels has been detected. In a statement shared on X, the UN's Nuclear Energy watchdog said that it had been informed by Iran that a projectile struck close to the plant's premises earlier in the day, marking the fourth such incident in recent weeks amid escalating West Asia conflict. According to the agency, one member of the site's physical protection staff was killed due to projectile fragments, and a building within the facility sustained damage from shockwaves and debris. "The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile struck close to the premises of the Bushehr NPP this morning, the fourth such incident in recent weeks. Iran also informed the IAEA that one of the site's physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments. No increase in radiation levels was reported," the statement read. Grossi stressed that nuclear power plant sites and their surrounding areas must never be targeted, warning that even auxiliary buildings could house critical safety equipment and reiterated his call for maximum military restraint, cautioning that continued attacks in the vicinity of nuclear infrastructure significantly raise the risk of a potential nuclear accident. "IAEA DG Rafael Mariano Grossi expresses deep concern about the reported incident and says NPP sites or nearby areas must never be attacked, noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment. Reiterating call for maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident, DG Grossi again stresses the paramount importance of adhering to the 7 pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict," the post added. This comes after a projectile struck near the perimeter of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on Saturday morning, leading to the death of one security personnel member, according to the Iranian News Agency, Tasnim. According to the Tasnim news agency, the incident did not damage the main parts of the plant, but it did damage an auxiliary building. The production is reported to be unaffected, as claimed by the news agency. (ANI)
In an official statement released on Saturday, the army confirmed that its forces deployed Arash 2 drones to strike a radar system designed for the detection and identification of missiles and combat drones.

The offensive also targeted the UAE's aluminium industry, which Tehran identifies as a critical component of regional military logistics.

According to Press TV, the drone campaign extended into Kuwait, where the Iranian military targeted US command headquarters overseeing mechanised, armoured and helicopter divisions.

The army noted that several Arab media organisations had already documented reports of explosions occurring within both Kuwait and the UAE following the strikes.

The military justification for the selection of these specific targets rests on the claim that the United States and Israel have made "considerable" financial investments in the Emirati aluminium sector.

Iranian officials maintain that this industry is integral to the manufacturing of military hardware, including fighter jets, missiles, tanks and armoured vehicles.

As detailed by Press TV, the Iranian army characterised the strikes as a direct retaliation for US-Israeli assaults on Iran's own industrial hubs.

Armed forces representatives asserted that the ongoing operations are intended to make their adversaries "realise their miscalculation" regarding the initiation of the conflict.

The current hostilities, which Tehran describes as a terrorist war, reportedly began on February 28, following joint strikes by the United States and Israel.

Press TV highlighted that the Islamic Republic has consistently responded with force, initiating precision strikes against sensitive Israeli assets and various US bases throughout the region. (ANI)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that his military forces targeted Iranian petrochemical refineries, identifying the sector as a primary financial lifeline for Tehran's administration. In a video statement shared via his official X handle, the Prime Minister disclosed that the recent strikes on the petrochemical infrastructure followed a series of successful operations against the Islamic Republic's metallurgical industry. During the address, he maintained that Israel has "destroyed 70 per cent of [Iran's] ability to create steel". https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2040477922239172911?s=20 Linking the strategic degradation of Iran's industrial base to ongoing military objectives, Netanyahu suggested that these precision strikes are part of a broader, systematic campaign to cripple the economic resources available to the Iranian leadership. Reiterating his administration's resolve to maintain military pressure on Tehran, the Prime Minister issued a stern warning regarding future operations, concluding the message by stating, "We will continue to hit them, as I promised". This resolve was evidenced on Saturday as Israeli fighter jets launched a series of precision strikes targeting industrial hubs in southwest Iran, according to local media reports. As first indicated by The Times of Israel, the operation marks a significant shift in Israeli military strategy toward crippling Tehran's financial infrastructure. Israeli security officials have since verified that the mission was executed by the Israeli Air Force, focusing on high-value industrial assets. The Fars news agency detailed that the bombardment hit various installations located within the Mahshahr Petrochemical Special Zone, situated in the Khuzestan Province. Providing further details on the ground situation, Valiollah Hayati, the deputy governor of Khuzestan province, informed Fars that the aerial assault impacted three separate firms within the zone. This escalation follows reports by The Times of Israel suggesting that the military had been authorised to intensify pressure on the Iranian government through targeted economic warfare. While the physical destruction appears significant, the full scale of the impact on production remains to be determined. The Tasnim news agency quoted Hayati as stating that "the extent of the damage remains unknown" at this stage. The deputy governor confirmed that the strikes resulted in at least five individuals sustaining injuries, though he noted that it is not yet certain if there have been any fatalities. The choice of targets aligns with earlier disclosures by The Times of Israel, which noted that the country's political echelon had directed the IDF to focus on "economic targets" to inflict maximum fiscal strain on the regime. The strategic pivot to industrial sabotage follows weeks of heightened tensions. According to The Times of Israel, the directive to pivot away from purely military sites was specifically "aimed at causing massive financial damage to the regime" by disrupting its most lucrative export sectors. (ANI)
The Iranian military has indicated that Iraq will maintain access through a critical maritime corridor, according to Al Jazeera, citing reports from Iranian media. The Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command, which coordinates the country's armed forces, stated that Iraq would be exempt from any restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz. In tandem with this military directive, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has clarified the protocols for maritime passage within the Islamic Republic's territorial limits, according to a formal communique released by the Foreign Ministry. The top diplomat noted that non-hostile ships can transit through Iranian waters, asserting that such movements are permissible on the condition that prior coordination is carried out with Iran. These clarifications from Tehran come as US President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a stark ultimatum to the regime, saying Iran has 48 hours to strike a deal or reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz "before all hell will rain down on them". Trump's message, posted on his Truth Social platform, serves as a final reminder of his 10-day ultimatum given to the Islamic Republic earlier to make progress towards a deal or reopen the vital shipping lane. "Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out--48 hours before all hell will rain down on them. Glory be to GOD! President DONALD J. TRUMP," his post read. The current countdown follows an earlier reprieve, where Trump, on March 26, stated that he was extending the pause on strikes targeting Iran's energy infrastructure for an additional 10 days, until Monday, April 6, 2026, as part of the ongoing diplomatic talks between the two sides. In a post on Truth Social, the US President claimed that the announcement came as per a "request" from the Iranian Government and further stated that the negotiations with Tehran were "going very well". "As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media and others, they are going very well," the post read. This latest warning is a continuation of Trump's persistent pressure on Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. He had earlier instructed the US Department of War to delay any military action against Iranian power plants and energy sites for five days, citing ongoing diplomatic engagements with Tehran amid escalating tensions in West Asia. This followed an initial 48-hour warning to Tehran to open the strategically significant Strait or face potential strikes on its energy facilities. His latest 48-hour ultimatum now serves as the final deadline following the 10-day window granted to Tehran last month. (ANI)
Iranian tribesmen reportedly opened fire on American helicopters during a search operation for a missing crew member following the downing of a fighter jet over Iran, according to CNN. The incident occurred in the isolated highlands of the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces, as well as the Bakhtiari region, where local groups targeted two Black Hawk helicopters on Saturday, as detailed by Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency. Following the confrontation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) praised the tribal groups, describing them as "courageous, valiant and victorious guardians of the borders," as per reports cited by CNN. This commendation follows the release of footage on Friday allegedly depicting nomadic Bakhtiari tribesmen armed with rifles patrolling the mountainous terrain of Iran's Khuzestan province in search of the American personnel. In the video, one of the individuals is heard saying, "God willing, he will be found." To further incentivise the search, Iranian authorities have reportedly announced substantial financial bounties for the successful capture of the missing individual. Amid these efforts, CNN noted that the IRGC has been promoting a recently developed aerial defence system, which they claim was instrumental in downing the jet on Friday and targeting the Black Hawks. Reinforcing this stance, a spokesperson for the Central Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters appeared in a video shared by the IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency to issue a warning regarding the capabilities of this new hardware. As highlighted by CNN, the official asserted, "We will certainly achieve full control over the skies of our country and will prove the enemy's humiliation to the world more than ever before." While these claims continue to circulate via Iranian state media, CNN indicated that further verification regarding the reports of US aircraft coming under fire is being sought. These developments take place as the broader West Asia crisis, which began on 28 February with US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation, continues to engulf the region and affect airspace in the Gulf. (ANI)
AICHI, Apr 04 (News On Japan) - A 41-year-old Iranian man who was found collapsed on the grounds of a hospital in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture, has been confirmed dead, with police suspecting he was assaulted before his body was abandoned.

The man was discovered lying in a rotary area within the premises of Toyokawa Municipal Hospital in the early hours of April 3rd, and was later confirmed dead. He had suffered a large head wound and multiple injuries across his body, prompting police to establish a special investigation unit on suspicion that he had been attacked by one or more individuals and subsequently left at the scene.

Investigators later identified the victim as Alireza Sharmoladi, a 41-year-old Iranian national with no fixed address or known occupation.

According to investigative sources, a separate report was received regarding an incident at the Shinshiro parking area along the Tomei Expressway, located approximately 13 kilometers from where the body was found, in which a man was seen arguing with three individuals believed to be foreign nationals and was allegedly struck with what appeared to be a metal pipe. Police are currently examining whether the two incidents are connected.

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Apr 04 (News On Japan) - A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of obstruction after allegedly spreading a liquid and setting it on fire at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Tokyo on April 3rd.

The incident occurred at around 9 p.m. on April 3rd, when the man poured a liquid from a plastic bottle onto the street at the busy intersection in Shibuya Ward before igniting it and leaving the scene.

The fire was extinguished approximately 15 minutes later by responding police officers and others, with no injuries reported.

A witness said, "It looked like gasoline had been set on fire, and it flared up suddenly. It was like a blaze."

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the man turned himself in at the Shibuya Police Station roughly 30 minutes after the incident and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of obstruction of traffic.

Investigators believe the man placed a board on the street and poured the liquid nearby before setting it alight with a lighter.

Police suspect the act may have been intended to draw attention to a message written on the board, and are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Source: TBS
Ms. Amina Bouayach, President of Moroccan National Human Rights Council, has been honoured by BPUR International with International Award for Confronting the Political Abuse of Religion during a high-level conference held lately at the House of Commons in London.

Ms. Bouayach has been recognised for her distinguished leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing human rights, equality, and the protection of fundamental freedoms at both national and international levels.

As Head of the National Human Rights Council, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening human rights protections, promoting equality before the law, and fostering inclusive dialogue that supports peaceful coexistence.

The award also recognises her important contribution to this global initiative, including her leadership in advancing the First International Conference on the Political Abuse of Religion held in Rabat in 2022, a foundational milestone in the development of the campaign toward an International Treaty to Ban the Political Abuse of Religion.

The high-level international conference is the inaugural event for a global alliance to address one of the most persistent and destabilising drivers of global conflict under the title Global Rules to Ban the Political Abuse of Religion  International Partnership to Address the Root Causes of Religious Conflicts.

Sponsored by BPUR Internationals stakeholder, the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief, the conference brought together senior officials, parliamentarians, religious leaders, philanthropists and distinguished dignitaries from around the world in the historic Churchill Room at the Palace of Westminster.

The conference also issued a significant international declaration, recognising the need to strengthen the international legal framework through clearer, more precise, and universally respectful standards.

The declaration calls for constructive international engagement toward the development of an International Treaty to Ban the Political Abuse of Religion, aimed at moving from principle to practical protection on a global scale.

The declaration further emphasises that the initiative is non-confrontational, does not target any religion or country, and does not regulate belief. Instead, it focuses on preventing the political exploitation of religion where it leads to discrimination, exclusion, or restriction of rights, reinforcing that protecting equality and safeguarding the integrity of faith are mutually reinforcing goals.

BPUR International is a London-registered non-profit NGO and global campaign dedicated to enacting an international treaty to prohibit the political abuse of religion

It aims to eliminate religious discrimination, combat extremism, and stop the manipulation of religion for political gain, advocating for stricter global standards.
Accor, world-leading hospitality Group and Risma, major Moroccan hotel group, have joined forces to boost the hospitality and tourism sectors in the North African Kingdom.

The two Groups have agreed to launch Sofitel Tangier hotel on the new corniche offering an exceptional panoramic view of the Strait. This new establishment will enrich Tangiers luxury hotel portfolio, enhancing further the attractiveness of Morocco destination.

They also agreed on implementing an ambitious program for the renovation and repositioning of existing hotels. These investments aim to modernize and optimize the hotel portfolio, their segmentation, and their competitiveness, while offering increasingly high-quality experiences to travellers.

Accor and Risma will set up Tourism and Hospitality Training Academy to provide local hospitality industry with highly skilled professionals, contributing to excellence in service in the sector.

Building on a shared vision and common values, the two Groups are also strengthening their concrete commitment to human capital, a true lever for the sectors growth.

Present in Morocco for 30 years, Accor is the countrys leading operator of international brands, with 10 brands representing 43 hotels & +6,600 rooms.

Risma is the major Moroccan hotel group, owning and operating hotels. It owns 24 hotels in 11 Moroccan cities and is a key partner of the Accor group in Morocco with brands such as Sofitel, MGallery, Pullman, Novotel, Mercure, and Ibis. It aims to increase its hotel portfolio to 28 units by 2030. Listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange since May 2006, Rismas capital is largely held by RMA (37%), the investment company Mutris (33%), CIMR (13%), and MAMDA-MCMA (6%).
Brian Cox reveals he turned down the role of the governor in the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN franchise because he did not want to work alongside Johnny Depp, who he thinks is "so overblown, so overrated."



(https://t.co/Z5YbdQbRLA) pic.twitter.com/ZH15IB29A0  Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) April 3, 2026

In a new interview withactor Brian Cox reveals thatHe's previously called him so overblown, so overrated and expressed empathy for Amber Heard, saying she got "the rough end of it".He also calls Edward Norton "a pain in the arse," Kevin Spacey a "stupid, stupid man" and shades Ian McKellen's acting ("not my taste"). Of the American government, he says: "They wont let a woman be president, not in the foreseeable future. Look what happened to Hillary Clinton.
England has introduced a new Land Use Framework, a 56-page report that has been under development since 2022. The aim of the researchers was to assess the effectiveness of the existing land use in England and develop a more optimal plan based on human and environmental needs, considering the future energy and water outlook and potential risks the country might face, such as increased flooding and other climate challenges.

Under the new framework, roughly 7 percent of Englands land must be devoted to nature, forests, and renewable energy if the United Kingdom hopes to achieve its environmental targets. Changing the countrys land use to meet these needs will still provide a sufficient portion of land for crop growing and housing, according to the governments first land use framework, published in March.

Ministers have labelled the current use of Englands land as highly inefficient and stressed the need for imminent change. The new rules include a default yes on housing projects to be developed within walking distance of existing train stations. Developers will be encouraged to include ponds, wetlands, and improved urban drainage schemes in their plans to reduce the risk of flooding.

When it comes to agricultural land, farmers will be informed whether their land would be best used for farming or for alternative uses, such as forestry, wetland, or peatland restoration. At present, around 70 percent of the U.K. land is used for agriculture, primarily for livestock. The government will be tasked with providing incentives to encourage (but not force) farmers to switch to the most appropriate land use. Farmers have largely welcomed the framework, but many have called for clear guidance, the right policy framework, and incentives to ensure the plans for land use are achieved.

The U.K. environment minister, Emma Reynolds, stated, Food security is national security, and this government is making a clear long-term commitment to maintain domestic food production at current levels. Our most productive agricultural land will be safeguarded for food security. This is vital for our countrys resilience in the face of geopolitical events and climate change pressures.

The plan also states that around 1 percent of Englands land is expected to be required for solar and wind farms and other renewable energy to meet the U.K.s climate goals by 2050, although this could change depending on the shift in water demand as more data centres are developed. A further 6 percent of Englands land should be used for achieving climate and nature goals, according to the framework. Reynolds said that the new framework would put an end to the idea that England faces false choices over solar panels versus farmland, or growth versus environment.

Some of the main points outlined in the new report include:

Designating restoring peatland as a high-priority issue

Encouraging the multi-use of land, for example, solar farms alongside livestock grazing

Encouraging local authorities to put nature reserves in both the countryside and urban areas

Place tighter regulations on grouse moors

The framework does not include a new right to roam, but there will be a consultation on making landowner liability more proportionate, which may open areas for public access.

A national soil map will be published

The establishment of a new land use unit is expected

Government planning for changes to the U.K.s landscape under global heating of 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, and of much higher heating of 4 C.

While the framework focuses exclusively on England, the report states that the government will work closely with the governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to share best practices and collaborate on cross-border issues. The creation of a blueprint for informed land use was aimed at bringing an end to the fragmented approach to tackling issues such as food production and renewable energy capacity development. It is expected to help the U.K. achieve targets related to carbon budgets and national biodiversity and climate plans.

To help implement the changes, the government will lift a paywall from large parts of the Land Registry to make it easier to find out who owns land in England. A small number of landowners control most of Englands land; however, finding out who owns what is difficult under current Land Registry rules. Making access to this information free is expected to make it easier to plan for sustainable development.

The bold promise to open up the Land Registry would finally bring to an end a thousand years of secrecy shrouding who owns England, and enable greater scrutiny of what goes on behind the barbed-wire fences that crisscross the countryside, explained Guy Shrubsole, the author of Who Owns England? Given that 1 percent of the population owns half of England, its only reasonable that the largest landowners should be held most responsible for restoring nature to these dewilded isles.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com


By Oregon250.com

Oregonians celebrating Americas 250th

The patriots who dumped tea into Boston Harbor to protest taxation without representation did so anonymously, never seeking accolades for the vital part they played in the American Revolution, with some mentioning their participation only in their obituaries. All were sworn to secrecy, and one teenager kept it quiet for 55 years.

On the night of Dec. 16, 1773, one of the youngest to smear grease and soot on his face and arms as a disguise before gathering at Griffins Wharf to dump tea into Boston Harbor was Joshua Wyeth, a 15-year-old blacksmiths apprentice at Western & Gridleys on Orange Street. He joined other young journeymen, apprentices and laborers in a rebellion against taxation without representation by cracking open 300 East India Company tea chests aboard the Dartmouth, the Eleanor, and the Beaver and dumping the contents into the harbor. The men were all sworn to secrecy, a promise Joshua kept for 55 years. As a man in his early seventies in Cincinnati, Ohio, he shared his recollections of what happened that night with Timothy Flint, who published the account in Flints Western Monthly Review on March 8, 1828. Joshua mentioned Moses Grant, John Martin, and others who participated in what he dubbed the Boston Tea Party. Joshua and his father, Ebenezer Wyeth, both fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Joshua served in Colonel Henry Knoxs Massachusetts regiment and used his blacksmithing skills in the artillery corps. He was injured in September 1776 at the Battle of Harlem Heights in New York. His younger brother, John Wyeth, a native of Cambridge, became a well-known American newspaper and book publisher of hymnals and histories.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Oregon Independent journalist Andy Ngo was on NEwsMax to talkabout the No Kings March. Read below and then follow Andy Ngo here and donate here.

The media and Democrats are hoping you dont remember that the No Kings security killed a bystander during an attempt to shoot a leftist mistaken for a MAGA threat. Watch my full interview: https://t.co/8O8bTN5BGw

Shout out to @itslinklauren for being a co-guest with me. pic.twitter.com/tpmdLN78EI

 Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) April 1, 2026
Shift in Geopolitical Trust and Record High Metal Prices Trigger 'Bring Back Our Gold' Campaign; $1 Trillion in Assets at Stake

NEW YORK: As global gold prices continue their historic ascent, a significant shift is occurring within the subterranean vaults of the New York Federal Reserve. Several European nations are reportedly finalizing plans to repatriate their sovereign gold reserves, a move analysts warn could signal a deepening rift in Transatlantic trust and spark volatility in international financial markets.

At the center of this transition is the Federal Reserve Banks headquarters on Liberty Street, where, 25 meters below ground level, sits the worlds largest gold depository. The vault houses over 500,000 gold barsapproximately 6,300 tonsowned by foreign central banks and international organizations.

The $1 Trillion Withdrawal

The market value of the bullion stored in the Manhattan facility currently exceeds $1 trillion, accounting for nearly 4 percent of the United States' Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Germany remains the largest stakeholder in the facility, with an estimated 1,200 tons of gold valued at approximately $200 billion currently under American custodianship.

Experts suggest the move to bring the gold home is a departure from a decades-old security arrangement. During the Cold War, European states deposited their gold in the U.S. as a safeguard against Soviet aggression, said Barry Eichengreen, a professor of political science and economics at the University of California, Berkeley. While that fear subsided after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the gold remained. However, current frictions between President Donald Trump and European allies have fundamentally altered that calculus.

A Crisis of Confidence

The push for repatriation follows a series of diplomatic and economic disputes, ranging from trade tariffs and climate commitments to disagreements over Iranian sanctions and Arctic sovereignty.

Michael Jager, President of the German Taxpayers Association, voiced the growing skepticism in Europe, stating that the U.S. administrations "unpredictable" fiscal and foreign policies have made the Federal Reserve an uncertain guardian. Our gold is no longer safe in the Federal Reserves treasury. European nations must now take responsibility for their own physical security, Jager noted.

Echoing this sentiment, Emmanuel Moench, a lead researcher at the Bundesbank, described the repatriation of German gold as an "inevitable" step toward national economic sovereignty.

Market Implications

The prospect of a mass withdrawal has sent ripples through the commodities market. Clemens Fuest, President of the IFO Institute for Economic Research, cautioned that the move could inadvertently "add fuel to the fire" of global economic instability.

If European nations aggressively withdraw their holdings, it will place immense psychological and fiscal pressure on the U.S. economy, Fuest told The Guardian. While the exact fallout is difficult to quantify, it is certain to challenge the existing international gold market system.

While the Federal Reserve has maintained its commitment to the security of foreign assets, the "Great Gold Homecoming" marks a turning point in the post-war financial order, emphasizing a world where traditional alliances are being weighed against the need for tangible national security.

KEY DATA AT A GLANCE

Total Gold in NY Fed: 6,300 Tons

Estimated Value: Over $1 Trillion

German Holdings in U.S.: 1,200 Tons ($200 Billion)

Repatriation Drivers: Geopolitical friction, Trade tariffs, and National Sovereignty.
By Nayera Abdallah and Menna AlaaElDin

April 4 (Reuters) - Thousands of people have been killed across the Middle East in the Iran war, which began when the U.S. and Israel struck Iran on February 28. 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. Reuters has not independently verified them.

IRAN

U.S.-based rights group HRANA said 3,531 people have been killed since the war erupted. It said 1,607 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 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 1,368 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 nine 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.

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 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 Turkish defence manufacturer Aselsan.

KUWAIT

Authorities have reported seven deaths, including three people killed in Iranian attacks, ?two interior ministry officers and two army soldiers.

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.

(Reporting by Nayera Abdallah, Menna AlaaElDin, Ahmed Rasheed, Emma Farage, Jonathan Allen, Jana Choukeir, Maayan ?Lubell, and Pesha Magid; Editing by Ros Russell, Rod Nickel, Edmund Klamann, Cynthia Osterman and Daniel Wallis)
Cancun International Airport expands e-Gates and immigration checkpoints

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Entry times into Mexico at the Cancun International Airport continues to be improved. The airport has expanded the number of electronic gates that serve tourists with the intention of adding more.

Governor Mara Lezama announced the modernization of the immigration process at the Cancun airport with the addition of e-Gates. Additional personal immigration checkpoints have also been increased.

We are making the immigration control systems more efficient and modern, she said.

Cancun International will continue expanding its e-Gates in coming weeks. April 3, 2026.

The improvement in the immigration process at the Cancun airport is in coordination with the National Migration Institute (INM). Governor Lezama said the state of Quintana Roo is improving how it receives visitors from the first point of contact.

Terminal 4, she reported, will have 20 E-gates to allow travelers to enter in an automated and secure manner. Currently, 10 checkpoints are already operating under this system with a goal of 20 in coming weeks.

She explained that Terminal 3 currently has 16 e-Gates in operation. Incoming weeks, it will migrate to the new system with 20 automated checkpoints. Additionally, the number of traditional checkpoints will increase from 48 to 54, allowing for greater capacity to handle the flow of tourists, she reported.

Governor Lezama also highlighted the strengthening of closed-circuit video surveillance systems as well as increased supervision in second review processes in order to guarantee transparency and efficiency in immigration procedures.

Quintana Roo is Mexicos gateway to the world. Thats why we continue working every day to ensure that every person who comes to our land finds order, security and dignified treatment, she said.

Additional checkpoints allow tourists through the immigration process faster. April 3, 2026.

She says the improvements are meant to ensure that travelers, from their first step into the Cancun Airport, feel that they have arrived in Quintana Roo, the world capital of vacations, a state that welcomes the world with open arms.
The affordable watchmaker taps a respected EDC brand from Japan for a military-coded take on the Expedition.

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Timexs ties to the military go back decades, when the brand joined the likes of Hamilton in producing small, cheap, general-purpose field watches under the US specification MIL-W-46374B.

Today, most people simply refer to that timepiece as the Camper, which now leads a double life as a sleeper Hollywood watch:

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MacGyver famously wore one, and so, too, did Josh Brolins character in No Country for Old Men.

But its far from the only Timex with military pedigree, at least as far as Briefing is concerned.

The Timex x Briefing Expedition Field Watch gets its design cues from the cockpits of military aircrafts. - Credit: Briefing

The watch comes packages in a limited-edition storage case. - Credit: Briefing

The cult Japanese brand known for incorporating military-grade materials into everyday bags teams up with Timex for a tactical take on the 36mm Expedition, powered by a solar quartz movement with a four-month power reserve.

Custom hour and minute hands reference aircraft cockpit instruments, while the bead-blasted stainless steel case kills glare for a subdued finish that underscores its utilitarian ethos.

Custom hour and minute hands distinguish this watch from the standard Exhibition. - Credit: Briefing

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The caseback features cobranding details. - Credit: Briefing

The Timex x Briefing Expedition Field Watch also comes with two straps: a simple black NATO and another fashioned out ballistic nylon with leather accents and red trim.

The watch comes with two straps, including a simple one fashioned out of black nylon. - Credit: Briefing

A sand-blasted finish creates a matte finish on both the case and hardware. - Credit: Briefing

Availability and pricing

Available now via Briefings website, the Timex x Briefing Expedition Field Watch costs $385.

It arrives with a cobranded caseback and unique storage box. At the time of writing, the product page reads low stock.

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Timex x Briefing Expedition Field Watch

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here.

New from Slates advice family: Unhinged, a monthly dating column. Part advice, part investigation. Read the first edition now.

Dear Prudence,

I just learned that my slimeball brother-in-law has three different women pregnant at once. Even worse, my husband agreed to let him crash with us for a while so he can lay low so the women cant track him down for paternity testswithout consulting me! Given my husbands disregard for my input and my disgust at his brothers behavior, I plan on cluing the women in on the assholes whereabouts.

Im right to do that, arent I?

Wont Be an Accomplice

Dear Wont Be,

No. Youre right to be disgusted by your BILs behavior and pissed off at your husband, but inserting yourself into this messy situation when youre already outnumbered in your own home is not going to make you feel any better. I hope the women find him, but theyre not the only ones who are suffering because of the disappointing behavior of their male partners. You are too. And that is something that it is 100 percent your business to change.

Get advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Prudence, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Dear Prudence following up) Submit

Dear Prudence,

I am an evangelical (recovering evangelical) who grew up in a very conservative churchwe once had an album burning in the parking lot to torch satanic music like Boyz II Men and Ace of Base. I eventually got out, and spent years deconstructing the truly messed-up things I was taught. I am now hard left, and happily so.

My mom, however, is another story. She has remained committed to evangelicalism, and her political views have only gotten more right-wing as the years have passed. She was the president of the Republican club in our small Midwestern town. She has all sorts of Trump merchandise. She still has Trump 2024 signs in her yard, a year and a half after the election. She is, in short, part of two cults: the cult of hard-right religious views, and the national cult that cheers for this horrifying administration. That also means she is someone who is happy about the war in Iran, because she believes its the first step to finally bring about Armageddon and the return of Jesus.

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Up until now, it was hard enough trying to maintain a distant-at-best relationship when it was just the homophobia, transphobia, sexism, and racism thats baked into evangelical beliefs, but now with her support of ICE, enthusiastic support for the war, and an unshakable belief that Trump was chosen by God and can therefore do no wrong, it feels completely impossible. I know she yearns for a closer relationship, but honestly even a bland phone call where we both actively avoid any of those hot-button topics is excruciating for me. And also: Shes 82 years old. My dad died a couple years ago, and Moms relationship with my one sibling that lives in town is toxic and codependent as hell. Shes got her church friends, but Mom has always been so family-focused that I know these relationships will never fill the empty space left by me and my other siblings who keep their distance. I also know that her loneliness isnt my responsibility.

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And yet, I cant bring myself to grant her grace. The war is terrifying to me on a primal level, because I know most evangelicals would be elated to nuke Iran off the planet because Jesus told them to, and that theyre on the verge of establishing the Christofascist society theyve been praying for. I just cant reconcile all of this in my head: the ache of missing my mom (more likely, the version of her that I wished she were, not who she actually is), the fury at all of her horrible beliefs, the terror I have on a visceral level about the war because of the lies I was brainwashed to believe, and the sadness I feel when I think about her loneliness. She is, at the core, a genuinely kind person whose view of the world has been completely corrupted by religion and Trumpismexactly the kind of stuff that happens when a persons deep in a cult. I guess it comes down to my grieving a relationship that couldve been, in theory, but is not realistic. Is there any way to navigate this?

Jesus, Mom, Enough!

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Dear Enough,

Go to the ATM, get some cash out, and give yourself a copay. You have articulated your emotions about this so thoughtfully, while still maintaining enough distance to be realistic about the tension between what you know about your mom and what you wish could be true. You could be your own therapist! Before I reached the end of your letter, I was going to focus my advice on suggesting that you really grieve the mom you wish she could be and the relationship you wish you could have. But you said that too, so you can also be your own advice columnist.

My friend Lisa, who is very empathetic but also no-nonsense, has a go-to response when I have a complaint that mirrors yours (in that Ive already thought about every angle and how I should feel about the situation but Im still not at peace). She always says Its hard because its hard. This serves as a reminder that whatever struggle Im discussing isnt the result of my failure to think about the situation properly, and Im not at fault for being unable to make it go away. Some stuff in life just sucks! And your relationship with your mom is firmly in that category. Its just going to be tough for you to enjoy a relationship with a person who, totally separate from the way her take on this political moment upsets you, is the sort of person who thinks The End of The Road is a demonic song. (OK, if Im being fair, it was probably Ill Make Love to You that raised alarms about sin for her, but still.)

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Its hard because its hard, and its going to be hard no matter what you do. But I have two ideas for you that might help a tiny bit: 1) See if you can connect with people (could there be a support group? Or at least a Facebook group?) who are having similar struggles with loved ones. You mention in your letter that you know your story is a common one, and I hope that awareness brings a little comfort. But contact with others who really get it always helps. 2) Interview your mom about her life and take notes. This could be an ongoing project that dominates most of your conversation, leaving little room for other topics. My thinking is that it could inspire some curiosity about and empathy for how she got to be the way she is, and it could also give you a reporters distance from her upsetting views. By collecting facts and notes youll be developing a better understanding of the person she iswhich is its own kind of closenesswhile reinforcing that shes more than just your mom, and the sad and disappointing parts of her outlook arent about you as much as theyre about the society and experiences that shaped her.

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Dear Prudence,

Out of necessity, I try not to discuss politics on social media, because my friends and family run the gamut of opinions, and anything I say is bound to cause a debate on one side or the other that Im not particularly interested in having. But the ongoing Gaza genocide hurts my heart. So many times I have almost said something and then deleted it before publishing. Part of me really wants to break my own rule and say what I believe needs to be said. I have friends and family members who genuinely arent informed on the issue and seeing me say something about it may just break through to them. But I already know Ill also offend a few people I know if I say something. Even writing this, I feel wrong. How lucky I am that my biggest problem is thinking about what to post or not post on the internet. Should I stick to my rule, or break it to talk about something that means a lot to me?

Cautious or Cowardly

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Dear Cautious,

I have an idea that might help your heart, help the people in Gaza, help the friends and family who would benefit from hearing from you, and make those who are offended feel less important: Instead of just posting a statement about your feelings, do something (start a fundraiser, call members of congress, host a book club on the topic, invite people to your home to make signs for a protest, etc.) and then post about the action, inviting people to join you, rather than just your feelings about the situation. That way, any pushback you get from your loved ones will be counteracted by the knowledge that you didnt just put up a statement to aggravate them. You did it to make a difference. And it takes the focus off of you and your relationships and puts it back on the people whose plight you sincerely care about.

Catch up on this weeks Prudie.

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I work full time and am a grad student, my husband works seven days a week, and we have two kids 8 and 1, both girls. Its been difficult lately to keep the house as clean as I would like it, and my husband and I have been talking about hiring a cleaning service. It would help us out immensely and give us more quality time with the kids, but I do wonder what message that is sending to them. The oldest understands the time constraints, but what about the youngest one growing up in a home where someone else cleans it? Is this a nonissue? Am I unconsciously feeling some type of way about not being able to keep up with my house?
The best true-crime stories use a particular event as a key to unlock a world, and Patrick Radden Keefes latest work of investigative nonfiction, London Falling, does just that. At first glance, I winced a bit at the books title. This is the story of a 19-year-old boy named Zac Brettler, who in 2019 plunged to his death from the balcony of a fifth-floor apartment overlooking the Thames into the river below. Using a pun off an old Clash song seemed an overly cheeky way to refer to such a tragedy. In the end, however, Keefes choice makes perfect sense. At the heart of every true-crime narrative are two questions: What really happened, and who was to blame? Keefea celebrated staff writer at the New Yorker and author of Say Nothing and Empire of Painfinds, in the death of one teenager, both a private loss and a parable of the decay of a once great city.

Whether any crime at all occurred when Zac died in the early hours of Nov. 29 is a point of contention in London Falling. Zacs parents, Matthew and Rachelle, insisted that their son was not suicidal. The police, who had surveillance footage showing the boy jumping from the balcony, maintained that they could not prove otherwise. The Brettlerswho served as Keefes primary sources for the book and the New Yorker article that preceded it in 2024are sure that two older men whom Zac had befriended, including 55-year-old Verinder Dave Sharma, resident of the apartment from which the boy fell, must somehow be responsible for his death.

Slate receives a commission when you purchase items using the links on this page. Thank you for your support.

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The comfortably middle-class BrettlersMatthew does an advanced form of accounting; Rachelle is a lifestyle journalistare both the children of Holocaust survivors. Rachelles father was a beloved rabbi known for his regular appearances on BBC radio broadcasts, speaking on matters of faith. Matthews father worked in the textile industry and was famed for his remarkable memory. They were a nice Jewish family in every sense of the term, sending their two sons to the best private schools they could afford, which in Zacs case, given his weak grades, was a place called Mill Hill, attended by affluent but not especially academic kids. There was more money, Keefe writes, of this new environment in comparison to the Brettlers own neighborhood, and more new money, specifically. There, Zac met the children of the Russian oligarchs who had flooded into the city beginning in the late 1990s, kids so rich that, on cold mornings, they would take Ubers to avoid an eight-minute walk between school buildings.

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The events leading up to Zacs fall from the balcony of the Riverwalk complex that night braid together several backstories of families who came to England seeking refuge or better lives. As remarkable as Keefes New Yorker article was, London Fallingwhich has already been claimed by A24 to turn into a TV seriesgives him the space to fully retrace these threads before adeptly winding them back together again. Sharmas parents immigrated from Northern India and, like Matthews, found a foothold in the textile industry. Akbar Shamji, the businessman in his 40s who had introduced Zac to Sharma, came from a family of Indian descent who were forced to flee Uganda when Idi Amin took over the country in the 1970s.

Soon after Zac started attending Mill Hill, he began rebelling against Matthew and Rachelle and their way of life. He nagged his parents to buy a fancier car and a house in a posher neighborhood. He became obsessed with the lifestyles of the very wealthy and expressed how much he admired the unfathomably rich, unfathomably corrupt, casually homicidal kleptocrat who ruled Russia, Vladimir Putin. He even hired a limousine to pick him up at school one day, just to see what it would feel like. His parents, bewildered at having raised a child with values so different from their own, listened to him talk of making deals and going into business and hoped that he might eventually find his way through these precocious forays into capitalism. They knew about his friendship with Shamji, who took on Zac as a protege, but had never met the man.

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When Zac disappeared in late November, his mother sought Shamji out, only to learn that her son had presented an entirely bogus identity to his mentor. Hed told Shamji that his name was Zac Ismailov and that his father had been a Russian oligarch, recently deceased, from whom he would eventually inherit 205 million pounds. But while Zac was playing Shamji, Shamji was playing Zac. He was (and by all accounts still is) a scammer who financed his luxurious lifestyle by starting various businesses, soliciting investments, then skipping out when his investors started to get wise. All this hed learned from his own father, who had claimed to be resurrecting the fortune the family had lost in Uganda, while leaving a trail of unpaid debts behind him.

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Keefe examines just one of these enterprises in depth, the story of the Mermaid Theatre, the first theater to be built in Londons venerable financial district since Shakespeares time. Established by a pair of idealistic thespians in 1959, the venue enjoyed some successes, but by the 80s it had run out of funds and was sold to Shamjis father, who in 1993 put Akbar in charge of it. Akbar proceeded to run the business into the ground, squandering its funds on stunts like flying Muhammad Ali to London for the premiere of a play about the boxers life. The theater presented hardly any shows, and one investor believes to this day that it was a money-laundering operation. The Shamjis dissolved the company in the late 1990s, and its original founders died penniless. The artistic director Akbar had hired (and then fired a year later) told Keefe that Akbar wanted to be like his father. But the father was a crook, simple as that. If you shook hands with him, youd count your fingers afterwards.

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As for Verinder Sharma, the ostensible owner of the luxury apartment Zac leaped from, he was not a rubber tycoon, as Zac had told his mother, but a gangster known and feared in the criminal underworld as Indian Dave. Sharma was implicated in the murder of a former associate he suspected of being an informant and made his living by scaring people into repaying debts owed to his clients. The apartment was just a loan from a guy who owed Sharma money. This subplot provides Keefe with the opportunity to take a fascinating jaunt through the changing focus of organized crime in the U.K., from robbing banks to dealing drugs.

While Keefe eventually comes up with a plausible scenario of what happened to Zac, for multifarious reasonsprimarily that everyone involved was a liarwell never know the truth for sure. In the end, however, all the stories Keefe assembles in London Falling strongly suggest that it was the city that destroyed the boy. The same country that had provided opportunity for his grandparents generation, and in whose decency his parents naively believed, had, after decades of deregulation, become a playground of unfettered capitalism. Shady oligarchs and international criminals bought up London real estate as investments, leaving some of the citys poshest neighborhoodsincluding the building Zac leaped fromnearly and eerily vacant. Drug dealers and con men corrupted the police. And an online culture that glorified the most conspicuous forms of consumptionZac was a social media addictconvinced a privileged young man whose parents deeply loved him that he was deprived. Its not just a 19-year-old who seems to plummet endlessly through the pages of London Falling, but the city he grew up in, and that led him so badly astray.
Always Bstunning N was put into action in the early stages and handed Louies Girl N, who had previously been unbeaten in North America, her first defeat in capturing the first of four $69,444 divisions in the second leg of the MGM Ursula McIntyre Pacing Series at MGM Yonkers Raceway on Friday, April 3.

Driven by Tim Tetrick, Always Bstunning N paced the mile in 1:52.1, flying home in 27 seconds flat.

Rocket Deo, Always Bstunning N and Louies Girl N all left the gate hard at the outset, with Rocket Deo crossing to the front into the opening bend for Dexter Dunn. Tetrick had Always Bstunning N away in good order and kept 1-10 favourite Louies Girl N parked three-wide initially before Jason Bartlett elected to reserve the heavy choice midway on the first bend. Meanwhile, Always Bstunning N assumed command at the quarter in :27.4 and Tetrick backed the pace down nicely, hitting the half in just :57.1.

Bartlett put Louies Girl N in motion on the third turn at the behest of the Scott Zeron-driven Square Deal, who flushed her cover, and the pair set in motion on the backstretch. Tetrick was aware of the favourite's action and picked up the pace, hitting three-quarters in 1:25.1 and setting sail in the final turn. Rocket Deo struggled to keep with the leader, and Louies Girl N, for the first time in North America, had no answer to get close to the eventual winner.

Always Bstunning N, a 12-time winner in 2025 racing exclusively at Plainridge Park, won for the first time in 2026, following up a solid third-place finish in her Yonkers debut a week earlier in the McIntyre Series for trainer Gretchen Athearn and owner Richard Poillucci of South Easton, Massachusetts. She now has 19 career wins in 62 starts.

As the 9-2 second choice, the seven-year-old Always B Miki-Simply Stunning mare returned $11.54 to win and keyed a $18.86 exacta with the favourite. The trifecta with Rocket Deo was worth $51.40.

Millwood Bliss N made a break before the start in the opening round, but the six-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou-Millwood Ivy erupted in the second leg with a forceful first-over assault for driver Dexter Dunn and rolled on to a dramatic upset at 52-1 odds in the second McIntyre division, completing the mile in 1:53.

Top picks Seaside Diva (even-money) and Walkin On Sunshine (3-5) duelled in the early stages, with Yannick Gingras and Seaside Diva seating the favourite with driver Scott Zeron off the opening bend before cutting the opening fraction in :28.2. Seaside Diva, a first leg winner, then hit the half in :57.3 and appeared to have the race in her control.

Dunn pulled the Nifty Norman-trained Millwood Bliss N on the third turn and the mare responded quickly to be the heat on the leaders, gaining equal terms with Seaside Diva passing three-quarters in 1:26 flat. Silk Cloud A and Lauren Tritton had rallied up second-over on the final turn, but Millwood Bliss N was determined and drove past the leader, kicking home in 27 seconds flat to earn the half-length victory. Silk Cloud A had to settle for second, with Walkin On Sunshine finding some room between horses in the stretch for third. Seaside Diva faded to fourth.

Millwood Bliss N, who also won her season's debut prior to the opening leg of the series, is owned by Tom Vassiliou of Hawley, Pennsylvania, Cool Cat Racing of Flemington, New Jersey, Nicholas Tallarico of Smithtown, New York and Archie McNeil of Westborough, Massachusetts. She now has 14 wins from 43 races lifetime.

Millwood Bliss N paid a whopping $106.60 to win and keyed impressive exotics, with the exacta worth $497.90 and the trifecta $2,400.06.

A favourite finally got on the board in the third McIntyre division as Coastal Babe N and driver Yannick Gingras made it two straight in the series, utilizing the pole position for the second straight week to create another virtual wire-to-wire performance. Coastal Babe N scored decisively in 1:52.3.

Fearless Ginger and Scott Zeron blasted to the front on the first turn while Lydeo and Colin Kelly ducked in behind Coastal Babe N in the early stages. Second choice and last year's series champion Aardie B Miki N tried to leave from post seven but Jason Bartlett had to find a four-hole tuck on the opening bend to keep from being parked.

Coastal Babe N and Gingras regained the lead on the backstretch and proceeded to cut fractions of :27.3 and :56.4 for the first half-mile before shifting into high gear on the third turn. Dexter Dunn, driving My Sweet Lily, tried to flush Aardie B Miki N's cover on the third turn, but Bartlett only pulled briefly with Aardie B Miki N before moving back to the pylons off the third turn. While that was going on behind her, Coastal Babe N paced three-quarters in 1:24.4 and sprinted home in :27.4 for the victory for trainer Jared Bako. Fearless Ginger held second, with Lydeo winning a photo with Aardie B Miki N for third.

The six-year-old mare by Downbytheseaside out of Jessies Girl is now four-for-five racing this year in North America and 13-for-25 lifetime. Her connections include Kap Singh Racing Stable of Yorktown Heights, New York, Stephen Klunowski of North York, Ont., Earl Hill Jr. of Ohsweken, Ont., and Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge, P.E.I.

Coastal Babe N, as the heavy chalk, returned $2.68 to win and keyed a $22.74 exacta and a $151.88 trifecta.

Tarapasta and Matt Kakaley turned in the fastest of the four divisions, scoring a wire-to-wire victory in the final stanza. Tarapasta paced to a 1:52 mile, sprinting a final :27.3 quarter in the process while winning for the first time in eight starts in 2026.

Tarapasta unseated favourite Huntress and Jason Bartlett for the top spot off the first turn and rolled on to the opening quarter in :27.2. With little challenges, the six-year-old daughter of Downbytheseaside and Pasta Blue Chip set fractions of :56.1 and 1:24.2 for the middle-half, with Bath Bomb and Andrew McCarthy taking up the challenge without cover on the backstretch. Tarapasta drew clear for Kakaley in the homestretch and Bath Bomb bravely defeated Huntress, who was making her first start in the series, for the second spot.

Owned by Greg Luther Racing of Blacklick, Ohio, Tarapasta, a career winner of 20 races in 94 starts, is trained by Travis Alexander for the series.

Tarapasta, who had a troubled trip in the opening leg but recovered to finish second off a first-over trip, returned $10.16 to win in round two as the third choice in the field. She keyed a $26.28 exacta and a $125.16 triple.

The MGM Ursula McIntyre Series prelims continue through Friday, April 24 before a $200,000 USD (added) final and a $100,000 USD (guaranteed) consolation on Friday, May 8.

Stakes action continues at Yonkers on Monday, April 6 and Wednesday, April 8 with the second legs of the MGM Borgata Pacing Series and the John Brennan Trotting Series, respectively. In the Borgata, two of the opening round victors -- Donegal Luther N and Chase H Hanover -- meet up in the last of four $50,000 USD sections (race seven). Meanwhile, the John Brennan Trotting Series was divided up into a pair of $30,000 USD splits.

Monday's program has a $10,332.20 carryover and a $25,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick 5 sequence after no winning tickets were held Friday night. The guarantee in the Pick 5 is being offered as part of the United States Trotting Association's Strategic Wagering Program. Free past performances for the Pick 5, courtesy of TrackMaster, will be available at handicapping.ustrotting.com. The Pick 5, which begins in race five and has a $1 minimum, has a takeout rate of 20 per cent.

Yonkers is operating on a Monday through Friday live racing schedule with post time each night at 6:45 p.m.

(With files from Yonkers Raceway; photo of Always Bstunning winning on April 3)
Finding the winners circle in back-to-back races at Harrahs Hoosier Park, Ardens Ace N driven and trained by LeWayne Miller, won a thriller in the $30,555 Open Handicap Pace on Friday, April 3.

Assigned post eight, Ardens Ace N started fighting along the outside from third while the post time favourite Buzzsaw Russ (John De Long) and Charlie May (Brandon Bates) battled for early control. Tripping the timer in :26.4, Charlie May forged ahead before being challenged by Ardens Ace N, who was unable to clear.

Moving three-wide in the backstretch, Buzzsaw Russ swept past the duelling leaders to grab the command before reaching the half in :55. With Buzzsaw Russ moving towards the pylons, Ardens Ace N continued the fight on the outside, parked and pressing onto the final turn. Meeting the three-quarter pole in 1:22.4, Buzzsaw Russ narrowly led Ardens Ace N with Charlie May stalking from the pocket awaiting racing room.

Ardens Ace N continued to pursue Buzzsaw Russ on the outside turning for home while Charlie May sought to split the duelling leaders. Battling neck and neck while moving closer to the wire, the lead trio raced three-wide in deep stretch with Buzzsaw Russ at the rail, Ardens Ace N on the outside and Charlie May sandwiched between the pacers. Charging relentlessly in :27.3 in the stretch to stop the timer 1:50.3, Ardens Ace N would not be denied winning the Open in consecutive starts parked every step of the way. Charlie May rallied between rivals for second a quarter-length, back while Buzzsaw Russ settled for third just a half-length back.

With his third win and sixth top-two finish in seven seasonal starts, Ardens Ace N boosted his lifetime earnings to $379,716. The nine-year-old Art Major-Venus Serena gelding is owned by Kap Singh Racing Stable of Yorktown Heights, New York, Earl Hill Jr. of Ohsweken, Ont., Stephen Klunowski of North York, Ont., and Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge, P.E.I.

Ardens Ace N paid $10.80 to win as the 4-1 third wagering choice.

Live harness racing at Hoosier Park continue on Wednesday, April 8 with a 5:30 p.m. post time.

(With files from Hoosier Park)
Need to get away? Don't worry, in less than a year, we'll be taking over Disney.

New Jersey week at Disney World is the week our state's teachers hold their annual convention. That means no school for students. Many families celebrate this by heading south to Disney World.

So if you head down to see Mickey, Donald and Pluto and you see some friends, don't just chalk it up to it being a small world after all.

When is New Jersey Week at Disney World?

With the NJEA Teachers Convention falling on Nov. 6 and 7, 2026, Jersey Week will be the first full week of November. Schools will be closed from Monday, Nov. 2 to Friday, Nov. 6. And according to disneytouristblog.com, expect a lot of us.

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"Jersey Week occurring the first full week of November exacerbates crowds," the blog said. "Even though its only one state, families from those school districts descend upon Walt Disney World in large enough numbers to impact crowds in a meaningful way."

The blog said that there will be an uptick in guests anyway because of the Veterans Day holiday.

"Throw Jersey Week into the mix, and we expect crowds in the 8/10 range that week," Disneytouristblog wrote. "Our expectation, though, is that crowds start before Veterans Day and drop precipitously after it's over (that isnt always how it worksits just a matter of timing)."

When to plan Jersey Week Disney trip?

It's not too late to plan your trip, but you don't want to mess around. Since it's one of the busiest weeks of the year, Disney suggests planning about a year in advance. And if you're looking for deals, you might be out of luck, but it never hurts to check out Disney's discount page.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: When is New Jersey week in Disney 2026? NJ takes over Orlando
The island of Herm may be less than a single square mile in size, but you could spend a whole weekend trying out a new restaurant here each day. The little island, one of the roughly half-dozen in the English Channel, has three formal restaurants and a population to match  just 65 permanent residents, according to the island's website. That may be a humble number, but the community of Herm has a secret weapon native to the island that's lured food bloggers and chefs to make the trip over. That specialty is an exclusive variety of shellfish, Herm oysters, that benefit from the tidal flows and closed-loop cultivation on the island.

In 2024, Herm even got the attention of a Michelin-starred French restaurant chef, Michel Roux Jr., Visit Guernsey reported. On his visit, Roux tried some of the local delicacies, stating, "[The oysters] really are very very good. Very purse in flavour, not too salty and I think you can say the equivalent of 'terroir' in French which means that they take the flavour of where they're growing." To get a sample of this singular "terroir" requires a bit of effort  first involving a trip to Guernsey, then a separate ferry from Guernsey to Herm. Plus, Herm, like another Channel Island called Sark, is car-free. Its journey is justified, however, not only for the oysters, but also for its paths tracing coastal cliffs and gorgeous cove beaches.

Read more: Unwritten Rules You Should Know Before Visiting Italy

Why foodies make the trip to Herm

The White House Hotel and Ship Inn restaurant on Herm island with people sitting - Peter Titmuss/Shutterstock

England might not be so celebrated for its cuisine, but there are a couple English destinations that prove worthy exceptions, like Birmingham, a foodie gem considered the U.K.'s most underrated city. Herm makes a case for foodies largely because of its uniquely delicious oysters. They come from a family-run business called Herm & Guernsey Oysters, which harvests the oysters from seed to maturity. The Oyster Encyclopedia describes their taste as crisp and briney, with a slight melon flavor.

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Herm oysters are prepared and served at The Ship Inn, where you can get a half dozen of them for under 10 pounds. The Ship Inn is a casual, nautical-themed spot with a spacious patio. Another popular dining spot on Herm is The Mermaid Tavern. It has strong reviews  4.2 stars on Google Reviews  with much love for its fish and chips (made with beer battered cod, per its sample menu). The third formal dining option on Herm, The Conservatory Restaurant, doesn't have as strong reviews online, but the foodie travel blogger Travelling Jezebel comes to its defense. "Bright, airy, and beautifully designed, The Conservatory Restaurant is the best restaurant on Herm Island," she wrote, giving a shoutout to the Herm oysters served here. This is the island's most upscale spot, though, so you'll need to dress a bit more smartly.

What to know about visiting Herm

Landing stage for the ferry on Herm island leading to bright blue waters - Agenturfotografin/Shutterstock

Besides its restaurant scene, equally enticing reasons travelers might consider the trip to Herm are its beaches and English Channel views. You can take them in on a single swoop: The Herm Loop is a path that follows the island's perimeter, which can be completed in under two hours. Its uneven ellipse hides lots of little wonders along its tracks, from fragments of a Neolithic settlement near Bear's Beach to cliffs on the southern edge of the island that look out to the hemline of France. When you're ready to simply relax by the ocean, Fisherman's Beach on the west side is a good option, as it's near the restaurants and a gift shop. A more expansive beach is Shell Beach on the east coast, which is named so due to being covered in a torrent of tiny shell pieces. The latter also has a cafe serving ice cream, beverages, and sunscreen.

Getting to Herm means first making your way to Guernsey. For this leg, you can travel by ferry or plane. Ferries are offered by Brittany Ferries to Guernsey from a few departure points: Poole and Portsmouth on mainland Great Britain; Jersey, another Channel Island; and St. Malo in France. By plane, British Airways offers flights to Guernsey during the warmer months, departing from Heathrow  it's Europe's busiest airport, but there's an easy hack to beat lines. Once in Guernsey, you can take a 20-minute ferry ride via Travel Trident to reach Herm.

Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets.

Read the original article on Islands.
The one free room upgrade you should always ask for.

Having a great experience at a hotel is all about the small things: an easy check-in and check-out, crisp sheets, andmost importantlya USB charger by the TV that actually works. Jamie Fraser, the owner of a private-use estate in Scotland, recently shared a way for travelers to make their stay a little nicer, for free.

Fraser revealed a travel secret to Metro: Corner rooms are often slightly larger than standard rooms because of the building layout. They also usually only share one wall with another guest, meaning they can be noticeably quieter, which many travelers really appreciate after a long journey.

Ask for a corner room upgrade

Better yet, corner rooms are often available free of charge. Theyre typically not listed any differently from other rooms of a similar size and are assigned based on hotel capacity.

Traveling Phil, an Instagram travel influencer, agrees. In a video, his wife explains that corner rooms offer four distinct features: two walls of windows, more square footage, increased natural light, and often better views. Its the same price for a better experience.

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Another perk of a corner room, according to Your Mileage May Vary, is reduced foot traffic. Being farther from the elevator means fewer late-night footsteps, and you may also be closer to an emergency stairway in case of a safety issue.

When hotel architects and designers start to cut up floors into bays, the rooms in the center of the floorsspecifically near elevators, stairwells, and utility closetswill have less room because of space being cut to help service the building, Karl von Ramm, general manager of The Loutrel in Charleston, South Carolina, told Southern Living.

He added that your best chance is typically corner rooms or rooms along the front side of the building, where stairwells and utilities are typically not present.

How to get a corner room for free

According to Traveling Phil:

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Book a standard room (dont overpay upfront)

Check in later in the day (after room shuffle)

Politely ask, Do you happen to have any corner rooms available?

Mention its a special occasion (even just a getaway)

Smile. Energy matters.

Whether youre hoping to upgrade to a corner room or a suite, you can increase your chances by telling the person at the front desk its a special occasion.

In the luxury hotel industry, we are always looking for a reason to celebrate and elevate the guest experience, Lizzie Davidson, Thompson Houstons area director of revenue, tells Southern Living. Mentioning your special occasionsuch as a birthday, anniversary, or maybe even just a simple staycation escape with your loved onealways goes a long way at the reception area or concierge team.

So next time you check into a hotel, make this simple requestit likely wont be much trouble for the staff. That way, you can make your trip a little extra special knowing youve secured a better view and a quieter room for the same price.

The post Travel expert reveals the one free room upgrade you should always ask for appeared first on Upworthy.
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.
Riot Women

No longer 'invisible,' 5 women form a rock band to express their individuality, anger and maybe just change their lives.

The British Isles has a growing tradition of communities rising from their oppression into feelgood tales of glory through music and performance.

The Full Monty was a smash hit of steel workers turning male strippers, joined by Calendar Girls, Brassed Off, The Commitments, Kinky Boots.

The latest is Riot Women, a six part series by gifted writer Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax, Gentleman Jack), who again returns to Yorkshire for her female-led musical insurrection.

School Department Head Beth (Joanna Scanlan), 12 months after separation from her husband, is at her lowest ebb. In the opening scene she ties a noose around her neck, having written a farewell note to her adopted son, Tom (Jonny Green).

For her, life has become unbearable, ignored by her students, her colleagues and arguing with her brother about sufficient hospice care for her elderly mother.

Do you think that women of a certain age can become, you know, invisible?  Beth.

But a timely phone call delays the inevitable when publican Jess (Lorraine Ashbourne) invites her to join a band she is forming for a charity event. Its a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak existence, especially if she can make a musical statement about where she finds herself. A chance to be heard, perhaps?

Joining them on this musical mission is retiring local cop, Holly (Tamsin Greig), who is busy arresting a drunken local woman Kitty (Rosalie Craig) mid-meltdown in a supermarket aisle. Kitty is angry, for reasons which will become apparent, and homeless until she is taken in by Beth who spots her singing karaoke and showing off some brilliant vocal chops.

Also commandeered into the instant group is Hollys sister Yvonne (Amelia Bullmore) and two backing vocalists so young they mistake ABBA lyrics as Waterloo, how does it feel that you won the war?

While Waterloo is on the rehearsal playlist along with classic Smoke on the Water, it is original songs where the Riot Women find self-expression.

Kitty and Beth draw from personal life to create songs such as Just Like Your Mother. Suddenly angst, injustice and invisibility are a well of poetry and attitude.

We sing songs about being middle aged and menopausal and more or less invisible. And you thought The Clash were angry.  Beth.

Wainwright weaves her Northern England tapestry with a range of hues and subplots involving the extended families of our main characters.

Jess is none too pleased when she hears who her daughter Chloe (Shannon Lavelle) is dating, but Aunt Mary (Sue Johnston) adopts a live-and-let-live approach. Holly and Yvonnes mother (Anne Reid) has dementia and is becoming unmanageable.

While Kitty will make a discovery that will rock her world in ways not involving guitars.

Wainwright always pens glorious female characters where actors are given ample room to fire off ripping dialogue, inner strength, wear their hearts on their sleeve and endure despite their flaws. The band is pretty rusty (the actors reportedly learned to play the instruments they play on screen), but we desperately want them to succeed and rise above their pedestrian lives.

With a cast as good as this, you wont be disappointed by the performances Joanna Scanlan and Rosalie Craig are particularly strong, but Anne Reid and Sue Johnston steal their scenes with limited screen time.

Added to that is the inclusion of music. Its raw and rockin, unleashed by amateurs and it brings new colour to Wainwrights canvas. I would have liked to get to the band practice a little sooner than late in episode two.

She also directs 3 of the 6 episodes, with the remaining 3 as the last work by Australian director, the late Amanda Brotchie. That Wainwright entrusted her with this work after Gentleman Jack speaks volumes for her talent.

Collectively, this makes Riot Women a fistful of female storytelling by women with much to say and having a damn good time doing it.

Riot Women screens 9:45pm Thursdays and is available at SBS on Demand.
The ceremony announcing the expansion of QR payment services between Vietnam and China on April 3. Photo: BTC

Starting April 3, travelers from China can scan the VIETQRGlobal code to pay at a wide range of locations connected to the NAPAS network. These include shopping centers, hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions across Vietnam.

The system enables real-time transactions between the Chinese yuan and the Vietnamese dong through the settlement infrastructure of Vietcombank. This creates a seamless payment experience that feels familiar to users, removing barriers related to language and transaction methods when traveling abroad.

The expanded QR payment service was jointly announced by NAPAS, Ant International and Vietcombank, at a time when bilateral tourism between Vietnam and China is rapidly growing.

In 2025, Vietnam welcomed more than 21.2 million international visitors, with Chinese tourists leading at nearly 5.28 million arrivals, accounting for 25% of the total. Meanwhile, Vietnam also ranked among the top five source markets for visitors to China.

Nguyen Quang Minh, CEO of NAPAS, described the partnership with Ant International as a significant milestone, connecting Vietnams national retail payment infrastructure directly to a global ecosystem with over one billion users. He noted that the move not only enhances the tourism experience but also strengthens Vietnams appeal as a modern, tech-friendly destination.

The benefits extend beyond travelers. Vietnamese businesses, particularly small merchants and SMEs, stand to gain from increased access to international customers. With a simple and easily integrated payment process, local vendors can serve large volumes of foreign visitors without investing in complex POS systems.

Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, emphasized that deeper payment connectivity will help Vietnamese businesses reach global consumers while reinforcing the countrys position in digital transformation.

NAPAS and Alipay are also working to enable outbound payments from Vietnam to China. In the near future, Vietnamese users will be able to scan Alipay QR codes using domestic mobile banking apps when traveling or conducting business in China.

So far, NAPAS has completed bilateral QR payment connections with several regional countries, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and China. The continued expansion of VIETQRGlobal underscores Vietnams growing role in digital transformation and regional economic integration.

Du Lam
Of the total, 904 newly licensed projects registered combined capital of 10.23 billion USD, marking a 6.4% increase in the project number and a 2.4-fold rise in capital compared to the same period last year.

The manufacturing and processing sector continued to attract the lions share of new FDI, drawing 7.07 billion USD, equivalent to 69% of the newly registered capital. It was followed by electricity, gas, water and air conditioner production and distribution, which secured 2.28 billion USD, accounting for 22.3%. The remaining sectors posted 884.6 million USD, or 8.7%.

Notably, the disbursed FDI in the JanuaryMarch period was estimated at 5.41 billion USD, up 9.1% year-on-year and the highest first-quarter figure recorded over the past five years.

Manufacturing and processing also dominated the disbursed capital, with 4.48 billion USD, representing 82.8% of the total. Real estate saw 389.5 million USD disbursed (7.2%) while electricity, gas, hot water, steam, and air conditioner production and distribution 196.1 million USD (3.6%).

Among the 52 countries and territories with newly licensed projects, Singapore remained the largest investor with 5.32 billion USD, making up 52% of total new capital. It was followed by the Republic of Korea with 3.68 billion USD (35.9%), China with 417.5 million USD (4.1%), Hong Kong (China) with 256.8 million USD (2.5%), Japan with 191.3 million USD (1.9%), and the US with 91.3 million USD (0.9%).

Meanwhile, 251 existing projects registered additional capital of 2.3 billion USD, down 55.1% year-on-year.

Combining both newly registered and additional capital, the manufacturing and processing sector attracted 8.85 billion USD, accounting for 70.6% of the total. Electricity, gas, water, and air conditioner production and distribution followed with 2.28 billion USD (18.2%), while other sectors drew 1.4 billion USD (11.2%).

Foreign investors also contributed capital to and purchased shares of local companies through 703 transactions worth 2.66 billion USD, up 2.3 times year-on-year. Of these, 158 transactions increased charter capital while 545 involved share acquisitions without capital expansion.

Via foreign investors' capital contributions and share purchases, investment in wholesale and retail trade, and repair of automobiles, motorcycles, and scooters reached 1.85 billion USD, accounting for 69.6% of the total capital contribution. That in manufacturing and processing stood at 389.2 million USD, accounting for 14.6%; and other sectors 421.1 million USD, or 15.8%, according to the NSO./.
A journey of learning English from scratch

Sung Thi Dinh (born 2002) is a daughter in a Mong family with 4 siblings living in Ta Van Mong village, Ta Van commune, Lao Cai province. After finishing the first semester of grade 12, due to family difficulties, Dinh had to drop out of school and get married early. Nevertheless, Dinh still loved learning.

In 2019, accidentally learning about a 3-month English class taught by foreign volunteers for local people, Dinh decided to participate.

Initially, Dinh went to class simply because she liked it. At that time, she was a total beginner and thought she might not be able to master the language.

The first time I encountered English, I didn't understand and couldn't communicate. I was also shy about my pronunciation for fear of feeling embarrassed if I didn't speak correctly, Dinh recalled.

With enthusiastic support from the volunteers, Dinh began using simple learning methods, such as memorizing ten new words each day and practicing pronunciation by repeating words many times.

After each lesson, she tried to use the new vocabulary in daily life. As she understood how the words were used in real situations, she gradually became more confident speaking.

When I was younger, I always dreamed of sharing my ethnic culture with others. At that time, I wanted to become a tour guide, she said.

She also realized that Sa Pa had great potential for sustainable cultural tourism. That idea motivated her to keep learning English.

After some time, Dinh started working as a tour guide to earn extra income while improving her limited English skills.

The job opened a real communication environment for her. Every day she met foreign tourists, listened to them speak and tried to respond. She often observed how they moved their mouths to imitate their pronunciation. Many tourists patiently corrected her when she mispronounced words. Gradually, she became able to communicate fluently with international visitors.

English really changed my life

Dinh worked as a tour guide for about three to four months before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted tourism in Sa Pa. With travel nearly frozen, she had to take on various jobs to earn a living.

Two years later, when tourism recovered, she applied for a job as a receptionist and manager at a homestay. For her, the position was not only a job but also another opportunity to interact with foreign travelers and continue practicing English.

During that time, she learned how to welcome guests, manage bookings and handle issues that arise in operating a homestay.

After a year of gaining experience, Dinh left the job to start her own tourism business. With about VND100 million in savings, she built a small stilt house to launch her own homestay.

In the beginning, she had to learn how to use a computer, sell tours online and improve her English writing through self-study on the internet. Every day she spent about 30 minutes to an hour learning new vocabulary, gradually improving her language skills.

This was also the time when I learned the most. I never imagined that learning English could change my life until today, when Ive achieved things I once never dreamed of, she said.

Besides introducing the landscapes of Sa Pa, Dinh always tries to share stories about the cultures of ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Dao and Giay with visitors on every tour.

Currently, Dinhs business goes smoothly with a stable volume of guests, with rooms often fully booked. She has also bought her own car and created jobs for about 10 people. Most of those working with Dinh are women.

Previously, in my place, people often said girls couldn't do anything and would just get married after school. I want to show everyone that girls can also master their finances and be free to do what they like, Dinh said.

Not only operating tours and creating jobs for villagers, Dinh also opens a small English class in the summer to support high-altitude students. Those working with her are also taught English by Dinh to communicate with tourists.

I hope everyone understands the importance of English and its role in supporting work and life, Dinh shared.

Ha Nguyen
The agro-forestry-fishery sector expanded by 3.73% in the reviewed period, contributing 0.09 percentage points to overall growth.

The industry and construction sector rose by 7.55%, contributing 1.33 percentage points. Industrial production maintained positive momentum from the start of the year, with enterprises resuming operations quickly after the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday to fulfil domestic and export orders.

The industrial sectors added value increased by 7.52%, contributing 0.97 percentage points to GRDP growth. Of this, manufacturing and processing grew by 7.08%; electricity production and distribution surged by 15.85%; and water supply, waste and wastewater treatment rose by 7.98%.

Meanwhile, the construction sector expanded by 7.62% year-on-year, contributing 0.36 percentage points. The city has accelerated the implementation of its 2026 public investment plan, focusing on key infrastructure and transport projects to drive growth. Public investment disbursement and site clearance have helped attract private investment along major transport corridors, forming an important short-term growth driver.

As of March 31, development investment expenditure had reached about 24 trillion VND (911 million USD), equivalent to 19.07% of the annual plan, triple the figure recorded in the same period last year.

The service sector posted strong growth of 8.21%, contributing 5.74 percentage points, the largest share to overall expansion. Authorities and businesses have stepped up measures to stimulate consumption, while retail systems and e-commerce platforms launched promotions and incentives to boost demand.

Taxes less subsidies on products increased by 7.12%, contributing 0.71 percentage points.

In Q1, the GRDP structure saw agriculture, forestry and fisheries accounting for 2.16%; industry and construction 17.77%; services 70.07%; and taxes less subsidies on products 10%. The respective figures for the same period last year were 2.05%, 17.83%, 69.99% and 10.13%./. VNA
At a press briefing held on April 3 for the first quarter of 2026, representatives of the Police Department for Corruption, Economic Crimes and Smuggling (C03) under the Ministry of Public Security confirmed that a case has been initiated, along with criminal proceedings against several individuals.

Vu The Phiet. Photo: ACV

The charges include violations of bidding regulations causing serious consequences, offering bribes and receiving bribes.

According to C03, investigative forces are currently intensifying efforts to clarify the nature and extent of wrongdoing among those involved.

Earlier, on March 4, ACV disclosed in an extraordinary report submitted to the Hanoi Stock Exchange that it had received official notice from the Ministry of Public Security regarding the detention of two senior executives.

Those detained include Chairman Vu The Phiet and board member and Deputy General Director Nguyen Tien Viet. Both are under investigation for alleged violations of bidding regulations that caused particularly serious consequences, including receiving payments in exchange for facilitating contract awards.

ACV currently has a charter capital of more than VND35,828 billion (US$1.46 billion) and plays a central role in managing, investing in and developing airport infrastructure across Vietnam.

The corporation is responsible for managing and operating 22 out of 23 airports nationwide. These include 10 international airports such as Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, Vinh, Cat Bi, Phu Bai, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Can Tho and Lien Khuong.

In addition, ACV oversees 12 domestic airports, including Buon Ma Thuot, Rach Gia, Ca Mau, Con Dao, Phu Cat, Pleiku, Tuy Hoa, Chu Lai, Dong Hoi, Dien Bien, Tho Xuan and Na San, which is currently not in operation.

Beyond airport operations, ACV also holds stakes in multiple subsidiaries, joint ventures and affiliated companies within the aviation sector.

The corporation is also the main investor in the Long Thanh International Airport project, a key national infrastructure initiative with a total estimated investment of VND336 trillion (US$13.7 billion).

The first phase alone, undertaken by ACV, carries an investment of nearly VND110 trillion (US$4.5 billion), with a designed capacity of 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Recently, the Ministry of Construction assigned ACV to continue as the investor for phase two of the project, excluding certain technical infrastructure components required for flight operations.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the case in detail.

Tran Hieu
April 4, 2026: In response to Israeli and American air strikes, Iran retaliated against the Arab Persian Gulf countries. The attacks began during the first week of March. The UAE/United Arab Emirates were hit by 1,688 systems, including 1,422 drones and 246 missiles during March 1- 8. This was the largest attack launched on any state. Bahrain and Kuwait received heavy attacks because of their proximity to Iran and the presence of American military facilities.

Iran extended its drone attacks to port facilities in Oman and commercial shipping using the Strait of Hormuz, the vital passage in and out of the Persian Gulf. This was a deliberate effort to halt oil exports and commercial ships delivering cargoes to the Gulf States. After March 1st, daily drone strikes averaged about 250 a day. Drones used were Shahed-136, Shahed-107, and Shahed-238 models. The Gulf Arab states have not retaliated themselves for these Iranian attacks.

Aircraft from Israel and the United States continued to attack Iranian drone launching sites and the remaining Iranian warships in the Gulf but have not yet allowed ships to once more use the Strait of Hormuz freely.

This campaign confirmed the importance of drone warfare, something that Iran was an early exponent of. Iran developed its delta-wing 200 kg propeller driven Shahed 136 drone a decade ago and it was first used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen during 2019. After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine began, Iran provided Russia with Shahed 136s. By the end of 2022 Iran agreed to assist Russia in building a factory in Russia that would produce a Russian version of the Shahed 136 called Geran. Until late 2024, when the Geran factory in Russia was operational, Iran manufactured the Geran and received help from Russia in upgrading the Shaheed drones. Since 2022, Russia has used about 50,000 Shaheds and Gerans against Ukraine. During 2025 that meant Ukraine had to deal with five to six thousand Gerans a month. Ukrainian interception methods were quite effective, and only about ten percent of the drones reached their targets. Each of these drones costs Russia about $20,000.

Russia is now producing over 5,000 Gerans a month. These 200 kg drones travel at a speed of 180 kilometers an hour at an altitude of about 100 meters. They carry a 50 kg warhead. GPS navigation is jammable when close to the target while the unjammable, but less accurate INS backup is not affected.

Russia has continually upgraded its Gerans with improved electronics. That means guidance systems that are resistant to jamming and use more effective and flexible guidance systems. The first Gerans only had inertial guidance systems and a CRPA/Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna. This arrangement soon failed as the Ukrainians used more powerful jamming and misdirection/spoofing techniques. To deal with this, in early 2025 improved CRPAs and a video camera were added to keep the Gerans effective. After that, Ukrainian SIMs were added so the Gerans could use cell phone signals for navigation. At this point Gerans were able to communicate with each other and operate in preplanned clusters and cooperate with each other in a mesh network to limit the impact of Ukrainian jamming and other electronic warfare techniques. That soon led to use of Chinese MESH communication systems that enabled Russian ground based operators to control groups of Gerans. The operators could change targets or have the Gerans fly higher or lower to deal with Ukrainian countermeasures. A more recent addition was an infrared/night vision camera that was supplied with images of targets to improve accuracy as the Gerans came within visual range of a target.

By 2025 there was a larger variety of Geran warheads available including thermobaric/fuel-air explosive, incendiary-fragmentation, high-explosive, high-explosive airburst, and submunitions. In 2024 a 90kg warhead was introduced that combined a penetrator-shaped charge with a layer of steel balls to pierce fortified infrastructure and inflict maximum casualties.

The most recent Geran-3 is a jet powered model that weighs 370 kg with a top speed of nearly 600 kilometers an hour. This is three times faster than the prop driven models and much more difficult for Ukrainian air defenses to deal with. Ukraine soon came up with a $3,000 interceptor drone called Wild Hornets Sting. Russia will probably respond with rear-facing video cameras on the Germans to alert operators to the presence of Ukrainian interceptors. The Gerans can take evasive maneuvers to avoid getting shot down. The Russians also experimented with a Geran equipped with a heat-seeking air-to-air missile.

Like most western militaries, Russia has become dependent on the use of missiles and drones instead of artillery and airstrikes. Ukraine reports that, from late 2022 through late 2024, Russia used 4,800 missiles and nearly 150,000 attack drones. The missiles are expensive, most costing one or two million dollars each, while some of the drones cost $20,000. More recent battlefield drone designs cost only a few hundred dollars each. It was thought that the inexpensive drones would replace the use of 155mm artillery. The range and cost of artillery shells vary from $3,000 to $100,000 depending on version and purpose. The basic 155mm shell weighs 43 kg and contains about seven kg of explosives. The standard Russian equivalent is the 152mm shell.
Vietnam Airlines Group, comprising Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and VASCO, plans to operate nearly 5,500 flights on domestic and international routes during the peak travel period for the Hung Kings Commemoration Day and the April 30May 1 holiday in 2026.

The airline group is expected to offer nearly 1.12 million seats during the period, up 15.5% compared with the same period in 2025.

On the domestic network, group plans to operate more than 3,800 flights, providing over 730,000 seats, up about 13.3% in the number of flights and 16% in seat capacity year-on-year. Capacity increases will focus on routes with strong demand linking major economic centres and popular tourist destinations.

Seat capacity on routes between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang will rise by nearly 30% compared with normal operations, while the HanoiHo Chi Minh City route will see a 12% increase.

Tourism routes will also be strengthened, with flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang and Phu Quoc increasing by nearly 20%, while services from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Hue and Quy Nhon will rise by more than 5% compared with usual levels.

On international routes, the airlines plan to operate nearly 1,700 flights offering close to 390,000 seats, representing year-on-year increases of 13.4% in flight frequency and 14.4% in seat capacity.

Nguyen Quang Trung, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, said travel demand tends to surge during peak periods such as the Hung Kings Commemoration Day and the April 30May 1 holiday.

He said the Vietnam Airlines proactively arranges resources, increases flight frequencies and operates flexibly to meet passenger demand while maintaining domestic and international air connectivity.

Despite ongoing challenges facing the aviation sector, particularly rising aviation fuel costs, airlines are striving to maintain stable flight networks and add services to meet growing travel demand.

Vietnam Airlines said it will continue closely monitoring market demand to adjust operations flexibly while ensuring safe and stable flight services. Passengers are advised to book and issue tickets early to secure suitable itineraries during the peak travel period./.
According to the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, citing data from the Foreign Investment Agency, total registered FDI as of March 31 - including newly registered capital, additional capital and capital contributions or share purchases by foreign investors - reached US$15.2 billion, marking a sharp 42.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Newly registered investment accounted for 904 licensed projects with total capital of US$10.23 billion. While the number of projects rose 6.4 percent year-on-year, the registered capital surged to 2.4 times the level recorded a year earlier.

Manufacturing and processing industries attracted the largest share of newly registered FDI, with US$7.07 billion, representing 69.0 percent of the total. Electricity, gas, water supply and air conditioning followed with US$2.28 billion, accounting for 22.3 percent, while other sectors made up US$884.6 million, or 8.7 percent.

Among 52 countries and territories with newly licensed projects in Vietnam during the period, Singapore ranked first with US$5.32 billion, equivalent to 52.0 percent of total newly registered capital.

South Korea came second with US$3.68 billion, accounting for 35.9 percent. China contributed US$417.5 million, or 4.1 percent; Hong Kong (China) US$256.8 million, or 2.5 percent; Japan US$191.3 million, or 1.9 percent; and the US US$91.3 million, or 0.9 percent.

In terms of investment destinations, Thai Nguyen led the country in attracting new FDI, with total newly registered capital exceeding US$5.4 billion in the first quarter.

Nghe An ranked second with more than US$2.2 billion, followed by Ha Tinh with US$411 million. Ho Chi Minh City attracted the largest number of projects at 475, but total newly registered capital reached only US$394 million. Bac Ninh followed with more than US$358 million.

Additional registered capital saw 251 existing projects increase their investment by US$2.30 billion, down 55.1 percent compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, disbursed FDI in the first quarter reached US$5.41 billion, up 9.1 percent year-on-year - the highest level for the period in five years.

Of this, manufacturing and processing accounted for US$4.48 billion, or 82.8 percent of total disbursed FDI. Real estate activities attracted US$389.5 million, representing 7.2 percent, while electricity, gas, hot water, steam and air conditioning supply accounted for US$196.1 million, or 3.6 percent.

Nguyen Le


Vietnam has secured an additional 3.2 million cubic meters of petroleum products in March, ensuring sufficient supply for domestic consumption through the end of April, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The update was shared at the Governments regular press briefing on the afternoon of April 4, where questions focused on energy supply, fuel availability and electricity demand for the upcoming summer.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan said that the Middle East conflict, which began on February 28 and has since escalated, has significantly impacted global oil supply.

By current assessments, the scale and severity of its impact have surpassed the oil shocks of the 1970s, he noted.

In response, since early March, the Politburo, the Government and the Ministry have developed fuel management scenarios. These include short-term plans covering four weeks in March and a longer-term scenario extending through April, which is now being implemented.

Fuel price management follows the Governments directives, aiming to ensure energy security and stable supply while continuously updating global price developments and assessing impacts on households, production, business and consumption.

Authorities have introduced measures to balance supply and demand, stabilize prices and harmonize the interests of the State, businesses and consumers.

Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son said that immediately after the Middle East conflict broke out, the Prime Minister established a task force to ensure energy security.

Over the past five weeks, the Government and Prime Minister have issued seven resolutions, decisions, directives and official dispatches, along with holding multiple calls with foreign partners and executives of international corporations to secure fuel supply.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has also advised the Government to issue two resolutions - Resolution 36 and Resolution 55 - on fuel management, and coordinated with the Ministry of Finance to propose advances from the state budget for the fuel price stabilization fund.

Domestic supply has also improved. Fuel production has increased by 30 percent, ensuring feedstock for operations at Dung Quat Refinery through the end of April. The Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Complex is likewise guaranteed sufficient input materials for production through the same period.

Combined with existing inventories, the 3.2 million cubic meters of imported petroleum products in March will ensure stable domestic supply through April.

The ministry is continuing to develop scenarios for the following months, while implementing measures to increase supply, boost domestic production and diversify sources.

It also emphasized the need to accelerate the development of environmentally friendly fuels such as biofuels, enhance commercial reserves, and strengthen the application of technology and risk management.

Electricity supply for 2026 will be ensured

Regarding electricity, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan affirmed that, following directives from Party and Government leaders, especially at the regular Government meeting earlier the same day, the Prime Minister stressed that there must be absolutely no power shortages despite ongoing challenges.

To prepare, the Ministry has approved an operational plan for the national power system, particularly for peak dry-season months, including contingency scenarios to accommodate load growth of more than 14 percent.

In April, electricity demand is expected to grow by over 6.47 percent, with total output for the year projected to reach 350 billion kWh, representing a 7.92 percent increase year-on-year.

Over the first three months, electricity supply has remained stable, with load growth reaching 6.5 percent compared to the same period last year.

Looking ahead, the Ministry will continue to closely monitor forecasts, conduct inspections and prepare supply scenarios. In the first quarter, working groups reviewed all stages from power generation and transmission to primary fuel inputs.

The results show that major corporations and power companies have prepared plans to ensure supply, carried out equipment maintenance, secured sufficient backup materials and strengthened inspections at critical points.

We are confident that electricity supply for the entire year of 2026 will be ensured, Tan said.

However, he acknowledged that contingency planning remains challenging, particularly due to unpredictable factors such as El Nino and potential difficulties in fuel supply. Hydropower reservoirs must also balance multiple objectives, requiring strict discipline in water management.

Under the Prime Ministers directive of no power shortages, the Ministry has instructed all units to proactively prepare response plans and prevent any disruption in fuel supply. At the same time, it emphasized the importance of efficient and economical electricity use, along with effective management of hydropower resources.

Tran Thuong
Refurbishment works are set to take place at Gwersyllt Post Office this month.

The branch on Dodds Lane will close on Tuesday 7 April at 5pm while works are undertaken by the new owner of Gwersyllt Post Office.

Plans submitted to Wrexham Council show that new signage and window vinyls for One Stop convenience store will also be installed on the building/

The refurbishment is expected to take just over two weeks, with the Post Office expected to reopen at 9am on Friday, 24 April.

During the interim, alternative branches will include:

Chester Road Post Office, 175 Chester Road, Wrexham, LL12 8DW

Rhosddu Post Office, Rhosddu Road, Wrexham, LL11 2NW

Gresford Post Office, 58 Chester Road, Gresford, Wrexham, LL12 8NE

Victoria Gilt, Post Office Area Change Manager, said: We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers during the work.

The safety of our customers is of paramount, therefore, to allow for the building work to take place, it is necessary for the service to close temporarily.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
At-home cervical screening could be introduced in Wales later this year in a bid to reach women who rarely or never take up their offer of screening, Health Minister Jeremy Miles has confirmed.

In Wales, women aged between 25 and 64 are invited every five years for cervical screening, which checks for high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While most people will come into contact with the virus at some point in their lives, only certain strains can increase a persons risk of developing cervical cancer.

According to Public Health Wales, around 160 cases of cervical cancer are recorded every year. It is the most common cancer in women under the age of 35.

In a bid to increase uptake of screening in Wales, Cervical Screening Wales is considering a self-collected sample model to help reduce barriers to participation for those who find it difficult to access traditional screening appointments. Health officials hope the move will increase uptake among under-screened groups.

The health minister has also outlined plans to increase the uptake of the HPV vaccination in Wales, which has dropped since the pandemic.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set a target for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15, helping to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

In a bid to improve uptake, health boards across Wales delivered more than 1,400 additional HPV vaccinations in 2025, including targeted work in schools where coverage is lower. Further catch-up sessions are planned over the next 12 months.

The latest figures from the Welsh Government show that the number of new cervical cancer cases has fallen from an average of 164 per year in 2002-04 to 149 in 2020-22. The incidence rate has also decreased from 10.8 to 9.4 per 100,000 people.

The number of deaths has fallen from an average of 61 per year in 2002-04 to 54 in 2020-22, while the European age-standardised mortality rate has dropped from 4.1 to 3.2 per 100,000 people over the same period.

Health Minister Jeremy Miles said that despite the figures showing long-term improvements in both incidence and mortality, further progress is to increase vaccination and screening levels are needed to help prevent more cases.

Our approach to improving cancer treatment and survival includes a comprehensive set of actions, including prevention, early detection, and timely access to high-quality treatment, said the minister.

We encourage everyone who is eligible to take up their offer of HPV vaccination or cervical screening.

In the years ahead, continuing to improve access to treatment, vaccination and screening will improve outcomes for women throughout Wales.

More information about cervical screening and eligibility can be found here.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to open the crucial Strait of Hormuz by his Monday deadline and Tehran called his threat unbalanced and foolish." The search for a missing U.S. military pilot continued Saturday in a remote part of the Islamic Republic.

Trump has called Tehran beaten and completely decimated " in the war, now in its sixth week, but the downing of two U.S. warplanes on Friday and Irans call to find the enemy pilot have again raised the stakes.

The doors of hell will be opened to you if Irans infrastructure is attacked, Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi with the country's joint military command said late Saturday in response to Trumps renewed threat, state media reported. In turn, the general threatened all infrastructure used by the U.S. military in the region.

The war began with joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Feb. 28 and has killed thousands, shaken global markets, cut off key shipping routes and spiked fuel prices. Both sides have threatened, and hit, civilian targets, bringing warnings of possible war crimes.

We will continue to crush them, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, and confirmed that Israel's military struck a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr that he said helps to fund the war. Five people were killed and 170 injured, Iranian state media reported, citing a provincial security official.

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said that an airstrike hit near its Bushehr nuclear facility, killing a security guard and damaging a support building. The head of Russias state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, said that 198 workers were being evacuated. It was the fourth time the facility was targeted.

Hopes for talks

Pakistans Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, told The Associated Press that his governments efforts to broker a ceasefire are right on track" after Islamabad last week said that it would soon host talks between the U.S. and Iran.

Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that Iranian officials have never refused to go to Islamabad.

Mediators from Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt were working to bring the U.S. and Iran to the negotiating table, according to two regional officials.

The proposed compromise includes a cessation of hostilities to allow a diplomatic settlement, according to a regional official involved in the efforts and a Gulf diplomat briefed on the matter. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door diplomacy.

Trump reminded Iran of his deadline in a social media post: Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out  48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them."

A missing US pilot

The U.S. warplane, identified by Iran as a F-15E Strike Eagle, was one of two attacked on Friday. Irans joint military command on Saturday said that it also struck two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters, but the AP couldnt independently verify that.

The search for the U.S. pilot focused on a mountainous region in Irans southwestern province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad. An anchor on a channel affiliated with Iranian state television urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to police.

In an email from the Pentagon, obtained by the AP, the military said that it received notification of an aircraft being shot down in the Middle East. A U.S. crew member was rescued. The Pentagon notified the U.S. House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member wasn't known.

Trump told NBC News that what happened wouldn't affect negotiations with Iran.

Iranian state media reported that airstrikes in southwestern Iran on Saturday killed at least three people and wounded others  in the same area where the missing American crew member is believed to be.

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 wasn't clear if the aircraft crashed or was shot down, or whether Iran was involved.

Iranian state media said a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf after being struck by Irans defense forces.

Oracle's Dubai headquarters struck

The Dubai offices of tech company Oracle was hit after Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened the firm. Footage verified by the AP outside the UAE showed a large hole in the building's southwestern corner.

The sheikhdoms Dubai Media Office, which speaks for its government, noted a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception that fell on the facade," saying there were no injuries. Oracle Corp., based in Texas, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Guard has accused some large U.S. tech companies of being involved in terrorist espionage operations against the Islamic Republic and called them legitimate targets. Amazon Web Services facilities in the UAE and Bahrain were hit in earlier drone strikes.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a veiled threat late Friday to disrupt traffic through a second strategic waterway in the region, the Bab el-Mandeb.

The strait, 32 kilometers (20 miles) wide, links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. More than a tenth of seaborne global oil and a quarter of container ships pass through it.

Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait? Qalibaf wrote.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 U.S. service members have been killed. In Lebanon, more than 1,400 people have been killed and there have been more than 1 million displaced people. Ten Israeli soldiers have died there.

Jon Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Samy Magdy from Cairo. Munir Ahmed in Islamabad; Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia; and Konstantin Toropin, Seung Min Kim, Will Weissert, Michelle L. Price, Lisa Mascaro and Ben Finley in Washington, contributed to this report.
HAVANA (AP)  Katia Arias buzzed with hope on Friday morning as she gathered at the gates of a prison on the outskirts of Havana, waiting with other families for their loved ones to be freed in one of the biggest prison releases by the Cuban government in years.

When her 20-year-old son Emilio Alejandro Leyva walked out of the doors of the detention facility with dozens of other prisoners, bags and a small release document in hand, she wrapped her arms around her son, who was detained for a robbery, for the first time in years.

It has been so difficult, but today God has given me so much joy, said Arias, 43, breaking down in tears. Today, I feel so happy. This is how all mothers who will have their children released today should feel.

The outpouring of joy from families comes the day after Cuba's government said it was going to release 2,010 prisoners in what it said was humanitarian gestures ahead of Holy Week. But the releases were quickly met with criticisms by human rights groups who said they hadn't seen evidence that those who were released included any of the 1,214 people they have registered as being imprisoned for political reasons.

The government denies holding political prisoners. With very little information provided by the government, it wasn't immediately clear how many people were released on Friday.

The release comes as the Cuban government navigates extreme pressure and a crippling oil blockade by the Trump administration, which has openly expressed its desire for regime change and the release of those arrested for protesting.

Uncertainty over released prisoners

On Friday, detainees in the La Lima prison on the rural outskirts of Havana said they were woken up at 6 a.m. and heard their names called out. Hours later they were walking into the arms of loved ones awaiting them in front of blue prison gates.

The prisoners interviewed Friday by The Associated Press were not serving time for political charges. It's uncertain how many of those released were protesters  often charged with public disorder, contempt or terrorism. Many of the more than one thousand people the activist organization Prisoners Defended has registered as detained for political reasons were protesters from the 2021 mass demonstrations on the island, which were met with widespread arrests by the government.

Sporadic protests have broken out in recent months as the island sinks into a deeper crisis. In one March incident, protesters burned the headquarters of the communist party in central Cuba, leading to five arrests.

The lack of information over releases on Friday fueled frustration among human rights and opposition groups, who said the releases were a good sign, but fell short of real change.

The government presents it as a humanitarian gesture toward prisoners, not as the release of political prisoners, said Manuel Cuesta Morua, leader of the Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba, the islands main opposition platform. By doing so, it mixes things up to avoid giving the impression that it recognizes political imprisonment in Cuba.

The group has demanded a government amnesty law and says that people who were previously freed are often placed under house arrest or live under conditions where they can't speak freely.

During a previous release of 51 people in March, organizations monitoring prisons in Cuba noted that 22 had political motives in their cases.

The nongovernmental organization Justicia 11J wrote in a statement Friday that no partial release can be considered progress as long as the criminalization of the exercise of fundamental rights persists.

Although every release represents immediate relief, especially for families, in a context marked by the severity of conditions in the countrys prisons  we warn that this gesture does not constitute a change in the repressive policy of the Cuban state, the organization said.

US pressure on Cuba

The releases come as U.S.-Cuban tensions are running high. The Trump administration has suffocated the island by imposing an oil blockade, pushing the already stricken island to the brink, crippling hospitals and increasing the number of islandwide blackouts.

Cubans were offered a brief moment of relief this week when U.S. President Donald Trump said the government allowed a Russian ship carrying a nine to 10 day supply of fuel to the island. It wasn't clear if the Cuban or Russian governments made any concessions to allow the shipment to go through. A second Russian tanker is on the way.

Cuba periodically frees prisoners at key moments.

In January 2025, Cubas government released 553 prisoners as part of talks with the Vatican, a day after the Biden administration announced its intent to lift the U.S. designation of the island nation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Cuba's government said Friday's release marked the fifth since 2011, and that it has freed more than 11,000 people.

Despite ongoing uncertainty, scenes of hope emerged outside the La Lima prison on Friday as families wrapped their arms around each other and a father planted a kiss on the head of his child swaddled in pink.

Damian Farinas, 20, who has served the majority of his 2-year prison sentence for a robbery, was greeted by three beaming friends waiting for him on the street.

This is freedom, a pardon, owing nothing to anyone. Im heading out into the world, he said.

Associated Press journalists Ramon Espinosa and Ariel Fernandez contributed from Havana. Megan Janetsky contributed from Mexico City.

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
MobLand Season 2 has wrapped filming! The hit Paramount+ crime drama finishes production as the cast celebrates the milestone.

AceShowbiz - MobLand is officially wrapping up production on its eagerly awaited second season, marking a major milestone for the hit crime drama on Paramount+. The news was first revealed on March 28 when returning cast member Emmett J. Scanlan, who portrays Paul O'Donnell, the Harrigan family enforcer, announced on Instagram that he had completed filming for season 2.

Following Scanlans post, several other key members of the cast and crew joined in celebrating the conclusion of filming. Actor Alex Fine shared behind-the-scenes photos from the London-based shoot, captioning his post, "@mobland_pplus season 2 wrap with the mandem," signaling the end of their months-long work on the series. Robbie Taylor also took to social media to showcase highlights from the wrap party, describing it as an "amazing night with some incredible people" and sharing images of a custom dinner menu created for the event.

Makeup artist Tahiyya Ali reflected on her time working with the team throughout the last six months, posting photos of various makeup looks created for the series, along with affectionate memories of the production and the shows fury friends.

Scanlan had earlier shared a video praising the second season as "insane" and described his experience filming as "sublime," expressing enthusiasm to fans and followers about the upcoming episodes.

The first season of MobLand debuted to critical acclaim and strong streaming numbers on Paramount+ in spring 2025. The series follows the Harrigan crime family and their "fixer," played by Tom Hardy, as they navigate escalating conflicts with rival families. The show was quickly renewed for a second season, which began production in fall 2025.

Throughout filming, several high-profile actors were seen on set in London, including Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren. With production now complete, MobLand appears to be on track for its planned 2026 release, with speculation that Paramount+ may announce an official release date sooner than expected.

In addition to the leads, the returning cast for season 2 includes Paddy Considine, Joanne Froggatt, Anson Boon, Lara Pulver, Mandeep Dhillon, Jasmine Jobson, Teddie Allan, Janet McTeer, and Toby Jones. The series continues under the direction and executive production of Guy Ritchie, who has remained closely involved since its inception.

As the cast and crew celebrate the conclusion of filming, anticipation is building for the new seasons debut. Fans of MobLand can expect more intense drama and intricate crime storytelling, with the talented ensemble cast returning to bring the Harrigan family saga to life once again.

With the wrap party behind them and post-production underway, Paramount+ is expected to narrow down the 2026 premiere window soon, giving viewers a clearer timeframe for when they can dive back into the gritty world of MobLand.
Oasis cousins Anais & Gene Gallagher discuss the iconic 'Live '25' tour and share thoughts on a potential reunion after Noel Gallagher's BRITs win.

AceShowbiz - At the recent BRITs 2026 red carpet event, Anais Gallagher and her cousin Gene Gallagher opened up about their experience witnessing the iconic Oasis 'Live '25' tour and shared thoughts on the possibility of future Oasis performances.

Anais Gallagher, who balances her career as a model and photographer alongside her family legacy, spoke alongside her cousin Gene Gallagher, the frontman of the band Villanelle and son of Liam Gallagher. The pair were attending the ceremony to celebrate Noel Gallagher, Oasis's lead guitarist and songwriter, who received the prestigious Songwriter Of The Year award following the band's widely acclaimed reunion tour.

When asked whether they were present when their father received the award, both cousins revealed that they actually discovered the news on Instagram before hearing it directly from Noel Gallagher. Anais offered insight into his reaction, describing him as humble despite public perceptions.

"I think he was shocked. In my opinion, he's quite a humble person, although I think a lot of people would disagree with that," she told NME. "But getting recognised for his music, especially now that it's a younger generation of people buying their albums, it's a really amazing thing."

Reflecting on the emotional impact of the 'Live '25' tour, both expressed how their perspectives have evolved since childhood. Anais remarked on how the experience of seeing their fathers perform live has changed from her early memories, which were more focused on backstage snacks rather than the music itself.

"It was incredible to see," she said. "We had memories of Oasis before, but then I mainly cared about how many Milky Way Stars were in the dressing room or how many beef flavoured Hula-Hoops were there for me to eat! So it was nice to now be able to go to the shows and experience it with a relatively clean head."

Regarding whether fans could expect more tour dates in the near future, both cousins chose to remain noncommittal but hopeful. Anais expressed a heartfelt wish for the band's legacy to endure.

"I would love for Oasis to live forever, and I think it does in our hearts, but who knows!"

The discussion also touched on Gene Gallaghers own music career with his band Villanelle, recently highlighted on the NME 100 list for 2026. The band has released several singles ahead of their debut EP, and when asked about his aspirations for the BRITs, Gene replied with cautious optimism.

"We'll see," he said about the possibility of winning Songwriter Of The Year in the future.

Anais didn't hesitate to praise her cousin, describing him as the most exciting Gallagher currently making waves in the familys musical lineage.

"I think he's the most exciting Gallagher in the family these days," she said. "I don't think we're competitive though. We're a very supportive family. Everyone thinks that everyone is great. It's all good vibes here."

This years BRIT Awards marked a historic occasion, being the first time in its 46-year history that the ceremony was held outside of London. The event also featured the return of Jack Whitehall as host for the sixth time.

Alongside Noel Gallaghers appearance on stage, the night showcased performances by prominent artists including Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, HUNTR/Xs EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Alex Warren, Sombr, RAYE, and Rosalia, who notably brought out Bjork as a special guest.

Olivia Dean emerged as the evening's biggest winner, securing Album of the Year for 'The Art Of Loving'. Meanwhile, PinkPantheress made history as the youngest recipient and first female winner of the Producer Of The Year award.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who was honoured with the BRITs Lifetime Achievement Award following his passing the previous summer. The tribute featured performances by Robbie Williams alongside members of Ozzy's band, including Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, Tommy Clufetos, and Zakk Wylde.

For those interested, the full list of winners is available for review.

The Gallagher cousins candid reflections at the BRITs highlighted both a deep family pride and a hopeful outlook for the future of Oasis and their own musical journeys, bridging generations of fans old and new alike.
Watch Kill Bill free on Fawesome. Uma Thurman seeks revenge in Tarantino's iconic martial arts saga. The #1 free movie in America.

AceShowbiz - Kill Bill remains one of the most celebrated martial arts revenge films, and now both volumes of this iconic saga are streaming for free on Fawesome, making it the #1 free movie in America. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, the film first premiered in 2003 and quickly became a defining work of the directors career, blending explosive action with his signature storytelling style.

The narrative centers on The Bride, portrayed by Uma Thurman, a former assassin betrayed by her lover and boss, David Carradines Bill. After surviving a savage attack from her former assassination team, known as the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, The Bride awakens from a coma years later with one clear goal: vengeance. Her relentless quest takes her across the globe as she methodically hunts down each member of the squad, including memorable adversaries like Lucy Lius O-Ren Ishii, Vivica A. Foxs Vernita Green, Michael Madsens Budd, and Daryl Hannahs Elle Driver, before ultimately facing Bill himself.

Collider recently revisited the film in a review of Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, a combined version of both volumes, calling it one of Tarantinos most thrilling and ambitious works. The review highlights how the film captures the director at a unique and energetic point in his career, following the massive cultural impact of earlier hits like Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. The film showcases Tarantinos willingness to push his creative boundaries, especially evident in action sequences such as the legendary battle against the Crazy 88 gang.

Ross Bonaime, writing for Collider, emphasized that while Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair may not be the definitive version of the story, it offers intriguing variations and a deeper look into Tarantinos playful and experimental filmmaking approach. The film remains a strong reminder of Tarantinos passion for cinema and his ability to blend intense action with sharp dialogue, particularly in scenes where Uma Thurmans The Bride wields the iconic Hattori Hanz? sword.

Since its original release, Kill Bill has been celebrated for its maximalist style and genre-blending narrative. It is as much a tribute to martial arts cinema as it is a revenge thriller, incorporating elements from samurai films, spaghetti westerns, and grindhouse exploitation flicks. This eclectic mix, combined with Tarantinos distinctive storytelling voice, continues to captivate audiences decades later.

Now available to stream without cost on Fawesome, the combined hours of Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 run approximately 281 minutes, allowing new viewers and longtime fans alike to immerse themselves fully in this epic revenge tale. The films availability on a free platform has contributed to its current status as the top free movie in the United States, reaffirming its enduring popularity and cultural significance.

Quentin Tarantino wrote and directed the film, with Uma Thurman also credited as a writer, and it was produced by Lawrence Bender. The film expertly balances crime, thriller, and action genres, creating a distinct cinematic experience that continues to influence filmmakers and entertain audiences worldwide.

Whether revisiting the intense sword fights, the stylized violence, or the complex character arcs, Kill Bill offers an unforgettable journey into revenge and redemption. As it streams for free, it presents an ideal opportunity for viewers to explore or re-experience Tarantinos bold and dynamic vision that has stood the test of time.

Fans of the genre and Tarantinos work should not miss this chance to watch the entire tale unfold, from The Brides brutal betrayal to her final confrontation with Bill, all delivered with the directors trademark blend of style, wit, and cinematic homage.
Zach Bryan cancels Tulsa concert due to extreme weather, his first-ever show cancellation. Saturday's performance is still scheduled.

AceShowbiz - Zach Bryan publicly addressed his fans after being compelled to cancel his scheduled concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma, citing extreme weather warnings as the primary reason for the decision.

On Friday, the country musician took to X to share the unfortunate news. He explained that his team "forced" him to cancel that evenings show at the H.A. Chapman Stadium due to the looming threat of dangerous weather conditions. Bryan expressed his regret, emphasizing that he had never canceled a show before in his career but had no control over the situation this time.

The Friday night performance was part of a two-night engagement planned for Tulsa. While Fridays concert was canceled outright, Bryan reassured fans that Saturdays show in Tulsa remained scheduled to proceed as planned.

He apologized to fans for the inconvenience and thanked them for their understanding in a follow-up tweet.

Alongside his public announcement, Zach Bryan shared a private text exchange from a team member explaining the cancellation. The message relayed that after consultations with local police, school officials, and meteorologists, the consensus was that proceeding with the show would jeopardize public safety.

The staff member highlighted a meteorologists forecast predicting severe storms in Tulsa, including wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, heavy rain, hail, lightning, and even the possibility of tornadoes. The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning effective until 10 p.m. local time on Friday.

Reacting to the cancellation, Zach Bryan expressed frustration in the conversation, replying with, "Are you kidding?" He later shared his feelings on Instagram, revealing that he wished the concert could go on despite the warnings. He noted that in five years of touring, he had never canceled a headlining show and admitted that he upset many fans by trying to push forward with the event earlier that day.

Zach Bryan wrote, "If I had ANY say in this, things would be different. I apologize and I love all of ya."

Notable country artist Tyler Childers weighed in to support the decision to cancel, advising Bryan it was better to be safe than sorry. Reality star and influencer Jess Turnquist also commented on the importance of caution, pointing out the dangers of hosting a large crowd amid tornado threats with no safe shelter available.

Fans affected by the cancellation were instructed to follow Bryans tweet for refund information.
Jenna Ortega stuns in a light, ethereal Christian Cowan gown at the 2026 Actor Awards, a bold departure from her signature dark Wednesday Addams style.

AceShowbiz - Jenna Ortega made a striking departure from her usual dark and moody red carpet style at the 2026 Actor Awards, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on March 1. Known for often embracing black ensembles that nod to her iconic role as Wednesday Addams on Netflixs Wednesday, Ortega instead chose a light and ethereal look that caught everyones attention.

For the event, the 23-year-old actress wore a cream-colored slip dress from Christian Cowans FW26 Ready-to-Wear collection. The dress featured a daring high slit that revealed shimmering silver thigh-high stockings, adding a bold and modern edge to the otherwise soft outfit. She completed her ensemble with open-toed black heels and a glittering Mikimoto necklace, which included a thin strand that elegantly wrapped around her neck and cascaded down her back, enhancing the outfits delicate yet dramatic aesthetic.

Jenna Ortega styled her dark hair in a voluminous blowout, lending a classic Hollywood vibe to her fresh, airy look. This unexpected fashion choice marked a clear shift from the creepy and kooky image fans associate with her character on Wednesday, showcasing her versatility and flair for red carpet style innovation.

At the ceremony, Ortega was recognized for her performance in Wednesday with a nomination for Female Actor in a Comedy Series. Beyond her nomination, she also took on the role of presenter for the Male Actor in a Comedy Series category, further highlighting her prominent presence at the awards.

The Male Actor in a Comedy Series award featured a competitive lineup, including Ike Barinholtz for The Studio, Adam Brody for Nobody Wants This, Ted Danson for A Man on the Inside, and Martin Short for Only Murders in the Building. Ultimately, the award went to Seth Rogen for his work on The Studio.

Accepting the award, the 43-year-old Rogen delivered a humorous acceptance speech, poking fun at his co-star Ike Barinholtz. "I honestlyI hoped my ego was strong enough to withstand losing to Ike, Im glad I dont have to find out," he joked. "I would have been meaner to you at work no matter whatit would have created a weird dynamic."

Despite the humor, Seth Rogen expressed genuine appreciation for the recognition. He reflected on his career path, saying, "I always honestly kind of consider myself more of a writer, who was able to write myself roles that I then kind of forced people to allow me to perform in. But this actually makes me feel like an actor for this evening, so I really appreciate it."

The 2026 Actor Awards red carpet featured a dazzling array of stars and impressive fashion moments. Among them was Teyana Taylor, who appeared in Thom Browne paired with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and Demi Moore, dressed in Schiaparelli. Emma Stone turned heads in a custom Louis Vuitton gown, while Damian Lewis opted for Edward Sexton.

Kate Hudson showcased an outfit by Valentino complemented by Desert diamonds from Emily P. Wheeler, and Amy Madigan wore Christian Dior with TACORI jewelry. Parker Poseys look was crafted by Gucci, and Kristen Wiig wore Christian Cowan alongside Tiffany & Co. pieces. Sofia Carson stunned in Elie Saab with Chopard jewelry, adding to the evenings glamorous highlights.

Other notable attendees included Michelle Randolph in Balenciaga, Michelle Monaghan in Prada paired with Sabyasachi jewelry, Miles Caton in Louis Vuitton, and Li Jun Li wearing Aadnevik. The actor duo Iris Apatow and Sam Nivola both appeared in Dior Men, while Liza Colon-Zayas chose Nadine Merabi for her look.

Jean Smart impressed in Laura Basci with Rahaminov Diamonds, and Damson Idris wore Prada. Jasmin Savoy Browns outfit was by Zuhair Murad, while Ted and Kate Danson appeared with Blancpain and Oliver Peoples accessories. Mustafa Speaks and Michelle Mitchenor also made notable appearances, as did Irina Shayk and Emily Watson, who dazzled in Roksanda, Manolo Blahnik shoes, and Anabela Chan jewelry.

Janelle James opted for Christian Louboutin shoes with Sydney Evan and TACORI jewelry, Ethan Hawke dressed in Dior, and Eiza Gonzalez wore Giorgio Armani Prive. Fiona Dourif chose Lanvin with Lagos jewelry, Erin Doherty appeared in Louis Vuitton, and Benicio del Toro was also present. Michael B. Jordans look was by Tom Ford, while Regina Hall appeared in a custom Cong Tri design.

Fans eager to witness the full spectacle of the 2026 Actor Awards can catch the ceremony live on March 1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, streaming on Netflix. With a mix of outstanding performances, memorable speeches, and show-stopping fashion choices, this years awards promise to be an event to remember.
Fran Drescher offers to officiate Timothee Chalamet & Kylie Jenner's wedding at the 2026 Actor Awards, where she stunned in a top hat and sequined gown.

AceShowbiz - Fran Drescher showcased her iconic style at the 2026 Actor Awards, held on March 1 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, where she paired a black sequined gown with a chic top hat. Beyond her fashion statement, the star made headlines by expressing willingness to officiate a wedding between her Marty Supreme co-star Timothee Chalamet and his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner.

Speaking with Keltie Knight on Live From E!: Actor Awards 2026, Drescher revealed she has experience officiating gay weddings and is open to expanding that role. She said, "If they asked me to, I do officiate gay weddings, so I certainly can branch out and officiate this if they wanted me to." Despite this, the 68-year-old actress admitted she doubts the couple will actually ask her, stating, "I have a feeling they're not going to ask."

The potential wedding officiating offer reflects the close connection between the two actors, who star together in the film Marty Supreme, for which Drescher earned a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Her bond with Chalamet extends beyond their on-screen relationship, as she described him as sweet, vulnerable, and charming during their press appearances.

One memorable moment took place at the top of the Empire State Building during a promotional event. Drescher noticed that Chalamet was afraid of heights and instinctively took on a maternal role. She recalled feeling concerned for him and urged, "Look, we're not curing cancer. Let's get off of the roof of the Empire State Building." This incident highlighted the protective and caring dynamic between the two stars off-camera.

While Chalamet may have a fear of heights in real life, Drescher praised his fearless and ambitious nature on screen. She described him as a young actor in pursuit of greatness and a very talented man, noting his nomination for Male Actor in a Leading Role for the film One Battle After Another. Chalamet is competing alongside notable actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Jesse Plemons.

The 2026 Actor Awards event featured numerous other celebrities showcasing dazzling fashion and jewelry on the red carpet. Among the attendees were Teyana Taylor in Thom Browne, Demi Moore in Schiaparelli, Emma Stone in custom Louis Vuitton, and Kate Hudson wearing Valentino paired with Desert diamonds. Other stars like Amy Madigan, Parker Posey, Kristen Wiig, Sofia Carson, Michelle Randolph, Michelle Monaghan, Miles Caton, and Li Jun Li added to the star-studded lineup with their elegant ensembles.

Additionally, notable male actors such as Damian Lewis in Edward Sexton, Ethan Hawke in Dior, Michael B. Jordan in Tom Ford, and Benicio del Toro made appearances. The event also included celebrated personalities like Ted Danson and Kate Danson, Irina Shayk, Emily Watson, Janelle James, and Regina Hall, all dressed in high-fashion brands and exquisite jewelry.

The Actor Awards 2026, formerly known as the SAG Awards, were hosted by Kristen Bell and broadcast live on Netflix on Sunday, March 1, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The ceremony not only celebrated outstanding performances in film and television but also offered a glamorous display of celebrity style and culture.

As for whether Fran Drescher will take on the role of officiant for Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner's wedding, fans will have to wait and see if the couple extends the invitation. Until then, Drescher's motherly instincts and willingness to support her co-star remain clear highlights from this year's awards season.
Savannah Guthrie returns to the Today show after her mother's abduction. Her comeback highlights resilience amid an ongoing personal crisis.

AceShowbiz - Savannah Guthrie is set to return to NBC's "Today" on Monday, April 6, following a challenging two-month period marked by the mysterious abduction of her mother, Nancy, in Arizona. This anticipated comeback brings relief to the show's producers and staff, who have eagerly awaited the anchors return to the program.

Despite the welcome return, the path to normalcy is expected to be difficult for Savannah Guthrie. The unresolved nature of her mother's disappearance continues to cast a shadow over her personal and professional life, making the transition back to morning television complex and emotionally demanding.

The "Today" team and viewers alike look forward to seeing Savannah Guthrie resume her role, but they also recognize that the impact of the ongoing situation remains significant. Her resilience in facing such a personal crisis while fulfilling her duties on a national platform underscores her strength and dedication.

As Savannah Guthrie steps back into the spotlight, the focus will be on supporting her through this difficult time while she continues to deliver the trusted news coverage for which she is known. The unfolding story of her mother's disappearance remains open, adding an underlying tension to what is otherwise a hopeful return to routine.
Cillian Murphy on turning 50: The actor reflects on family as his greatest achievement, Hollywood success, and life's next chapter.

AceShowbiz - Cillian Murphy has spoken candidly about his personal life and career as he approaches his 50th birthday, sharing insights into his role as a family man and his experiences in Hollywood. Despite his considerable success as an actor, Murphy emphasizes that his greatest accomplishment is the life he has built with his wife and children.

In a recent profile with The Times of London, published on February 28, the 49-year-old Murphy described middle age as a unique phase. "You've had children and been successful and then hit this certain age and think, All right, this is the first time I've got less time left than I've had so far on this planet," he said. This reflection comes as Murphy prepares to turn 50 in a few months, prompting him to consider what lies ahead personally and professionally.

Murphy shared his hopes to continue being a reasonable dad and husband while maintaining a serious approach to his work. He and wife Yvonne McGuinness, whom he married in 2004, are parents to two sons. The couple has kept a relatively private family life even as Murphy rose to international fame.

Before achieving global recognition for his role in the film Oppenheimer, Murphy spent nearly three decades honing his craft. In an interview with The Guardian in July 2023, he described himself as stubborn and lacking in confidence, a combination he jokingly called terrible. He admitted to being selective about his projects, explaining that he doesnt want to release anything hes not fully satisfied with.

Reflecting on his recent work rhythm, Murphy joked with The Times that by the time he returns to set for his latest projects, it will have been 15 months since his last acting job. When not working, he spends much of his time at home, engaging in simple activities like walking the dog.

One of Murphys most iconic roles has been that of Tommy Shelby in the television series Peaky Blinders. He recently reprised this character in the upcoming film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. He reflected on the longevity of this role, noting that he was 35 years old when the series began and is now 48, having portrayed Tommy for over a quarter of his life.

Its incredibly rewarding seeing everybody around you get older, Murphy remarked. Over the six seasons of Peaky Blinders, he witnessed many changes among his castmates, both professionally and personally. He recalled the loss of Helen McCrory, who played Tommys aunt Helen and passed away in 2021 after a battle with cancer. Murphy also observed how many of his colleagues started families and went through significant life changes during the shows run.

Regarding his work on Peaky Blinders, Murphy admitted that the show was not an immediate hit. It was the second series that truly connected with audiences and boosted the shows popularity. He compared television to a novel, explaining that unlike films which can be fleeting, TV series have a more enduring impact as viewers discover and engage with them over time.

Throughout his career, Murphy has gravitated toward roles that explore complex, flawed characters. He explained that he relates to the universal struggle of people trying to do the right thing despite their imperfections. This theme resonated strongly with him in his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in the biographical film.

He elaborated, saying that the drama in these roles lies in the contradictions of human naturehow most people are striving to be good but often get derailed before finding their way back. In Oppenheimer, for example, the character wrestled with the moral weight of being the father of the atomic bomb while continuing to live his daily life.

Despite many rumors swirling about potential casting choices, Murphy categorically denied reports that he would be playing Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, a role previously portrayed by Ralph Fiennes. He described himself as an incredibly average person and expressed discomfort with the celebrity lifestyle, including red carpet appearances and public self-promotion. For Murphy, maintaining a grounded existence away from the spotlight is important to his well-being.
Discover how puppetry brought Rocky to life in Project Hail Mary, defying CGI with tangible artistry and authentic on-screen chemistry.

AceShowbiz - Project Hail Mary showcases an extraordinary blend of puppetry and performance with the creation of Rocky, the alien companion to Ryan Goslings character Ryland Grace. This unique creature was brought to life through the artistry of Drama Desk Award-winning puppet designer James Ortiz and his dedicated team of five puppeteers. Their work transformed steel rods, fiberglass, and animatronics into a fully realized character that could not be replicated by CGI alone.

In an era dominated by digital effects, the choice to use puppetry on a blockbuster scale feels both nostalgic and revolutionary. Rockys design is arachnid-like with a rocky exterior, providing a tangible presence alongside Goslings molecular biologist. This duo carries the narrative, which centers on their joint mission to save their home worlds. The physicality and spontaneity of live puppeteering allowed for improvisation not just in movement but in dialogue, creating a dynamic, authentic interaction throughout the filming process.

James Ortiz explains how actor Ryan Gosling treated him as a creative partner rather than just crew, a rare and rewarding experience for a puppeteer. Ryan treated me like a collaborator and actor on set, Ortiz says, emphasizing the respect and equality he felt during production, a sentiment not always common even in theater puppetry.

Ortizs background includes notable Broadway and Off-Broadway work, such as the skeletal Milky White in Into The Woods, the brontosaurus in The Skin of Our Teeth, and the humanized tin man in The Woodsman. Although Project Hail Mary is his first film, he quickly expanded his role from puppeteer to also voicing Rocky, thanks to directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The role required not only complex physical manipulation but also subtle breath control inspired by Katharine Hepburn to give Rocky a distinctive voice and personality.

Ortiz describes the mental challenge of managing both precise puppetry and improvisational acting simultaneously. My brain was split every day of shooting, he admits, balancing the exactness of bunraku puppetrya traditional Japanese style involving multiple puppeteerswith lively, off-the-cuff exchanges with Gosling.

The films directors encouraged a creative atmosphere on set, favoring long takes filled with improvisation and playful detours before later refining the scenes in editing. Ortiz recalls 45-minute takes where lines and actions would meander, exploring character relationships and misunderstandings. The fluidity of these sessions often left him unsure about which exact scene or take they had just completed, complicating subsequent filming of close-ups and second unit work.

Regarding Rockys intricate movements, Ortiz reveals that the puppetry was a hands-on process. He controlled the central carapace, the main body shell of the puppet, while other puppeteers manipulated the legs using steel rods attached to the forearms. The puppet featured animatronic fingers activated by simple three-finger triggers at the rod ends, resembling squirt-gun pulls. These motors allowed Rocky to perform delicate actions like grabbing a tape measure or jazz hands, although the latter sometimes overheated the motors, requiring careful management of battery usage throughout the day.

Rockys breathing and eating motions were achieved through a dual carapace system. One shell contained small stones that moved subtly atop his head, adding a lifelike quality. When the weight of these stones interfered with movement, Ortiz suggested digital enhancement to maintain fluidity.

The teamwork between Ortiz and his fellow puppeteers was crucial to Rockys seamless performance. They spent eight weeks rehearsing before filming, developing a deep connection and trusting each others ideas. Ortiz describes their coordination as hive-mind-like, where even the smallest movement required consensus. For example, Rockys head could not tilt without the legs puppeteers making room, ensuring flawless choreography.

An early memorable scene involved Rocky tapping on glass to get Rylands attention. To coordinate their movements precisely, Ortiz sometimes asked to turn off his microphone to communicate silently with the team. Behind the scenes, he was improvising Rockys internal monologue and exchanging playful banter with his puppeteers, creating a rich layer of interaction unseen by the audience.

The physical and creative collaboration between Ortiz, his team, and the films cast and crew highlights the enduring power of practical effects in modern filmmaking. By merging traditional puppetry techniques with contemporary technology and performance, Project Hail Mary delivers a memorable alien character who feels both real and emotionally engaging, enriching the movies story of interstellar friendship and survival.
Former Little People Big World stars Jeremy & Audrey Roloff consider buying back the family farm after years of emotional negotiations and family dynamics.

AceShowbiz - Jeremy Roloff and his wife, Audrey Roloff, former stars of Little People Big World, have been reflecting deeply on the possibility of purchasing his familys farm once more. Audrey shared insights on Instagram about this emotional topic, revealing how the farm has been a recurring subject in their lives over the past several years.

On March 1, Audrey, 34, posted a candid recap of February, explaining that Jeremys father had informed the children of his intent to list Roloff Farms for sale again. This property has seen waves of availability on the market during the last six years, ever since Jeremy and Audrey initially attempted to buy it in 2020 but ultimately did not.

The land in question was originally purchased in Hillsboro, Oregon, by ex-spouses Matt and Amy Roloff during their 27-year marriage. After their separation in 2015, Amy sold her half of the property to Matt, making him the sole owner. This transition created tension among the Roloff siblings.

Matts decision to retain full ownership led to disputes, notably when he refused to sell a portion of the farm to son Zach Roloff in 2021. The following year, Matt announced on Instagram that he had listed 16 acres for sale, citing the childrens reluctance to co-own the property as a key reason. Matt and Amy share four children: twins Zach and Jeremy, both 35, Jacob, 29, and Molly, 32.

Despite Matts claims, Zach denied the reasons for the sale and eventually he and his wife, Tori Roloff, stepped away from negotiations. Similarly, Jeremy and Audrey also abandoned their plans to acquire the farm. Audrey addressed the emotional aftermath of these developments, noting that much healing has occurred since then.

We have been busy building our own dream on the property we bought a couple years after the farm fell through, Audrey explained. However, after celebrating their son Bodes birthday in the barn at Roloff Farms, she and Jeremy experienced a what if moment. The significance of the farm and what it represents led them to reconsider whether owning it might still be a viable option in their current stage of life.

Audrey elaborated, saying that she and Jacob Roloff  Jeremys brother who currently lives on the farm  began to view the property with fresh eyes. They contemplated the possibility of selling their current home and purchasing the farm, feeling as though God is giving us the opportunity to choose it again if we want. Still, she admitted that they feel conflicted about the decision.

Jacob and his wife, Isabel Rock, reside on the Oregon farm alongside Matt, who remains the owner. In a November 2025 TikTok video, Isabel explained their living situation, clarifying that Jacob did not acquire ownership of the farm. Instead, they rent their home and Jacob works full-time on the property, while Isabel takes care of the animals.

Isabel, 30, highlighted their role as tenants who actively help steward the land. She shared that Jacob grows various produce, including vegetables and fruit. Impressively, this year he cultivated 60,000 pounds of pumpkins. Isabel expressed their commitment to maintaining the farms legacy as long as they are involved.

Meanwhile, Zach and Tori Roloff have moved away from the farm and now live in Seattle with their three children. Recently, Tori reflected on revisiting the farm for the first time in nearly four years, sharing photos on Instagram from their visit. She described the joy she felt sitting in the field where she and Zach were married, despite acknowledging the past hurt associated with the farm.

Tori wrote about feeling grateful to reminisce on the positive memories and expressed thankfulness for what God has provided their family. Her visit marked a rare moment of happiness connected to the farm, illustrating the complex emotions tied to the land for the Roloff family.

The Roloff family farm has long been a source of both pride and conflict for the family members featured on Little People Big World. With ownership still under Matt Roloff and various family members living and working there, the farms future remains uncertain. Jeremy and Audreys recent reflections show that despite past disappointments, the farm continues to hold significant emotional and symbolic value for them.

As the possibility of purchasing Roloff Farms arises once again, Jeremy and Audrey face the challenge of balancing their dreams with the realities of family dynamics and past experiences. Their story highlights the enduring connection to the land and the complicated feelings that come with preserving a family legacy.
Paul McCartney shines in Spinal Tap II's hilarious cameo. Read about his role in Rob Reiner's final film, the cult sequel's standout moment.

AceShowbiz - Spinal Tap II: The End Continues marks a memorable return for the cult classic rock mockumentary, featuring a standout cameo from music legend Paul McCartney. In what would become director Rob Reiners final film before his untimely death on December 14, 2025, Paul McCartney brought his effortless charm and wit to the manic world of the fictional rock band Spinal Tap.

Music star cameos can often be hit or miss, as the qualities that make a great musician don't always translate on screen. However, Paul McCartney proves to be a perfect fit for the films tone, injecting humor and warmth into the scenes he appears in. His role, though brief, quickly became one of the most talked-about parts of the movie, which also features numerous other prominent musicians paying tribute to the beloved band.

In one of the films funniest moments, Paul McCartney appears during a rehearsal scene where Spinal Tap members are embroiled in their usual petty squabble. Cheerfully offering his assistance, he asks if they could use some help. David St. Hubbins, played by Michael McKean, responds with disbelief, Is that THE Paul? to which Paul McCartney deadpans, Its one of them! The exchange captures the films satirical tone perfectly, highlighting the band's obliviousness even in the presence of a music legend.

Despite being one of the greatest songwriters in history, Paul McCartneys advice is humorously brushed off by the band, with St. Hubbins saying theyll take it under advisement. Later, the band goes as far as accusing the famously easygoing musician of having a toxic personality, adding a layer of irony that only enhances the comedy.

In an interview segment with the fictional documentarian Marti DiBergi, portrayed by Rob Reiner himself, Paul McCartney offers straight-faced praise of the bands comedic lyricscalling them almost educational and literatureadding a delightful layer of meta-humor that resonates with fans of both music and comedy.

But Paul McCartney wasnt the only music legend to make a splash in the film. The sequel features a remarkable lineup of artists from various genres, all playing themselves with comedic flair. Elton John has a memorable role in the films final act, where he falls victim to the infamous Stonehenge stage prop, leaning into his diva reputation with self-aware humor.

The film also cleverly references Spinal Taps running gag about drummers meeting untimely ends. As the band searches for a replacement drummer, well-known percussionists such as Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Chad Smith of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Questlove all politely decline, humorously suggesting they fear the bands notorious bad luck.

In another surprising twist, country stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood join the fun by performing a new rendition of the bands risque anthem Big Bottom. Adding to the star-studded cast, comedy rocker Jack Black, known for his work with Tenacious D, appears as a stage announcer, rounding out the eclectic mix of cameo appearances.

For a film with a relatively modest budget, the sheer volume of high-profile musicians eager to participate is a testament to the enduring legacy of the original Spinal Tap and its influence on both the film and music industries. This sequel serves as a loving homage to the mockumentary that launched Rob Reiners directing career and captivated audiences worldwide.

Tragically, just three months after the release of Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, Rob Reiner passed away at age 78. This fact adds a poignant layer of significance to the film, which now stands as his final directorial work. The original 1984 film, This Is Spinal Tap, not only established his career but also became a cultural touchstone that defined a generations view of rock stardom.

In a heartfelt tribute following Rob Reiners death, Paul McCartney described the filmmaker as such an upbeat, lovable man. Hollywood at large joined in commemorating Rob Reiners contributions to cinema and his unique ability to blend humor with genuine affection for his subjects.

The impact of the original Spinal Tap film is well documented, with many musicians believing the fictional story was based on real events. Legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne once shared that when he watched the film, he was the only person in the audience that wasnt laughing, because it really was like a documentary to him. Similarly, during the documentary It Might Get Loud, U2 guitarist The Edge revealed that he didnt laugh but instead wept upon seeing the film, highlighting its emotional resonance.

Bands such as Nirvana, Metallica, and Talking Heads have all expressed admiration for the films sharp humor and authenticity, noting how it reflected their own experiences in the music industry.

The sequel, with its array of star cameos and affectionate satire, became a fitting tribute to both Rob Reiner and the legacy of Spinal Tap. The film offers the music world a chance to celebrate a movie that humorously exposed the excesses and egos of rock culture, while also honoring the creative genius behind it all.

What makes this tribute particularly special is the presence of Paul McCartneyone of the most iconic figures in music historyappearing as himself only to be humorously dismissed by the fictional band. This encapsulates the spirit of the series: irreverent, self-aware, and deeply affectionate.
A shocking secret revealed. Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in a controversial film about a past plan for a school shooting.

AceShowbiz - The Drama arrived amid intense online speculation long before its theatrical release, fueled by the incendiary plot twist teased in its trailer. The film, starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya as an engaged couple, centers on a shocking secret Emma (Zendaya) reveals to her fiance Charlie (Pattinson) and their close circle of friends. Online forums and subreddits buzzed with theories about the nature of Emmas confession  the worst thing youve ever done  with fans piecing together hints from casting notices, leaked script elements, and on-set photos.

When early previews and premieres finally exposed the truth, the internets worst fears were confirmed: Emma had once planned a school shooting but ultimately never went through with it. The plot point ignited controversy, prompting gun-control advocate Tom Mauserwhose son was a victim of the 1999 Columbine massacreto denounce the films premise publicly via TMZ, despite not having seen the movie. Distributor A24 found itself at the center of a brewing scandal, an occupational hazard when partnering with directors aiming to provoke discourse in the vein of filmmakers like Emerald Fennell or Lars von Trier. For Kristoffer Borgli, the writer and director behind The Drama, sparking conversation is clearly a key creative goal.

Borgli, a Norwegian filmmaker in his forties, made his feature debut in 2017 with Drib, a work blurring the lines between fiction and documentary. That film starred comedian Amir Asgharnejad playing himself, chronicling his rise to notoriety after viral videos of street fights attracted attention from an energy drink campaign. His 2022 follow-up, the satirical Sick of Myself, explored dark themes of attention-seeking through the story of Signe (Kristine Kujath Thorp), a young woman who deliberately harms her own skin to gain sympathy and notoriety. This film earned him recognition at Cannes and caught the attention of producer Ari Aster, who backed Borglis first American feature, Dream Scenario, released by A24 in 2023. That surreal comedy features Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthews, an academic who inexplicably appears in the dreams of strangers, grappling with newfound unwanted fame.

While Borgli excels at devising provocative premises, his ability to sustain them through a films narrative arc is less assured. Dream Scenario begins with a hilarious, bizarre sequence of Paul haunting dreams like an awkward chaperone at a school dance, but ultimately devolves into a muddled allegory critiquing fleeting celebrity and social media outrage. Similarly, if Borgli pushed the envelope too far with The Drama, it is less due to the unsettling revelation itself and more because the story loses direction once that secret is unveiled.

About a quarter of the way through the film, Emma confesses to Charlie, his best friend Mike (Mamoudou Athie), and Mikes wife Rachel (Alana Haim)who is also Emmas maid of honorduring a last-minute catering tasting that feels implausibly timed. She admits she didnt carry out the shooting but came dangerously close as a lonely, awkward 15-year-old military brat struggling to adjust to a new school in Louisiana. Emma was isolated and drawn to the aesthetics of past school shooters, posing with her fathers rifle, attempting to record manifesto-like videos while wearing heavy makeup, and eventually bringing the weapon to school. Her plan is thwarted when a real mass shooting occurs nearby at a mall, tragically killing a classmate, effectively stealing her thunder.

Ironically, Borgli has employed a similar narrative device before more effectively. In Sick of Myself, Signe pressures a journalist to write about the mysterious skin condition shes fabricated. Yet just as the feature goes live, breaking news of a family annihilation pushes her story off the homepage. Frustrated, Signe bitterly remarks, What fucking nerd shoots his whole family? Its just really bad timing.

What makes The Drama feel underdeveloped is not its willingness to portray a protagonist who once contemplated Americas most horrifying crime, but its failure to deeply explore her motivations and the emotional fallout of those memories. Emmas confession becomes a mere MacGuffin  a plot device to challenge Charlies love and acceptance in a story that claims to be about embracing the unknowable parts of those we care for. Borgli seems poised to mature his storytelling, offering more empathy toward his characters rather than relentless, clinical dissection, yet the film instead feels like a retreat, lacking the bravery to fully engage with its dark themes.

Borglis fascination with attention and its exploitation by individuals and institutions is evident across his body of work. This obsession shapes the narrative engines of his films. The Drama can be seen as a slicker but less daring counterpart to Sick of Myself. The latter featured unapologetically flawed characters who commit morally repugnant acts to secure the spotlight, terrified of being exposed as monsters more than of legal or mortal consequences. Conversely, The Drama demands its characters be likable despite Emmas youthful flirtation with mass murder, heavily framing the story through Charlies perspective.

With Emmas darkest secret now public, her role is reduced to anxious worry and hoping for Charlies acceptance. The film channels its outrage through Rachel, whose condemnation is immediate and forceful. Meanwhile, Charlie, a museum curator who relocated to Boston from the U.K., struggles to comprehend Emmas revelation, treating it as something almost alien. He spends much of the movie trapped in discomfort, vacillating over whether to commit to or reject his fiancee.

This narrative choice introduces an uncomfortable coyness that borders on offensivenessnot because the film trivializes mass shootings, but because it reduces such a grave issue to a mere plot device. Borglis penchant for satirizing bourgeois hypocrisy and shallow corporate diversity campaigns is clear. For instance, in Sick of Myself, Signe, despite her grotesque self-inflicted injuries, lands a job in an inclusive clothing campaign alongside a model with symbrachydactyly, highlighting the cynical commodification of suffering and difference.

The strongest moments in The Drama lie beyond the central controversyin the nuanced performances of its leads and the detailed portrayal of their upscale, semi-intellectual environment. From the soft glow of Akari lamps filling their airy duplex to a charming coffee-shop encounter where Charlie lies about his fondness for a book Emma is reading, the film captures authentic, intimate moments. However, its clear Borgli, a scholar of abjection and unsettling fantasies, understands well what drives a marginalized, immature teenager toward radicalization. The films real failing is in pretending otherwise, glossing over the complex psychology behind such a transformation.

Ultimately, The Drama is less an incisive examination of trauma and redemption and more a provocative setup without satisfying resolution. Borglis eagerness to ignite discussion is palpable, but his reluctance to fully grapple with the implications of Emmas secret leaves the film feeling unfinished and evasive. Instead of a bold confrontation with painful realities, it opts for a safer, less challenging narrative that centers Charlies discomfort over Emmas haunted past. This choice dilutes the potential impact of the story, making The Drama a film that provokes debate but struggles to deliver meaningful insight.
Jonathan Majors' new film faces IATSE strike after a dangerous on-set accident injures co-star. Crew walked out over safety concerns.

AceShowbiz - Jonathan Majors, the former Marvel star, is currently filming his first movie in four years, an untitled action project produced by The Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend in South Carolina. However, production recently encountered a major setback when crew members walked off the set, triggering an IATSE strike centered on safety and labor concerns.

According to a report by Deadline, the strike was prompted by a dangerous accident involving Majors and fellow actor JC Kilcoyne. During the filming of a scene, both actors accidentally fell through a window. The window in question had been replaced with a loosely secured sheet of tempered glass, intended to be shattered later in a stunt that did not involve any actors. Unfortunately, the glass was not properly fixed in place, causing both men to fall approximately six feet to the ground.

The incident resulted in Kilocoyne sustaining injuries that required stitches to his hands. Video footage shared by Deadline captured the crews shocked reaction as they rushed to assist the actors. Crew members were seen advising the actors to be cautious around the broken glass, highlighting the immediate safety risks present on set.

This accident has brought to light a broader set of safety concerns among the crew. Reports from Deadline detail additional issues such as props falling on crew members and the presence of black mold in some of the filming locations. These hazardous conditions, combined with worries about healthcare coverageespecially for below-the-line crew who are not covered under the actors' SAG-AFTRA contracthave amplified tensions on set.

Despite these problems and the strike, production on the film appears to be ongoing. Majors has not publicly commented on the incident, and Kilocoyne has reportedly returned to work. Representatives for Kilocoyne released a statement affirming that he received medical care and continues to have a positive experience on the project.

On the other side, producer Dallas Sonnier dismissed the strike as illegitimate, arguing that the production team is too busy to be distracted by the labor action. Sonnier stated, We are too busy being bad as***, blowing sh*t up, flying helicopters, and killing movie terrorists to concern ourselves with four as**h*les with signs on the sidewalk and their illegitimate 'strike.

The strike has not escalated further at this time, but the underlying safety and labor concerns remain a significant issue for the films crew. The incident involving Jonathan Majors and Kilocoyne has brought renewed attention to the working conditions on film sets, especially for productions operating outside the protections of union contracts.

As Majors seeks to revitalize his career with this comeback role, the productions ability to address crew safety and labor issues will be critical for the projects continuation. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in the industry related to workplace safety, labor rights, and the treatment of crew members behind the scenes.

Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the matter and engage in discussions about film production safety and labor rights within the ComicBook Forum community.
Zendaya & Robert Pattinson star. Controversy erupts over the film's marketing of its unsettling plot twist involving a planned school shooting.

AceShowbiz - The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, has ignited controversy following criticism of its promotional tactics, which some say obscure the movies serious and unsettling plot twist.

The film centers on engaged couple Charlie, played by Robert Pattinson, and Emma, portrayed by Zendaya, as they prepare for their wedding. In the days leading up to the ceremony, the couple and their friends gather to reveal the worst things they have ever done. While the trailer hints at Emmas secret causing tension, it leaves the full details deliberately vague.

After The Drama premiered in theaters on Friday, April 3, audiences learned that Emma had planned a school shooting during her teenage years but ultimately chose not to go through with it. This revelation has sparked significant backlash due to the way the films marketing presented the story.

Many critics and viewers have condemned the movies wedding-themed and seemingly lighthearted advertising approach, arguing that such a dark and sensitive subject should have been handled with more transparency and care. The contrast between the films promotional tone and its actual content has led to accusations that the marketing misled audiences about the nature of the story.

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson have actively promoted the film at various press events, where Zendaya notably wore bridal-inspired outfits symbolizing traditions like "something old, borrowed, new, and blue." Their interviews often included questions about marriage and weddings, further reinforcing the impression of a romantic or comedic story rather than a serious drama.

Additional marketing efforts for The Drama included a social media campaign styled like a traditional wedding invitation and a one-day wedding chapel event in Las Vegas held in March. These promotional choices have drawn criticism for downplaying the movies darker themes.

On April 2, the gun control advocacy group March for Our Lives publicly denounced the films marketing approach via Instagram. They stated, "The film may be attempting to engage real questions about accountability and change, but A24's marketing does not meet it there." The organization emphasized that in the U.S., conversations about such serious topics must extend beyond the screen and be reflected in how the film is presented.

The criticism resonated with Alyson Michalka and AJ Michalka, known as the musical duo Aly & AJ, who responded in the comments of March for Our Lives post. Having survived a mass shooting near one of their concerts in 2022, the sisters expressed agreement, writing, "Couldn't agree more. The marketing made us sick when we found out the plot twist."

Many fans also voiced frustration about the lack of clear warnings regarding the films plot. One user commented, "Thank you for this 'spoiler.' It is marketed as a cute rom com. I was going to see it. If I had found out this plot point in the theater I would have walked out." They questioned whether the film offers any kind of alert about the sensitive content during the opening credits or elsewhere.

Other viewers expressed shock upon learning that the story involved a planned school shooting, given the marketings romantic comedy style. One fan wrote, "Bro, its about a girl who planned a school shooting? All of the marketing has been like a young adult rom com. Wtf?"

Despite the backlash, some defended the films approach. One user argued, "I definitely dont think it was ever labeled as a romantic rom com. And I also dont think the plot is not far off from how a lot of kids may have felt/feel. It brings awareness to the societal context we are raising our children in."

Another commenter weighed in on the artistic intent behind the movie, stating, "You people are so anti art its insane. Sometimes art has to make you uncomfortable."

The Drama is written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli and poses a provocative question about how well people truly know their partners, especially in the context of a relationship as significant as marriage. The film challenges viewers to consider whether a partners past actions could alter their perception of them in the crucial week before their wedding.

The films blend of romantic drama with a heavy, unsettling secret has made it a polarizing work. It earned a two out of four stars rating from some critics, who noted that it is not a film suitable for all audiences due to its provocative and sensitive subject matter.

While Zendaya and Robert Pattinson have participated in multiple interviews and promotional events, the marketing has been scrutinized for focusing heavily on wedding imagery and themes, which some feel trivializes the serious issues the film addresses.

Us Weekly has reached out to A24 for comment regarding the controversy surrounding the marketing strategy, but no official response has been reported at this time.

Currently, The Drama is playing in theaters, inviting audiences to engage with its challenging narrative and complex characters, despite the ongoing debate about how the film was presented to the public.
General Hospital's Kirsten Storms exits contract role as Maxie Jones. Get the latest on her status and storyline conclusion.

AceShowbiz - General Hospital fans have received major news regarding Kirsten Storms and her role as Maxie Jones. On April 3, the soaps closing credits confirmed that Storms is no longer under contract with the ABC daytime drama.

Kirsten Storms had recently returned to General Hospital after a lengthy absence, reappearing in February when Maxie woke from a coma. Initially, she came back as a contract player, but that status has since changed.

Storms return seemed primarily tied to Maxies reaction to Nathan West, who is actually Cassius Faison, played by Ryan Paevey, being resurrected. Maxies storyline involved choosing Damian Spinelli, portrayed by Bradford Anderson, and confronting Nathans romantic involvement with Lulu Spencer, acted by Alexa Havins Bruening.

Now that Maxies key story beats around Nathan have concluded, it appears her role will be diminished until the show reveals that Nathan is truly Cassius  a reveal that could be some time away. Though off contract, Storms could still appear in a recurring capacity, similar to how Anderson occasionally appears as Spinelli, suggesting Maxie and Spinelli might be living off-screen for the foreseeable future.

In recent months, Storms relocated to Tennessee with her daughter, Harper Rose Barash, and has shared updates on social media about her ongoing health concerns. This personal situation may have influenced the decision to move her off contract, as regular appearances might not be feasible.

Meanwhile, General Hospital insiders hint that new cast members are coming soon. The show seems to be making strategic budget adjustments by reducing some contracts, like Storms, to accommodate fresh faces. Fans can expect some new characters to arrive on-screen relatively soon.

Within the ongoing Nathan storyline, Maxie has taken a backseat to Lulu, who remains central to Cassius personal life. Lulus connection to Nathan will continue to drive the plot until the truth behind Cassius deception unfolds.

How do viewers feel about Kirsten Storms being dropped from contract status as Maxie Jones? Are fans disappointed with the direction of the Nathan storyline? According to General Hospital spoilers, more cast surprises and shakeups are expected, so the coming months promise plenty of drama both on and off-screen.

For all the latest updates and spoilers on General Hospital, be sure to stay tuned to CDL as your go-to source for the hottest soap news.
Captain America: Civil War masterfully balances a huge cast of heroes without feeling overcrowded. Discover how this MCU film set a new standard for ensemble...

AceShowbiz - Captain America: Civil War stands as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universes most remarkable achievements, primarily due to its expert handling of a sprawling ensemble cast. Over the years, the MCU has been known to juggle numerous characters, but back in 2016, this scale was unprecedented. While previous Avengers films focused on a smaller core grouptypically six main heroesCaptain America: Civil War brought together even more pivotal characters, and crucially, it succeeded without feeling overcrowded or disjointed.

At the heart of Captain America: Civil War is Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America, who remains the central figure driving the narrative. However, the film skillfully weaves in a wide array of other significant characters. Returning from Captain America: The Winter Soldier are Bucky Barnes, Natasha Romanoff, and Sam Wilson, but the roster extends far beyond them. Tony Stark (Iron Man), Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch), Vision, Scott Lang (Ant-Man), James Rhodes (War Machine), and Clint Barton (Hawkeye) all play substantial roles that go well beyond mere cameos.

Additionally, the film introduces new characters such as Sharon Carter, Helmut Zemo, TChalla (Black Panther), and Peter Parker (Spider-Man). Managing this many heroes and key players in a single movie could easily have resulted in a chaotic mess, or led to some characters being sidelined. Instead, the filmmakers ensured every character had their moment to shine, while keeping the story firmly anchored to Steve Rogers perspective. The emotional core, centered on Steves relationship with Bucky, remains the driving force of the plot, with other relationshipslike those with Natasha and Samalso playing essential roles.

Captain America: Civil War also excels at introducing two major new heroes to the MCU: Black Panther and Spider-Man. Both characters made their MCU debuts in this film, a challenging feat given the already crowded cast. Introducing key new heroes in a Captain America movie was a bold move, especially since both would go on to headline their own franchises and play critical roles in later Avengers films like Infinity War.

Peter Parkers introduction was particularly well handled. The film gave just enough screen time to showcase Tom Hollands natural charisma, establish Parkers relationship with Tony Stark, and demonstrate his fighting abilities alongside the other heroes. This careful introduction helped distinguish this version of Spider-Man from earlier cinematic versions.

TChallas character arc in Captain America: Civil War is also notable for its depth and nuance. His transition from a vengeful prince seeking to kill Bucky for his fathers death to a more understanding and honorable figure is compelling. This character development arguably surpasses what he later received in his solo film, Black Panther. The film also provides TChalla with impressive action sequences and memorable dialogue, further solidifying his importance in the MCU.

One of the films other standout elements is its villain, Helmut Zemo. The MCU has faced criticism over the years for underwhelming antagonists, with some villains being generic or poorly developed. Zemo, however, is a refreshing departure from that trend. Despite not possessing superpowers or the ability to physically overpower any Avengers, Zemo is a cunning and effective antagonist.

Zemos plan to pit the Avengers against each other is executed with precision, leading to a climactic conflict between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers. Although Zemo ends the film imprisoned, his scheme succeeds in fracturing the team, showcasing his impact without relying on brute force. This subtle but effective portrayal of villainy adds an extra layer of complexity to the films narrative.

Captain America: Civil War also served as a blueprint for how the MCU would handle large ensemble casts in future Avengers films. Prior to this movie, Avengers films mainly focused on a handful of central heroes. Afterward, films like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame brought together an even wider array of characters from across the MCU, including those introduced in this film and others like the Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor, and Hulk.

Successfully balancing such a sprawling cast is a complex challenge, but the Russo Brothers demonstrated in Captain America: Civil War that it was possible to give characters meaningful screen time and development while maintaining a cohesive story. This accomplishment laid the groundwork for the success of the subsequent Avengers films, which became massive hits and effectively concluded the MCUs Infinity Saga.

In summary, Captain America: Civil War is not just another MCU entry; it is a masterclass in ensemble storytelling. It introduced pivotal new heroes, gave each character important moments, developed a nuanced villain, and maintained a strong, focused narrative centered on Steve Rogers. This films ability to juggle so many characters and storylines without losing sight of its core story remains one of the MCUs most impressive feats.
Daniel Radcliffe won't be Wolverine, but a new iconic superhero role from a separate comic universe could be his perfect next chapter.

AceShowbiz - With Daniel Radcliffe having officially ruled out the possibility of playing Wolverine in the MCU, a new path opens for the actor to embrace a different iconic superhero roleone from an entirely separate comic universe. Since completing his run as Harry Potter, Radcliffe has consistently sought out diverse and unconventional roles that challenge typical leading man expectations. After stepping away from the Wizarding World franchise in 2011, he pursued more mature and offbeat projects such as The Woman in Black and Kill Your Darlings, gradually carving a niche for himself in unique and sometimes quirky characters.

His filmography includes a variety of smaller and unexpected appearances, from a cameo in Trainwreck to voicing a self-referential version of himself in the animated series BoJack Horseman. However, it was in 2016 that Radcliffe really embraced eccentricity by starring as a flatulent corpse in Swiss Army Man. This bold choice signaled his commitment to roles that defy mainstream blockbuster norms, making him an ideal candidate for DC Comics most enigmatic and faceless detectivethe Question.

Daniel Radcliffes inclination toward complex, offbeat characters aligns perfectly with the persona of the Question, a creation of Steve Ditko. Unlike most superheroes, the Questions defining trait is his completely featureless face, concealed behind a mask that shows no facial expressions. This presents a unique challenge for any actor since the typical emotional cues conveyed through facial expressions are completely absent. Although actors like Robert Downey Jr. have portrayed heroes who wear helmets, they still had the advantage of being able to reveal their faces and eyes for emotional depth, a luxury unavailable to the Questions portrayer.

Beyond the physical challenge, the Questions personality and story arc fit well with the kinds of complex roles Radcliffe pursues. Vic Sage, the man behind the mask, is a gritty, powerless detective deeply involved in unraveling conspiracies. He often struggles with relationships even among fellow heroes, making him an unconventional figure within superhero narratives. This darker, more grounded approach to heroism resonates with Radcliffes track record of characters who are anything but straightforward or typical.

James Gunns vision for the DC Universe also makes the Question a particularly fitting choice. Known for his affinity for quirky and unique characters, Gunns projects favor actors who can bring depth and charm to offbeat roles while maintaining strong ensemble dynamics. Radcliffe has demonstrated his ability to thrive in such environments through his work in television series like Miracle Workers and The Fall and Rise of Reginald D. Hunter, showcasing his versatility and collaborative spirit.

Moreover, with Gunns DC Universe reportedly weaving a large governmental conspiracy into its overarching storyline, the Questions conspiracy-driven background would integrate smoothly into this narrative framework. The character gained particular prominence in the Justice League Unlimited animated series for his intense focus on conspiracies, a trait that could be accentuated in future live-action adaptations under Gunns direction. This would allow the Question to interact naturally with a wide range of characters, from the irreverent Peacemaker to iconic figures like Superman and Batman.

Unlike some other heroes who require standalone movies or series to develop their stories, the Questions narrative flexibility means he can seamlessly move in and out of various storylines without needing constant focus. This suits Radcliffes apparent preference for roles that dont demand long-term contractual obligations or heavy franchise commitments, especially after his extensive tenure as Harry Potter. Yet, the character still has enough depth and mystery to headline his own series or film if it fits within the DC Studios broader strategy.

In sum, the combination of Daniel Radcliffes talent for unconventional roles and James Gunns creative direction could bring the Question to life in a way that has not yet been seen in superhero media. The faceless detectives unique visual and psychological traits align well with both Radcliffes career choices and Gunns cinematic universe ambitions, potentially making this pairing a standout within the evolving DC Universe.

As the DC Studios blueprint continues to take shape, the possibility of Radcliffe stepping into the enigmatic role of the Question offers an intriguing glimpse at how the franchise might embrace more offbeat, character-driven heroes that break away from traditional superhero tropes.
Tom Holland's best performance isn't Spider-Man. Discover his nuanced role in the Apple TV+ thriller series The Crowded Room.

AceShowbiz - Tom Holland is widely known for his iconic role as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but his finest acting work to date is actually found in a lesser-known Apple TV+ thriller series. While his early career began with the 2012 disaster drama The Impossible, it was his steady rise that eventually landed him the role of Spider-Man, first appearing in Captain America: Civil War and later starring in standalone Spider-Man films and Avengers blockbusters. Despite the popularity and excitement surrounding his portrayal of Peter Parker, many viewers have overlooked his deeply nuanced performance in the Apple TV+ miniseries The Crowded Room.

In The Crowded Room, Holland takes on the challenging role of Danny Sullivan, a young man grappling with Dissociative Identity Disorder. This role is a significant departure from the high-energy, action-packed Spider-Man persona. Instead, the series demands a subtle and sensitive portrayal, focusing on the psychological complexity of its subject matter. Throughout the 10-part show, Holland delivers a restrained yet powerful performance that highlights his impressive range as an actor.

Unlike the spectacle-driven Marvel films, The Crowded Room opts for a more grounded and thoughtful approach. It explores its themes without sensationalism, providing a respectful and intricate look at mental health struggles. Holland embodies multiple personalities with understated shifts in voice, posture, and mannerisms, demonstrating remarkable skill in capturing the fragmented nature of Dannys identity. His performance is so convincing that he often appears unrecognizable compared to his usual high-energy roles.

Many scenes in the series feature moments of silence, where Holland uses only his eyes and subtle body language to convey the emotional weight and inner turmoil of his character. These quiet, introspective moments allow his talent to shine, proving that he is capable of much more than the superhero roles that have defined much of his career. This nuanced portrayal deserves greater attention and appreciation from audiences and critics alike.

Since Holland has portrayed Spider-Man consistently across all MCU installments, some critics argue that those films have not fully showcased his evolution and depth as an actor. The Crowded Room provides a clearer picture of his growth since his debut, revealing an actor capable of profound dramatic work beyond the blockbuster arena. This series serves as a compelling example of his potential and versatility.

Looking ahead, Holland is set to return to the Spider-Man franchise with the upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He will also star in Christopher Nolans forthcoming fantasy epic The Odyssey, where he is cast as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus. Both projects are expected to further showcase his acting abilities and could draw new viewers to appreciate his earlier work in The Crowded Room.

Hopefully, the attention generated by these high-profile roles will encourage a wider audience to revisit The Crowded Room, recognizing it as a pivotal part of Hollands acting journey. The series not only highlights his dramatic prowess but also sets the stage for him to pursue more diverse and challenging roles in the future.

The Crowded Room premiered in 2023 on Apple TV+.

Overall, while Tom Holland will always be synonymous with Spider-Man for many fans, his best work may well lie in this underrated Apple TV+ thriller. The Crowded Room is a testament to his ability to tackle complex characters and deliver performances that resonate on a deeper emotional level, confirming his status as one of the most promising actors of his generation.
Pooh Shiesty's father granted $250K bond under strict house arrest amid federal kidnapping & armed robbery charges involving Gucci Mane.

AceShowbiz - Pooh Shiestys father has been granted a $250,000 bond but is required to remain under strict house arrest as part of ongoing federal charges.

The judge overseeing the case imposed the most stringent conditions possible outside of detention, mandating that Pooh Shiestys father stay confined to his home while awaiting trial. This development comes amid a serious federal kidnapping and armed robbery investigation involving the Memphis rapper, his father, and seven others.

The charges stem from a coordinated incident that took place on January 10 at a Dallas music studio. Prosecutors allege that the group ambushed rapper Gucci Mane, who had arrived at the studio under the pretense of legitimate business dealings.

According to the prosecution, Gucci Mane was met by multiple armed men who forced him at gunpoint to sign contract release papers. Pooh Shiesty is accused of brandishing an AK-style pistol during the confrontation, compelling Gucci Mane to sign away his contract with 1017 Records. Prosecutors further claim that Pooh Shiestys father was present in the room and had pre-printed the release documents at a Staples store in Frisco, Texas.

Other victims were also targeted during the robbery. One individual was reportedly choked nearly unconscious, while another had a Rolex watch, wallet, and designer bag stolen.

The evidence presented by prosecutors included data from Pooh Shiestys electronic ankle monitor, surveillance footage from nearby buildings, and social media posts flaunting stolen property. Additionally, authorities recovered firearms from vehicles and homes linked to the defendants.

While Pooh Shiesty remains in custody in Dallas, his fathers release on house arrest signals the courts willingness to allow some defendants limited freedom under strict supervision. All nine individuals involved face potential life sentences if convicted of the federal charges.

This case continues to develop as the federal prosecution moves forward with what remains a high-profile legal battle involving well-known figures in the hip-hop community.
Ben Platt & Rachel Zegler star in The Last Five Years 25th Anniversary Live Album. Recorded at London Palladium, out April 20. Pre-order now.

AceShowbiz - Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler have announced the upcoming release of The Last Five Years (25th Anniversary Live at the London Palladium), a live album capturing their performances in the celebrated musicals special anniversary staging. The album is set to be released on April 20 through Atlantic Records.

The announcement was made during a surprise reveal at the Hollywood Bowl, where Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler informed audiences about the project from the stage. Pre-orders and pre-saves for the album were made available immediately following this announcement, marking the latest milestone in the ongoing 25th anniversary celebrations of the musical.

The live recording was captured over a series of sold-out shows held from March 24 to 29 at the historic London Palladium. It documents the performances of Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler in this special production, which was both conducted and directed by the musicals composer, Jason Robert Brown. Brown, a Tony Award winner known for works such as Parade and The Bridges of Madison County, elevated the production with a symphonic scale while preserving the intimate storytelling that defines the show.

The Last Five Years originally premiered in 2001 and has since become a staple in modern musical theater. The story centers on two New Yorkers, Jamie and Cathy, as they navigate the course of their five-year relationship. The narrative is uniquely structured, with Cathys story told in reverse chronological order and Jamies progressing forward in time. This distinctive format, combined with emotionally direct songwriting, has earned the show a devoted fanbase.

The upcoming live album highlights the dynamic chemistry between Ben Platt, a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner renowned for his role in Dear Evan Hansen, and Rachel Zegler, a Golden Globe-winning actress known for her performances in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Their collaboration has been a major draw for this anniversary staging, which quickly sold out its London run.

The 25th anniversary celebration will continue with two final performances in New York City at Radio City Music Hall on April 6 and 7, both of which are also sold out. These concerts will conclude the special concert staging of the musical.

This release also continues Atlantic Records legacy of producing major musical theater recordings. The label has previously been involved with acclaimed albums such as Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Jagged Little Pill, all of which have received Grammy Awards for Best Musical Theater Album.

The Last Five Years (25th Anniversary Live at the London Palladium) is scheduled to be available on April 20, offering fans a chance to experience the celebrated performances of Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler in this milestone production.
1973 Hong Kong action film meant for Bruce Lee, starring Jimmy Wang Yu. A relentless revenge quest in Japan, echoing the style of modern John Wick.

AceShowbiz - A Man Called Tiger is a remarkable 1973 Hong Kong martial arts film that shares a style reminiscent of the modern John Wick franchise. Directed by Lo Wei, who also helmed Bruce Lees first major kung fu movies, A Man Called Tiger was originally intended to star the legendary Bruce Lee. However, fate had other plans, and martial arts icon Jimmy Wang Yu ultimately took the lead role.

The film is set in 20th century Japan and follows Chin Fu, a kung fu expert portrayed by Jimmy Wang Yu, who embarks on a relentless quest to dismantle a Japanese gang and avenge his fathers death. This role has since been celebrated as one of Wang Yus finest performances, but as noted in Matthew Pollys biography Bruce Lee: A Life, it was poised to be a significant project for Bruce Lee as well.

According to Pollys detailed account, Bruce Lee was supposed to star in A Man Called Tiger as his third collaboration with director Lo Wei and the Hong Kong studio Golden Harvest. However, Lee declined because he was eager to create, direct, and star in his own film  what would become the iconic Way of the Dragon. This decision was largely motivated by Lees rivalry with Jimmy Wang Yu, who had revolutionized the martial arts genre with his 1970 hit The Chinese Boxer, a film that Wang Yu wrote, directed, and starred in.

Bruce Lee sought to challenge himself in a similar capacity, leading him to focus on his own project rather than continuing with Lo Wei's planned film. Despite Lees refusal, Lo Wei pressed forward with A Man Called Tiger, casting Jimmy Wang Yu in the role originally intended for Lee. Matthew Polly suggests this casting choice may have been a deliberate snub directed at Lee.

Though A Man Called Tiger potentially missed out on the global acclaim it could have achieved with Bruce Lee headlining, the film remains an underrated gem in the martial arts genre. Jimmy Wang Yu proves himself more than capable of carrying the movie, delivering a compelling portrayal of Chin Fu as a single-minded, vengeance-driven warrior.

While Wang Yu may not have matched Bruce Lee's electrifying real-life martial arts prowess, his work in classics like The One-Armed Swordsman and The Chinese Boxer made him a natural fit for the role of a deadly, unforgiving martial artist. Jimmy Wang Yu's portrayal of Chin Fu is strikingly similar to the relentless, no-nonsense style that would later define Keanu Reeves John Wick character, as Chin Fu methodically takes down scores of adversaries with brutal efficiency.

The film also uses visual storytelling to emphasize the intensity of Chin Fus battles. Notably, his pristine white suit gradually becomes drenched in blood by the climax, symbolizing the violence and sacrifice at the heart of his crusade. This aesthetic detail underscores the films gritty, raw approach to martial arts action.

Ultimately, A Man Called Tiger stands as a testament to the eras martial arts cinema and the fierce competition between two of the genres biggest stars, Bruce Lee and Jimmy Wang Yu. While it might have been a very different film with Lee in the lead, Wang Yus performance ensures that it remains a classic worth discovering for fans of martial arts and action cinema alike.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters S2 nods to Korean folklore's Pulgasari. Dive into intense monster action and deep Monsterverse lore.

AceShowbiz - The first episode of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 2 has made a subtle yet thrilling nod to a lesser-known kaiju from Korean folklore, delighting dedicated monster movie enthusiasts. This latest season, which premiered to positive reviews, wastes no time plunging viewers back into intense monster action without excessive buildup, reaffirming its commitment to the rich lore of the Monsterverse.

Early in the episode, viewers are taken on a flashback journey alongside three key charactersLee Shaw, Bill Randa, and Keiko Miuraduring their initial expeditions before Keikos involvement with Axis Mundi. The trio is seen aboard a fishing vessel en route to an island, attempting to recall the name of a mysterious creature they had heard about but never witnessed firsthand. This scene serves as a clever homage to a rare and fascinating monster from Korean mythology.

Bill Randa is the one who ultimately identifies the creature as Pulgasari, a mythical beast known in Korean folklore. As he recalls, Pulgasari is described as a creature that consumes metal and resembles a hybrid of a bear, tiger, rhinoceros, and elephant. Lee adds that Bill had spent significant time searching for this creature in Korea and notes that it is well-documented in Korean mythology. This acknowledgment aligns perfectly with the Monsterverses tradition of incorporating diverse monster legends from around the globe.

While Pulgasari is rooted in Korean myth, the real highlight for monster movie fans is the reference to the 1986 North Korean film Pulgasari. This suitmation movie has a unique and bizarre history, often regarded as a cult classic within the kaiju genre. The film itself is reportedly a remake of a 1962 South Korean movie titled Bulgasari and was seemingly produced to capitalize on the popularity of 1984s The Return of Godzilla. Although the cinematic monsters appearance differs from the traditional myth, the film loosely adapts the idea of Pulgasari as a protector who punishes oppressors and evil forces.

The 1986 Pulgasari movie is notable for its over-the-top monster battles and the distinctive charm typical of monster movies from the 1950s through the 1980s. Over the decades, it has solidified its status as a cult favorite among kaiju fans, who appreciate its outlandish yet exciting approach to monster storytelling.

What truly sets Pulgasari apart, however, is the extraordinary story behind its production. The film was directed by the acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Shin Sang-ok under extraordinary circumstances. In 1978, Shin and his wife were forcibly kidnapped by North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, who aimed to enhance North Koreas film industry by compelling Shin to direct movies for the regime.

Interestingly, Tohorenowned for creating Godzilla and other iconic monsterswas involved in the production of Pulgasari. Employees from Toho were hired by Kim Jong Il to assist with various aspects of the film, and Toho is officially credited as a collaborator. Despite the films release in North Korea in February 1986, it was soon banned after Shin and his wife managed a daring escape to the United States.

After fleeing North Korea, Shin Sang-ok directed a remake of Pulgasari titled Galgameth in the United States. However, this version did not have the cultural impact or cult status of its predecessor. The inclusion of Pulgasari in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 2 serves as a clever and respectful nod to this unique chapter in monster cinema history.

By weaving such an obscure and fascinating reference into its narrative, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters deepens its connection to global monster lore beyond the usual Toho-inspired creatures. This enriches the Monsterverse by highlighting how it can incorporate rare legends and films, rewarding viewers who have a keen interest in kaiju culture with these well-crafted easter eggs.

Ultimately, the Pulgasari mention in the opening episode exemplifies the shows commitment to expanding the Monsterverse mythos in unexpected and engaging ways. It acknowledges not only the iconic giants like Godzilla and King Kong but also the lesser-known monsters that have captivated fans worldwide. This thoughtful integration of monster history and mythology is one reason the series continues to resonate with audiences craving rich, detailed storytelling within this genre.

As Monarch: Legacy of Monsters progresses through season 2, fans can anticipate more references and lore that explore the vast world of Titans while paying homage to the global tradition of monster films. The Pulgasari reference is just the beginning, signaling that this season will continue to thrill viewers with both thrilling action and clever callbacks to cult classics.
Watch Mitski's eerie new video for "If I Leave" from her album "Nothing's About to Happen to Me," directed by Jared Hogan in a decaying house.

AceShowbiz - Mitski has released a captivating new music video for her track If I Leave, featured on her eighth album, Nothing's About to Happen to Me. Directed by Jared Hogan, the video showcases Mitski and her band performing inside a chilling, decaying house with peeling wallpaper that adds to the eerie atmosphere.

This latest album marks Mitski's first studio release since her 2023 album, The Land Is Inhospitable And So Are We. In addition to this new video, she surprised fans last October with a live album coinciding with the debut of her concert film, Mitski: The Land. The film, directed by Grant James, captures footage from three live performances at Atlantas Fox Theatre in 2024, where Mitski was accompanied by a seven-piece band.

On February 25, Mitski made her first late-night TV appearance since 2022, performing I'll Change for You on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, which is currently in its farewell season. Later this year, she plans to embark on an international tour hitting North America, Europe, and Asia. The tour will include special residencies in New York, Los Angeles, and Sydney, Australia.

Listeners are encouraged to revisit the lead single from Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Wheres My Phone, for a deeper look into the themes and sound of the new album.
Who is Spider-Man's new villain? Explore the top suspects like Mr. Negative, Kingpin, and Mephisto, and why a recent trailer may reveal the truth.

AceShowbiz - When speculating about the main villain of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Marvel fans have floated several suspects from Peter Parkers extensive rogues gallery. Among the frequently mentioned contenders are Tombstone, Mephisto, Kingpin, Jackal, the Sinister Six, and Mr. Negative. Each has qualities that could fit the street-level crime and gangster themes expected in the upcoming MCU film, especially figures linked to organized crime like Tombstone and Mr. Negative. However, recent developments around a separate Spider-Man project appear to challenge one popular villain theory.

The Prime Video series Spider-Noir recently dropped a black-and-white trailer, which at the 0:26 mark features a glowing figure in a suit trailing someone down an alley. Although the trailer doesnt clarify this characters identity, the description aligns closely with the Marvel villain Mr. Negative. Since his debut in 2007, Martin Li, aka Mr. Negative, has gained recognition through various media, notably the 2018 PlayStation 4 game Marvels Spider-Man, where his dual nature and crime lord status were prominently showcased.

Mr. Negative is known for his ability to wield both light and dark powers, echoing the dynamics of the superhero team Cloak and Dagger. His personality embodies this duality as wellwhile his "light" side performs charitable acts, his sinister half conducts criminal activities and can unleash dark energy in fights. This complex characterization has made him a compelling figure in Marvel Comics.

In Spider-Noir, Mr. Negative fits snugly within the gritty criminal underworld the series is exploring, particularly due to his connections with Silvermane, another villain confirmed for the show. This inclusion makes perfect narrative sense for the series but also creates a conflict with the speculation that he might headline Spider-Man: Brand New Day as the primary antagonist.

Given that Mr. Negative plays a significant role in the comic storyline that inspired Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the films focus on street-level threats, many fans naturally assumed he would be the main villain. However, it now seems unlikely that Marvel would introduce two separate versions of the same character in different 2026 Spider-Man properties. The prospect of Spider-Noir debuting its interpretation of Mr. Negative before the MCU film further diminishes the chances of him being the antagonist in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

This development narrows the field of potential villains for the MCU outing, pushing characters like Tombstone, The Big Man, Crime-Master, or the Sinister Six to the forefront. These figures, associated with organized crime and gang activity, align with the themes hinted at for the movie and seem more plausible as the primary antagonists in the films narrative.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and scheduled for release on July 31, 2026, stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker alongside Zendaya and Jacob Batalon. The movie promises to continue exploring Parkers challenges on a street level, facing off against criminal elements in New York. The creative team behind the film includes writers Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Steve Ditko, and Stan Lee, with producers Amy Pascal, Kevin Feige, Rachel OConnor, and Avi Arad involved.

As fans await more details, the revelation from Spider-Noir adds an intriguing layer to the Spider-Man franchises expanding universe. While Mr. Negative remains a significant villain in Marvel lore, his confirmed appearance in a separate Spider-Man adaptation suggests that fans should temper expectations for his role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This situation exemplifies the careful planning Marvel must undertake in juggling multiple Spider-Man projects within the same year.

In conclusion, while Mr. Negative is a strong candidate for a Spider-Man villain, Spider-Noirs use of the character likely rules him out as the main antagonist for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This development refocuses attention on other criminal figures in Peter Parkers world, who may rise to the challenge of threatening the MCUs friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in the film releasing this summer.
Demi Moore debuts a bold new shaggy bob at Gucci's FW26 show, cutting 22 inches for an iconic, edgy transformation. See her stunning new look.

AceShowbiz - Demi Moore debuted a striking new hairstyle during Gucci's FW26 presentation in Milan, Italy, on Friday, February 27. The actress, known for her signature long, jet-black hair, surprised fans by sporting a shaggy bob, marking a significant change from her usual look.

Moore, 63, arrived at the event clad in a sleek leather catsuit paired with oversized sunglasses, carrying her dog Pilaf in her arms. The fresh hairstyle quickly attracted attention, with her hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos sharing praise on Instagram, thanking Moore for trusting him with her transformative look.

According to Giannetos, the inspiration behind the haircut was to honor designer Demnas debut Gucci runway show. He revealed to Vogue that the decision to cut off 22 inches of Moores hair was intended to showcase her vibrant personalitycapturing an image that is iconic, edgy, yet effortlessly stylish.

Moore expressed gratitude to her glam team and shared her excitement on Instagram, calling it an absolute honor to attend Demnas inaugural runway show. She described the moment as the beginning of a bold and beautiful new chapter, also highlighting the joy of bringing along her beloved dog Pilaf.

This dramatic hairstyle change is notable given Moores history with her hair. Although she has experimented with many styles throughout her lifeincluding shaving her head, dyeing, and various cutsshe had maintained her long, raven-colored hair well into her 50s and 60s. In a 2022 interview with People, she reflected on her haircare routine and her perspective on aging and style.

She explained that when not working, she prefers minimal styling to avoid stress on her hair, limiting heat use and washing. Moore also revealed that she only gets regular tiny trims to keep her hair healthy. She is embracing the freedom that comes with age, stating she no longer feels the need to prove anything with her appearance and is open to wearing wigs for roles if necessary.

Moore also shared how societal expectations about womens hair as they age influenced her views. She recalled hearing that older women shouldnt have long hair, a notion she challenged by deciding to keep hers growing if it remains healthy. She expressed discomfort with arbitrary rules lacking meaningful justification.

Beyond her new hairstyle, Demi Moore has publicly discussed her openness to embracing gray hair in the future. In an April 25 interview with People, she acknowledged she would 100 percent grow out her gray strands when she has more of them, admiring the striking look of women with long gray hair.

Her attitude toward aging gracefully extends beyond hair. Moore has spoken about the importance of presence and excitement for the future, especially as a role model for her three daughters from her marriage to Bruce Willis. In a September 2024 appearance on the Today show, she shared that she views this period of her life as full of possibilities and is eager to redefine her personal path with newfound independence.

Moores confidence in aging without restriction also shines through in her fashion and lifestyle choices. She has consistently defied age norms, including when it comes to swimwear. In July 2022, she told Vogue she prefers simple triangle bikinis and has confidently showcased her figure over the years, proving that age does not limit style or self-expression.

This latest haircut aligns with Moores embrace of change and self-definition. By adopting a bold new look for Guccis fashion week, she continues to break conventional expectations and set her own standards for beauty and authenticity.

Demi Moores transformation at the Gucci event marks a visually impactful moment that fans and fashion enthusiasts will remember. It symbolizes not only a fresh aesthetic but also her evolving personal narrativeone that celebrates confidence, individuality, and the freedom to reinvent oneself at any stage of life.
Line of Duty returns! AC-12 is back for Season 7 in 2027. Get the latest on the new case, filming dates, and the long-awaited comeback of the hit BBC drama.

AceShowbiz - Line of Duty has long been one of the UK's most celebrated crime dramas, known for its intense exploration of police corruption and gripping storytelling. Since its debut in 2012, the series has captured audiences with its focus on AC-12, an anti-corruption unit dedicated to rooting out dishonest officers within the police force.

The shows creator, Jed Mercurio, crafted a narrative distinguished by nerve-wracking interrogations and tightly woven plotlines that have kept viewers hooked for six seasons, spanning from 2012 through 2021.

However, following the conclusion of season 6 in 2021, fans have endured a lengthy wait for more episodes. The silence lasted nearly five years with little official news except occasional hints from cast members.

At last, in late 2025, the BBC confirmed that Line of Duty would be returning for a seventh season. Filming is expected to begin in spring 2026, with a release anticipated in 2027.

The BBC has also revealed a synopsis indicating significant changes to the shows structure. The anti-corruption unit AC-12 will be disbanded and replaced by a new entity called the Inspectorate of Police Standards.

Season 7 will see the return of the central characters  Steve Arnott (played by Martin Compston), Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure), and Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar)  who will be assigned to a sensitive new case. The storyline centers on Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a high-profile officer lauded for dismantling organized crime rings, who faces allegations of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator. Yet, the synopsis hints this case may be a smokescreen covering a larger, more sinister threat operating in the shadows.

Line of Duty has consistently received critical praise, boasting a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This acclaim reflects the shows innovative approach to crime drama, focusing less on typical detective work and more on the psychological battles during tense interrogations.

The shows overarching conspiracy, especially the hunt for the mysterious H, has connected individual season storylines into a broader narrative about systemic corruption within the police force.

With filming set to start in spring 2026 and a likely premiere in 2027, the return of Line of Duty is poised to be a major television event.
YouTube's Tuma Basa, director of Black music & culture, announces departure after eight impactful years, thanking collaborators and fans worldwide.

AceShowbiz - Tuma Basa, YouTubes longtime executive who most recently held the role of director of Black music & culture, has announced he is leaving the company after an impactful eight-year tenure.

On April 2, Tuma Basa shared the news via an Instagram post, reflecting on his time at the streaming giant and expressing gratitude to the many collaborators who contributed to his journey. He thanked the YouTube Music Team, leadership, artists, managers, labels, producers, city specialists, uploaders, and fans  including those skeptical of generative AI  for making his experience memorable. His message included heartfelt acknowledgments in multiple languages: Murakoze Cyane, Asante Sana, Siyabonga, Amesegenalew, Gracias, Obrigado, and Merci Beaucoup.

Tuma Basa joined YouTube in 2018, initially serving as director of urban music before expanding his focus to Black music and culture. During his time at the platform, he gained recognition for championing African artists, notably Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, helping to elevate their presence and influence in the U.S. music scene.

Prior to YouTube, Tuma Basa held significant programming roles at BET, MTV, and REVOLT. He also had a notable stint at Spotify starting in 2015 as the global programming head of hip-hop, where he curated popular playlists like Rap Caviar, further establishing his reputation in the music industry.

Born in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) to a Rwandan family, Tuma Basa spent parts of his childhood in Iowa and Zimbabwe, a background that informed his global perspective on music culture. Originally aspiring to launch a rap career under the name B.2ma B., he ultimately chose to pursue an executive path in music programming.

Billboard has reached out to YouTube for comment regarding Tuma Basas departure, but no official statement has been provided at this time.

As Tuma Basa embarks on his next professional chapter, his years at YouTube leave a lasting legacy of amplifying Black and African music voices on one of the worlds largest digital platforms.
From modest 2013 debut to global icons. A new Netflix documentary reveals BTS's creative clashes and the bold Korean folk song at the heart of their latest a...

AceShowbiz - The arrival of BTS in 2013 was met with modest expectations. Emerging from a relatively unknown music company, the young septet, with their hip-hop influences, was not predicted to become a lasting force. Yet, contrary to early assumptions, BTS defied the odds, evolving into one of the worlds top-selling pop acts through relentless effort, talent, and a strong sense of identity.

Bao Nguyens documentary BTS: The Return, set to premiere on Netflix on March 27, offers an unvarnished glimpse into the groups creative process and internal dynamics. Rather than presenting a polished narrative, the film includes candid moments where the members artistic ambitions clash with managements commercial concerns. These moments invite viewers to consider alternate paths BTS might have taken, especially regarding the choice to center their new album Arirang around a traditional Korean folk song.

In one striking scene, the group gathers around a Korean dinner in a rented Los Angeles house where they spend months crafting Arirang. The members express fatigue and frustration over the albums slow progress. J-Hope voices a desire for more joy in their music-making, lamenting that the process feels mechanical. V echoes this sentiment, noting the intended experimental direction feels uninspired. Jimin highlights the pressure of releasing a meaningful album following a long hiatus due to military service, explaining that the group had aimed to avoid lengthy delays but now feels rushed.

The documentarys emphasis on time constraints unintentionally mirrors South Koreas rapid post-war developmenta reminder that remarkable achievements can happen swiftly but may carry hidden costs. This reflection on pace and pressure resonates throughout the film, underscoring the challenges BTS faces as they balance creative integrity with commercial demands and personal growth.

Military service weighs heavily on the members daily lives. The Korean concept of ????, or companion enlistment, where friends serve together, is touched on in the documentary. Jimin and Jung Kook experienced this directly, but the documentary conveys the shared impact of mandatory military duty on the whole group. RM articulates a deep discomfort with routine, linking their current work rhythm on Arirang to the regimented life they endured during their 18 months in the army. He worries about stagnation, the difficulty of evolving amid constant industry changes, and the pressure to keep pace with emerging artists. Despite these serious themes, the film balances moments of levity, such as when RM humorously performs the armys reveille on his saxophone, eliciting laughter from the group.

Jimin reveals a quieter, more introspective side away from the stage. Known for his dynamic stage presence, Jimins offstage persona contrasts sharply. He is portrayed as a devoted homebody who enjoys simple routines like meticulously cleaning dishes, treasuring a dish towel gifted by his mother, and watching educational science programs while eating. He shares a fondness for downtime and solitude, explaining how his personality gradually shifted toward introversion over time. This glimpse into his private life adds depth to his public image as a performer.

Jins absence from songwriting credits on Arirang stems from timing conflicts. As the first member to enlist, Jin returned to work immediately after his military service, launching a successful solo tour that kept the BTS brand visible during his bandmates hiatus. Due to his solo commitments, Jin joined the album production late, after much of the material was already developed. While he would have preferred to delay recording until his tour concluded, he understands the tight schedule. Jin describes the challenge of rejoining the groups creative process midstream and finding his place within the evolving project. V offers him reassurance, highlighting the close bond and mutual support within the group.

Despite usually maintaining a positive front, Jin shares a vulnerable moment revealing the physical toll of his tour. He recounts enduring sickness, taking heavy medication, and requiring multiple IV treatments to complete his performances. As he departs for Seoul, he sings a heartfelt snippet of Arirang, adding an emotional layer to the albums thematic core.

Language barriers and global ambitions add to the albums complexity. The film reveals the pressure BTS faces to incorporate more English lyrics to appeal to their international audience. This business-driven demand challenges members who, aside from RM, are not fluent English speakers. Early in the documentary, Jimin expresses frustration about his English pronunciation. The companys chairman, Bang Si-hyuk, and vice president Nicole Kim emphasize the need for global marketability. However, band members push back, advocating for maintaining Korean authenticity. Suga points out the extensive English already present and favors adding more Korean, while RM stresses the importance of lyrical sincerity. This tension between commercial strategy and artistic identity forms a recurring theme throughout the film.

Nguyens documentary runs 93 minutes but never feels rushed, allowing viewers to absorb the creative struggles, interpersonal dynamics, and cultural pressures that shape BTSs work. The film deftly balances candid conversations, moments of humor, and emotional vulnerability, providing a multifaceted portrait of a group navigating the complexities of fame, artistry, and national duty.

Overall, BTS: The Return offers a rare inside look at the groups evolving journey amid external expectations and internal challenges. It captures the tension between maintaining their unique voice and meeting the demands of a fast-moving global industry. Fans and newcomers alike will find the documentary illuminating, revealing the human side behind the immense success of one of the worlds most influential musical acts.
Tekashi 6ix9ine's bizarre prison release: See his disheveled look and the strange SpongeBob toy signed by Nicolas Maduro.

AceShowbiz - Tekashi 6ix9ine was released from the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn on April 4, 2026, and the rappers appearance sparked immediate reactions. Far from the flashy image he once projected, Tekashi 6ix9ine emerged wearing a baggy gray sweatsuit paired with a jet-black, unkempt wig that appeared hastily put on.

One of the most unusual aspects of his release was what he carried: a SpongeBob SquarePants plush toy, which he claimed was signed by his prison pal, former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This unexpected keepsake added an intriguing, if not bizarre, twist to his exit from custody.

The reason for this recent incarceration was not a new offense but a violation of his supervised release terms. In January 2026, 6ix9ine was sentenced to three months back in prison after pleading guilty to breaching these conditions. Specifically, he was caught traveling without permission and tested positive for methamphetamines, cocaine, and MDMA during a raid on his Miami residence the year before.

The judge overseeing his case expressed frustration with what was seen as continued disregard for the rules, resulting in his return to MDC to reflect on his choices. This marks another chapter in a tumultuous legal history for Tekashi 6ix9ine.

To recap 6ix9ines legal timeline: In 2015, he pled guilty to a felony charge involving the use of a child in a sexual performance. Three years later, he was arrested on federal racketeering and firearms charges as a member of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, facing a potential sentence of 47 years to life imprisonment.

In 2019, Tekashi 6ix9ine entered what many called the snitch era, cooperating with authorities to testify against his former gang members, which led to a reduced sentence of two years. He was released early to home confinement in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and his asthma condition.

Between 2024 and 2026, he committed multiple parole violations involving drug use and unauthorized travel, each time leading to short jail stays. This recent stint is the latest in a series of legal troubles.

Despite his disheveled appearance upon release, 6ix9ine was met immediately by celebrity jeweler Vobara, who presented him with an extravagant $2.2 million Apex Redemption diamond chain. The piece reportedly includes 400 carats of black and white diamonds, a stark contrast to his prison experience and current look.

The question now remains whether Tekashi 6ix9ine will commit to staying on the right path or if the SpongeBob toy will stand as the sole symbol of companionship for him this year. Fans and critics alike are watching closely to see what the next chapter holds for the controversial rapper.
The 2025 and 2026 Corvettes have been put on a sales hold after General Motors found an issue with the system that notifies drivers when the rear turn signal bulbs stop working. A solution is being worked on, but a fix is not yet in sight. This has affected 3,324 Corvette C8s.

Apparently, a system that alerts drivers in case their rear turn signal bulbs malfunction is not working as it should. GM has flagged the issue as a significant safety concern, asking all dealers to stop the sale of Corvettes until a fix is in place.

According to a report by Carscoops, this is likely a software issue that GM could have solved through an over-the-air update. However, vehicle lighting and issues related to it are taken very seriously by the authorities.

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The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 requires vehicles to notify drivers if the rear turn signal has stopped working. Thus, an issue with the turn signal warning could have severe repercussions for the brand, prompting GM to halt sales.

Read More from MotorBiscuit:

The issue reportedly stems from the rear brake light outage detection system, which, upon failure, can stop notifying the driver if one of the rear turn signal lamps stops working. For the 2026 Corvettes, this can be fixed when an over-the-air software update is rolled out.

But owners of the 2025 model will have to visit the dealership when a solution is in place. That said, since the nature of the problem is related to the software, the remedy will also be similar-an update to the existing software. However, it is not known when GM will announce the fix.

Current 2025 and 2026 Corvette owners can check if they are affected by the turn signal outage detection system issue through GMs recall lookup tool by using the program number N252541250, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall number 26V213.

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Another manufacturer that recently stopped sales of one of its vehicles was Hyundai. It officially put a strict stop-sale on certain 2026 Palisade SUV variants after a tragic incident in Ohio, where a two-year-old child lost her life after being crushed by the vehicles power-folding rear seats.

MotorBiscuit reported that Palisades Limited and Calligraphy trims were affected, totaling 68,500 impacted vehicles, of which 60,500 are from the U.S., while another 8,000 are from Canada.
Honey Dijon's new album 'Nightlife' drops April 17. Featuring Chloe, Mahalia, Bree Runway & more. 12 tracks of signature house collaborations.

AceShowbiz - Chicago-based house music producer Honey Dijon is set to release a new album titled Nightlife on April 17. This upcoming project follows her 2022 release Black Girl Magic and her 2024 DJ Kicks compilation, continuing to showcase her signature sound and collaborative spirit.

The album features a diverse lineup of vocalists and artists, including Rochelle Jordan, Madison McFerrin, Greentea Peng, Chloe, Mahalia, and Bree Runway. Notably, Bree Runway appears on the January single "Slight Werk," which has already generated excitement ahead of the full album release.

Nightlife offers a total of twelve tracks, each bringing a unique collaboration to the forefront. Highlights include the opening track "The Nightlife" featuring Chloe, the "Smoke and Mirrors" duet with Madison McFerrin, and two songs with Rochelle Jordan: "Private Eye" and "New Wave Groove." Other notable contributions come from Adi Oasis, Danielle Ponder, Suni Mf, Mette, Jacob Lusk, and Cor.Ece, among others.

This album continues Honey Dijon's exploration of house music, blending soulful vocals and innovative production. Fans can anticipate a dynamic listening experience that highlights both the producers talents and the featured artists distinctive voices.

The complete tracklist for Nightlife is as follows:

01 The Nightlife [ft. Chloe]

02 Slight Werk [ft. Bree Runway]

03 Just Friends [ft. Adi Oasis, Danielle Ponder, Suni Mf]

04 International [ft. Mette]

05 I Like It Hot [ft. Greentea Peng]

06 Private Eye [ft. Rochelle Jordan]

07 Smoke and Mirrors [ft. Madison McFerrin]

08 New Wave Groove [ft. Rochelle Jordan]

09 Rush Me [ft. Mahalia]

10 Satisfied [ft. Jacob Lusk]

11 Welcome to the Moon [ft. Cor.Ece, Dave Giles Ii]

12 Okay Daddy [ft. Rush Davis, Gavin Turek, Cor.Ece]

With its April 17 release date approaching, Honey Dijons Nightlife promises to be a significant addition to the contemporary house music scene, showcasing her continued commitment to collaboration and innovation.
Melanie Martinez's new album HADES is a raw reflection of our world. 18 tracks, including "POSSESSION," offer a call to feel amidst chaos.

AceShowbiz - Melanie Martinez has returned with her much-anticipated fourth studio album, HADES, delivering a compelling musical statement that reflects on the turbulent state of todays world.

Released in full on March 27, the album features 18 tracks, including the lead single "POSSESSION," marking her first new music in three years, followed by the track "Disney Princess." This latest project offers a deep dive into societal issues through the lens of the alternative pop artists distinctive style.

In a statement provided by Warner Music, her record label, Martinez shared, "I started this album thinking I was writing a futuristic dystopia, but I realized I was just documenting the world we're already living in. HADES is a cracked mirror. Beneath the rage, it's a refusal to go numb - a call to feel, to see clearly, and to ask if we can still create something beautiful from the chaos we've been given."

HADES follows her 2023 release Portals, which achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and securing the No. 1 spot on Australias ARIA Chart. This makes it Martinezs third consecutive album to break into the top 10 of the Billboard 200.

Martinez initially gained public attention as a contestant on the third season of The Voice in 2012. Though she did not win, she has since built a substantial career, amassing over 30 billion streams, more than 5.5 billion official YouTube views, and a social media following exceeding 62 million.

Her debut album, Cry Baby, released in 2015, peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and inspired a sell-out self-released perfume by the same name in 2016. More recently, she collaborated with Flower Shop Perfume to launch a new fragrance line in 2023, which has enjoyed similar success and expanded to include candles, body sprays, and perfume pendants.

To connect with fans, Martinez has hosted sold-out listening parties for HADES in London, Amsterdam, and Toronto. The albums promotion will continue with a series of intimate performances, beginning with a show at New York City's United Palace. She will then visit Mexico City and Los Angeles, where on April 8 she is scheduled to perform at the Grammy Museums Clive Davis Theater. This exclusive event will feature an in-depth look at her creative process along with a mini concert for 200 guests.

Listeners can now stream HADES across all major platforms, experiencing the artists vivid exploration of modern chaos and resilience through music.

Fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to stay updated on Martinezs latest releases and live events, as she continues to evolve and make her mark on the music landscape.
Discover Taylor Sheridan's early acting roots, from a minor role on Walker, Texas Ranger to becoming the mastermind behind the hit series Yellowstone.

AceShowbiz - Taylor Sheridan is widely recognized today as the creative force behind the groundbreaking neo-Western TV series Yellowstone, which debuted in 2018 and reshaped the landscape of Western-themed television dramas. Yet, many fans may not realize that Sheridan's involvement in television stretches back more than two decades prior. His first television appearance was in 1995, marking the beginning of a career that would ultimately lead him to dominate the neo-Western genre.

Before becoming a celebrated writer and producer, Sheridan started out as an actor. His earliest credited role was in the iconic series Walker, Texas Ranger, a show often remembered for showcasing the martial arts skills of its star, Chuck Norris. In the third season's two-part episode titled "War Zone," Sheridan appeared as Vernon, a drag racer who is chased by Norris' character, Cordell Walker. Although a minor role, this appearance was the launching point for Sheridans screen career and holds historical significance for the neo-Western genre.

Walker, Texas Ranger is not commonly classified among the best neo-Western shows by today's standards, but it played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for contemporary Western television dramas. The series introduced viewers to Cordell Walker, a Texas Ranger who blended traditional Western law enforcement archetypes with modern-day sensibilities. Unlike earlier Westerns set solely in the past, this show brought the genre into a contemporary setting, effectively creating what is now known as the neo-Western subgenre.

Set in the 1990s, Walker, Texas Ranger portrayed a lawman who was as skilled with his fists as he was with his gun, reflecting a new kind of Western hero. Walkers character combined the rugged justice of classic Western figures with the physical prowess and moral clarity of a modern-day action hero. This unique blend made the show a trailblazer, predating other neo-Western hits like Justified, Longmire, and Fargo by years.

The influence of Walker, Texas Ranger on Sheridans later work is clear. His 2016 film Hell or High Water, which he wrote, features two Texas Rangers tracking down bank robbers and echoes the themes and motifs of his early TV role. This connection highlights how Sheridans formative experiences on the show helped shape his understanding and storytelling of modern Western law enforcement.

It is important to note that before Walker, Texas Ranger, television had rarely explored Western lawmen in current-day settings. The only notable predecessor was the early 1970s series Cades County, which lasted just one season and is now mostly forgotten. Compared to that brief experiment, Walker, Texas Ranger enjoyed a longer run from 1993 to 2001 and firmly established the neo-Western as a viable television genre.

The enduring popularity of the character Cordell Walker is evidenced by the reboot of the series starring Jared Padalecki. However, Chuck Norris original portrayal remains iconic and set a standard for Western heroes transplanted into modern-day narratives. His role combined elements of classic Western stoicism with contemporary action and martial arts, a formula that has influenced many shows and films in the decades since.

Ironically, the actor who once played a small role on this pioneering neo-Western series has since become the genres most influential figure. Sheridan has taken the foundations laid by shows like Walker, Texas Ranger and expanded them with his own projects, most notably the sprawling Yellowstone franchise and the popular series Landman. These shows continue to explore themes of family, power, and justice against the backdrop of the American West, cementing Sheridans dominance in the field.

Today, Taylor Sheridan is synonymous with neo-Western television, having moved far beyond his early bit-part appearances. His journey from a minor role in a 1990s action Western to becoming a leading writer and producer of the genre underscores the evolution of Western storytelling on television. His work has redefined what it means to be a Western hero in the 21st century, blending tradition with modern complexity.

In summary, while Walker, Texas Ranger may not be the first show that comes to mind when discussing neo-Westerns, its significance as the first true modern Western TV series cannot be overstated. It served as the launchpad for Taylor Sheridans career and inspired the neo-Western narratives that dominate television today. Sheridans success with Yellowstone and other projects owes much to the path that began with his debut role in this seminal series.
Yale legal scholars support UMG in Drake's defamation appeal, citing his own lyrics as consent to Kendrick Lamar's diss track.

AceShowbiz - Drake is facing a significant setback in his ongoing defamation lawsuit related to Kendrick Lamar's track "Not Like Us," as top legal scholars from Yale Law School have submitted a brief supporting Universal Music Group (UMG) in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

The filing from the Floyd Abrams Institute for Freedom of Expression at Yale Law School presents a compelling consent defense that could severely damage Drake's appeal. The brief highlights that Drake himself invited Kendrick Lamar to respond with a diss track, making it difficult for him to claim defamation now.

Specifically, in Drake's "Taylor Made Freestyle" from April 2024, he explicitly encouraged Kendrick Lamar to "talk about him likin' young girls." When Kendrick released "Not Like Us" shortly afterward, Drake acknowledged the lyrics in his later song "The Heart Part 6," referencing the "Epstein angle" as something he expected. The brief equates this to a boxer daring an opponent to fight and then suing for injuries sustaineda clear example of consent, which is a complete legal defense under New York law.

In addition to Yales brief, a second amicus brief was submitted by social scientists and legal experts from Howard University, Tulane, and Virginia Tech. This brief emphasizes that diss tracks in rap should be viewed as artistic expression rather than literal factual claims.

The scholars note that Drake has previously supported efforts to protect rap lyrics as art, criticizing prosecutors for treating lyrics as direct confessions. Yet, in pursuing this defamation claim, he is contradicting his own stance, revealing a striking inconsistency. Research cited in the brief shows that rap lyrics are often interpreted more literally and as threatening compared to other genres, which can introduce racial bias in legal proceedings.

Supporting these arguments, Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled in October 2025 that a reasonable listener would perceive diss track lyrics as hyperbolic and artistic wordplay, not factual accusations of criminal behavior. This ruling further weakens Drake's position on appeal.

UMGs response brief also criticized Drake for what it called "astoundingly hypocritical" arguments. The label pointed out that Drake previously used UMGs platform to launch similarly harsh attacks against Kendrick Lamar without issue, but now seeks different legal standards when the tables are turned.

As these legal briefs stack up, it appears Drake faces an increasingly uphill battle in his defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," making the outcome of this high-profile case uncertain.
After 20+ years at NBC, Peter Alexander leaves TODAY to prioritize family. Watch the emotional on-air announcement and his reasons for stepping away.

AceShowbiz - Peter Alexander is preparing to depart from NBC News after a distinguished career spanning more than two decades. The heartfelt announcement was made during the Saturday broadcast of TODAY, where Alexander has served as a host since 2018. Viewers witnessed the emotional moment live on air as he shared his reasons for stepping away.

Alexander expressed deep gratitude for his tenure at NBC News, highlighting the incredible experiences and relationships he developed throughout his time at the network. He emphasized that his family is his top priority, explaining that living in Washington, while working in New York, made it challenging to spend quality time with his daughters. In this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me, Im eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives, he stated.

Since joining NBC News in 2004, Alexander has reported from around the world, covering major events such as the 2005 Iraq election and the 2011 death of Osama bin Laden. He became a co-anchor on Saturday TODAY in 2018, working alongside Kristen Welker starting in 2020. Both were later appointed as NBC News co-chief White House correspondents in 2021. After Welker left the program in 2023 to moderate "Meet the Press," Laura Jarrett, formerly NBCs senior legal correspondent, joined Alexander as his co-anchor on Saturday TODAY.

Jarrett paid tribute to her colleague during the farewell, saying, Peter: We love you, we are going to miss you. You are a brilliant journalist. You are a good and decent man, and you are an extraordinary father. You only get one shot to be Ava and Emmas dad... they are lucky to have you as their father.

The announcement was accompanied by a moving statement from Alexander, reflecting on his remarkable journey with NBC News. I have had the most incredible experience over 22 years with NBC Newsfrom Baghdad to Banda Aceh, Burbank to Beijingalways alongside the best, most professional and most dedicated journalists in the business, he said. I could not be more grateful for every one of them and for the leaders and mentors here who have believed in me and given me more opportunities than I ever dreamed of.

He also expressed appreciation to the audience, acknowledging the bond formed by being part of their daily lives. And, of course, Im grateful to you for welcoming me into your homes for all these years. Its hard to believe, but I have been part of the NBC family for longer than Ive had my own family, Alexander added. Studio IAbeing right here, with this team and with all the folks you dont see on TVthis is my happy place. Its so fun! I mean, what a gig!

Despite the excitement of his career, Alexander highlighted the toll that frequent travel took on his family life. Because I live in Washington, its also a trek. Ive been away from home more than 80 nights in the last seven monthsmore than 200 Friday nights away from home in the last seven years, he explained. This demanding schedule motivated his decision to step back and seek a better personal-professional balance.

Looking ahead, Alexander is eager to embrace new challenges while prioritizing his family. In this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me, Im eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional livesand to challenge myself with something new. Im excited, as I was taught family first, the rest is details, he said. So I just want to be very clear, thank you for your trust and your confidence, and most of all, thank you to NBC News, for what have been, undoubtedly, the most exciting years of my life.

Fans of Saturday TODAY and Peter Alexander will surely miss his presence on the program. His commitment to journalism and heartfelt dedication to family have left an enduring impact on colleagues and viewers alike. Readers are invited to share their thoughts and well-wishes regarding his departure in the comments below.
Thundercat returns with 'Distracted,' an album exploring modern overload, grief, and the protective armor we wear to cope with a chaotic world.

AceShowbiz - Thundercat is back with his fifth studio album, Distracted, marking his first release since 2020s It Is What It Is. The album reflects the overwhelming barrage of information and stimuli that define contemporary existence, capturing the essence of distraction not as defeat but as a necessary coping mechanism. Sometimes distraction can be good, he says, likening it to the way a child is distracted before getting a shot at the doctors office.

During a recent visit to Rolling Stones New York office, Thundercat sported a striking mix of jewelry, including medieval-style rings and an armor plate reminiscent of Game of Thrones. Sometimes you need battle armor, he joked, touching on a recurring theme in Distracted: protection. Alongside grappling with the frenetic pace of modern life, the album also confronts loss and grief, themes that have long been woven through Thundercats music.

His previous album, which won a Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album, was heavily influenced by the passing of his close friend Mac Miller, whose posthumous verse features early on in Distracted. This new project also pays tribute to another significant loss, music executive and concert producer Meghan Stabile. Referenced directly on the track Candlelight, Thundercat describes her as a candlelight  a guiding light to him and his family amid lifes complications.

The albums tribute to Stabile is both moving and sonically intricate, featuring Thundercats airy vocals layered over complex instrumentation. The production involves Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist Greg Kurstin, jazz keyboardist DOMi Louna, and drummer JD Beck, who together form the acclaimed jazz duo DOMi & JD Beck. Its between me, Greg Kurstin, JD, and Domi, Thundercat explains. When you have musicianship, its a language. It was really beautiful coming up with that song.

Although grief has been a persistent presence in his work, Thundercat approaches it with a sense of zen acceptance rather than despair. Grief is more like a condition of life than something one goes through, he reflects. You never stop learning, you get better at things with time. But yeah, it was a lot to learn in between the last album and this one.

Sonically, Distracted builds on the eclectic, jazz-infused sound of It Is What It Is. The albums free-flowing, kaleidoscopic style mirrors Thundercats own creative restlessness. The way I learned to sit comfortably with myself was that a couple of things would have to be going on at one time, he says. He even describes practicing his instrument as something that had to become partly subconscious, embracing distraction as sometimes the worst or best thing that can happen.

Classic songwriting underpins the albums adventurous sound. Tracks like What is Left to Say evoke vintage melodies reminiscent of the Brat Pack era, akin to a Frank Sinatra ballad updated for modern situationships. The album offers a temporal flattening, blending funk-inspired basslines with R&B rhythms and soaring synths reminiscent of power ballads, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Thundercat also brings in a small but notable roster of collaborators. Lil Yachty appears on I Did This To Myself, continuing his indie-leaning style showcased on his album Lets Start Here. Kevin Parker from Tame Impala features on No More Lies, a collaboration years in the making. Thundercat recounts meeting Parker at the Grammys years ago in a humorous light: If you see this photo of us, we look stupid as hell. Hes got his glasses on. I got my glasses on. Flying Lotus has his glasses on. Were all like, Oh God. Its like, you got us out of a cave.

He praises the mutual respect between himself and Parker, noting how natural their collaboration felt despite initial surprise at the chemistry. Nothing makes up for the language, he says. And when you have any bit of it, it just works.

A previously unreleased verse from Mac Miller appears on She Knows Too Much, a lighthearted yet emotionally complex track that navigates vulnerability and toxic male behavior. Thundercat describes this verse as canon for the duo, saying they never knew exactly where Miller intended the song to go but felt confident in its place on the album.

The album also addresses the challenges of modern romance, which many consider to be fraught and anxiety-ridden. The so-called Male Loneliness Epidemic, a phenomenon where men find it increasingly difficult to form romantic connections, is touched upon with a dark humor characteristic of Thundercat. I feel like just at every point, everybody just wants every dude to just walk off into the ocean, give some loud war cry, and just blast lasers up to heaven, he quips. Then just go kill yourself, walk off a cliff. Thats what everything feels like right now.

Technology remains a pervasive influence throughout the album, both as a source of distraction and a barrier to genuine connection. The internet gives the illusion of options, Thundercat observes. There are apps, and then you go and find your boyfriend or your girlfriend on the app; its hard to sift through. Its complicated, but thats our problem to deal with.

Coming out in an era still shaped by the upheaval of a global pandemic, Distracted captures the zeitgeist of a world overwhelmed by digital overload and emotional fatigue. Thundercat describes the album as following suit with insanity, reflecting the exhaustion and restlessness of life online and offline.

Ultimately, Distracted offers a nuanced message about the role of distraction in contemporary life. Sometimes its okay to be distracted, Thundercat concludes. But [in] most situations it isnt. I think we can all be honest, were all kind of distracted right now, and were trying not to be, but sometimes you need that little break.
This essay first appeared in American Thinkers weekly subscriber-only e-newsletter. Subscribers not only get this unique content but also an ad-free experience, the ability to leave comments, and (a new feature) the ability to remove images from the home page for a more compact look. Consider subscribing today.

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I begin by presenting three trends. One might even call them inevitabilities, and one might argue theyre not trends at all, but present realities that are intertwined and will tend to collapse in on each other, inevitably leading to the third inevitability.

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The first trend is a Congress of feckless fools:

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Ill get to Lippencotts final question momentarily, but our Congress does seem unable to accomplish anything of consequence, such as the SAVE America Act, which will make election fraud not necessarily impossible, but more inconvenient for the Democrat party, which arguably cannot win an election without massive fraud. A paralyzed Congress cant even pay the Department of Homeland Security at a time when the danger of a massive terrorist attack within our shaky borders is at an all-time high. Democrats dont care. If thousands of Americans die, theyll blame it on Trump, with the help of their media propaganda arm.

While Congress does little to benefit America or Americans, its members excel at giving their power to unelected bureaucrats who, through rulemaking and nonsensical interpretation of congressional language and intent, run the bureaucratic state, which rules by ever-increasing rules and regulations.

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The ATF was recently caught prosecuting Americans for possessing braced pistols, even though the prior ATF decision criminalizing them was rescinded. Congress could, by doing what it supposedly exists to dolegislatingresolve that once and for all, but it cant even pass the SAVE America Act, which has as much as 90% public approval. Circa April 2026, apparently, 100% approval is required to pass anything, and its doubtful Congress could be roused to act even then.

Congress has become feckless to the point of immobility, unable, even unwilling, to act in the public interest. A Republican majority cannot govern unless it has a 60-vote majority in the Senate, and even then, there are always three or more Republicans ready to thwart pretty much every Republican policy and law.

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Democrats previously argued that only the popular vote was legitimate. They said that until Trump won not only the Electoral College by a wide margin, but also the popular vote. Now, it turns out that they believe that they have a secular mandate to rule regardless of what the people say. Therefore, Democrats have the right and duty to thwart any attempt at Republican governance, or to outright rule, until they can rig the next election and seize power.

The second trend is multiple blue states rocketing toward bankruptcy, with the expectation that the American people will empty their wallets to bail them out. This comes from a combination of profligate deficit spending, massive fraud funneled through Democrat NGOs and other fraudsters, and unfunded pension obligations that could bankrupt some nations.

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In New York, both New York City and the state are in deep financial trouble. The NYC retiree health care fund alone has only 5 cents of every dollar promised, amounting to at least $100 billion in unfunded retiree health care liabilities. Unfunded health care costs and pensions amount to around $260 billion.

What about the states debt? The best estimate for the entire statelocal and stateis $798 billion. Thats the highest per capita in the nation.

How is Islamist/Socialist Mayor Zhoran Mamdani planning to address this looming fiscal train wreck? He plans to dramatically raise taxes and raid the citys Rainy Day fund and retiree health care trust fund. Thats the 5 cents set aside to pay those obligations. This in a city where the cost of living, cost of doing business, regulations, and sky-high taxes are already chasing out a substantial portion of its tax base.

Whats that youre saying? Thats insane? Of course it is, but Mamdani was elected on the promise of all manner of free stuff, financed by other peoples money. Free stuff like free day care for municipal workers. All 330,000 of them? Nope. Forty.

Hes remodeling a 4,000-square-foot site for $10 million. Sure, that could buy a great many new, very nice, 2,000-square-foot homes in most red states, but this is NYC, among the most expensive real estate anywhere. The estimated annual operating cost for just 40 kids is $2.3 million. It will surely be much higher, but that comes to about $57,500 per kid per year. Private day care in NYC costs half that.

Even better, the fiscal year begins July 1 with a projected $5.4 billion budget deficit. Mamdani, a guy who has never had a real job or made payroll, is the one New Yorkers elected, and hes giving it to them good and hard.

Thats awful; California is worsemuch worse.

In a recent Loyola Marymount University poll, nearly 48% want an unspecified socialist as Los Angeles mayor. That, given a choice between a moderate, business-oriented Democrat and a conservative political outsider.

Considering that Californias likely imposition of a billionaire tax has already chased many billionaires out of the state, with others on their heels, and added to the tens of thousands of productive, tax-paying Californians already fleeing, Californias tax base is rapidly depleting.

And Los Angelenos want Zohran Mamdanis twin?

I wont bother to get into the fine details of unfunded pension liabilities and the hundreds of billions lost to fraud and waste of all kinds. Ill merely report that of all the wasteful, insane blue states in America, California is number one, with more than $1.5 trillion in unfunded liabilities.

As of 2020, there were 82 separate public pension systems in California. More than 4.4 million people were members of those systems. Imagine whats going to happen when that $1.5 trillion comes due, and 4.4 million Californians and their families are stiffed. Oh, its worse.

Not a single state, red or blue, has a fully funded pension plan. Wisconsins is best at 56% funded, while New Jerseyssurprise!is worst at less than 18%.

Are you beginning to see trends falling in on each other, leading to a crisis thats becoming easier to imagine? What crisis? A second civil war.

When California and New Yorklets ignore the rest for the momentcome begging the Congress of the brokest country in history to bail them out, there will be hard choices. The residents of red states that arent bankrupt arent going to want to be taxed into universal poverty to bail out the arrogant, socialist snots that hate them and want them dead. Blue states, and not a few Republicans, will argue were all Americans, one big salad-bowl family, so fork over for Uncle Abdul the Islamist, Aunt Sally the drug addict, and little Jamal the five-time felon, and all our homeless, insane, deviant cousins, all the people used to others bankrolling them, and all the honest blue-state people dragged down by them.

Sane Americanspeople who have always worked, paid their taxes, and supported their families and communitiesare going to point out this was no surprise. Those blue-state politicians have seen it coming for decades, and they spent themselves into oblivion anyway. Their constituents serially voted for them and fed at the government free-stuff teat. They got what they wanted, good and hard, and theyre going to want to give it to sane, responsible Americans.

As Hemingway said, there are two ways to go bankrupt: gradually, then suddenly. But it was no surprise; they had plenty of warning and chose fiscal disaster.

When blue-state America learns its citizens standard of living is going to crater to pay for the preventable stupidity of people who hate thempeople who will keep spending other peoples moneyred states are going to secede. Even rumors of secession will be enough to drive blue statesand Congressto mobilize against red states. It wont be for a noble cause like abolishing slavery. It will be to seize the money and property of fiscally responsible Americans. They, like all socialists, will want to make everybody poor and miserable.

Red-state Americans arent going to go for that, and our military, our police, federal agentsthe workswill have to choose sides. It wont work out the way Democrats think.

Its probablypossibly?not too late. But who will force blue states to live within their means? Is that legally, constitutionally possible? Our do-nothing Congress might admit theres a problem. Theyre great at talking, awful at useful action. Dont get me started on forcing Congress to live within our means. Thats another articlea book, really.

Im old enough that I likely wont be around when the trends collapse. But people I care about will. Were in the gradually phase. Now we get to see whether suddenly is inevitable
In her one short year on the job, Pam Bondi has been very successful in many ways.

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Her DoJ has successfully defended the administration against a barrage of lawfare, including winning 24 defenses at the Supreme Court.

Her DoJ has likely done more damage to drug cartels and other transnational organized crime groups than any in the past.

Her DoJ has successfully secured agreements with a number of major universities to end bigoted practices and make reparations for past offenses.

Her DoJ has led a bunch of major busts of human-trafficking networks and other kinds of immigrant-related financial criminals, from Medicaid fraud to daycare and nursing home fraud, much of which is still in the early stages but all of which promises to total tens of billions of dollars in revealed fraud against the American taxpayer.

And all this was accomplished while doing the usual job of a federal A.G.: staffing the U.S. attorneys offices, finding and supporting new judges for federal vacancies, and similar ordinary tasks.

Thats just in one year.

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Granted, we had reasons to be dissatisfied, too:

Why havent the criminals involved in the Russian collusion hoax and so many other such illegal federal witch hunts in recent years been prosecuted yet?

Why havent the people responsible for framing and persecuting the January 6 protesters been prosecuted?

Why havent the mayors, county executives, and governors who violated their constituents constitutional rights during the COVID-19 panic been prosecuted?

Why hasnt more vote fraud been prosecuted?

These are legitimate questions, but they all point to a reality that perhaps the American public  especially the conservative movement  has not accepted, even if we know it in our hearts.

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We think of the Attorney General as Americas top prosecutor. Its been the popularly accepted nickname for the office for generations. But is it really the right way to look at the job?

We look at the position as a federal version of the state-level attorney general, and of the county-level district attorney. But the federal attorney general isnt that narrowly focused a role anymore. It hasnt been for generations.

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In addition to those two obvious jobs  the vetting and selection of potential judges for a president to nominate as vacancies arise, and the appointment and operation of the U.S. attorneys in the 94 districts  there are tons of other responsibilities in this office that bear only the most tangential similarity to those county and statewide offices of similar names.

Take a look at the public organizational chart of the Department of Justice sometime; its available on the DoJ website.

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Theres an Antitrust Division to consider corporate skullduggery such as illegal monopoly activity and the question of whether mergers should be allowed or disallowed, and theres an Executive Office for U.S. Trustees that manages all our nations bankruptcy cases.

Theres an Environment and National Resources Division that looks into concerns that someone somewhere might be violating our nations environmental laws or might be squandering or abusing our natural resources.

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Theres a Community Oriented Policing Services office that manages the leftist-inspired effort to turn the police of our nations most dangerous cities into social workers.

Theres the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATF), which handles everything from import filings of people importing wine and beer to the federal registration of firearms dealers and the monitoring of cigarette packages to make sure the printer didnt forget to include the surgeon generals warning on the side.

Theres the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which employs some 10,000 agents, researchers, and chemists to identify and combat the producers and dealers of illegal drugs all over the world.

There's a Bureau of Prisons, which employs 34,000 people, from wardens and guards to doctors and teachers, from the management of real estate and facilities to the purchasing and management of their supplies, meeting the needs of some 154,000 inmates in federal penitentiaries.

Theres an Office of Tribal Justice, managing the legal and civil rightsrelated challenges of American Indians, whether on Indian Nations reservations or not.

There's an Office on Violence Against Women and a Civil Rights Division, both of which have different meanings and emphases depending on who holds the White House.

Did we mention the U.S. Marshals and the Federal Bureau of Investigation? Those are in there, too.

And theres more. So much more. But thats a snapshot of the problem.

The Department of Justice, like most federal departments, in fact, is overgrown with agencies, many of which probably shouldnt exist at all, but at some point, somewhere along the way, Congress created them, and had to put them somewhere.

So some of these agencies might have fit equally well in the Departments of the Interior or Treasury or Homeland Security or State, but they had to put them somewhere, so the wise old minds of Congress cast lots  or threw dice or read tea leaves  and decided to put them in the department administered by the attorney general.

As a result, we have a Cabinet-level department thats part police, part prosecutor, part chemist, part purchasing agent, part accountant, part diplomat, and part spy.

How do you select a Cabinet secretary to manage all that?

Its not that it cant be done. We found people who could be good managers of Treasury when that department administered the U.S. Mint, the IRS, the Coast Guard, and the Customs Service. We found people who could be good managers of HEW when that department administered a public health service, the FDA, the Social Security Administration, and even some hospitals.

So we can certainly find someone to manage Justice, too  but we need to disabuse ourselves of the notion that its just a bigger, costlier, fancier version of a state attorney generals office.

Either we need to break up the Department of Justice into pieces, putting the non-A.G. offices into other Cabinet departments (or just shut down a bunch of these pointless bureaucracies outright), or we need to admit that this is not a job for a prosecutor; its a job for a CEO, much like most of the other secretaries jobs are, in fact.

Pam Bondi tried to wear these many hats, and she did fine with some but perhaps wasnt right for others. Or perhaps she would have been fine for all of them, but there just arent enough hours in the day.

Theres another area in which Justice is unique. In most Cabinet departments, the lions share of the staff is non-political; once you replace the political appointees at the top with new blood, the rest of the staff will follow the new administrations orders.

Its not like that at Justice.

Look back at that list of offices. Many of them, perhaps most, attract a certain type of person, often a lawyer whose heart and soul are dedicated to a certain political cause. You believe in protecting either victims or criminals. Either you try to be colorblind or you imagine racism everywhere. Either you believe in the free market or you believe in top-down central planning.

A new Democrat attorney general can walk into that office confident that 80% or more of that departments bureaucracy is on his side already. A Republican attorney general walks in knowing that he will be fought tooth and nail as reforms are attempted, every step of the way.

This isnt a job for a prosecutor. Its a job for a disruptor. A fighter. A general.

What we need there is another Pete Hegseth, another Marco Rubio, another Elon Musk.

And if we cant find one, we need to dial down our expectations, because demanding the impossible of a good patriot whos already giving her all doesnt really help anybody.

John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based international transportation manager, trade compliance trainer, consultant and public speaker. Read his book on the surprisingly numerous varieties of vote fraud (The Tales of Little Pavel), his biting political satires on the Biden-Harris years (Evening Soup with Basement Joe, Volumes I, II, and III), and his collection of essays on public policy in the 2020s, Current Events and the Issues of Our Age, all available in eBook or paperback, exclusively on Amazon.

Image: Pam Bondi. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
We can watch our values erode under bureaucratic rule, or we can reclaim what matters; the future is ours to shape. Do we really need to witness yet again how absurd weve become? Apparently so, as we still havent met the challenge.

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Have you read about the gang rape victim in Spain who opted for state-sponsored suicide in her grief? Ill save you the trouble of reading the horrific details. The short version is that immigrants raped Noelia Castillo Ramos. She couldnt deal with the psychological trauma, jumped off a five-story building, survived, and was no longer able to walk. She requested state-sanctioned euthanasia in 2021. Finally, after multiple legal appeals, she was granted her wish just last month, only to decide at the last moment not to go through with it. Wait, it gets worse:

A 25-year-old woman in Spain was euthanized Thursday after authorities allegedly denied her written request to postpone her death for six months so she could reconsider, the family's lawyer claimed. The request, submitted ahead of the scheduled assisted suicide, was allegedly not accepted by the administration, which determined that she had expressed only doubts, a rationale that carried no legal standing in the decision-making process, according to her fathers lawyer, Polonia Castellanos. Advertisement

Process should never trump a human life. Unfortunately, that is not the way the state thinks in what is supposedly an enlightened society. Enlightend? No. It amounts to state-sanctioned murder, too much like Home Centers in the movie Soylent Green.

The fact that Noelia lived in Spain makes this no less tragic or relatable, as we have seen state-sponsored euthanasia or assisted suicide spreading like wildfire all over, including Canada and the United States, often for non-life-threatening or straight-up I dont like my life reasons. Like so many cases right here in America, Noelias attackers were never charged. Stories like this are all too common today.

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The absurdity of what our society and government values, incentivizes, protects, and punishes is driving some to suicide, while others mentally check out in large numbers each year, all to benefit the state that requires your dependence, subservience, and likes you to be in a perpetual state of anxiety, the better to solidify its control over us.

Plugged into the news 24/7, its not difficult to become inured, even hardened, exposed to one horrific story after another. Reports that should genuinely shock our conscience slough off us too easily. The list of truly astonishing violent crimes committed, the lack of consequences, and the reality that society continually whiffs out instead of standing up and demanding action is shocking and depressing, leading to a huge number of people tuning out and no longer seriously participating in finding solutions.

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Whether we are discussing social mores and their consequences, as in the above, or out-and-out criminal activity, as we will see below, the net effect leaves us circling the drain. Wed better find our footing quickly to arrest our decline. Too many stories like Gen-Z workers napping and crying at lunch, lamenting having to work for a living... Its so stressful! Really?

Our entire society needs a reboot! Our values, our expectations, and, most importantly, our lack of self-reliance are spreading like a cancer that will inevitably bring about our demise if not reversed. We must understand that whats happening, visible to anyone who looks, is no accident. It is part of a plan we see rolling out everywhere, championed by Democrats and their anti-American supporters. Disbelieve me at your peril.

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Government at all levels has a vested interest in your passivity and in your viewing everything transpiring as hopelessly difficult for any individual to intervene and make a difference. Witness all those people recording crimes with their cell phonescitizen reporters or just an audience?

With lawmakers unwilling to write tough laws, even sensible laws, and then actually follow through with taking the worst offenders off the street, be they illegal immigrants with dozens of charges or convictions against them, or homegrown criminals who see our criminal justice system as a revolving door, the system is failing us. By itself, thats bad enough, but the net effect of allowing criminals to set the agenda for all of us is intolerable, yet need not be so.

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Sensible people want a different path than exists today that delivers traditional small-town American values, peace, and prosperity through the government they have elected, but which has visibly turned on them, favoring progressive policies, protecting itself, all while growing faster and paying itself better than the private sector.

The government and too many citizens tolerate evil within our society

We, the people, could stop it at any time we want. The big question is why we endure policies and actions that are not only wrong and a threat to our societys stability, but also will inevitably lead to our undoing. Too many of us think the problems and issues we face are too big to solve. Issues like:

Immigration

Government accountability

Homlessness

Drugs

Americas position in the world

Education

Healthcare

Affordability

The commonality that connects them all is that they arent unsolvable. Despite that, theyre also a feature, not a flaw, of how our government works today. There are many of our so-called leaders in positions of power who either dont address issues or take a short-sighted view that favors temporary power and control over finding solutions. Its also how too many politicians become rich while ostensibly serving the public.

You may ask why, and you would be right to do so. Its essential to understand how large government has become at all levels and the vast sums of money that no one can account for. As I write this, in Newark, NJ, the trivial (for government) sum of $287 million is missing, and unsurprisingly, nobody seems to know what happened to this COVID-19 relief money! Multiply this by hundreds of similar scandals, and two things become apparent:

Were talking about vast quantities of money. So much money that it begins to lose relevance in the minds of many who see the numbers as abstract and unrelatable

No one, especially in senior positions of power, will be held accountable. Prosecutions and convictions are too rare, and often its the underlings, not those who set the conditions for the crime, who face juries.

Certainly, by now, it is evident that we are on our own; no one is coming to save us, not the government, not some group, nor God himself. The job of saving our culture, our society, and our country belongs to you and me. Every one of us must make it our highest priority to say, It stops here. Ill stand in the way of the destroyers. Organizing ten million people to flood the streets demanding the heads of some of these evil people would be a good start.

If enough of us make that decision to confront evil, we will prevail. Believe it!

God Bless America!

X screen grab (cropped and AI edited for clarity)

Author, Businessman, Thinker, and Strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow.
I listened intently to the Supreme Courts oral arguments regarding birthright citizenship. It seems that some justices are ignoring key arguments in the case.

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There is a residency requirement in the Citizenship Clause

In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to parents who are either undocumented or in the country legally but on a temporary basis. The ACLU challenged the executive order, and the Supreme Court is considering the case. Solicitor General John Sauer is arguing on behalf of the Trump Administration.

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Part of General Sauers case is simple and irrefutable: Most people should not gain citizenship via birth tourism. It is an atrocious policy, and it does not meet the express written requirements of the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

To his credit, Justice Clarence Thomas was quick to emphasize that fact. Certain words in the Citizenship Clause preclude the provision of citizenship for most people engaged in birth tourism.

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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 (emphasis added).

In other words, there is a residency (or domicile) requirement, and that requirement cannot be met by most people engaged in birth tourism. Typically, a woman flies to the U.S., delivers a baby, spends a few days in a hospital or birthing center, and flies home. She enters the country legally but doesnt spend enough time in the U.S. to establish residency (domicile).

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Based on what I heard in the oral arguments, there are other justices who understand and appreciate the domicile requirement. They are Alito, Kavanaugh, and Barrett.

On the other hand, John Roberts and the three liberal justices were indifferent to the clearly-worded requirements in the Citizenship Clause.

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Sauer informed the Court that there are hundreds of birth tourism companies and may be over a million birth tourists (U.S. citizens) living in China. Most of those tourists had babies but did not establish residency in the United States. Nevertheless, Roberts was not impressed:

ROBERTS: Well, it certainly wasn't a problem in the 19th century. Advertisement SAUER: No, but, of course, we're -- we're in a new world now, as Justice Alito pointed out to, where 8 billion people are one plane ride away from having a -- a child who's a U.S. citizen. ROBERTS: Well, it's a new world. It's the same Constitution.

The flippant comment of Justice Roberts (Its the same Constitution) dismisses the importance of the residency requirement, even though it is expressly stated in the 14th Amendment.

Case law also has a domicile requirement

As an argument against the Trump Administration, Justice Sonia Sotomayor brought up a key immigration case from 1898: Wong Kim Ark. In that case, the Court ruled that individuals born on U.S. soil are citizens under the 14th Amendment, regardless of their parents' foreign citizenship.

However, Sotomayor overlooked the fact that, although the parents of Wong Kim were Chinese citizens, they were domiciled in the United States. The importance of that fact is evident from the concluding words of the courts opinion:

Weve decided that Chinese immigrants with a permanent domicile and residence here fall within the rule of birthright citizenship (emphasis added).

Justice Elena Kagan did not overlook the domicile requirement -- she simply does not believe it is important. That is evident from her blathering counterargument:

You say, oh, it says the word domicile a bunch of times, which it does. Its a long opinion. It says a lot of things.

In reality, there is a domicile requirement in both the Citizenship clause of the Constitution and in the crucial Wong Kim Ark case of 1898. Roberts and the other liberal justices are simply choosing to pretend it is not there.

Is the child of an illegal immigrant a citizen?

So far, we have discussed birth tourism, where people enter the country legally, but stay for a very short time. What about people who enter illegally and stay for an extended period of time? Can they establish a domicile? If so, should their children be granted citizenship? To answer those questions, we must focus on five specific words in the Citizenship Clause: subject to the jurisdiction thereof.

If a person is born in the U.S. and is subject to the jurisdiction thereof, our Constitution grants him or her citizenship. But what exactly is jurisdiction? On that topic, General Sauer had lots of facts, but his arguments were probably too confusing to be persuasive to a skeptical Supreme Court.

The three liberals, who have suddenly become Scalia-styled originalists, argued that the Citizenship Clause originates from British law, and is essentially unchanged since the era of the Sovereign: King George III.

Justice Kagan again made reference to the Wong Kim Ark case, emphasizing its English law rationale.

But the rationale of the case is really quite clear. It says there was this common law tradition. It came from England. We know what it was. Everybody got citizenship by birth except for a few discrete categories...

AG Sauer disputed many of Kagans assertions regarding the Ark case, but the entire matter became muddled enough to easily allow the liberals on the court (and I include Roberts in that category) to weasel their way out of a sane ruling.

Here are some of the confusing issues: Does jurisdiction imply allegiance to the nation? If so, whose allegiance -- the parents or the childs? And does it matter if the illegal alien is subject to a foreign power?

Other ambiguities are inherent in implementation. For example, does it matter if the illegal alien is or is not evading law enforcement? Does it matter if the illegal entrant has been in the country for a week or for ten years?

Those issues are confusing to most justices, but not to Ketanji Jackson. She sees the issue of allegiance with amazing clarity:

I was thinking, you know, Im a U.S. citizen and visiting Japan and what it means is that, you know, if I steal someones wallet in Japan, the Japanese authorities can arrest me and prosecute me. Its allegiance, meaning, they can control you as a matter of law.... So theres this relationship...

Thus, to Jackson, people can gain citizenship by picking pockets!

As a matter of strategy, it might have been better if President Trump had limited the executive order to the relatively clear issue of temporary visitors who do not establish residency. If that were the sole issue, there might be a chance for a 5-4 victory.

Serious implications for fair elections and national security

The estimated number of U.S. citizens being raised in China is huge -- ranging from the thousands to over a million. A March 19, 2026, article in the New York Post described the situation this way:

China-watchers estimate about 1,000 companies offer birth tourism to the Northern Mariana Islands, other US overseas territories and even the US mainland. They claim a gob-smacking 1.5 million American babies are being raised in China by Chinese parents whove participated in birth tourism.

Based on U.S. and state election laws, they are all potentially U.S. voters -- even if they never set foot in the United States again.

Several states, mostly the ones controlled by Democrats, allow people who have never resided in the United States to vote from abroad, based on their parents last U.S. residence.

And each of the 50 states allows absentee voting by people after they have established residency. That is not hard to do. For most states, residency can be established in only 15 to 30 days.

As these tourism babies reach the age of 18, they could become a huge factor in swing state elections -- especially if their voting is directed and coordinated by the Chinese government.

For whom will they vote? I wonder.

Joe Fried is an Ohio-based CPA and the author of Debunked? An auditor reviews the 2020 election -- and the lessons learned. In that book, Joe argues that the 2020 election should not have been certified. In addition, Joe has assisted various attorneys representing January 6th defendants. His totally free Substack account is found at joefriedcpa.substack.com.

Image: National Archives
Having blown its credit reputation, lost its Venezuelan oil sponsor, and fallen apart under U.S. sanctions, Cuba is eager to show President Trump it has changed its totalitarian ways to avoid a takeover of their ruined, bankrupt, communist hellhole state.

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So this happened, something which drew Cuba a lot of good public relations about how things are supposedly improving:

Cuban authorities have begun to free prisoners after announcing they would pardon 2,010 inmates, the second release in less than a month as the country faces heightened US pressure. ... The Cuban government announced late on Thursday plans to pardon 2,010 prisoners as a humanitarian gesture to mark Holy Week. The announcement came days after Donald Trump eased a de facto oil blockade of Cuba by allowing a Russian tanker to deliver crude oil to the nation. The Trump administration has called for change in communist-run Cubas system of government, and the US president has mused about taking the island. Releasing political prisoners has long been a core US demand in Cuba, and the two sides have held talks recently, with Havana promising last month to release dozens of individuals.

One problem: The guys released were killers, bank robbers, thieves, rapists, fraudsters, and other criminals. Not one was a political prisoner. Cuba holds at least 1,200 political prisoners (probably more) and not a single dissident among them made the cut.

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So what they've really done, as they reap accolates from the West for their changed ways, is effectively gone Soros on the Cuban public, unleashing thugs and criminals onto them to rob them of what few belongings they have, and perhaps enable the state to control them, as Hugo Chavez once unleashed criminals onto Venezuela to do, or else free them to make the illegal journey to the U.S. for similar activities.

Progress this is not.

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In the communist state, they've always got room for political prisoners, and anyone whose art projects, songs, protest signs, or bloggings would challenge the state. Everyone else, no matter how heinous their crimes, can go free, because at heart, they don't really care if the public is beset by criminals. They are solely concerned with those who promote freedom.

What's going on here is the Cuban regime pulling another fast one on the global audience, and probably trying to fool the Vatican, which reportedly had a hand in this, as well as the Trump administration, in exchange for favors. They'd like everyone to know what good will they have. I have no doubt Secretary of State Marco Rubio won't be fooled, but the Vatican might, as might some of those around Trump. They shouldn't be. Communist regimes are always going to communist and this sleight-of-hand has been going on for a long time with them. They are just trying to pull the wool over the world's eyes to persuade them that they're a really merciful bunch that has changed its horrible ways. They haven't. The Trump administration needs to tell them 'not good enough' and describe plans for their next real estate hotel development in Havana that will come with a takeover.

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Image: Pixabay // Pixabay License
By April 1945, VP Harry Truman had been on the job for a couple of months when he learned that President Roosevelt suddenly died. He rushed to the White House and received the news from Mrs. Roosevelt. It must have been quite a meeting.

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We remember President Truman as a man who faced many challenges and met them well: the two bombs against Japan that ended the war, economic and military aid to Turkey and Greece, the Berlin airlift (the candy bombers), the creation of NATO to resist Soviet expansion, and the war in Korea.

Another one of those challenges was the Marshall Plan, announced this week in 1948:

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When World War II ended in 1945, Europe lay in ruins: its cities were shattered; its economies were devastated; its people faced famine. In the two years after the war, the Soviet Unions control of Eastern Europe and the vulnerability of Western European countries to Soviet expansionism heightened the sense of crisis. To meet this emergency, Secretary of State George Marshall proposed in a speech at Harvard University on June 5, 1947, that European nations create a plan for their economic reconstruction and that the United States provide economic assistance. Advertisement On December 19, 1947, President Harry Truman sent Congress a message that followed Marshalls ideas to provide economic aid to Europe. Congress overwhelmingly passed the Economic Cooperation Act of 1948, and on April 3, 1948, President Truman signed the act that became known as the Marshall Plan. Over the next four years, Congress appropriated $13.3 billion for European recovery. This aid provided much needed capital and materials that enabled Europeans to rebuild the continents economy. Advertisement For the United States, the Marshall Plan provided markets for American goods, created reliable trading partners, and supported the development of stable democratic governments in Western Europe. Congresss approval of the Marshall Plan signaled an extension of the bipartisanship of World War II into the postwar years.

There were 17 nations that participated or received assistance through the Plan: the UK, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Sweden, Iceland, Ireland, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, Turkey, and West Germany.

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To say the least, the plan saved Europe. Most countries were devastated and vulnerable to communist intervention. The Plan, plus the U.S.s commitment to defend European borders, gave Europe the time to get back on its feet.

It was a massive effort to rebuild Europe and followed by NATO, or the alliance to protect the continent from Warsaw Pact tanks. My guess is that the old generation appreciated that, but the new one doesnt know or doesnt care. Or maybe new arrivals replacing childless Europeans just want to create a new Europe, or one totally unaware of what the U.S. did and continues to do.

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P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

Image: Public domain.
For a couple of days, Ive been contemplating a New York Post report about New York Governor Kathy Hochuls apparent willingness to saddle New York, a state already drowning in debt, with another $1.5 billion in obligations. How in the world could she be so fiscally irresponsible? However, having read Mike McDaniels essay about blue state insolvency, I finally understand whats going on: She knows (or, at least, assumes) that the bill will never come due.

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Heres what the New York Post reported:

Gov. Kathy Hochul is weighing a possible deal with a top union to allow public workers from teachers to nurses hired after 2012 to retire at 55  part of a proposal that would cost taxpayers a whopping $1.5 billion, sources said. Advertisement The retirement age for workers with the New York AFL-CIO who were hired in the past 14 years is currently 62. The potential fat pork pact involves more than a billion dollars in sweetened pension moves for the unionized public employees. Advertisement [snip] Legislative leaders are being kept in the wings of the talks  which could be folded into the state budget package and lead to taxpayers footing billions of dollars in bills. Advertisement [snip] The lower-retirement-age portion of the plan would cost an estimated $835.9 million, sources said. Advertisement The lowering of employees paycheck contributions to the pension fund would run $593 million, they said. The additional costs would be handed down to school districts and local governments, including New York City, which could be left with $328 million in additional costs. Advertisement

What?!

Its not as if New York has a massive budget surplus and can afford to throw money around. As Mikes essay makes plain, New York is effectively broke: The best estimate for the entire statelocal and stateis $798 billion. Thats the highest per capita in the nation. In other words, each man, woman, and child in New York needs to cough up around $40,700 to pay off the debt as it stands today.

Perhaps, I thought to myself, Hochul is all in on the classic Cloward-Piven strategy: That is, break the economy through massive overspending, which will then make socialism the only possible option. But, honestly, Hochul doesnt strike me as a radical. She strikes me as someone who will do anything for power, rather than being a true ideologue.

In this case, anything for power almost certainly means buying union support and kicking the financial can down the road, making it someone elses problem. Its unprincipled, but its a tried-and-true political strategy.

Or maybe Hochuls just crazy. Maybe Albany has become such a warped leftist bubble that money means nothing anymore. Its all just magical paper and computer bytes. Thats entirely possible. Its not her money, and more always seems to roll in from beleaguered taxpayers.

Another possible cause of her planned profligacy is that ones sense of moneys value changes when theres lots of money around. As someone once pointed out to me when I said it seemed immoral to me for a very rich man to throw away $10,000 on one spin of the roulette wheel at Vegas, a starving man would say it was immoral for me to throw away $10 on a ring toss at a state fair.

None of those ideas seemed right, though. Then I read Mikes essay, and it clicked: If Hochuls crazy, shes crazy like a fox. Shes willing to assume this debt, and any other debt that will keep Democrats in power in the Empire State, because shes assuming the bill will never come due. New York State is too big to fail. After all, back in the mid-1970s, even though Gerald Ford initially resisted, the feds bailed out a bankrupt New York City. Why wouldnt it bail out the whole state?

Im actually not sure what happens when a state government in a federal system fails, but Ill tell you this: Im willing to find out. Feckless blue states shouldnt be allowed to impose the rotten fruits of their insane spending on fiscally responsible red states that not only hate the out-of-control spending, but also hate what that money funded, everything from illegal immigration to sex change operations for children to drag queens in school to the homeless industrial complex.

We Americans had better vote Republican in Novemberand more than that, with primaries coming up, wed better find the most fiscally responsible Republican running for a given seat. Unless we make sure the days of spineless RINOS end, were all going to find ourselves drowning in blue state debt.

Image created using AI.
First, I got an early start on No Kings Day, staying up late the night before to watch Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert so Id know that to think.

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That morning, I drove over to where we were supposed to meet for the big march, and I passed a cop driving in his patrol car going the other way, and I didnt even wave. Sick burn! I bet hes still fuming over that, and it was the perfect way to get the day started by signaling that the Resistance is about to get real.

Parking was tough! Im thinking the Volvo and Audi dealerships must have had a special sale for us protesters, because the parking lots looked like there might be a PTA meeting on the Hamptons going on.

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At the assembly point, I helped an old lady tape an I Punch Fascists sign on the front of her walker. And then this guy wearing a George McGovern for President t-shirt discovered hed dropped his inhaler, and we all had to look around to find it before we could get started marching to fight the monarchy.

I walked down toward the intersection to cross the street to get to Starbucks because I am not ready to confront Trumps tyranny if Im not riding the bean, but then I remembered that crosswalks are a tool of The System to keep us confined and controlled, and so I totally just jaywalked right in the middle of the block. Seriously. I know now what that guy in front of the tanks at that square in China must have felt. Im pretty sure I saw a sniper up on a rooftop pointing a fully automatic thousand-bullet-magazine assault rifle in my direction, so I was putting my life in danger, but as Chairman Mao said, extremism in the service of virtue is no vice.

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I made it to the Starbucks and ordered my daily full-caf ristretto with almond milk and two pumps of mocha. When the barista asked for a name, I said, Trumptard, but she said she couldnt do that, so I wrote it myself on the sleeve. The FBIs probably opened a file on me for that.

Chanting! So much chanting! One guy next to me was yelling, Hell no, we wont go!, and I wasnt sure where he wasnt going to go, but it was so cool the way it rhymed. And then this woman started screaming about Tricky Dick, who I think is a West Coast rapper, but if he was there, I didnt see him. In fact, I didnt see any black people at all. No wonder. Im sure there were undercover ICE agents all over the place rounding up anyone of color and sending them to Uganda or Ulster or one of those countries in Africa.

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A couple of people with microphones came up to me while we were marching and tried to ask me questions about why I was there, but wed been warned not to express any of our own ideas, because why have a protest march if youre just going to debate stuff?

There were some people protesting our protest. One crush-queen showed up with a sign that claimed that big oligarchs like George Soros and the Tides Foundation had footed the bill for our whole No Kings protests with nearly 500 million dollars, which was a lie, since it was clear that all those sound systems and stages and prefabricated signs were paid for by the little people like me. People can be so gullible.

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As for my fellow protesters, its been my experience that any time there are lots of nose rings, body odor, and hair colors inspired by a bowl of Froot Loops, youre hanging with some serious political bros. And the furries! All those costumes and inflatables let everyone know we werent just fooling around. Its simple: If youre parading around in an inflatable frog costume, its a sure sign youve won on the intellectual battlefield.

Before the march, I was actually pretty worried about the prospect of a king taking over the country and being an authoritarian dictator. But you know, surrounded by all those inflatable unicorns and T-Rexes and bunnies, I realized that as long as we can stick with these demonstrations of where the American people truly stand, were in really good hands. Or hooves. Or claws. Or paws. Or whatever.

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Image via Pexels.
Its a pretty rare post that garners over two million views in just a couple of hours, but Marco Rubio did it with a tweet he published today. His message was simple: Hes kicked out Qasem Soleimanis niece and grandniece, who have been living in America while spouting pro-Iranian, anti-American rhetoric. This should be a no-brainer, but in America, for too long, it hasnt been:

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Heres the tweet:

Until recently, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were green card holders living lavishly in the United States.



Afshar is the niece of deceased Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani. She is also an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on  Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 4, 2026

Picking up at the ellipses:

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... Americans and referred to our country as the "Great Satan." This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter's legal status and they are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States. Advertisement The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.

The State Department press release that Rubio links to his tweet expands on Afshars activities:

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While living in the United States, she promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against American soldiers and military facilities in the Middle East, praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced America as the Great Satan, and voiced her unflinching support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated terror organization. Afshar Soleimani pushed this propaganda for Irans terrorist regime while enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles, as attested to by her frequent posting on her recently deleted Instagram account.

The same press release reminds us that Rubios State Department also deported two other Iranian regime insiders:

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Earlier this month, Secretary Rubio also terminated the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Larijani, and her husband Seyed Kalantar Motamedi. Both Ardeshir-Larijani and Motamedi are no longer in the United States and are barred from future entry.

To appreciate how sensible this is, imagine if Heinrich Himmlers niece and grand-niece or Hermann Gorings daughter and son-in-law lived here during World War II and were constantly spouting pro-Nazi propaganda, calling America an evil, mongrel nation, and celebrating each American death in battle. Its almost too laughable even to imagine.

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Normal nations may provide refuge to family members who have turned against a famed relatives evil ideology. They dont host family members who are major mouthpieces for that same ideology, especially during a time of war.

There are several examples, with the most famous being Svetlana Alliluyeva, Stalins daughter. In 1966, while visiting India to scatter her Indian partners ashes, a man the Soviet authorities refused to let her marry, she walked into the U.S. Embassy and asked for asylum. It was quite the Cold War coup. Over the years, while she never fell in love with America, Alliluyeva was a harsh critic of the Soviet system and emphasized individual liberty.

Then theres Alina Fernandez, Fidel Castros daughter. She fled Cuba in 1993 and settled in Miami. She, like the rest of Floridas Cuban ex-patriot community, has been outspokenly critical of the Cuban regime and is very pro-American.

Other relatives of despotic dictators have settled in the West. Hussein Kamel, who was Saddams son-in-law, defected to the West and helped fight the regime. Noor bin Laden, one of Osama bin Ladens relatives, is famously pro-Western and pro-American. Kim Jong-nam, a member of North Koreas ruling family, escaped and is critical of North Koreas dictatorship.

But for some reason, we took in Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, who loathes America and shills for Iran, which has been a major geopolitical enemy since 1979. What kind of verkakte country are we to host our enemies anti-American children?

What makes Marco Rubio a fantastic Secretary of State is that hes not cowed by the leftist establishment. The fact that the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, or any of those other Democrat outlets will be upset that he cast out someone who was, they will surely claim, just exercising freedom of speech, doesnt bother him. He recognizes when something is a danger to Americasomething he has the legal authority to fixand he acts.

I have to say, my informal polling of every conservative I meet always yields the same answer to this question: What do you think of Marco Rubio? Hes great.

YouTube screen grab (cropped).
For all his lightweight intellect and vanity-oriented preoccupations, Rep. Eric Swalwell is a very angry man.

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He's put out this threat to FBI agents who investigated his romance with a communist Chinese honeypot trapper and those who would release those files to the public as he runs for governor of California, saying he's got friends in Congress who will come to get them if they don't "come forward" as if they were guilty culprits:

Swalwell is now threatening to haul FBI agents who dont come forward right now before congress if Democrats retake the House:



To the FBI agents who are being asked to break the law every single day. What we want to make clear, and I know this comes from Jamie Raskin and pic.twitter.com/1BmREOMsVN  Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) April 3, 2026

Which doesn't even sound legal. We all know what Swalwell is talking about as he rages against 'weaponization of government.' He's talking about his FBI Fang Fang files, which he's filed a lawsuit to prevent release of, claiming exactly that.

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Those files would reveal much about his lovelorn affair with a comely red Chinese secret agent who had an unusual interest in him, both as he ran for Congress, and then as he sat on the House intelligence committee, flattering his ego, raising cash for him, helping him pick his staff, something he thought was a function of his virility rather than access to his information and power.

He's talking about himself while pretending he's a noble guy with concern about some generalized weaponization of government instead of himself. He's the one weaponizing government as if Democrats hadn't set the standard for that, when they prosecuted President Trump with six cases, all of them on flimsy or even invented premises that mostly failed to hold up in court and all of which were intended to prevent President Trump from running for office. Yet the more they prosecuted, the higher Trump's poll numbers went.

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The same cannot be said for Swalwell, who is hovering in low single digits in the polls as he runs for governor, with many polls showing two Republicans ahead of him. He's not rising in the polls as news comes out about what's in the files about his love affair with a Chinese spy. That's because something really happened, there was a bona fide relationship with with a Chinese spy, and his vehemence about the matter suggests he's got something to hide. When the original news came out, he claimed he was just naive, led around by his little head, but his resistence to the file release suggests a much uglier picture.

Here's another legal problem for Swalwell, analyzed well by Fox News host Elizabeth MacDonald:

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NEWS Eric Swalwells new and prior financial disclosures show a mix of questionable charges to his campaign, and dubious tax and cash management strategies amid signs of a cash crunch worsened by overspending on a high-flying lifestyle. Swalwell runs a high-earning $461K  Elizabeth MacDonald (@LizMacDonaldFOX) April 4, 2026

There's nothing 'weaponization of government' about this campaign abuse of funds, either, it's the exact same thing that got George Santos thrown out of Congress in a move led by Democrats. Once again, this is Democrats setting the standard, not 'weaponization of government.' What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander or we don't have rule of law applicable to all.

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His persistence in this is pretty amazing. Hasn't Swalwell called for transparency in all things, notably the Epstein files? Is he hiding something about his relationship to Fang Fang, which oddly enough, ended with her being tipped off, by someone, we don't know who, to flee the country to avoid arrest on espionage charges? Why is it so important to him that the voters not know?

It almost seems illegal. Threatening lawmen in the course of their duties, instead of directing one's anger at one's actual political enemy is interference with the executive branch, and there's nothing illegal about federal agents releasing their files or other work product, which taxpayers have paid for, if it's in the public interest ahead of an election.

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I would say that involvement with a Chinese spy fits that category and the public has a right to know, so as to make a judgment about whether his loyalties are where they should be, as he seeks to lead an American state.

In any case, it's vicious, a threat, a vow to 'destroy' those who are doing their jobs to make America safe from foreign predators, along with a mafia-like vow "to protect" those who take his political side. He's got friends, he says, in communist-born Jamie Raskin of Maryland and far-left Robert Garcia, and one hand washes the other. They'll do as he tells them.

It's gross, a repulsive inversion of democracy and an utterly wrong interference with the work of government. The FBI, after all, has not been charged with anything, yet somehow they have to 'come forward' to protect Swalwell instead of the public as Swalwell seeks to leverage an expected Democrat victory in Congress to his own advantage.

The whole picture is vile. He should be run out of Congress on matters like these and certainly should never become the state of California's governor. He is temperamentally substandard and completely unfit for any office or position of power.

Image: Screenshot from X video.
As NATO refuses to help the U.S. make the world safer, Trump is questioning the value, and as with everything, Trump is being lectured for doing so.

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When Russia invaded and took over Crimea in 2014, NATO and the U.S. essentially did nothing. The media also didnt care. Russia still controls Crimea.

The Obama and Biden administrations, along with European countries and the UN, worked very hard to build up the finances of Iran so it could build more weapons and give massive financial support to terrorist organizations.

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The Biden administration, along with European countries, worked very hard to destroy oil, coal, and natural gas companies, which Russia and Iran greatly appreciated because that kept prices high to support invasions and terrorism.

It was not appreciated when Trump properly asked NATO countries to contribute more to their own defense.

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Trump was laughed at when he told NATO members that they were nuts to rely on Russia for so much of their energy needs.

Trump put severe sanctions on the Russian pipeline to Germany, and Biden took the sanctions off, but the media and other Democrats accused Trump of being a Putin puppet.

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Putin amassed an estimated 100,000-plus troops around the Ukraine border in the lead-up to their invasion, and Biden and NATO did nothing, just like a deer in headlights. Biden famously said to Putin that a small invasion would be OK.

And now, after almost 47 years of Irans war against the world, Trump and Israel are trying to save the world. Trump asked NATO countries for a little help, and they basically said, "Shove it. That is not our problem." And somehow Trump is the problem for even questioning the alliance.

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I can imagine Taiwan watching this and wondering if NATO countries or Democrats would help or care if China invaded them. My guess is they would say that is just too dangerous for us to help.

I can imagine China watching and thinking that anything would be a cakewalk if Trump were out of the way.

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Why does anyone look at the relatively safe situation for NATO countries to help in Iran right now and believe they would be there to help the U.S. if, heaven forbid, we were attacked by China or Russia?

I would certainly trust Trump to help anyone compared to Macron and Starmer.

But everyone should remember: no matter what good Trump does for the U.S. or the world, he will be called the controversial and dangerous one.

Image created using AI.
No dog deserves to find themselves alone in an animal shelter, but that's the heartbreaking reality for thousands of pups across the country. In some cases, it's not even the first time that a dog has called a shelter home, either. Too many pups like 10-year-old Trixie have been adopted just to be returned later.

When Providence Animal Center volunteer @giana_sabatino first met Trixie, the tiny senior dog was overwhelmed and confused about being back in the shelter. Who wouldn't be? She spent five years loving her family, just for them to drop her off somewhere noisy and isolating after she began to lose her sight and hearing. Every day, she feels a bit better, but Trixie is hoping that someone near Media, Pennsylvania, can give her a forever home.

What a little angel! Poor Trixie looks heartbroken and confused about being back in the shelter, and no one can blame her one bit. Still, it's a relief to know that someone's looking out for her until she finds a real forever home.

Understandably, viewers were upset to learn it was this shelter dog's second time needing adoption. One commenter admitted, "I will never understand this." Adopting a dog is a years-long commitment, but some pet parents don't fulfill their side of the bargain.

Related: 15-Year-Old Shelter Dog Couldn't Be Sweeter Despite Being Abandoned and Betrayed

We don't know the whole story surrounding Trixie's surrender, but we do know that she needs a forever home ASAP. The animal shelter is no place for a delicate flower like her! This sweet old girl deserves a patient, quiet family who can help her live her golden years in luxury.

The good news is that several commenters expressed interest in adopting her, but the bad news is that she isn't quite ready to go home yet. Gianna explained, "She is still currently unavailable due to some medical issues," but anyone who's interested in being notified of her adoption status can contact Providence Animal Center through their website or phone.

Rescuing Senior Dogs

Whoever adopts this tiny rescue dog is going to hit the jackpot. Senior dogs are so full of love and authenticity, and they know how to make the most of every moment. To an old dog, something as simple as a nap in the sunshine can feel like a treat!

Even so, rescuing a senior dog can have its challenges, too. It can take weeks or even months before a rescue dog feels comfortable enough to show their truest colors, but a little love and trust can also go a long way. It's only a matter of time until Trixie feels ready to trust again, too!



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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.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Vice-Adml Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt (centre), pictured with the Princess Royal in September 2025 - Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had a physical altercation with one of Elizabeth IIs most senior aides, it has been claimed.

The former Duke of York was accused of lashing out at Vice-Adml Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt, master of the household, allegedly because he could not accommodate a Pitch@Palace event at Buckingham Palace.

His behaviour was considered so concerning that Prince Philip, his late father, reportedly felt obliged to write a letter of apology to Sir Tony.

It was a routine household matter, a senior member of staff told Robert Hardman, a royal author. The Duke wanted to have a reception, and there wasnt any room. It was as simple as that.

Tony said hed have to wait his turn like anybody else, and the Duke went for him.

According to Mr Hardman, it was not just an outburst of expletives and a jab of a finger but what one member of staff described as a kinetic blow, which caused astonishment in the royal household.

The alleged incident is described in Mr Hardmans latest book, Elizabeth II, which is being serialised in the Daily Mail.

Sir Tony has been master of the household since 2013 and remains in the position working for the King.

The retired naval officer was among the senior members of staff who led the ceremonial procession out of Buckingham Palace during the late Queens funeral in September 2022, performing one last duty for the boss.

His department handles official and private entertaining across all the royal residences, running teams that span hospitality, catering and housekeeping, from florists and upholsterers to specialist craftspeople and caterers.

Former Duke was unapologetic

Sir Tony is said to have reported the altercation with the former Duke to the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Peel, who raised it with the then Prince Charles, who in turn spoke to his brother.

The Lord Chamberlain then received a call from an unapologetic Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who is alleged to have said: I gather youve been calling people and causing problems.

Mr Hardman also describes a different incident in Windsor, when grooms from the Royal Mews had been riding some of the late Queens horses on the estate.

One had waved a firm hand at an approaching car which was revving its engine aggressively, he writes.

It pulled alongside and, through the window, the Duke of York bellowed at her: Who the f--- do you think you are?

The former Duke is said to have demanded her name before taking it up with the late Queen in person.

Late Queen very down over resignation letter

The book also describes the cold fury within the royal household that the former Duke had gone against all internal advice to record the infamous 2019 Newsnight interview in the palace.

Everyone in his office had been told that this should not happen, a senior aide was quoted as saying.

Lord Peel added: The Duke had an overriding belief that he was better than the rest of us. His self-confidence and entitlement was off the scale.

When it came to drafting Mr Mountbatten-Windsors subsequent letter of resignation, the late Queen was said to be very, very down.

A source told Hardman it was the worst moment that they could recall for the late Queen. She was very stoical, they said. She understood the need. But it was very, very painful.

Royal staff were said to be angry that the interview took place within the palace - Mark Harrison/BBC

In her final years, the monarch was said to have realised that her second son could no longer continue to live at Royal Lodge, his Windsor home.

She wanted him to relocate to Frogmore Cottage, the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs former home, so that Prince William and his family could move into Royal Lodge.

I remember the Queen looked out of the window and said: Andrew to Frogmore and William to Royal Lodge. That was the plan, Mr Hardman quotes a source as saying.

However, Prince William preferred the more modest Adelaide Cottage, which at the time was occupied by the late Queens cousin, Simon Rhodes, a great-nephew of the Queen Mother.

When Mr Rhodes was informed that the Duchess of Cambridge and her mother would like to come round with a tape measure, he was said to have realised that his days were numbered. It also meant a stay of eviction for the Duke of York, Mr Hardman noted.

Epstein mocked Andrew behind his back

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has long had a reputation for allegedly ill-treating staff.

There have been multiple accounts of him screaming and shouting at aides and royal protection officers if his wishes were not fulfilled.

He is said to have banished one aide because he couldnt bear to look at a mole on his face, and arranged to remove another member of his staff because he was wearing a nylon tie.

According to Andrew Lownie, an author, royal staff were instructed to bow to Andrew any time he entered a room. When anyone forgot, he would allegedly say, Lets try that again, before leaving the room, only to walk back in again.

Elsewhere, Mr Hardman alleges that Jeffrey Epstein would mock Mr Mountbatten-Windsor behind his back.

He quotes a source as saying: Jeffrey used to make fun of Andrew and say how dumb he was.

He told me he was taking Andrew on the planes to meet these dictators and do business deals. Andrew would mean they would get into receptions and meet people, and Jeffrey would do a deal, and he said he gave Andrew a cut.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsors office has been contacted for comment.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said it did not comment on books.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, is set to deliver a powerful plea for peace in the Middle East during her inaugural Easter sermon as the Church of England's most senior bishop.

Speaking from Canterbury Cathedral on Easter Sunday, she will call with renewed urgency for an end to the escalating violence and destruction in the region.

Her intervention comes as the conflict, initiated by the US and Israel against Iran in late February, enters its sixth week. The war has already claimed thousands of lives and triggered significant global repercussions, including a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, leading to soaring fuel prices worldwide.

Dame Sarah is expected to pray that all people of the region receive the peace, justice and freedom they long for.

She will tell the cathedrals congregation: This week our gaze and our prayers have been turned towards the land where Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead.

Today, as we shout with joy that Christ is risen, let us pray and call with renewed urgency for an end to the violence and destruction in the Middle East and the Gulf.

May our Christian sisters and brothers know and celebrate the hope of the empty tomb  and may all people of the region receive the peace, justice and freedom they long for.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Dame Sarah is also expected to pray for people dealing with personal struggles, from unemployment to bereavement, telling them God walks with you through that darkness.

She will say: Perhaps you are here today standing in your own version of the dark, perhaps with your own heart shattered. If you have been knocked off course by illness, bereavement, unemployment or any other human crisis  I pray you know that God walks with you through that darkness.

Dame Sarah, a former chief nurse in England, will also give special mention to those caring for others in society.

She will say: Last night, in hospitals around the country, nurses tended to those who struggled to sleep.

In hospices, carers and loved ones will have held someones hand, letting them know they are not alone. Parents will have cradled their babies to sleep. This vigil of care is the work of remaining  of staying present in the quiet and the dark.

While the King is technically head of the Church, Dame Sarah is the most senior bishop and the spiritual leader of the Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion.

She is the Churchs first female Archbishop of Canterbury after being enthroned at a ceremony attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales last month.
Taylor Chip. founded in 2018 by married couple Doug and Sara Taylor, is closing all of its locations after filing for bankruptcy in February (Facebook/Taylor Chip)

Taylor Chip, the Pennsylvania-based cookie company that once saw rapid growth, is now shutting down all of its locations after a bankruptcy reorganization effort ultimately fell short.

Married founders Doug and Sara Taylor announced the decision Thursday, saying it came after years of trying to keep the business afloat. What began as a simple date-night pursuit to perfect a chocolate chip cookie grew into a widely recognized brand known for its oversized treats and inventive flavors, such as Lava Cake and Salted Caramel Pretzel.

This is very difficult to write, but this is something we've prayed over and put off saying for as long as we could, the couple shared in a social media post announcing the closure.

Over time, Taylor Chip expanded into new markets, including Philadelphia, but that rapid growth, combined with operational challenges, ultimately contributed to the companys downfall.

For now, the company will continue limited operations as it winds down. Nationwide shipping will remain available for orders placed by 9 a.m. on April 8. The Manheim Pike location will keep regular hours through the week before shifting to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting Monday. The York store will close after April 4, while the Hershey location will close on April 11. The Intercourse location has already closed.

Taylor Chip. founded in 2018 by married couple Doug and Sara Taylor, is closing all of its locations after filing for bankruptcy in February (Facebook/Taylor Chip)

Closing our doors is incredibly hard, the Taylors said. Over the years, so many of you welcomed Taylor Chip into your homes and your lives. You ordered boxes for family movie nights, sent cookies to friends who needed a pick-me-up, celebrated milestones, and made us part of moments we will never forget.

The couple pointed to a devastating setback that significantly impacted the business: the hacking of their Facebook account and advertising profile. According to the Taylors, the breach wiped out 150,000 followers and millions of views overnightan especially damaging blow for a small, bootstrapped company that relied heavily on its online presence.

For the last 2.5 years, we were trying to claw our way back, they said. We pulled from our own personal savings just to keep making payroll because we weren't ready to give up on this team, our customers, or ourselves. But month after month, things continued to get harder, which led us to this very, very difficult decision.

The closure follows years of mounting financial pressure tied to rising costs and operational delays. In February, Taylor Chip filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced plans to close its two Philadelphia locations to stabilize operations and restructure the business.

The filing showed that the company owed over $2.5 million but had only about $400,000 in assets, leaving it with insufficient funds to cover its debts, according to documents obtained by local news station WHP.

At the time, the founders said that the move was intended to give the company a path forward.

Chapter 11 is often misunderstood. It does not mean we're going away. It means we're restructuring so the business can survive and grow stronger, they said in an earlier statement. We had to make the difficult decision to close stores in order to even have the opportunity to build a future. This decision wasn't easy, but it was necessary.
Champagne-clutching Cambridge bow Simon Hatcher wanted to win the mens Boat Race by the curvature of the earth but by the finish was simply satisfied to beat both Oxford and Mother Nature.

Heavy favourites Cambridge made it four straight victories on Saturday, beating underdogs Oxford by three and a half lengths on a blustery afternoon on the Thames, where wind gusts were predicted to reach 38 miles per hour.

It made for sea-like conditions in some sections, with both crews electing to take the relatively rare step of risking added weight by employing electric pumps to displace any water the boats were likely to take on.

The conditions tend to make equals of us all, said Hatcher, an American PhD student in engineering, when asked about the small margin between the rivals in the opening stages.

A lot can happen thats unexpected when the conditions rear up like that. We handled it well enough to get our bow well enough ahead at the end. Whether the margin would have held on a flatter day, well never know.

I mentioned before that I wanted to win by the curvature of the earth. We might not have won by the curvature of the earth, but we got the bow well ahead and I think thats the most important thing.

Hatchers word for the conditions was brutal, adding, when asked about the especially punishing white-capped section at Chiswick, in those moments youre blown to a halt, essentially, by the wind.

Conditions were difficult on the Thames (Andrew Matthews/PA) (Andrew Matthews)

Cambridge entered the 171st mens edition of the Boat Race unbeaten this season, but Oxford held them to just a narrow lead at the start  less than four seconds at Mile Post  before the light blue boat pulled ahead at the midway point and crossed the finish with a lead of just over 11 seconds.

Its just the greatest feeling in the world, Hatcher added. You put so much time into a campaign like this, and you really become brothers with every person in your boat and every person in the club, to deliver like that and to be a part of history.

Its just everything. Its everything you hope for, and regardless of the margin or anything, its the greatest feeling ever.

Cambridges win takes the mens head-to-head record to 89-81 in favour of Saturdays victors.
File photo of a Chinese flag on a street near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing taken on March 4, 2026.

A Frenchman sentenced to death in China in 2010 for drug trafficking has been executed, France's foreign ministry announced on Saturday.

Chan Thao Phoumy, a 62-year-old Frenchman born in Laos, was executed, "despite the efforts of the French authorities, including efforts to obtain a pardon on humanitarian grounds for our compatriot", said a ministry statement.

His defence team did not get access to the final court hearing, in violations of his rights, the ministry added. The sentence was carried out in Guangzhou the south of the country.

The ministry reaffirmed France's opposition to the death penalty "everywhere and in all circumstances" and called for "its universal abolition."

China's foreign ministry did not comment on the specifics of the case when asked on Sunday about the execution.

"Cracking down on drug-related crime is a shared responsibility of all countries," a statement provided to AFP said.

China "treats defendants of different nationalities equally, handles cases strictly and fairly in accordance with the law and protects the lawful rights and treatment of the parties involved", it said.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Children rest in a tent in a temporary encampment for displaced people after an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the war. Photograph: Yara Nardi/Reuters (Photograph: Yara Nardi/Reuters)

Millions of children have been plunged into crisis by the war in the Middle East, with reports of child soldiers in Iran, mass forced displacements in Lebanon and the killing of hundreds of minors.

According to the UN agency for children, Unicef, more than 340 children have been killed and thousands injured since the US and Israel launched their attacks on Iran, which has retaliated with bombings across the region.

The highest reported child casualty event occurred on the first day of the war when a US missile strike on a school in Iran killed at least 160 children and teachers.

Israels invasion of Lebanon  and its continued attacks in the occupied West Bank and Gaza  have compounded the bloodshed. Across the region, more than 1.2 million children have been displaced.

Children in the region are being exposed to horrific violence, while the very systems and services meant to keep them safe are coming under attack, said Unicefs executive director, Catherine Russell.

Following are some of the ways the war has affected children.

Forced displacement in Lebanon

More than 1.1 million people, including nearly 400,000 children, have been forced to flee their homes by Israeli bombing and displacement orders in Lebanon, according to a Unicef assessment. Nearly 90% of that total are living outside shelters, with many sleeping in the street.

Nidal Ahmed, 52, and two of his children are living in a tent in an impromptu encampment with hundreds of other families in Biel, Beiruts nightclub district. This is Ahmeds second displacement  his home in Tyre was destroyed in an airstrike on the second day of the Israel-Hezbollah war, and his brothers home in the southern suburbs of Beirut was ordered to be emptied by Israel days after he had fled there.

Its 5pm and we havent had anything to eat today, Ahmed said, his eight-month-old daughter, Zahraa, sitting in a stained onesie in front of him. Weve only been able to give the kids tea and some bread. Its not suitable for a child this young to eat bread, but what can we do? he said, gesturing to some crumbs of old flatbread Zahraa had been chewing on.

After a month of displacement, Ahmed has run out of money to feed his children. He relies on local organisations which show up irregularly, distributing one meal on most, but not all, days.

The conditions of their displacement are humiliating, Ahmed said, pointing to the tent he has erected for him and his children, the blue tarpaulin hastily thrown over a wooden frame and pinned down with rocks. I tried to cover it to protect us from the rain, but we wake up every morning with our mattresses soaked.

As his three-year-old son, Ahmad, plays with another child in a vacant lot, Ahmad says he gets to shower once a week, on Fridays, when his father drives them 30 minutes to the house of a friend, who allows them to use the bathroom. For their more immediate needs, there is one bathroom for hundreds of families, who wait in line for half an hour for a chance to use the toilet, which has no running water.

Unicefs representative to Lebanon, Marcoluigi Corsi, warned last month that displacement would have lasting effects on the children. This relentless cycle of bombardment and displacement is severely compounding their psychological scars, embedding deep-seated fear and threatening profound, long-term emotional harm, said Corsi.

Ahmed said he has already seen some of these effects in his own children. When Israeli jets break the sound barrier or bomb Beirut, his son starts to run, trying to hide from a bomb he thinks will land on him.

Ahmed himself is exhausted. He had to leave his wife and 17-year-old daughter in the hospital in Tyre after they were injured in the bombing of their house. He shows a picture of his comatose wife in a hospital bed, counting her ailments: Skull fractured in 33 places, internal bleeding, spinal injuries.

They say she wont make it, Ahmed said, looking at his children. The children are kept busy now, theyre playing. But when they come home and dont find their mother there, it will be a disaster.

Deaths, injuries and mourning in Palestine

Despite a ceasefire which is now more than five months old, health officials in Gaza say at least 50 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the Iran conflict began more than a month ago. The number of child fatalities is unclear but on 29 March Israeli airstrikes on checkpoints killed at least six Palestinians, including a girl, according to local rescue services.

The Gaza Strip has not recovered from 23 months of Israeli bombardment, which killed tens of thousands of people and destroyed hospitals and schools in what a UN investigation found to be a genocide. Up until October last year, an average of at least one Palestinian child was being killed every hour. The number of children killed by Israeli forces in its war on Gaza surpassed 20,000 late last year, according to Save the Children.

While the Iran war did not open a new front in Gaza, it has deepened insecurity and resulted in an intensification of ongoing Israeli military operations.

Closures and movement restrictions in Gaza triggered by the escalation have disrupted access to basic services, and forced some schools to close. Crossings into Gaza were shut for the first few days of the war, blocking humanitarian aid and commercial goods.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli settlers and security forces have escalated their violence against Palestinians since the start of the Iran war, killing at least three children. On 15 March, Israeli police shot dead two young Palestinian brothers and their parents in Tamoun, firing at the familys car as they returned from a Ramadan shopping trip.

Mohammed, five, and Othman, seven  who was blind and had special needs  were killed alongside their mother, Waad Bani Odeh, 35, and father, Ali Bani Odeh, 37. Two other brothers survived. Khaled, 11, later said he had heard his mother crying and his father praying before they died. After the shooting, he said Israeli border police dragged him from the wreckage, taunted him and beat him. One officer told him: We killed dogs, Khaled said.

In Israel, at least four children have been killed by retaliatory Iranian missiles. One of the worst attacks occurred on 1 March, when an Iranian missile rocked the central Israeli city of Beit Shemesh.

No excuse: Children as young as 12 guard checkpoints in Iran

Reports of children as young as 12 being used by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to guard security checkpoints have raised the alarm on the use of child soldiers.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report at the end of March saying the IRGC was conducting a campaign to recruit children to volunteer as homeland defending combatants.

On 26 March, a IRGC official in Tehran said a campaign to enlist civilians, called Homeland Defending Combatants for Iran, had set the minimum age at 12.

The poster for the recruitment drive features a boy and a girl alongside two adults, including a man in a military uniform.

The New York-based HRW said the military recruitment and use of children was a grave violation of childrens rights and a war crime when the children were under 15.

Bill Van Esveld, the associate childrens rights director at Human Rights Watch, said: There is no excuse for a military recruitment drive that targets children to sign up, much less 12-year-olds. What this boils down to is that Iranian authorities are apparently willing to risk childrens lives for some extra manpower.

An 11-year-old Iranian boy had already reportedly been killed in an Israeli airstrike while at a security checkpoint. Alireza Jafaris mother, Sadaf Monfared, told the municipality-run newspaper Hamshahri that he had been helping patrols and checkpoints run by the Basij, a volunteer militia under the command of the IRGC.

Van Esveld said: The officials involved in this reprehensible policy are putting children at risk of serious and irreversible harm and themselves at risk of criminal liability. Senior leaders who fail to put a stop to this can make no claim to care for Irans children.

Attacks on schools and a loss of education

The US bombing of a primary school in Minab on 28 February killed scores of people, most of them seven- to 12-year-old girls. The strike is the worst mass killing of the US-Israeli war against Iran so far, and has been described by Unesco as a grave violation of international law.

Relentless attacks across the region are destroying and damaging the facilities and infrastructure that children depend on, including hospitals, schools, and water and sanitation systems.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society said 316 medical centres and 763 schools had been severely damaged or destroyed by US-backed Israeli attacks.

These attacks, and the general violence, have shut down education. Save the Children said at least 52 million school-age children have had their education disrupted across the region, moving to online learning or having none at all.

Of the 669 collective shelters in Lebanon, 364 are public schools, according to Unicef. In Israel, schools have been repeatedly closed across much of the country.

Ahmad Alhendawi, the regional director for Middle East and north Africa and eastern Europe at Save the Children, said: In every conflict, classrooms are usually the first to close and some of the last places to reopen. Every missed lesson deepens the scars of war. Not every child can escape the violence or afford to move their learning online; we know that for the most vulnerable children, once they leave school many will never return.

He added: Schools are protected sites and attacks on them could amount to grave breaches of international humanitarian law. The laws of war must be respected.

The psychological toll

The bloodshed and upheaval has exposed children to traumatic events. Prolonged exposure to violence and instability is known to have lasting impacts on brain development, emotional regulation and long-term mental health.

While there has been a near total internet blackout in Iran, satellite TV stations are still beamed in and received. The London-based satellite channel Iran International has started broadcasting a segment between news bulletins that gives advice on how to deal with childrens fears and anxieties.

Every war is a war on children, said Alhendawi. Children are living in fear, caught in the crossfire of this adult war, he said. Wars have laws and children must be off limits in every conflict.
Bath turned to a quartet of their England backs to turn the tide as they edged into the Champions Cup quarter-finals with a 31-22 victory over Saracens.

Trailing 10-0 at the interval at the Recreation Ground, the hosts burst into life with tries from Henry Arundell, Joe Cokanasiga, Ben Spencer and Ollie Lawrence as they set up a last-eight appointment at home against Northampton.

Spencers 59th-minute finish of an audacious attack that began on their own try-line looked to be pivotal but determined Saracens refused to throw in the towel and were only truly beaten when Arundell ran in his second in the 80th minute.

Henry Arundell shone for Bath (David Davies/PA) (David Davies)

Baths scrum needed rescuing after a humbling first half with the introduction of prop Thomas du Toit making the difference and the South Africa tighthead was named man of the match.

Unlike their visit to the Recreation Ground a fortnight ago when they were overwhelmed 62-15, it was clear Saracens meant business from the start as they halted an early Bath onslaught including holding up a forward drive over the line.

Having proved their mettle in defence, they surged ahead in the 14th minute when Charlie Bracken deceived Cokanasiga with a dummy from the base of a maul and raced over.

It was poor defending from Cokanasiga, but at the other end Saracens continued to show far greater determination as the outstanding Tom Willis bulldozed a way through heavy traffic to rescue a dangerous position.

Baths scrum was beginning to buckle and they were also suffering at the breakdown, but the visitors were their own worst enemies at times with Fergus Burke failing to find touch with a penalty.

Saracens dominated the scrum in the first half (David Davies/PA) (David Davies)

Rhys Carre rampaged into space and Noah Caluori almost crossed in the left corner before Guy Pepper was shown a yellow card for cynically heading the ball away on the floor.

So many elements of Saracens game were firing but the points they deserved proved elusive with a Farrell penalty their only other score in a half they had controlled.

To punish their wastefulness, Arundell sprinted across after being released by Charlie Ewels early in the second half and then Cokanasiga scooped up a loose ball to weave over after Lawrence had carried into space.

The tries sandwiched a dramatic reversal in the scrum with Beno Obano sin-binned for a cumulation of penalties before Du Toit forced a penalty, providing Cokanasiga with the platform to score.

Bath led for the first time and then produced the highlight of the afternoon by stopping Saracens from scoring by dislodging the ball from Andy Onyeama-Christie as he ran at the line before striking with a move that began from their own whitewash.

Ben Spencer scores a try for Bath (David Davies/PA) (David Davies)

Cokanasiga escaped the 22, found Alfie Barbeary who waited for Spencer and the England scrum-half had gas to finish from long range.

Maro Itoje and then Ivan van Zyl burst through the breakdown and Saracens were far from done as a period of pressure ended with Max Malins touching down in the left corner.

But Harry Wilson was the next to see yellow for a dangerous tackle on Miles Reid and soon after Lawrence crashed over from close range.

Caluori replied for Saracens, but Bath had the final say at the death through Arundell.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths concerns about losing his job prompted the recent firings of top U.S. Army officials, a new report claims.

Hegseth reportedly forced out Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George this week, along with Gen. David Hodne and Maj. Gen. William Green Jr.

Now, the New York Post reports the defense secretarys paranoia about being replaced by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was behind the ouster.

This is all driven by the insecurity and paranoia that Pete has developed since Signalgate. Unfortunately, it is stoked by some of his closest aides who should be trying to calm the waters, an official told the New York Post.

Hegseth has got a big conflict with Driscoll, a source close to President Donald Trumps administration reportedly said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's 'paranoia' about being replaced was behind the recent ousting of top U.S. Army generals, according to a new report (Getty Images)

And hes been told by the White House he cant fire Driscoll, at least for the moment, the source told the outlet.

[Hegseth] is very concerned about being fired and he knows that Driscoll is one of the top contenders, or a natural contender, to succeed him, they added. So what Pete has been doing is taking anyone he perceives to be close with Driscoll and going after them. And this is the latest and most spectacular [example] of that.

Driscoll was tapped to assist with Ukraine peace talks last year, which helped fuel the apparent conflict between the two men, the report claims.

Its really gotten under Hegseths skin. Hes trying to make everyone around [Driscoll] suffer for no reason, a source told the New York Post.

When reached for comment, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement to The Independent: Secretary Hegseth maintains excellent working relationships with the secretaries of every military service branch, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is focused on his current role, the Pentagon's chief spokesperson said (Getty Images)

Parnell could be a contender to replace Driscoll if he were to leave his role, according to the New York Post.

Still, Parnell is focused on the job he has now, as is Army Secretary Driscoll, a senior department official said in a statement to The Independent.

It wouldnt be out of line to speculate that Sean would be considered as a successor as he is one of the highest profile Army veterans serving at the top of Department right now, but both men are focused on serving the President and doing the job they have now, the official added.

Parnell previously confirmed Georges departure in a statement on X.

General Randy A. George will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately, he wrote Thursday. The Department of War is grateful for General Georges decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement.

This comes after the New York Times reported that Hegseth blocked four Army officers, including two Black people and two women, from being promoted. George and Driscoll had clashed with Hegseth over that decision, according to the outlet.

Several top military leaders have been removed since Trump took office last year. The list includes the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., and the former Defense Intelligence Agency director, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse.

In the wake of Thursdays announcement, several Republican lawmakers were quick to praise George.

Representative Mike Rogers, the chair of the House Armed Services Committee, thanked him for his selfless service to America.

Throughout his long career in service to America, Gen. George has demonstrated his commitment, courage, and leadership. In his time as the Chief of Staff, we made great progress on increasing recruitment, improving efficiency, and modernizing the Army, he said in a statement.

Representative Austin Scott called George an asset to our country who was always putting service before self.

General Randy George is a great general, principled leader, & a committed American. The wisdom of his council comes from his many years of experience and his character as a man, he wrote on X.
Asih returned home on 2 April 2026 (Hayat/Instagram)

An Indonesian grandmother who spent about 15 years on death row in Malaysia for drug trafficking has returned home after receiving clemency, in a case that rights groups say exposes the systematic exploitation of poor migrant women in cross-border drug operations.

Ani Anggraeni  a name her trafficker put on her passport without her knowledge  boarded a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta on Thursday after the governor of Penang granted her a pardon on 19 March, just before Eid al-Fitr.

The grandmother, 66, whose real name is Asih, had never travelled abroad before she was deceived into carrying drugs across borders in 2011.

"I feel like it's unreal, but its real," she told the South China Morning Post. "I can only be grateful to return to Indonesia and meet my family."

Asih left Indonesia in 2011 after a woman named Duwi offered her work as a carer in Malaysia, promising a high salary and covering her accommodation and travel.

But without her knowledge, Duwi falsified Asihs name on her passport and instructed her not to use her real name when travelling, a tactic Hayat, the Kuala Lumpur-based anti-death penalty group that later took up her case, described as a common modus operandi used by human traffickers to deceive immigration authorities.

On arrival in Malaysia, Asih was directed to travel to Vietnam to collect a suitcase and deliver it to Duwis relative in the northern state of Penang. She was arrested at the Penang airport on 21 June 2011 after authorities found 3.87kg of methamphetamine in the bag. A Malaysian court sentenced her to death under the Dangerous Drugs Act in 2012.

During her time in prison, Asih survived endometrial cancer, underwent a hysterectomy and experienced multiple incidents of abuse, according to news reports.

In a joint statement, Hayat and Jakartas Community Legal Aid Institute said Asihs case was about more than a conventional drug charge.

It is a profound narrative of deception, exploitation, and systemic vulnerability, they said, adding that it highlighted the insidious ways women are ensnared by human trafficking syndicates, manipulated into illicit operations without ever fully comprehending the reality of their circumstances.

The groups said Asih and women in similar situations were not masterminds but victims of a flawed system that has failed to protect them, and called her repatriation a critical legal and humanitarian precedent.

At least eight Indonesian women remained imprisoned in Malaysia after getting their death sentences commuted, the groups said, adding that they generally came from impoverished families, were recruited with job offers or romantic advances, and coerced into carrying bags containing drugs without their knowledge.

Asihs release comes as Malaysia continues to work through the consequences of its 2023 decision to abolish the mandatory death penalty, giving judges discretion in 11 offences and allowing resentencing for those already on death row.

The number of people on death row for drug offences fell from 705 in 2024 to 40 in 2025, according to Hayat. An execution moratorium has been in place since 2018, with the last known execution carried out in 2017.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Fireworks are expected today at White City Stadium in Bulawayo as Zanu-PF and MDC-T Bulawayo provinces booked the same venue for June 10 by-election rallies and will be separated by a perimeter fence.The MDC-T rally expected to be addressed by party president Morgan Tsvangirai will be at White City Youth Centre Arena while Zanu-PF will hold theirs inside the stadium.Tsvangirai is set to explain the party's decision to boycott upcoming June 10 by-elections.The MDC-T has been criticised by supporters and officials over its boycott, with some saying the opposition party had betrayed Bulawayo residents who have voted for it since 2000 Tsvangirai and his deputy Thokozani Khuphe last month snubbed a Bulawayo provincial council meeting where they were set to address members on the by-election boycott amid reports party members had planned to demonstrate against the MDC-T leader.Khuphe and other legislators in the city are reportedly against the decision to boycott the by-elections.Zanu-PF has never won a seat in Bulawayo where five constituencies are vacant following the recall of MDC Renewal Team legislators from Parliament.
A bridge struck by U.S. airstrikes on Thursday is seen in the town of Karaj, west of Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The US military is engaged in a desperate search for a missing pilot after an American warplane was shot down by Iran, which has now offered a reward for the pilot's capture. The incident marks a significant escalation in the six-week-old conflict, with Tehran calling on its citizens to turn in the airman.

The aircraft, identified by Iran as a US F-15E Strike Eagle, was one of two targeted on Friday. While one service member was rescued, at least one remains unaccounted for. This represents the first time the United States has lost an aircraft in Iranian territory during the ongoing hostilities, potentially signalling a new and dangerous phase in the campaign.

The conflict, initiated by the US and Israel on 28 February, has sent shockwaves across the Middle East and beyond. Thousands have been killed, global markets destabilised, crucial shipping lanes disrupted, and fuel prices have soared. With Iran continuing to retaliate against US and Israeli airstrikes, the violence shows no signs of abating. Saturday saw further missile and drone attacks, including an apparent Iranian drone strike that damaged the headquarters of US tech giant Oracle in Dubai.

The downing of the military jet occurred just two days after Donald Trump had declared in a national address that the US had "beaten and completely decimated Iran" and was "going to finish the job, and were going to finish it very fast." Both the US and Israel had recently boasted about the supposed decimation of Iran's air defenses.

Neither the White House nor the Pentagon released public information about the downed planes.

In an email from the Pentagon 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.

A U.S. crew member from that plane was rescued. But the Pentagon also notified the House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member on the fighter jet was not known. A U.S. military search-and-rescue operation continued Saturday.

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.

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 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.

An anchor on a TV channel affiliated with Iranian state television urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to the police.

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 the Iranian public was urged to look for a downed pilot.

Iranian state media said in a post on the social platform X its 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 a weapons system officer.

Tech giant hit in Dubai following Iranian threats

An apparent Iranian drone damaged the Dubai headquarters of the American tech giant Oracle on Saturday after Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened the firm.

The Oracle logo is displayed on a building at an Oracle campus on March 10, 2025 in Redwood Shores, California. (Getty Images)

The attack targeted the headquarters, which sits along Dubais main Sheikh Zayed Road highway. Footage obtained by The Associated Press from outside the United Arab Emirates showed damage to the building. A large hole could be seen in the buildings southwestern corner, with the e in Oracle on a neon sign damaged.

The sheikhdoms Dubai Media Office, which speaks for its government, said a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception that fell on the facade of the Oracle building in Dubai Internet City," adding there were no injuries.

Oracle, based in Austin, Texas, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Guard has accused some of Americas largest tech companies of being involved in terrorist espionage operations against the Islamic Republic and said they were legitimate targets.

Earlier Iranian drone strikes hit Amazon Web Services facilities in both the UAE and Bahrain.

Fishing boats dot the sea as cargo ships, in the background, sail through the Arabian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz off the United Arab Emirates, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

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 is 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: With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began. 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 Arab states and the occupied West Bank, 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 U.S. service members have been killed. In Lebanon, over 1,300 people have been killed and more than 1 million displaced. Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.
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A pre-kindergarten teachers aide in New Jersey has been arrested and charged over the sexual assault of multiple children over the course of more than a decade.

Shaun M. Stebbins, 43, was arrested Sunday and is facing a slew of charges including aggravated sexual assault of a victim under 13 and various crimes relating to child pornography, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office.

The charges stem from reported incidents involving a number of victims between 2014 and 2025, though prosecutors said they were deeply concerned there may be more children impacted.

We are issuing this press release to make the public aware of these heinous allegations, Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds said in a statement. We are deeply concerned that there may be additional victims, particularly given the defendants access to children through his employment.

As we have seen in other recent cases, individuals who prey on children often place themselves in positions of trust within schools, organizations, and youth programs to gain access to victims, Reynolds added.

Stebbins has worked as an aide in a preschool class at Woodbine for several years, according to The New York Times. He was reportedly honored as one of the employees of the year, though all pictures of him appeared to have been deleted from the districts social media pages as of Friday.

A pre-kindergarten teachers aide at Woodbine Elementary School, in New Jersey, has been arrested and charged with the sexual assault of multiple children over the course of more than a decade (Google Maps)

The claims against Stebbins first emerged two weeks ago when four students came forward and shared details of their alleged abuse with authorities, a relative of one of the victims told The NYT.

Reynolds said his office was putting out the information about the arrest of Stebbins out of an abundance of caution despite the holiday weekend and in advance of the scheduled detention hearing.

Charges against Stebbins were brought following an investigation conducted by the Somers Point Police Department with assistance from the County Prosecutors Office Special Victims Unit.

The county prosecutor said the investigation revealed that over a period exceeding 10 years, Stebbins allegedly committed multiple sexual acts against multiple victims under the age of 13. Hes also accused of creating and possessing child sexual abuse material.

The unnamed victims relative told The NYT that Stebbins spent a lot of time online, including on livestreams, and claimed investigators had taken 15 hard drives and other devices from his home.

The Independent has contacted the Somers Point Police Department for further information as well as the Woodbine School District for comment.

Stebbins was arrested by the Somers Point Police Department and is currently being held in the Atlantic County Justice Facility. He is due to appear in court Monday morning.

Stebbins was arrested by the Somers Point Police Department [pictured] and is currently being held in the Atlantic County Justice Facility. He is due to appear in court Monday morning (Google Maps)

In a message to parents, obtained by NBC Philadelphia, Superintendent Adrienne Breitinger said the district currently had no extra information to share.

As you may be aware, an aide assigned to one of our classrooms was arrested last week, the message read. At this time, the District does not have any additional information beyond what has been reported in the media regarding the investigation.

Upon being informed of the arrest, the District immediately requested a replacement aide. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.
Mothers gather outside Banorte Stadium before the Mexico v Portugal match in Monterrey on 28 March, asking for justice for their missing loved ones. Photograph: Franco Uriel Perez Ramirez/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (Photograph: Franco Uriel Perez Ramirez/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

Mothers search in the scrublands, poking the earth for signs of a corpse. Desperate pleas fill social media, crying out for clues that may bring relief. Tattered posters flutter in the wind, asking for help in the search. Often, all that is left of the missing are scattered bones bleached by the sun.

It is arguably Mexicos greatest human rights crisis. More than 130,000 people have vanished since the state went to war against drug cartels a decade ago. Now, activists and human rights experts say the authorities are trying to erase their loved ones from the record.

The government recently presented a new report which said a third of the countrys missing had actually showed signs of life, while another third lacked sufficient data to be found  causing fury and condemnation from relatives who have spent years searching for their missing.

What the government is doing is illogical and outrageous, said Maria Herrera Magdaleno, a leader in the movement of mothers looking for their missing children: Herreras four sons are among the disappeared. Instead of looking for our disappeared, theyre disappearing them.

The recent uproar is the latest in a longstanding battle between authorities who insist the number of disappeared is an overcount, and search collectives and human rights groups that say the true number of disappeared is far higher than reported.

Last week, the government announced that by cross-referencing registered disappearances with documents including tax filings, marriage registries and vaccination records, officials found 40,308 people  about 31% of total disappearances  had shown some activity in state records, indicating they were probably still alive.

Through this method, authorities were able to locate 5,269 missing people. But the government said another 46,742 records  about 36%  lacked basic information such as full names, dates or places of disappearance, making searches impossible. A further 43,128 had complete records but showed no signs of life when cross-referenced with other state databases.

We reaffirm our commitment, said President Claudia Sheinbaum. We will continue searching for all missing persons until we find them.

But activists and human rights experts have said while the registry required improvement, the revision of data was just another attempt to minimise the crisis and did little to actually locate missing people. Many believe that by insisting the 46,000 disappeared people had insufficient data to be found, the state has washed its hands of a third of reported victims.

The review has prompted comparisons with an effort by the former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador who, before the national elections, claimed the number of people confirmed as disappeared in Mexico was just 12,377 of the more than 113,000 then registered as missing.

Related: Search for lost brother reveals dark secret of Mexicos death flights

The state is ultimately making the disappeared disappear all over again, said Armando Vargas, a security analyst at the public policy thinktank Mexico Evalua. The recount fails to deliver any form of justice to the victims and completely disregards the recommendations put forward by civil society. Under these circumstances, it will be extremely difficult to put an end to disappearances in this country.

Forced disappearance in Mexico dates back to the 1960s and 70s during the countrys dirty war, when the government at the time began detaining activists, students and guerrillas. Most were killed and buried in mass graves, others flown out to sea and dumped in the Pacific Ocean.

The practice surged again in 2006 when the government launched its war against the countrys drug cartels, fracturing the conflict between rival gangs. Disappearance became a tool to sow terror in communities and hide evidence of homicides, with traffickers burying victims in mass graves, burning bodies or dissolving them in vats of acid.

In presenting the report, Marcela Figueroa, a top security official, said unlike during the dirty war, disappearances in recent years had been committed by individuals, not the state, and could not be classified as forced disappearances. The interior minister, Rosa Icela Rodriguez, said the data also included voluntary absences.

But many of the most egregious cases of disappearances, including the mass disappearance of 43 students from a rural teachers college in 2014, have involved state actors. And while authorities often claim people regularly disappear voluntarily, the vast majority are killed or forcibly recruited by organised crime groups, sometimes working with local officials.

The idea that forced disappearances dont happen, or that most disappearances are related to voluntary absences, minimises the responsibility of the state, said the Centro Prodh human rights group on X. Limiting the number of missing persons to 43,128 minimises the magnitude of a crisis that has a human face and that wont be solved through administrative searches.

As far as the 46,000 cases with insufficient data, advocates said the government presented no plan to fill in gaps of information, or how they would undertake the search for the subset of missing people. Instead, the task would appear to fall on families that, in the face of government inaction, often take the search upon themselves at great personal risk.

The government also placed renewed emphasis on encouraging relatives to open a case file at their local prosecutors offices, even though many are too fearful to report their missing loved ones to the authorities. Of the more than 43,000 missing people who could not be located through cross-referencing, less than 10% were under criminal investigation.

We are reverting once again to the idea that only those with case files at the public prosecutors office will be considered, said Rosalva Aida Hernandez Castillo, an anthropologist with an upcoming book on disappearances in Mexico. There is deep mistrust of the prosecutors offices; there is significant collusion between these offices and criminal groups  thats common knowledge.
Manifattura Tabacchi, Florence (Savills)

Mike Stiff is an architect with a passion for industrial design. His London home in Kew is in a factory that once made Christmas decorations, the London architectural practice he co-founded, Stiff + Trevillion, occupies part of a converted wallpaper factory in W9 and around 80 per cent of his professional work has been focused on repurposing industrial and commercial buildings into homes or offices.

Industrial space and how to adapt it for modern day use, is, he says, very much in his DNA.

So when he heard about Manifattura Tabacchi, the visionary regeneration of a former tobacco factory a 30-minute stroll beside the River Arno from the historic centre of Florence, it immediately caught his attention.

Stiff was so impressed that despite not planning to buy a property abroad, he quickly decided to make an offer and in 2024, bought a two-bedroom apartment.

(Savills)

Manifattura Tabacchi is a proper mixed-use development, a mini Kings Cross, he says.

Polimoda, an acclaimed fashion school, is an anchor tenant with its young international students bringing vitality, energy and life to the site and providing a real sense of campus and community in the development which really appealed to me.

As well as the homes, there are good and well used offices, boutiques, shops and restaurants and cafes, all carefully curated by the developers.

The 24-acre site has 16 buildings, two of the largest occupied by Polimoda.

(Savills)

The homes for sale are in four buildings, three low-level original factory buildings dating to the 1930s and one, Futura, the largest with 98 apartments over nine floors, currently under construction.

Stiffs home is in the two-storey building where once cigars were packaged, a classic loft conversion that features high ceilings, original timber casement windows and a balcony.

The building I am in has a nice mix of Tuscan and contemporary design and a good balance between industrial and new insertions, he says.

The Tuscan feel comes through the terracotta tiled roof and chestnut wood beams and the contemporary through the use of steel, concrete and glass.

(Savills)

The design that Manifattura Tabacchi has done is high quality. I wouldnt have done much differently. I like that I live in a building with heritage that feels part of the fabric of the city.

Tobacco production at Manifattura Tabacchi stopped in 2001 and for nearly two decades, the site was unused.

In 2019 it reopened with the guiding principle of being a space for creativity, something that is very much in evidence through the sites carefully chosen retailers, pop-up shops and regular cultural events held in cavernous industrial-chic halls.

Among the commercial spaces there are several bakeries  including one that turns into a club after office hours restaurants, coffee shops, a Pilates studio, interior designers, barbers, bike retailers and a modern private medical centre.

(Savills)

A supermarket is opening this summer and there are longer term plans for a four-star hotel and by 2028, direct connection to central Florence by a 7-minute tram ride.

The biggest selling point of Manifattura Tabacchi compared with owning in the Centro Storico (historic centre) is the space and peace on offer here and the light that these large windows offer, says Mateusz Guzikowski, new developments sales consultant from Savills.

The site is largely pedestrianised with extensive underground parking yet its only a 15-minute level cycle ride to the Duomo. To be so close yet away from the hustle and bustle of tourists makes a wonderful location for a pied-a-terre or a full time home.

Manifattura Tabacchi has no rental restrictions, ideal for owners who choose to rent when they are not there.

(Savills)

That compares well with the Centro Storico where short-term rentals, anything between one day and one month, require an existing rental licence, something authorities no longer issue.

Mike Stiff currently travels to Florence at least once a month and has never rented his apartment, viewing it very much as his home. Now in late 60s with future plans to pull back a little from his business, he looks forward to spending extended periods there.

When I bought this place it was an opportunity to start a new chapter in my life, he says.  And I think it is going to be a very happy chapter.

One to three-bedroom homes at Manifattura Tabacchi are 356,000 to 786,000 through Savills

(Savills)

Property in Florence: the lowdown

Savills figures show that while transaction numbers are slowing, prime property values and prime rents in Florence are on the rise, up 8 per cent and 3 per cent respectively at the end of 2025 compared with the previous year.

Florence is one of the easiest markets in Italy to sell if the price is right. Homes under 500,000 in the city centre sell quickly, mostly to local buyers, says Luca Cerutti from Savills Florence and Tuscany.

Two weeks ago, we had a two-bedroom third floor apartment 15 minutes from the city centre, south of the river, that sold for 450,000 in under one week.

Via della Scala, Florence 840,000 through Savills (Savills)

The same apartment in the Centro Storico itself, with a rental licence, would probably have been double.

Savills are selling a handsomely renovated two-bedroom, two bathroom apartment in an historic palace close to the Arno in the Centro Storico.

For sale at 840,000 with a rental licence, it would make a good lock-and-leave property and can demonstrate a strong rental net yield of 5 per cent.
The floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) for Rosebank has not yet become operational - Altera/Norske Shell

Ed Miliband is facing a rising backbench revolt over his refusal to back North Sea drilling.

A growing number of Labour MPs are for the first time publicly calling on the Energy Secretary to reconsider his net zero agenda, amid pressure to shore up domestic energy supplies in the wake of an energy crisis caused by the Iran war.

It will pile pressure on the Left of the Cabinet to back pragmatic North Sea oil exploration, a policy already supported by the Conservatives and Reform UK.

Earlier this week, Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, said she would be very happy to support extraction at two proposed new oil and gas fields: Rosebank and Jackdaw  breaking away from Mr Miliband and opening a rift between government ministers.

Mr Miliband has been facing opposing voices from a growing number of party colleagues - ANDY RAIN/Shutterstock

Sir Keir Starmer has refused to weigh in, stating repeatedly during the last Prime Ministers Questions before recess that approval for Rosebank and Jackdaw was a quasi-judicial decision for Mr Miliband alone.

Labour faced internal disagreement after Mr Miliband denied reports in The Times that he was minded to approve the Jackdaw gas field 150 miles off Aberdeen.

The project has been awaiting his approval since 2024 after the High Court ruled that a previous licence was invalid because it had not taken into account carbon emissions caused by burning the gas from the field.

On Saturday night, officials insisted Mr Miliband would not make a decision on Rosebank and Jackdaw until autumn.

This has prompted frustration among some Labour MPs, who fear the Government is not tackling the energy crisis with the urgency it deserves.

Some say the mixed messages are a sign of a potential shift in policy and highlight growing splits between the partys soft left and pragmatic wings.

Henry Tufnell, a Labour MP, has been spearheading the campaign for the Government to back British energy by scrapping carbon taxes and issuing fresh drilling licences.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: Drilling in the North Sea is vital for our own domestic energy security and is good for the economy, with increased tax receipts and jobs.

There are communities that rely on the oil and gas sector and having an unjust transition would be devastating for these people.

Henry Tufnell has been spearheading the campaign to scrap carbon taxes and issue drilling licences

The Prime Minister accepts that oil and gas is going to be part of our energy mix for decades to come, so why rely on importing gas from countries with lower environmental standards when we can do it domestically?

We need to be pragmatic and realistic about our energy.

Luke Akehurst, a backbencher, added: Theres no contradiction between developing renewable energy sources and nuclear and using our remaining reserves of North Sea oil and gas.

They all have a role to play in ensuring we are not dependent on imported energy. Further drilling in the North Sea would bring in substantial tax revenue and create well-paid jobs.

Throwing his weight behind drilling, Graeme Downie, the Labour MP for Dunfermline and Dollar, said: To have a truly secure energy future we need more of everything  more renewables, more nuclear, better grid, home generation and a system of North Sea oil and gas which would support homes and businesses in the event of a crisis.

Steve Yemm, the MP for Mansfield, added: The UK should take a pragmatic approach to North Sea oil and gas, recognising the vital role it can continue to play in our energy security and in supporting skilled jobs and tax revenues.

We need a managed and just transition that backs workers and their communities, with continued responsible domestic production alongside serious investment in renewables to secure the future of our energy workforce.

Reacting to Ms Reeves support for drilling, Josh Simons, a former Labour minister, wrote last week: Excellent news on Rosebank and Jackdaw. Lets crack on.

Double down on renewables, insulate homes, lower bills AND green light those two fields.

Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, also said on Thursday that he believed the licences should be approved, making him the second-most senior Labour figure to back drilling.

Anas Sarwar is among the most senior Labour figures to depart from MIlibands hesitance

These Labour politicians joined a growing chorus of voices including union bosses, business leaders and even Tony Blair who are calling on the Government to reconsider its net zero stance.

Gary Smith, the general secretary of the GMB union, said: The escalating conflict in the Middle East shows its absolutely vital that the UK has a secure domestic oil and gas supply.

Years of mismanagement from the Conservatives have left the country terribly exposed.

Gary Smith of the GMB union said the Government must grasp the nettle of energy volatility - Chris Watt

The Government must grasp the nettle and act to ensure our oil and gas policy helps protect the UK from global turbulence.

Fears of energy and fuel shortages are starting to take hold, as the war in Iran drags on.

On Saturday, delegates at the NASUWT teachers union conference in Birmingham passed an emergency motion calling for teachers and other education staff to be recognised as essential workers in the Governments fuel emergency plans.

They said support would be essential to keeping schools open in the event of shortages.

Last month, Sharon Graham, the general secretary of the Unite union, called on the Government to increase North Sea production urgently, saying: We all know that whatever happens the UK will still need oil and gas for decades to come and the war in Iran is just the latest reminder that when we rely on overseas production our energy security is at the mercy of global events.

This government must not let go of one rope before having hold of another.

But on the soft Left of the party, some politicians have expressed their horror at the prospect of North Sea drilling, exposing deep divides within Labour.

Uma Kumaran, a Labour MP, said: The climate crisis is very real, as is the energy crisis. We cant keep going back to oil and gas.

Chris Murray added: Our energy security is threatened by our reliance on fossil fuels.

Mr Miliband has insisted that approving new drilling licences would not lower bills for UK consumers.

A spokesman for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero said: 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.
Alicia Maxey, 38, has undergone four surgeries since being attacked by an animal initially believed to be a dog Sunday in Blanco, Oklahoma (GoFundMe)

An Oklahoma woman, the primary caregiver and breadwinner for her family while her husband undergoes dialysis and awaits a kidney transplant, remains in critical condition after a vicious attack by an unidentified animal in rural Blanco.

Alicia Maxey, 38, and mother of four, was found unconscious and severely injured in a remote yard Sunday morning by a nearby homeowner who is also a certified EMT. She was airlifted to St. Johns Hospital in Tulsa, where she has undergone four extensive surgeries and continues to fight for her life.

Im in too much pain to say anything right now, Maxey told Fox 23 Friday between surgeries.

A GoFundMe page set up by her sister-in-law, Kat Kelley, states Maxey was mauled by a dog, which remained at the scene when she was discovered. However, due to the unusual severity of her injuries, Oklahoma Wildlife Services is assisting authorities in identifying the animal responsible. Torn clothing and other material are being analyzed for DNA to determine whether the attacker was a dog, bear, mountain lion or another creature.

In 38 years, Ive never been involved in or seen anything like this in terms of injuries caused by a wild animal, Pittsburg County Sheriff Frankie McClendon told Fox 23.

Alicia Maxey, 38, has undergone four surgeries since being attacked by an animal initially believed to be a dog Sunday in Blanco, Oklahoma (GoFundMe)

Kelley said Maxey reported hearing a deep growl just before the attack.

Something just pounced on her and knocked her to the ground, Kelley told Fox 23 Friday. She described it as dog-like, but she didnt say for certain that it was a dog.

Maxeys family is facing severe financial and logistical challenges after her attack. Her husband, Wallace, is on dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant, while Alicia was the primary income earner for their household, including their two daughters, Kelley wrote on the GoFundMe campaign.

Now, with Alicia unable to work, their family is struggling to keep up with daily expenses, Kelley said. Their only vehicle was towed after the incident and is accumulating fees every day, making it even harder for Wallace to get to his dialysis appointments, which are almost two hours away. On top of that, the family is facing mounting costs for food, housing, and travel, all while trying to support Alicias recovery.

Wallace told Fox 23 about his wifes condition, When I first walked in and I saw her, I just broke down and started crying. I wasnt expecting this. Alicia is a loving, caring person. It doesnt matter who you are, she will sit there and help you the best that she can.

The Independent has contacted Kelley, the Pittsburg County Sheriffs Office and Oklahoma Wildlife Services for comment.
A residential building that was damaged by recent strikes at the Vahdat town on 3 April 2026 in Karaj, south-west of Tehran, Iran. Photograph: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images (Photograph: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

When Donald Trump launched Operation Epic Fury alongside Israel on 28 February, his administration had settled on a set of stated, and broad, objectives: destroy Irans missiles, eliminate its navy, prevent a nuclear weapon.

Over a month later those objectives have multiplied, contracted and contradicted each other.

In the fifth week of the war alone, Trump said the war had nothing to do with oil, then posted that the US should take the oil & make a fortune. He described the war as nearly over and simultaneously threatened weeks of escalating infrastructure strikes in a primetime address. And within 48 hours of that, he went from telling other nations they could reopen the strait of Hormuz themselves once the US left, to insisting Washington could easily do it.

Here is how the story shifted over the week.

Talks are going great  and maybe well take Kharg Island

29 March

Aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters the diplomatic scene was peachy. Iran had agreed to most of the USs 15-point list of demands, he said, conveyed via Pakistan.

They gave us most of the points. Why wouldnt they? Theyre agreeing with us on the plan. We asked for 15 things, and for the most part, were going to be asking for a couple of other things.

He also said Iran had shipped oil to the US as a show of good faith: to prove theyre serious.

In a separate interview with the Financial Times the same day, Trump said he wanted to take the oil in Iran and was considering seizing Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Tehrans oil exports. Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we dont. We have a lot of options, he said.

Irans parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, rejected the ongoing negotiations the same day, saying Iran could not be forced into submission, according to state-linked media.

Great progress and total obliteration

30 March

On Truth Social, Trump announced that the US was in serious discussions with A NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME in Iran and that Great progress had been made.

In the same post, he threatened to end the war by destroying all of Irans power plants, oil wells, Kharg Island and possibly all its desalination plants if a deal was not reached shortly and the strait of Hormuz not reopened immediately.

Leaving soon and going after Europe

31 March

With national gas prices hitting a $4-a-gallon average, Trump offered reporters at the White House what amounted to a new exit strategy, and a quiet retreat from his earlier vow to force the strait of Hormuz open.

All I have to do is leave Iran, and well be doing that very soon, and theyll become tumbling down. I would say that within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three.

On the strait, he added: Well be leaving very soon. And if France or some other country wants to get oil or gas, theyll go up through the strait, the Hormuz Strait, theyll go right up there, and theyll be able to get it.

Earlier in the morning, Trump took another shot at allies in Europe, singling out the United Kingdom:

Youll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. wont be there to help you anymore, just like you werent there for us.

The call to London was one Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defense, had also used earlier in the day at a morning press conference.

Last time I checked, there was supposed to be a big, bad Royal Navy that could be prepared to do things like [getting involved in taking the strait of Hormuz] as well

Iran 'asked' for a ceasefire. Also, back to the 'stone ages'

1 April

Before his primetime address, Trump posted on Truth Social:

[Irans] New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!

The US would consider it, he wrote  but only once the strait of Hormuz was open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!

Irans foreign ministry called the claim false and baseless. The Revolutionary Guard separately said that the strait is firmly and decisively under the control of its forces, and that it will not be opened to the enemies of this nation through the ridiculous spectacle by the president of the United States.

That evening, Trump addressed the nation from the White House. He said the wars core strategic objectives are nearing completion. He threatened to hit each and every one of their electric generating plants very hard, and probably simultaneously and to send them back to the stone ages

We are 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.

He also said the war had nothing to do with oil.

Were now totally independent of the Middle East. And yet we are there to help. We dont have to be there. We dont need their oil. We dont need anything they have. But were there to help our allies.

'Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants'

2 April

Hours after a US-Israeli airstrike destroyed the B1 bridge between Tehran and Karaj, killing eight people (which Trump also posted a video of), Trump later posted on Truth Social:

The New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST! The US hasnt even started destroying whats left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!

'Take the oil, make a fortune'

3 April

On Truth Social, Trump posted:

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???

Whether the post was a statement or a question, it landed three days after his primetime address in which he told the American people the war was not about oil.
File photo: French ruling party MP Caroline Yadan (C) and other MPs take part in a gathering to call for the release of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, outside the French National Assembly in Paris on January 16, 2024.

French lawmakers are on April 16 set to vote on a government-backed draft law based on the idea that rising anti-Semitism in the country with Europes largest Jewish population is grounded in an obsessive hatred of Israel.

The legislation has been drafted and redrafted since it was first introduced to the National Assembly at the end of 2024. Earlier drafts would have outlawed any comparison between Israel and Nazi Germany as "trivialising" the Holocaust and banned public speech calling for the ill-defined "denial" of a state's existence.

If passed, the law in its current form will broaden the definition of apology for terrorism  defending or justifying terrorist acts, considered an offence in France  to include speech that implicitly justifies or downplays acts deemed terrorist. The law would also make it illegal to call for the destruction of any country recognised by France, punishable by five years in prison.

The draft laws preamble leaves little doubt which country the authors have in mind.

Today, anti-Jewish hatred in our country is fuelled by an obsessive hatred of Israel, whose very existence is regularly delegitimised and criminalised, it reads.

This hatred of the State of Israel is now inseparable from hatred of Jews, the law says.

The proposed law  dubbed the Yadan law after lawmaker Caroline Yadan, who introduced it  has split the National Assembly. Critics say it is a misguided attempt to crack down on anti-Semitism that could backfire, possibly even fuelling further hatred against the Jewish community.

A petition on the official site of the National Assembly protesting the draft bill had garnered more than 160,000 signatures as of Friday.

France has experienced a steep rise in anti-Semitic acts since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023 and Israel's devastating military campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip. In 2025, more than half of all reported anti-religious acts targeted the Jewish community.

But the 2024 annual report released by France's National Consultative Commission on Human Rights on the fight against racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia said its surveys have not found a statistically significant connection between respondents holding a negative view of the political or religious ideology of Zionism and anti-Semitic prejudices.

"It is therefore difficult to view anti-Zionism as the key driver of contemporary anti-Semitism," the report read.

Lawmakers on the left  from Socialist Party leaders to the Greens and the hard-left France Unbowed  have slammed the law as an attempt to stifle legitimate criticism of the Israeli government by defining it as fundamentally anti-Semitic. The far-right National Rally, the right-wing Les Republicains, the centre-right bloc and a handful of Socialist Party members including former president Francois Hollande have backed the bill.

The French government has not been shy about its support for the law  or its assertion that opposing the creation of a Jewish state on what was previously Palestinian territory is fundamentally anti-Semitic.

Speaking at the 40th annual dinner of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions in February, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that the government would bring the bill  first introduced by Yadan in 2024  to a vote in the spring, arguing that the country needed new laws to deal with what he described as a new form of hatred against Frances Jewish community.

Contemporary anti-Zionism has become the mask of an old anti-Semitism, he said, echoing the spirit of the draft law.

Lecornu went on to say that calls for Palestine to be free From the River to the Sea  a common slogan among activists  was an explicit call for Israels destruction since it refers to Israeli territory. Activists maintain the cry is a demand for freedom for those living on historically Palestinian land.

While Lecornu said that criticising the Israeli government and its military actions was legitimate, he accused those describing Israels war on Gaza as a "genocide" of stripping Jews of their history and transforming them from victims into executioners.

Talking about genocide in Gaza erases their memory of the Holocaust, he said. It downplays it and reverses it.

An earlier version of the draft law proposed to make it illegal to compare Israel to Nazi Germany  an article that was removed on the advice of the Conseil detat, Frances highest administrative court.

The International Court of Justice in 2024 warned that Israels devastating Gaza campaign could plausibly amount to genocide. A UN Commission of Inquiry the following year went further, labelling Israels actions in the Palestinian territory as genocidal in nature.

'Dangerous'

Nathalie Tehio, the president of Frances Human Rights League  a staunch opponent of the proposed law  warned that legally tying the protection of Frances Jewish community to protection of the State of Israel could very well fuel anti-Semitism rather than fight it.

In reality, it equates French Jews with Israel  which is dangerous in and of itself, as this very equation fuels anti-Semitism, she said. But it also gives the impression that there is a double standard, because it is a law that targets the issue of anti-Semitism while also serving as a defence of Israel  so there is a double risk of reinforcing anti-Semitism.

Other critics have slammed what they describe as overly broad or vague wording that makes it difficult to predict what statements would or wouldnt fall afoul of the new legislation.

The French Lawyers Union in January warned that criminalising statements that implicitly justify or incite acts of terror would effectively turn judges into unwilling thought police.

Others have questioned the need for such a law in the first place.

Francois Dubuisson, a professor in international law at the Universite libre de Bruxelles, said that France already had a raft of legislation targeting incitement to racial hatred and against "glorifying" terrorism.

In my view, the current legislation in France is sufficient, because what remains in the amended version of the bill  after taking into account the opinion of the Conseil detat  is primarily a broadening of the offense of advocating terrorism, he said. But its important to note that, even under current law, the offense of advocating terrorism is extremely broad and is, in fact, often heavily criticised by a number of international human rights organisations.

Since the Hamas-led terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Frances apology for terrorism law has been used to summon hundreds of activists, trade unionists, researchers and left-wing politicians for police questioning over statements theyve made in connection to the attacks.

Rima Hassan, a hard-left member of the European Parliament, was taken into police custody on Thursday, accused of justifying terrorism in a social media post quoting a far-left Japanese militant involved in a deadly attack on Israels Lod Airport in 1972. Hassan, who later deleted the post, has been summoned for police questioning in 16 cases, 13 of which have been dropped without charges.

Read moreSwastikas spray-painted on former Nazi transit camp in Paris suburbs

Dubuisson said that the need for a law banning calls for a states destruction seemed even less clear.

To my knowledge, this does not exist anywhere in the world, he said. Im not aware of any legislation  and particularly in Europe  that contains such an offence.

He argued that calls for the violent destruction of a state and its people would already leave the speaker exposed to a raft of existing laws criminalising incitement to violence.

And while the texts preamble specifically mentioned Israel, the current wording would also cover calls for the destruction of the state of Palestine, which France recognised in September last year  a decision that prompted Yadan to leave French President Emmanuel Macrons parliamentary group.

Tehio pointed out that Israels existence as a Jewish state continues to be fiercely debated, including by anti-Zionist Jews campaigning for what has become known as a one-state solution  Israelis and Palestinians sharing a single state with full and equal rights for all.

There are some, for example, who believe that there should be a single state comprising both Israel and the Palestinian state together, she said.

Just what statements the law would ultimately penalise remains deeply unclear. Tehio said that the French PM's example of a direct call for Israels destruction  From the River to the Sea  can also be heard on the lips of far-right Israeli activists, though in very different contexts.

Those who use that phrase will indeed be penalised, because it would be interpreted as implying either the destruction of the Palestinian state or the destruction of the Israeli state," she said. "But that actually makes no sense.
Participants take part in the Corgi Derby at Musselburgh Racecourse, Musselburgh, East Lothian, as part of its Easter Saturday race day celebration. Picture date: Saturday April 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire (Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

The promise of hot dogs at the finish line was enough to spur on a Pembroke Welsh corgi to victory in the annual Easter corgi derby at a Scottish racecourse.

Three-year-old Islay, which was born in New Zealand, romped to victory in the race at Musselburgh Racecourse.

Owner Carolyne Ricardo, a vet at the University of Glasgow, said: Its a bit of surprise because we only found out two weeks ago she had been accepted for the race but I am delighted.

Participants take part in the Corgi Derby at Musselburgh Racecourse, Musselburgh, East Lothian, as part of its Easter Saturday race day celebration (Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Ms Ricardo, originally from New York, added: She likes a nap and is a slow starter in the morning but if she comes across a squirrel its a goner.

Dogs from across the world competed in the race including Sadie, which travelled with her owner from Newquay, Cornwall, and Naomi, which lives in Glasgow with her owners, but was born in China.

The annual race is in its fifth year and was created in honour of Queen Elizabeth IIs platinum jubilee in 2022.

Islay, originally from New Zealand with owner Carolyne Ricardo from Glasgow, after winning the Corgi Derby at Musselburgh Racecourse, Musselburgh, East Lothian, as part of its Easter Saturday race day celebration. Picture date: Saturday April 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire (Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Musselburgh racecourse head of marketing and business development, Aisling Johnston, said: Our Virgin Bet Scottish sprint cup race day is a fixture featuring lots of high quality horse racing with more than 300,000 on offer  but its no exaggeration to say our little, four-legged friends do their best to steal the show.
A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administrations efforts to compel higher education institutions to provide data proving they do not consider race in admissions.

The ruling, issued by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV in Boston, grants a preliminary injunction following a lawsuit brought by a coalition of 17 Democratic state attorneys general.

This injunction will specifically apply to public universities within the plaintiff states.

While acknowledging the federal government likely possesses the authority to collect such data, Judge Saylor criticized the administrations approach, describing the demand as having been rolled out to universities in a "rushed and chaotic" manner.

He stated, "The 120-day deadline imposed by the President led directly to the failure of NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) to engage meaningfully with the institutions during the notice-and-comment process to address the multitude of problems presented by the new requirements."

President Donald Trump ordered the data collection in August, expressing concerns that colleges and universities were using personal statements and other proxies to consider race, which he views as illegal discrimination.

This directive followed the 2023 Supreme Court decision that ruled against affirmative action in admissions but allowed colleges to consider how race has shaped students lives if applicants share this information in their essays.

The plaintiff argued that the data collection risks invading student privacy and could lead to baseless investigations into colleges and universities.

They also contended that institutions were not given adequate time to compile the required information. Michelle Pascucci, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, told the court, "The data has been sought in such a hasty and irresponsible way that it will create problems for universities," suggesting the effort aimed to uncover unlawful practices.

The Education Department has defended its initiative, asserting that taxpayers deserve transparency regarding how money is spent at institutions receiving federal funding.

This policy mirrors settlement agreements previously negotiated with Brown University and Columbia University, which saw their federal research money restored after agreeing to provide the government with data on the race, grade-point average, and standardized test scores of applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students.

These schools also consented to government audits and public release of admissions statistics.

The National Center for Education Statistics was tasked with collecting the new data, including the race and sex of applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon (AFP/Getty)

Education Secretary Linda McMahon had stated the data, originally due by March 18, must be disaggregated by race and sex and retroactively reported for the past seven years. The administration warned that failure to submit timely, complete, and accurate data could lead to McMahon taking action under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which outlines requirements for colleges receiving federal financial aid.

Separately, the Trump administration has sued Harvard University over similar data, alleging the institution refused to provide admissions records demanded by the Justice Department to ensure it ceased using affirmative action. Harvard maintains it has been responsive to government requests and complies with the Supreme Courts ruling.

The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights recently directed Harvard to comply with data requests within 20 days or face referral to the U.S. Justice Department.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

A Bindura resident has filed a criminal complaint with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) against six mining companies and four individuals accused of violating the Environmental Management Act at Phoenix Prince Mine  a move that bypasses environmental regulators whom residents say have failed to act.

Implementing a prescribed project without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate (Section 97(2))

Discharging hazardous substances, including cyanide, into the environment (Section 73(1) & (2))

Handling cyanide without a licence (Section 72, read with Section 73(1) & (2))

The complaint, lodged on 3 April 2026 under RRB number 6420115 at Bindura Central Police Station, names Ouro Tanque (Pvt) Ltd, Capegem Mining (Pvt) Ltd, Blacksands Mining (Pvt) Ltd, Prowatch Security (Pvt) Ltd, Pees Hardware (Pvt) Ltd, Sicelo Mbambo, Prince Joseph Mukombwa, Eliah Zuze and Fidelis Chingori as accused persons.Complainant Billiet Jengwa accuses the parties of three offences under the Environmental Management Act:An official Environmental Management Agency (EMA) test report dated 19 March 2026, attached to the complaint, confirms contamination of water samples collected on 12 March 2026. The sample was classified in a noncompliant band under the Environmental Management (Effluent and Solid Waste Disposal) Regulations, SI 6 of 2007, indicating pollution consistent with cyanide discharge.According to the complaint, the accused persons implemented mining projects at Phoenix Prince Mine without an EIA certificate. The EMA report confirms water contamination linked to cyanidebased vatleaching activities. The complaint further alleges that cyanide was handled without licences, posing serious environmental and publichealth risks.Jengwa has asked the OfficerinCharge at ZRP Bindura to take action against the accused for the stated offences.The criminal complaint comes amid growing frustration in Bindura, where EMA inspectors in Mashonaland Central are described by residents as reluctant to enforce the law against mining companies. Despite possessing scientific evidence of contamination, the regulatory agency has taken no visible action.In a separate but related matter, the Bindura Magistrates Court recently issued an interim order halting mining activities at Phoenix Prince Mine and surrounding areas pending verification of environmental certificates. However, sources say operations have continued despite the court order.The National Prosecuting Authority has previously declared an end to corporate impunity for environmental crimes, with the ProsecutorGeneral vowing to aggressively prosecute offenders. There was no immediate comment from EMA or ZRP Bindura regarding the latest complaint or the status of enforcement.The complaint remains pending with the police.
JD Vance, the vice-president, looks on from behind president Donald Trump during an event at the Roosevelt Room of the White House. Photograph: Kent Nishimura/Reuters (Photograph: Kent Nishimura/Reuters)

Donald Trump has given his vice-president, JD Vance, a new side gig: fraud czar.

The president this week announced a fresh crackdown on fraud in Democratic states and tapped Vance to lead the charge. Officials swiftly announced a string of arrests in California.

In a Truth Social post on Friday, the US president announced that his vice-president was now in charge of fraud in the United States, claiming the problem is massive and pervasive. Without citing evidence, Trump said that Vance would focus on everywhere but primarily in those blue states where crooked Democrat politicians  have had a free for all in the unprecedented theft of taxpayer money.

Trump pointed to California, Illinois, Minnesota, Maine and New York, and alleged fraud was so large that, if successful, we would literally be able to balance our American budget, without providing evidence.

Trump announces fraud crackdown in Democratic states

In recent months, the Trump administration argued that southern California was rife with healthcare fraud and pledged to crack down, while frequently using the matter politically to criticize the states Democratic leadership. Nearly all cases cited by the justice department in the wave of arrests as part of Operation Never Say Die were tied to southern California.

Read the full story

One of two US crew members rescued after F-15E jet shot down over Iran

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.

Read the full story

Trump accused of running misogynistic administration after Bondi dismissal

Donald Trump has been accused of running a misogynistic administration after making Pam Bondi the second woman to be fired from a cabinet already dominated by men.

The US president dismissed the attorney general on Thursday amid mounting frustration with her performance, especially over the release of files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move came less than a month after Trump ousted Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, after criticism of her management of the department and immigration enforcement.

Read the full story

Relationship with Trump may be beyond repair, UK PM Starmer told

Keir Starmer has been warned his relationship with Donald Trump may be beyond repair after the US president derided the prime minister for consulting his team about military decisions, in a mocking impersonation.

In a new low for UK-US relations, Trump appeared to imitate Starmer in a weak voice during an Easter lunch speech at the White House, and said the UK was not our best ally.

Read the full story

Democratic attorneys general sue Trump over order to restrict mail voting

More than 20 Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit Friday challenging Donald Trumps Tuesday executive order to restrict who can vote by mail.

In his order, Trump directed the US Postal Service to abstain from sending mail-in or absentee ballots to people who were not on a pre-ordained list of eligible citizens.

Read the full story

US military archbishop says Iran conflict does not meet just war standard

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.

Read the full story

US defense spending would rise $445bn under Trump budget plan

Defense spending would surge to its highest level in decades under a budget proposal put forward by the Trump administration on Friday, while other government programs would face cuts totaling 10%.

Read the full story

What else happened today:

Catching up? Heres what happened Thursday 2 April.
Alcatraz Island in May last year. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images (Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Donald Trump is asking for $152m to restore Alcatraz, a former federal prison off the coast of San Francisco, according to a budget proposal released on Friday for the 2027 fiscal year.

Last May, Trump first called upon the Department of Justice, the FBI and Homeland Security to rebuild the prison. He heaped praise on Alcatrazs reputation in a Truth Social post.

When we were a more serious nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be, he wrote then. The reopening of Alcatraz will serve as a symbol of law, order and justice.

The plan has been contentious. Several elected officials in California have questioned the feasibility and merit of such an undertaking.

At present, Alcatraz lacks water, power, gas and sewage systems, according to the San Francisco Standard.

California state senator Scott Wieners office estimated this week that rebuilding the property would cost over $2bn, KQED reported.

Last year, in an interview with CBS Sacramento, state governor Gavin Newsom condemned Trumps vision as a colossally bad fiscal idea, adding: Nothing about this makes any sense.

On Friday, Nancy Pelosi, the former speaker of the House, said in a news release: Rebuilding Alcatraz into a modern prison is a stupid notion that would be nothing more than a waste of taxpayer dollars and an insult to the intelligence of the American people.

The administration would use the $152m to cover the first year of the restoration projects costs, according to the budget proposal. If the plan were to advance, its unclear what the timeline for reopening the property would be.

A spokesperson for the White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

That figure is a part of a larger $1.7bn request to fund the Bureau of Prisons crumbling detention facilities.

The maximum security penitentiary housed some of the nations most notorious criminal offenders from 1934 until its closure in 1963.

Dubbed the Rock, Alcatrazs location on an island made escape difficult but also made operations costly. The maintenance expenses spurred the facilitys closure, according to the Bureau of Prisons. It has since become a vaunted historical site that over a million tourists flock to annually.
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. Donald Trump wants the prison to be open for business again - Fred Greaves/Reuters

Donald Trump is seeking to reopen Alcatraz prison in San Francisco Bay.

In a 2027 White House budget proposal released on Friday, the US president requested $152m (115m) to cover the first year of costs and begin the process.

The funds are part of a $1.7bn proposed boost to the federal bureau of prisons, aimed to improve pay and working conditions and end longstanding worker shortages.

Last May, Mr Trump said he wanted to house Americas most ruthless and violent offenders at the facility.

The 22-acre island was a maximum-security federal prison until 1963, with its inmates including notorious criminals such as Al Capone, George Machine Gun Kelly and Robert Stroud.

From 1934 until it was closed, 36 men tried 14 separate escapes from The Rock, none of which are believed to have been successful.

The main cell block on Alcatraz was the star of many US jail films - Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty

Alcatraz closed in the early 1960s because it was too expensive to operate  roughly three times the price of a normal prison  and became a popular national park and tourist attraction.

Now, the island could be transformed once again into what officials described as a state-of-the-art secure prison facility.

The funding proposal would cover the initial phase of the rebuilding process, with Congress to decide whether to open the facility.

Politicians in California have expressed scepticism about the project, with concerns about how much the full project would cost, and the challenges of running Alcatraz as a prison.

Nancy Pelosi, the former speaker for the House of Representatives, described the project as absurd.

In a statement on her website, she added: Rebuilding Alcatraz into a modern prison is a stupid notion that would be nothing more than a waste of taxpayer dollars and an insult to the intelligence of the American people.

Alcatraz is a historic museum that belongs to the public, and San Franciscans will not stand for Washington turning one of our most iconic landmarks into a political prop.

The island has a lack of running water and sewage, meaning that all supplies need to be brought by boat. It also brings in $60m in revenue as a tourist attraction.

The idea of reopening the prison was first mentioned by Mr Trump in a post on Truth Social in May last year, directing the bureau of prisons, the department of justice and other federal agencies to reopen it and detain Americas most violent criminals.

Rebuild, and open Alcatraz! he said. For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent and repeat criminal offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than misery and suffering.
President Donald Trump warned that hell will reign down on Iran within 48 hours unless the country opens the Strait of Hormuz hours before he claimed many of its military leaders were terminated.

Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD! Trump said in a Truth Social post Saturday morning.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m. ET, the president shared a video purporting to show a massive strike in Tehran, though it was not immediately clear when the attack was carried out. Many of Irans Military Leaders, who have led them poorly and unwisely, are terminated, along with much else, with this massive strike in Tehran! he wrote.

Around a fifth of the worlds oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is at the center of the conflict, and Irans tight grip over its navigation has caused chaos for import-dependent countries.

Trumps Truth Social warning to the Iranian regime, where he appeared to confuse the use of rain with reign, comes as the search for a missing U.S. fighter pilot entered its second day after a F-15 was shot down Friday.

President Donald Trump threatened to reign down hell on Iran within 48 hours unless the country opens the Strait of Hormuz (Getty Images)

The president later shared a video purporting to show a massive strike in Tehran. It was not immediately clear when the strike was carried out (@realDonaldTrump)

In a video he posted on Saturday afternoon, a loud boom could be heard as images show an enormous fireball igniting over a hillside at nightfall.

The Independent has contacted the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command and the White House for further information.

White House director of communications, Steven Cheung, said Trump has been working nonstop over the Easter weekend. The president is expected to remain in Washington, D.C. all weekend, according to his schedule.

There was no official update from the Trump administration about the missing pilot as of Saturday afternoon.

In a slew of Truth Social posts Saturday morning, Trump hit out at the media and touted job figures, but he did not reference the pilot.

The president appeared to confuse the use of rain with reign in his previous Truth Social post issuing the threat against Iran (@realDonaldTrump)

Two American warplanes were shot down in separate incidents Friday as a search and rescue mission was launched to find the F-15 crew member who was forced to eject. An A-10 attack plane was reportedly hit in the Persian Gulf region, and the pilot was rescued after making it to Kuwaiti airspace, officials said.

Trump told The Independent on Friday that he is not yet ready to say what the U.S. will do if Iranian forces get to the downed airman first. We hope thats not going to happen, the president said in a brief phone call Friday.

Iran was also issuing threats Saturday as the regime claimed it had used a new air defense system to target the U.S. fighter jet.

A spokesperson for the joint military command said that the country would definitely achieve full control over its airspace, according to Iranian state media.

Iran is reportedly offering locals around $65,000 to anyone who hands over the missing pilot alive.

An anchor on the Iranian state media channel said: If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police, you will receive a precious prize.

Debris from a military strike in Tehran April 4, as the violence showed little sign of slowing (Getty Images)

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.

The downing of the military jet occurred just two days after Trump had declared in a national address that the U.S. had beaten and completely decimated Iran.

Both the U.S. and Israel had recently boasted about the supposed decimation of Iran's air defenses.

The violence showed no sign of slowing Saturday. Irans atomic agency said an airstrike hit near its Bushehr nuclear facility, killing a security guard and damaging a support building.

An Iranian drone also damaged the Dubai headquarters of the American tech giant Oracle on Saturday after Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened the firm, according to the Associated Press.

The sheikhdoms Dubai Media Office, which speaks for its government, said a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception that fell on the facade of the Oracle building in Dubai Internet City, adding there were no injuries.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began six weeks ago, including 13 U.S. service members.
People at a resident doctors strike in Newcastle upon Tyne in December. Further strikes are due to begin on Tuesday. Photograph: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images (Photograph: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

Trade unions have privately expressed qualms about the forthcoming doctors strikes in England, expressing frustration at the conduct of the talks and the demands of the British Medical Association.

The BMA is pushing for a pay rise higher than the 3.5% offered to doctors by the government, with strikes planned in England next week.

However, more than a million NHS staff who are not doctors  including nurses, physiotherapists, midwives, healthcare assistants, ambulance workers and hospital porters  are due to receive an even lower pay rise of 3.3%, set via the Agenda for Change (AfC) system.

The decision of the BMA to push for more than 3.5% has caused some other unions with NHS staff to be aggrieved, especially some of those with pay set via AfC. The deals we have been able to present to our members are becoming a much tougher sell, one senior union figure said.

Related: Streeting hits out at BMA delusion as talks to avert resident doctors strike fail

Another said they believed that the leadership of the union by resident doctors, rather than professional negotiators, meant the talks had been conducted in a chaotic fashion. I think it stops from taking any kind of pragmatic approach.

The first union source said they thought having resident doctors lead the negotiations resulted in less willingness to do a deal on pay and conditions that would affect people entering the workforce. You need to zoom out sometimes and I dont think they can see the bigger picture.

A third senior union source said there was undoubtedly resentment among unions representing NHS staff who were not doctors, and a sense that the government always seemed more willing to listen to the doctors, but added that the BMA was doing its job for its members by pushing for the best deal possible.

Another union, the GMB, is in dispute with the BMA because of a pay offer the BMA has made to its own staff.

Staff at the BMA union are due to go on strike to coincide with the six-day resident doctors strike on 7 April. The BMAs most recent pay offer to its staff of 2.75% is lower than the latest recommendation of 3.5% to resident doctors.

A BMA spokesperson said: The BMA is the trade union for doctors and medical students. Doctors have seen their pay fall by more than a fifth since 2008-09 and weve been very clear in recent years that our goal is to see this restored. So this years award of 3.5% was never going to be acceptable as it makes no progress whatsoever at reversing these real-terms pay cuts. We are taking industrial action to achieve better for doctors. We cannot speak for other unions strategies or why they think it is their role to justify an inadequate government pay award to their members.

In talks with the government, the BMA is represented by elected resident doctor leaders, alongside expert BMA staff from the BMA, bringing together invaluable on-the-ground insight from working doctors and professional negotiating expertise.

Doctors are in a very different position to our staff. They have experienced far greater cuts in their pay in real terms since 2008 as well as a deterioration in their overall working conditions. Whilst the UK is losing doctors because pay is so low, we have very competitive pay and benefits at the BMA, extremely good staff retention and very low rates of turnover.

NHS staff under the AfC deal are yet to begin talks about the wider structure of their pay, and their unions are likely to push for reform to pay scales. A recent Unison analysis of NHS data for England over three years shows no marked improvement, and a decline in some cases, in pay satisfaction levels for workers on AfC contracts.

Medical and dental staff are the only group where pay satisfaction levels have risen to any extent, with an 18-percentage-point increase since 2023. Unison said these findings demonstrated how many NHS employees continued to feel undervalued and that nothing had changed under the new government.

 This article was amended on 6 April 2026 to clarify that the doctors strikes are scheduled in England only.
For more than four weeks, Iran has held the Strait of Hormuz hostage and the global economy with it.

Donald Trump is considering sending in ground troops to reopen the worlds most critical oil choke point and has lashed out at the reluctance of his European allies to join a military operation.

Meanwhile, Gulf states are understood to be considering whether a multi-billion-dollar pipeline network may be a wise investment to ensure that they are never again so dependent on the strait.

During peacetime, more than 20 million barrels of oil and liquefied natural gas pass through the strait by ship each day  but with most vessels now banned from entering, storage tankers have been filling up.

However, for Saudi Arabia, a 745-mile (1,200km) pipe built in the 1980s has been a lifeline.

The East-West pipeline runs from the Eastern Provinces Abqaiq oil field to its Red Sea port of Yanbu.

Work began on the two pipes  one of which formerly carried gas liquids  in the 1980s when Iraqs invasion of Iran prompted fears that the strait could become compromised.

In the latter half of last month, as many as 4.6 million barrels per day were being loaded onto vessels at Yanbu  more than three times the average in 2025, according to shipping data firm Vortex  as Saudi Arabia made sure its oil avoided the strait.

Amin Nasser, the chief executive of Aramco, the Saudi oil company, described the pipeline as the main route that the state-owned firm was using.

Maisoon Kafafy, a senior adviser to the Atlantic Council think tanks Middle East programmes, told The Telegraph that the Saudi East-West pipeline was now generating significant interest as an alternative to the strait.

But she added: Interest in alternative corridors existed before, but it was largely theoretical.

What Im observing now is a qualitative shift: the questions being asked are which ones are viable, on what timeline, and at what cost.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a pipeline already exists between the Abu Dhabi oilfield in Habshan, the Emirates largest gas processing facility, which runs to the eastern coast of Fujairah.

Plans are also in place to add 186 miles (300km) from the western port of Jebel Dhanna to Fujairah, which would allow as much as 1.5 million barrels a day of crude to bypass the strait.

A Chinese state-owned firm is the main contractor for large sections of the project, which was previously set to be completed this year and operational in 2027.

A Chinese tanker sits at anchor near the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway has effectively been closed starving many countries of crucial energy imports - Benoit Tessier

Jamie Ingram, an analyst and managing editor of the Middle East Economic Survey, told The Telegraph: Work is under way on that one, they were making good progress, but given what has happened it could be delayed.

Mr Ingram said the preference was to channel the oil east. The Gulf countries core markets are in Asia and that is where everyone sees demand growing in the future, sending west is not ideal, he said.

Hamas wrecked previous plans

However, one option reportedly being considered is a revival of a Joe Biden-led project known as The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which would run through Israel to the Mediterranean.

The proposal was first announced by the then-US president alongside Narendra Modi, Indias prime minister, in September 2023.

However, the following month Hamas attacked Israel, leaving the project with major political problems.

One particularly challenging part of reviving this plan would be securing Saudi Arabias agreement to include a pipeline that runs to the Israeli port of Haifa.

This could be achieved by rail rather than a physical pipe.

Israel and Saudi Arabia have never had formal diplomatic relations. In 1947, Saudi voted against the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine and, to this day, it does not recognise Israeli sovereignty.

Jordan and Israel are also not currently signatories to the IMEC.

However, Joseph Rozen, a senior fellow at the Jerusalem-based Misgav Institute for National Security, thinks that this should be revisited.

He told The Telegraph: Israel and Jordan should join and I believe its only a matter of time. Israel is already backing and connecting such connectivity initiatives in the Middle East.

Iran war has brought many countries closer

Mr Rozen also claimed that the IMEC was very much based on regional plans for transportation first presented by Israel Katz, the states then transport minister and now defence minister.

I think that normalisation should be built up gradually and that means facilitating regional connectivity in energy, tech and trade.

He said dialogue could be conducted through a working group, adding: That alone will generate de facto normalisation without having the political burden of cutting ribbons in fancy ceremonies.

Mr Rozen also said that the Iran war had brought many countries in the region much closer, adding that there were reports of Saudi privately encouraging the US in the conflict.

Riyadh has formally advocated de-escalation, but some media reports have suggested that leaders of the kingdom want the war to continue  with the Houthis close to its borders.

Houthi supporters protest against the US-Israeli war in Iran in Sanaa. Both Israel and Saudi Arabia have fought against the Yemeni rebels - YAHYA ARHAB/EPA/Shutterstock

However, Mr Ingram is less optimistic about the IMEC being revived.

I just think the IMEC is off the table at the moment for Saudi Arabia, its too risky domestically to engage with Israel given the conflict, he said.

Mr Ingram added: There was talk about a potential route through Oman  which could be feasible, but going through Saudi Arabia to Oman terrain-wise would be very hostile. So it would be very challenging.

Oman has previously served as a mediator in the Middle East, facilitating talks between the US and Iran as recently as February.

Earlier this week, Iran announced that it was drafting a joint protocol with Oman to oversee transit in the Strait of Hormuz and issue permits.

The sultanate has not yet issued a formal response to the claims.

Iraqs plan to build a new oil pipeline to the Jordanian port of Aqaba, which would reduce its reliance on the strait, has suffered delays because of its proximity to Israel.

Plans for the two-segment project would see crude oil pumped through Iraq from Basra to Haditha, before a second line would take oil on to Aqaba in Jordan.

However, concerns have been raised about security risks, while some Shia Muslim factions are against a project that could benefit Israel.

Supporters of the National Shia Movement protest against the Iran war in Baghdad. A pipeline through Iraq could be at risk of attack from anti-Israel elements - Murtadha Al-Sudani/Anadolu via Getty Images

Other cross-border pipelines proposed across the region have included routes from Iraq through Jordan, Syria or Turkey  which the Financial Times reported could cost $15bn to $20bn.

IraqTurkey pipeline disputes

Aside from hostile politics, costs and terrain, experts argue that inter-country projects are rarely seamless.

Ashley Kelty, an analyst at Panmure Liberum, a UK investment bank, said: Within countries  its fine, but if youre crossing countries, then you can run into problems.

The IraqTurkey crude oil pipeline has been a source of long-running financial disputes, debts and a legal ruling by an administrative court that resulted in it being shut down for more than two years.

In July 2025, Turkey put an end to an agreement that would allow the oil from Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region to pass through its territory  giving the pipeline deal an expiry date of July 27, 2026.

However, the closure of the strait prompted Iraq to strike a deal with the Kurdistan regional government to resume exports, with 250,000 barrels per day being pumped to Ceyhan by the middle of March.

There can be huge disputes over who has got to pay for what and how much profit they are going to make and of course, who is in charge of maintaining it, Mr Kelty said.

Commenting on the IMEC, Mr Kelty added: If theres anything associated with Biden he [Donald Trump] wont touch it. What happened in Venezuela will also have improved US energy security rather than weakened it.

With ports and gas facilities across the Gulf currently being frequent targets of Iranian missile and drone attacks, security concerns will be a consideration for any pipeline.

And with the Houthis previously disrupting the Red Sea, even this waterway is by no means guaranteed.

Mr Kelty added: I think the closure of the strait is making everyone think we cant assume the strait will always stay open, what will we do if it gets closed.

Everyone had assumed it wouldnt be particularly bad for particularly long, but it got bad a lot quicker and for a lot longer.
Rachel Reeves

Hidden in the appendix of the Office for Budget Responsibilitys (OBR) March 2026 Economic and Fiscal Outlook are two tables that may prove more politically and economically consequential than many Labour politicians might care to admit. That they passed with so little attention, let alone outcry, is itself revealing; an indictment of how inured Britain has become to the steady expansion of the welfare state.

In the last financial year, the Treasury raised 331bn in income tax. That is only one component of the overall tax take, representing roughly a quarter of Government revenues, and National Insurance is in effect income tax by another name. Even so, a comparison is striking: the state also spent 333bn on welfare. Put another way, the state is spending more on those not working than it raises from those who are. This is not an aberration but part of a trend that threatens both fiscal sustainability and the economic incentives underpinning work.

Protestors outside Parliament last month as Rachel Reeves delivered her spring Budget statement - AFP via Getty Images

Defenders of the status quo might point out that as a proportion of GDP, welfare spending has remained relatively stable. But any country getting richer should surely see its welfare bill shrink, as the numbers living in poverty decline. At the very least, the increase should slow relative to overall government spending. Yet Britain is seeing the opposite.



Whats more: one consequence of the pandemic was a shift to flexible working, which Labour is enforcing through its Employment Rights Bill. It has never been easier to get a job that doesnt involve being in the office, five days a week, from 9am-5pm. This means that the labour market is open to more people than ever before. Yet participation rates remain stubbornly low. Which is why, by the end of the decade, welfare spending is projected to exceed 400bn.

More tax rises

On Monday, Britain will enter the new financial year with taxes on working people rising once again  not through headline-grabbing rate increases which people notice, but by the subtler and more insidious mechanism of fiscal drag. The OBR estimates that, by 2027-28, an additional 3.2 million people will have been pulled into paying income tax at all, while a further 2.6 million will have been pushed into the higher rate. The result is a sharp increase in the tax burden on middle earners in particular, with the overall tax take projected to reach 38 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade  the highest sustained level in post-War history.

The majority of local authorities in England are hiking council tax by around 4.99 per cent  the maximum rise allowed without holding a local referendum. Dividend tax rates will also increase, up from 8.75 per cent to 10.75 per cent for those who pay basic-rate tax, and from 33.75 per cent to 35.75 per cent for higher-rate taxpayers.



Labour frames this as the unavoidable consequence of a fiscal hole it inherited. What it is less willing to confront is how much of that hole is being dug by its own spending decisions  above all, on welfare. The economist Julian Jessop, echoing Adam Smith, reminds us that any increase in tax revenue should fund functions only the state can perform, not expand the benefits bill  yet this principle has been ignored. Instead, welfare continues to rise unchecked, eroding the incentive for work, ensnaring millions in a cycle of dependency, and stymieing growth.



The fiscal context is frightening. Government debt stands at roughly 95-96 per cent of GDP, and we are spending roughly 100bn annually servicing it. If the Government avoids raising income tax further to fund welfare (thus adhering to its manifesto and avoiding the most politically painful tax increase), it must either raise other taxes, cut spending elsewhere, or borrow more, effectively saddling future generations with higher taxes and obligations to pay for its unwillingness to confront the ballooning benefits bill. In short, we risk entrenching a fiscal trap in which higher welfare costs lead to higher taxes or debt, both of which suppress growth and make reform even harder.

Few dispute that a well-functioning social security system should shield the vulnerable against genuine hardship. Yet even a cursory look at the numbers suggests Britain is failing in this. According to Civitas, 53.3 per cent of people in the UK lived in households that received more in benefits (cash and in-kind) than they paid in taxes in the financial year ending 2024. Now, around 55 per cent of the working-age population is in full-time employment, while some nine million people are economically inactive.

Of the 1.88 million people officially unemployed at the end of last year, nearly half had been out of work for more than six months, a sharp deterioration from just a few years ago. The problem is not simply joblessness but persistent joblessness. We should be offering a leg up to get people back into work, not a comfort blanket for months and years.



It would be misleading to suggest that the welfare bill is driven primarily by the working-age unemployed. Pensioner benefits remain the single largest component, at around 180bn, with the state pension accounting for the majority. This is also the least politically contested area of welfare spending. All major parties remain committed to the pensions triple lock  Reform UK on Thursday reiterated its support despite Nigel Farages earlier, apparent hesitation, promising to slash benefits instead.



But while demographics do explain some of the pressure, they are too often invoked as a convenient alibi. An ageing society should intensify the need to increase labour market participation among those of working age. A worsening worker-to-pensioner ratio makes it more urgent that more people are in jobs, not fewer. And it is here that the most concerning trends arguably lie. The UK unemployment rate rose to 5.3 per cent in the three months to January, marking the highest rate in nearly five years. While other countries  including France and Germany  have restored the proportion in work to pre-pandemic levels, the UK is falling behind. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith attributes the rise to the 25bn hike in Employers National Insurance Contributions introduced in the 2024 Budget, compounded by heavier regulatory burdens imposed by the Employment Rights Bill.

Benefits explosion

The fastest-growing areas of welfare spending are health, disability and incapacity benefits  with the OBR estimating that these cost around 76bn in 2024, rising to nearly 100bn by the end of the decade. Since 2019-20 alone, spending on non-pensioner disability and incapacity benefits has risen by 24bn.



Behind these numbers are startling increases in caseloads. By May 2025, 830,000 more families were claiming incapacity benefits than in 2019. More than one in five working-age adults are out of the labour market, largely because of ill health or disability. The idea weve had an explosion in the number of disabled people in this country is dodgy, says Jessop. Around 12 per cent of children  or around 1.7 million  are now living with a long-term illness, disability or impairment, according to fresh figures. This has almost doubled since 2015.



Mental health, in particular, has been a key driver. After a decade in which policymakers and campaigners pushed for parity of esteem between mental and physical health, reporting has dramatically increased. This has come with enormous fiscal consequences: one in 10 working-age people are now claiming a sickness or disability benefit, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The number of those claiming personal independence payments (PIP) is expected to double this decade from two million to 4.3 million. Already, 44 per cent of disability benefit claimants cite a mental or behavioural condition as their primary issue, rising to 86 per cent when secondary conditions are included.

The fastest-growing areas of welfare spending are health, disability and incapacity benefits - Peter Nicholls/Getty Images

Sir Charlie Mayfields Keep Britain Working report, published last autumn, exposed this quiet crisis  yet the Government has, so far, failed to act. The report underscores the Health Secretarys plea for doctors to prescribe work for people with mild mental health issues, and his insistence that work is just as vital to your health as eating well and staying active. The evidence is clear: people in good jobs are less likely to suffer from depression, have more stable home lives and enjoy better physical and mental health. Work, done well, is medicine, as MindGym founder Octavius Black puts it.



Lord Elliott, the political strategist who is now president of the Jobs Foundation, stresses the need to bring back rigorous in-person assessments of benefits claimants. He estimates that around a third of current claimants would fall away if such assessments were reinstated, a staggering figure that highlights both the scale of over-claiming and the potential fiscal impact. Yet DWP has largely abandoned in-person checks, making it far easier for people to remain on benefits even when capable of work. The suspicion is that this owes more to the comfort of civil servants than the effectiveness of work assessment.



This has helped blur the line between support and substitution. And when benefits expand to cover ever more contingencies  as is currently being planned for the energy bills of those who need it most as the economic fallout from the Iran conflict begins to be felt  where is the incentive to work? Not least when, as Jessop says, those just above the threshold receive little support.

Resistance to change

Despite the obvious flaws, attempts to control spending have repeatedly faltered. Reforms to PIP and Universal Credit health elements announced by Liz Kendall in 2025 were expected to save 8bn; around 6bn of those savings were then reversed. Kendall has since been replaced by Pat McFadden yet, despite the Prime Minister insisting that welfare reform was a moral imperative, the DWP will not have parliamentary time for benefits reform until next year at the earliest. This will likely kick the implementation of any changes into the next Parliament.

Pat McFadden (centre), Work and Pensions Secretary, at last months launch of Scotlands first Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair in Glasgow - Robert Perry/PA Wire

This pattern is not new; the introduction of PIP in 2013 delivered only a fraction of the promised savings. Structurally, the system resists restraint: welfare spending is classified as annually managed expenditure, with eligibility defined in law and demand-led. The Chancellor cannot control it in the way they  in theory at least  control other departmental budgets. And theres the issue of asymmetry. If the Government saves 10bn on benefits, the average worker will not feel better off, but those losing benefits complain, and their complaints are amplified by the charity industry, Left-wing bloggers and many backbench Labour MPs.



Thousands are signing on to benefits every day, and few ever come off, says shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately. Lives are being written off and taxpayers are stuck footing the bill. The Tories are promising 23bn in welfare savings, which include 7bn from stopping benefits to foreign citizens, between 7bn and 9bn on lower-level mental health issues, ending VAT relief and reform of the Motability scheme  a car-leasing programme for the disabled that accounts for roughly one in every five new cars sold in Britain. Many consider Kemi Badenochs response to what she termed a Budget for Benefit Street one of her strongest moments since becoming Conservative leader. Reform is pledging radical cuts to the welfare bill, ending what Robert Jenrick describes as the farce of foreign migrants coming to the UK to claim benefits. Its money the country simply doesnt have.





Polls indicate that more than half of Britons now believe our welfare system is too lax. Even within Labour, there are figures who grasp the challenge  including Stephen Timms, leading the Governments review of the PIP assessment process, and Alan Milburn, who is preparing a report on youth unemployment. Yet the party is constrained by backbench MPs, unions, core voters, and perhaps a lack of appetite or the intellectual authority once wielded by heavyweights such as Denis Healey or Gordon Brown.



Thus, as Jessop remarks, if Starmer with a commanding majority and riding high in polls cant do it, then Starmer the Lame Duck certainly cant. Last summers welfare row made this reality plain: resistance within Labours own ranks was enough to blunt even modest changes. As former Treasury adviser Cameron Brown puts it, the problem is not that the system cannot be reformed, but that the political cost of doing so is consistently judged to be too high. Absent a full-blown fiscal crisis, meaningful reform looks unlikely.

Breaking point

For Lord Elliott, we are already at breaking point. Neets  957,000 young people aged 16-24 not in employment, education, or training  are entering a labour market that offers few opportunities. The UK now has the highest youth unemployment in Europe, and long-term disengagement is normalising inactivity.



Young people have been through Covid, theyre leaving school or university and cant get jobs, they see the mountain ahead of them in terms of personal finances  cant save, cant get on the housing ladder, some struggle to see how they could have kids, he laments. Without urgent action, this cohort risks being locked into a cycle  hooked on benefits  that will be very difficult to escape. For some, joblessness is already becoming normalised: the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show just under one in 10 children across the UK lived in long-term workless households in 2024 (9.4 per cent)  equivalent to an increase of 160,000 on the previous year.

And yet, Rachel Reeves last year described welfare spending as investment. If additional welfare spending can be defined as such, it is surely an investment in keeping people out of work rather than giving them gainful employment and generating an Exchequer windfall. I cant believe the English language has been so abused to describe transfer payments as investments, Lord Elliott says. If Reevess statement means anything, it may reflect a broader Labour strategy to continue increasing welfare spending  a choice that is both fiscally risky and economically counterproductive.



The broader economic backdrop amplifies these concerns. Growth has stalled, output flatlining in early 2026, while productivity continues a long stagnation. International forecasts have been downgraded. As tax expert Dan Neidle observes, almost all taxes damage the economy. The question is what they are raised for: if higher revenues are devoted primarily to transfer payments rather than productive investment, long-term growth suffers far more.

Rachel Reeves delivers her spring Budget statement in the House of Commons last month - House of Commons

Britain risks a vicious cycle: weak growth fuels higher welfare spending, which necessitates higher taxes, which further suppress growth. A system designed to provide a safety net increasingly undermines the conditions that make that security affordable. And the OBRs projections that income tax receipts will begin to exceed the welfare bill again over the next year are somewhat unconvincing in the absence of any meaningful reform.

Politically, Labour could choose to raise wealth, capital, or asset taxes. But such measures are inherently distortionary, and risk prolonging our economic torpor.

Britain being left behind

Both Lord Elliott and Jessop believe resources should expand productive capacity, rather than sustain inactivity. Spending should focus on areas only the state can provide  defence, justice, environmental protections  while the welfare system actively supports work. Practical reforms could include greater use of in-person assessments, tighter eligibility criteria, and more localised, tailored support. Elliott urges the Government to bring in incentives for employers to hire those with disabilities or health conditions, thereby unlocking a large, underutilised pool of labour. Even modest increases in employment rates, he says, would generate significant fiscal gains through reduced benefits and higher tax receipts.



Crucially, welfare reform cannot be separated from the broader economic environment. Job availability depends on economic growth, confidence and a supportive business climate. Yet vacancies are falling  from 884,000 in the three months to July 2024, to 721,000 in the last quarter.



Elliott notes that by the mid-2040s, Turkey could overtake the UK in GDP per capita if growth patterns continue. Britain risks falling behind other mid-income European economies, yet still behaves like a thriving, wealthy nation, telling itself that it is one of the worlds biggest economies while ignoring its static or falling output per head. Sluggish growth since the financial crisis has left the country underperforming, while nations such as Poland implement policies to boost productivity and employment. To avoid long-term decline, the UK must restore work as the central social and economic norm. But has any party really grasped this imperative, and its implications?



The alternative is to continue along this path of rising transfers, higher taxes and even slower growth. Success requires bold political leadership, targeted reforms and a commitment to work not seen in Labour since Frank Field was, briefly, in Tony Blairs team. The cost of continued inaction is high: a generation of young people trapped outside the workforce, a bloated welfare bill, and future generations shouldering the hit from todays policy failures.

Data reporting by Ollie Corfe
UK drivers are paying 1.8bn a year in repairs for damage caused by potholes - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Councils that fail to address the pothole plague will be denied government funding

Under new plans to fix Britains roads, local authorities could lose a quarter of their road maintenance budgets if they cannot prove the funds are making a difference. The money will be given to better-performing councils instead.

The Government previously committed 7.3bn in a multi-year funding settlement for local authorities to repair Britains road surfaces.

But councils will have to earn their full share of the money by sharing data with Whitehall to prove they are fixing roads in their area, government sources have said.

The tough new rules being considered by Labour come before the local elections in May, where the party is widely expected to suffer a drubbing.

The quality of local roads is seen as a key issue among voters at local government level, as motorists spend an average of 300 repairing vehicles after suffering pothole damage, according to estimates from AA, the motoring association.

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, took the fight over the state of Britains roads to Labour last week by unveiling plans for a national pothole patrol as campaigning began.

She wants to set up a national website for motorists to log potholes, which will be used to deploy hundreds of road-repair machines to the worst-hit areas of the country.

Now Labour has vowed to end the pothole plague in Britain with a carrot-and-stick approach to road maintenance funding.

Earlier this year, it released a new traffic light rating system, to hold councils to account by naming and shaming the worst performers.

Among those with a red rating are the Conservative-run Suffolk and North Lincolnshire councils, and Reform-led West Northamptonshire and Derbyshire councils.

Derbyshire tops the list for roads in the poorest condition, according to Department for Transport data.

Work was carried out on just 9 per cent of A-roads and motorways in the county in need of repairs.

Labour-controlled local authorities Cumberland and Bolton, and Liberal Democrat-run Westmorland and Furness also have a red rating.

A government source told The Telegraph: This Labour Government has put its money where its mouth is  committing record sums to fix Britains roads.

But we have to make sure councils are spending it correctly and delivering change people can see in their communities.

Tough new standards will see the best performing councils earn their full share of funding. We will end the pothole plague.

More than 12.8 million drivers had to have cars repaired because of pothole damage in 2025. Drivers paid a record 1.8bn in repairs, with an average bill of 137.

The Asphalt Industry Alliance estimates that the cost of repairing the UKs road network stands at 18.6bn, more than double the funding allocated by Labour.

The industry body estimates that roads are only resurfaced on average every 97 years. The recommended time frame, it says, is 10 to 20 years.
General Sir Peter Wall said the proposed legislation was a betrayal of veterans - Sgt Ian Forsyth RLC

A group of former Army chiefs has accused Sir Keir Starmers Government of having no moral backbone over its grotesquely unfair pursuit of Troubles veterans.

The retired generals said they feared that Labours Troubles bill could lead to a wave of witch hunts against Northern Ireland veterans, exposing retired troops to years of spurious persecution in the courts.

The Prime Minister is forging ahead with the legislation, which includes plans for a commission to investigate Troubles-related killings, after scrapping the Tories legacy act granting legal immunity to some British troops.

Labour has argued that immunity for former British troops is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, but critics say the Government is opening up veterans who fought the IRA to vexatious legal claims.

General Sir Peter Wall, the former head of the Army between 2010-2014, and General Sir Nick Parker, who was the last commander overseeing operations in Northern Ireland, have now launched a campaign to introduce protections for troops.

As part of a coalition of military leaders, they have drafted a series of legal amendments, submitted to Parliament by Alex Burghart, the shadow Northern Ireland secretary, to demand that no new investigations can begin without compelling new evidence being provided and assessed by the Supreme Court.

Critics fear Sir Keir Starmers plans will open veterans up to witch hunts - Finnbarr Webster/AFP via Getty Images

Launching their offensive against Labours law changes, Sir Peter said: The Government has no moral backbone.

The stance at the top of Government is incompatible with the deployment of military force. The zeal with which they are pursuing the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill completely underlines the point.

At every level, its grotesquely unfair. It betrays the service of these individuals to the Crown.

Meanwhile, SAS veterans are preparing an unprecedented revolt against potential show trials, boycotting inquest hearings should key changes not be made to Labours bill.

Up to nine inquests could be resumed should the legislation pass without changes.

Many of them have been investigated repeatedly, and military chiefs fear they will be used by republicans to try and rewrite the history of the IRA.

But the Special Air Service Regimental Association (SASRA), which represents current and ex-special forces personnel, is urging its members not to give evidence in future inquiries.

Having previously threatened legal actions, SASRA warned it now had a number of high-priced lawyers waiting in the wings should Labour choose to enact its flawed legislation.

Veterans at risk of mischievous, vexatious claims

David White, a former SAS colonel, feared the bill would open the floodgates to new legal cases and said the SASRA would use all the measures at our disposal to protect troops.

It condemns veterans like me and colleagues to potential decades of further legal inquiry and investigation, none of which is focused on getting to the truth; its purely built to embarrass the Government and seek vengeance on us, he said.

This is persecution of our soldiers, who are being endlessly dragged through the court with mischievous, vexatious claims. Its lawfare.

George Simm, a former regimental sergeant major of 22 SAS, said laws such as the Human Rights Act 1998 were being used to support terrorists killed before carrying out atrocities. He also feared troops would not be fairly investigated by Northern Irish courts.

This has gone too far, he added. We have got hundreds of soldiers being investigated. But make no mistake, this is just the beginning. Special forces are just the canaries in the mine.

General Sir Nick Parker, pictured in 2010, is among the former military leaders to have helped draft the series of legal amendments - MoD/PA Wire/Richard Watt

Gen Sir Nick added there had been a fundamental shift in which the right of the individual seems to trump everything and accused the Government of a lack of leadership.

We have a group of people leading us that dont understand the duty of the state to protect its people, he said. Thats a collective act, which means you must stand by those in the Armed Forces and give them the appropriate protection.

Their intervention comes on the eve of the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which brought an end to 30 years of bloodshed and saw hundreds of convicted IRA terrorists released from prison.

On Saturday, the family of Airey Neave, the murdered Conservative MP, criticised Sir Keirs Troubles bill for leaving former British soldiers open to bloody unfair prosecution.

Neave, who was shadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland, was killed when a bomb exploded under his Vauxhall Cavalier as he drove out of the car park at the Palace of Westminster in 1979.

His daughter and granddaughter condemned Labours plans as betraying the intention of the Good Friday Agreement to bring reconciliation.

Meanwhile, three former soldiers are set to appear at Belfast magistrates court on April 20 over a series of alleged shootings during the Troubles.

An Army veteran, referred to as Soldier F, is charged with murdering Patrick McVeigh, 44, in May 1972.

Two others, named Soldiers B and D, are charged with the attempted murder of two other men in a separate incident on the same night.

Sources have told The Telegraph that lawyers in Northern Ireland have been written to, warning them that inquests into some of the actions taken by SAS members will soon resume.

A number of inquests are under judicial review, meaning they could be restarted, dragging veterans, many of whom are now in their late 70s or 80s, back to court.

They include the killing of three IRA terrorists in Coagh in County Tyrone in June 1991 by an SAS team.

Campaigners during a protest against the prosecution of Northern Ireland veterans in 2021 - Heathcliff O'Malley for The Telegraph

Peter Ryan, Tony Doris and Lawrence McNally died after being ambushed by four special forces soldiers. They had been on their way to murder a man.

A coroner previously said the soldiers were justified in their use of lethal force.

However, last year, Roisin Nugent, Doriss daughter, challenged that decision, arguing the soldier who killed her father should have paused after every shot to consider whether it was necessary to fire another one.

In November, a judge described the review as ludicrous and utterly divorced from reality of the soldiers who had a split second to stop IRA members from murdering someone.

However, it is understood Doriss relatives are continuing their challenge after receiving taxpayer-funded legal aid, with the case having been heard at Northern Irelands Court of Appeal on March 24. No decision on the review has been taken.

Government must kill this bill

Campaigners fear the Government could now be looking to push through its Troubles bill rapidly after months of silence from the Northern Ireland Office over potential amendments.

Mr Burghart said he feared Labours bill would lead to a wave of new vexatious claims against veterans.

The Government needs to see sense and kill this bill, he told The Telegraph. The last Conservative Government tried to draw a line under the Troubles and allow Northern Ireland to move on. Labour is erasing that line.

This will mean ever more vexatious claims against veterans who served in the most difficult of circumstances. The Conservatives will fight this legislation to the last and continue to demand genuine protections for those who served.

Gen Sir Peter insisted they were not trying to scupper genuine investigations into potential wrongdoing by military personnel.

He said: Were not in any way trying to protect people who have done wrong things. Were trying to protect people who have done the right things but are being hounded by vexatious comments and court cases.

For the soldiers, its not the conviction that is the issue. The punishment itself is the process, the fact theyre getting dragged through the courts is the punishment, and its unacceptable.

The former commander made the comments after joining an unprecedented intervention by nine four-star military chiefs in a joint letter in November, which criticised the Prime Ministers plans as a national security threat.

Labours Troubles bill has already provoked an exodus of special forces troops, Sir Peter warned recently. Elite soldiers from the SAS and SBS are said to be quitting amid fears they could be hauled into court.

In October, a Parachute Regiment veteran, identified only as Soldier F  who is separate to the man accused of killing Patrick McVeigh  was cleared of murdering two unarmed protesters and attempting to kill five others on Bloody Sunday more than 50 years ago. The judge in the case said the evidence fell well short of anything needed for a conviction.

After the acquittal, Suella Braverman, the former Conservative home secretary, said: It is a disgrace that this ever came to trial. The witch hunt of our brave veterans needs to stop.

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Office said: Operating under the rule of law is central to how our Armed Forces work to keep the UK safe at home and abroad, and there is no question of anyone being prosecuted for having followed the rules.

The previous Governments immunity scheme was widely rejected  including by many veterans and victims of IRA terrorism, among them families of soldiers killed on UK soil.

Our approach ensures new and robust protections, in law, for our brave Operation Banner veterans, including protection against repeat investigations and being required to travel to Northern Ireland to give information.

The Northern Ireland Secretary and Defence Secretary are continuing to speak to veterans and former senior officers about how to ensure we get this right.
The Navy could send HMS Prince of Wales to sail on the Hudson River to mark Americas defeat of Britain in 1776 - CPO Phot Nobby Hall/Ministry of Defence

The Navy is in talks to send a ship to New York for Independence Day despite Donald Trumps insults about the vessel.

Labour could send HMS Prince of Wales, the 65,000-ton warship, to join the July 4 celebrations marking Americas declaration of independence from Britain in 1776.

The potential trip has angered military circles after Mr Trumps recent mockery of Britains prized naval assets.

The US president has repeatedly insulted the aircraft carrier, along with the 3.2bn HMS Queen Elizabeth, dismissing them as old and broken down and calling them toys.

This just feels humiliating, one source said. Why should we send the carrier to join an event marking the defeat of Britain, for a president who has called us cowards and mocked our ships?

No firm decision has been taken by Downing Street on whether the 920ft-long HMS Prince of Wales will cross the Atlantic for New York.

The Telegraph understands discussions on this years voyage have been going on for months.

The talks are thought to predate the presidents comments about the carriers and his criticism of Sir Keir Starmer for not sending warships to the Middle East to support the US-Israeli war against Iran.

HMS Prince of Wales is earmarked to lead a carrier strike group on a Nato exercise in the High North in the coming weeks. The drill around the Arctic is seen as key to deterring Russia, which is increasingly sending its vessels to British waters.

If she is approved to sail to New York, it is thought the celebratory trip would take place after completing the drill.

A Navy source added: No final decision has been made. All these conversations are still taking place. But it will be up to the secretary of state to make the decision on what the ship may or may not do.

The Royal Navy has previously sent vessels to the event, with the icebreaker HMS Protector attending in 2022 and survey ship HMS Scott joining in 2023.

The Navy sent HMS Protector to join Independence Day celebrations in 2023 - ZUMA Press/Alamy

Adml Lord West of Spithead, a former first sea lord, said he believed it was very likely the carrier would go to New York.

It would be nice to let the Americans see her and to show Trump just how capable our carriers are, he added. Fully fitted out with 36 F-35s, the carriers are incredibly capable.

Should the ship go, she would probably join the US navy at the annual Fleet Week celebration on the Hudson River.

President mocks Britains Navy

During a cabinet meeting last week, Mr Trump mocked HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, saying the warships arent the best aircraft carriers.

Mr Trump said: We had the UK say well send our aircraft carriers, which arent the best aircraft carriers. Theyre toys compared to what we have. We dont need it, and we dont need them.

Donald Trump has said HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales arent the best aircraft carriers - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

He appeared to double down on the comments days later and ridiculed Sir Keir for refusing to send warships to the Middle East.

I said you have two, old broken-down aircraft carriers, do you think you could send them over? the president said.

Impersonating Sir Keir with a weak voice, he added: Oh Ill have to ask my team.

Earlier this week, Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defence, also criticised the UK for failing to send warships to the region, saying: Last time I checked there was supposed to be a big, bad Royal Navy that could be prepared to do things like that as well.

Mr Trump has previously criticised the state of Britains Armed Forces and provoked an outcry in January when he claimed British troops had stayed a little off the front lines in Afghanistan.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: We do not comment on speculation regarding operational deployments.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Scores of buses carrying members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) were yesterday lined up at the Beitbridge Border Post as pilgrims travelled to Masvingo's Mbungo shrine for Easter celebrations.Travellers from Johannesburg and Pretoria reported spending several hours waiting to cross into Zimbabwe, with congestion building up as the annual religious gathering draws thousands."We arrived around 9am, and now it's 4pm. We hope to get through and celebrate Good Friday," said one pilgrim, Sister Grace, reflecting the frustration among travellers eager to reach the shrine in time for the commemorations.The church members are making their way to Mbungo for prayers as part of the ZCC's annual Easter pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the region.Pilgrims are expected to begin returning to South Africa on Sunday following the conclusion of the Easter celebrations.
Maureen Flavin Sweeneys forecast of bad weather in the Channel delayed D-Day by 24 hours

When an Irish assistant postmistress called in her nightly forecast from a lighthouse weather station on Co Mayos wild Atlantic coast, she had no idea of the crucial role it would play in the Allied victory in the Second World War.

Today, historians are complaining that the young womans pivotal contribution to the war effort has been written out of a new blockbuster.

At 1am on June 3, 1944  her 21st birthday  Maureen Flavin noticed a sharp drop in the barometer, the first sign of an incoming storm. After waking Ted Sweeney, the lighthouse keeper and her future husband, to confirm the reading, she reported it to the Irish Met Service.

Later that day, after a woman with an English accent called twice to demand that she please check, please repeat her calculations, Gen Dwight D Eisenhower and the Allied command decided that D-Day would not happen on June 5 after all.

The D-Day landings were delayed by 24 hours following the weather forecast from Ireland - Getty

The upcoming film Pressure will focus on weather forecasting around the June 6, 1944 invasion of Nazi-occupied France, the culmination of Operation Overlord and the largest-ever armada of ships, troops, planes and vehicles in modern warfare  all used to breach Adolf Hitlers defences in Western Europe.

Starring Brendan Fraser, the Oscar-winning star of The Whale, and Andrew Scott, of Sherlock and Fleabag fame, the film follows Gen Eisenhower and Gp Capt James Stagg, a Scottish meteorologist, in the tense 72 hours before the Normandy landings.

However, Giles Milton, historian and author of D-Day: The Soldiers Story, has called it completely unfair that key figures have been written out of the Hollywood historical thriller, which is being released in the UK in September.

He told The Telegraph: Its completely actually unfair on people who played major roles in history and either get written out of the story or get portrayed perhaps as a villain when in fact theyre the hero.

Andrew Scott plays Gp Capt James Stagg in Pressure - Alex Bailey/Studiocanal

Figures not listed on the extensive IMDb cast list for Pressure include Maureen Flavin Sweeney as well as Charles Kenneth Mackinnon CKM Douglas, a pioneering British meteorologist.

Flavin Sweeney, who died at 100 years old in 2023, was not aware of her crucial part in the operation until 1956. This was when the weather station became automated and moved from the lighthouse, and the secret was shared with her and Mr Sweeney, the lighthouse keeper and, by then, her husband.

In 2004, a plaque was unveiled at the lighthouse to commemorate her role and in 2020, Flavin Sweeney, then 98, received a special US house of representatives honour for her part in the victory.

Mr Milton said the omissions were a shame, explaining that Flavin Sweeneys report was important in the crucial decision-making that secured the Allied victory. Another historian described her contribution as key to the planning of the operation.

Her midnight forecast from Blacksod lighthouse changed the course of history because it was the first to confirm to D-Day invasion planners that an incoming severe storm could make any crossing of the English Channel hazardous, ultimately resulting in the 24-hour delay of the invasion as forces waited for clearer skies.

Maureen Flavin went on to marry Ted Sweeney, the keeper of Blacksod lighthouse who confirmed her crucial 1944 forecast - Bernard Golden/Alamy

Flavin Sweeneys contribution led Gp Capt Stagg to advise that the invasion be postponed by 24 hours, and for the landings to take place on June 6 instead.

Mr Milton explained: An important factor is that weather in the English Channel generally sweeps down through the Atlantic, so Maureen Sweeney is in County Mayo, shes in a lighthouse on the Atlantic Coast.

Shes seeing in advance the weather thats coming towards the English Channel, so it makes sense that she would be able to supply advance information.

History enthusiasts on social media have already pointed out the omission, with one responding to the films trailer on X by saying: Does it feature the Irish lady that sent the crucial storm warning? Or is she written out like most women in history?

Another wrote: And is Mrs Maureen Sweeney, of Blacksod Bay, and her pivotal weather warning mentioned in the film, or written out of history, once again.

Paul Woodadge, 57, a military historian, described Flavin Sweeneys actions as key but explained that Gp Capt Stagg was acting in the film as an overarching figurehead for all the forecasters that contributed to the Normandy landings.

Maureen Flavin Sweeney, who died at 100 years old in 2023, was unaware of her crucial role in history until 1956

Mr Woodadge, who helped to advise Pressures filmmakers on historical accuracy, said: Weather analysis is one of those branches that involves a huge amount of people represented by the single character of Stagg in the movie, who is a figurehead for an entire branch.

He added that Flavin Sweeneys forecast was a very significant contributing factor, but its not the sole factor.

The historian continued: Essentially, her report is a huge big moment, but its not the only one Theyre getting all sorts of information of which her report is the icing on the cake, but Eisenhower would never have just gone on and launched something on the say-so of one single 21-year-old Irish woman.

Mr Woodadge, an expert on the Normandy landings, insisted that the film was rooted firmly in the events of 1944 and being respectful to the incredible planning that went into it.

The film also omits Douglas, who led the team of British broadcasters working on the D-Day operation.

Mr Milton described him as one of the greatest forecasters of the 20th century, saying: It sounds like the film has missed out the most important person in terms of weather forecasting for D-Day, which was Charles Douglas, and thats a bit of a shame.

The 60-year-old author continued: He was far more important than James Stagg whose role was largely the messenger to Gen Eisenhower.

However, discussing the importance the forecasters played in the decision-making, he added: You had one shot getting it right and that shot depended entirely on the weather in the English Channel.
The Orion spacecraft feature better sanitation systems than early space missions - NASA

After early space missions crashed back to Earth, scientists were desperate to learn what they had uncovered.

What they couldnt have counted on was the foul stench that erupted through the capsule door as it opened for the first time in several days.

Apollo missions astronauts faced floating faeces, bags of urine strapped to their bodies and no changes of clothes.

Today, however, its a much more state-of-the-art affair.

A hi-tech toilet system, air filters and a specialised hygiene pack all keep the air smelling fresh.

The first men on the Moon didnt have toilets; instead wearing adhesive-sealed plastic bags attached to their bodies to collect urine.

They did, however, take razors up with them, with Old Spice shaving foam the only real counter to the rising odour.

On the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, astronauts wore the same clothes for the whole eight-day journey.

Jennifer Levasseur, a curator in the Smithsonian Museums space history department, said: The astronauts had been in their suits so long without changing their clothes that the scent lingered the entire time.

It was a slap in the face to those who greeted them upon their return because the scent was so strong.

Todays astronauts aboard Nasas Artemis II mission to the Moon, which is more than halfway through its 357,000-mile journey, have a much easier time.

The Orion capsule has a carbon dioxide and humidity removal system, which helps to keep the air clean by removing gases such as ammonia and acetone that humans emit through breathing.

The shuttle is equipped with a hygiene bay around the size of a plane toilet  with doors for privacy, a toilet and space for the crew to bring in their personal hygiene kits.

These packs contain a hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste, liquid soap and rinseless shampoo  though astronauts have admitted the shampoo leaves an unpleasant residue.

To wash their hair, astronauts use foil-and-plastic bags with straw-like nozzles, which they place directly against their scalp before combing the water through their hair with their fingers.

But Karen Nyberg, who spent 166 days in orbit on the International Space Station (ISS), told The New York Times in 2022 that her hair never really felt clean. After a few months, her hair would hold the shape of a ponytail even without a hairband.

Astronaut Karen Nyberg demonstrates how to wash your hair in space aboard the International Space Station - NASA

The Artemis II astronauts wear high-tech sweat-wicking clothes underneath custom-made orange spacesuits, which will help rescuers find them after they travel down at the end of the mission.

And they change out of these clothes to go to sleep, putting on pyjamas.

Though Commander Reid Wiseman was heard asking about the location of their comfort garments as he struggled to find them on Wednesday.

Crew members brush their teeth with normal toothpaste, but then typically swallow to avoid floating spit balls.

Orions toilet, known as the Universal Waste Management System, is a far cry from the non-existent toilet of the Apollo missions.

The earlier space flights were riddled with problems, including floating faeces in 1969.

According to flight logs from the Apollo 10 mission to the Moon, Commander Thomas Stafford said: Give me a napkin quick. Theres a turd floating through the air.

Now, the Artemis crew has been afforded the luxury of strapping themselves to a specialised seat, which sucks stools away into a smell-free container.

A mock-up of Artemis IIs toilet on the Orion capsule

For urine, each astronaut has their own personal funnel with a fan that draws the liquid into a tank, removing any nasty smells.

But the Orion crew still had an uncomfortable few hours without a toilet after takeoff last week, with Christina Koch forced to act as an emergency space plumber before it could be used safely.

More recently, Victor Glover, Artemis IIs pilot, was broadcast with his shirt off as he wiped himself down with a towel after 30 minutes of exercise on Friday. The shuttle has an exercise machine called the Flywheel, which can be used as a rowing machine and also for strength training.

When astronauts sweat, it forms pools on the body, rather than dripping off, so it has to be wiped away.

Nasa astronaut Victor Glover, having completed his exercise, is cleaning up in space, a spokesman said. Obviously, we do not have showers aboard the Orion spacecraft.

Although a shower was developed for space travel in 1973, for use on the USs first space station, Skylab, the process was too cumbersome for the Artemis teams 10-day mission.

Astronaut Charles Conrad, commander of the Skylab 2 mission, smiles after using the shower facility in the crew quarters of the Skylab Orbital Workshop - NASA

Astronauts would spend hours showering with their feet strapped to the bottom of the tube-shaped pod to keep them steady, and they had only three litres of water to use.

Excess water also had to be painstakingly mopped up after washing, to avoid damaging crucial technical equipment.

It was such a difficult process that astronauts on the ISS reverted to sponge baths, with shampoo that doesnt need to be rinsed out and an extraction system for excess water.

Astronauts compared the showers to washing while camping, but no matter how much soap and deodorant they use, it isnt a match for the real thing.

In 2016, Tim Peake, a British astronaut, wrote: I already miss my shower at home, but this gets the job done.

Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, and Reid Wiseman inside the Orion spacecraft on their way to the Moon - NASA

Instead of laundry, astronauts send dirty socks and wet towels away in a cargo spacecraft to burn in Earths atmosphere.

But not until almost all the water has been wrung out of them, so that it can be recycled.

The water recovery system on the ISS can turn urine and sweat into drinking water, and recycles as much as 98 per cent of wastewater.

Thankfully for Artemiss crew, their urine is being jettisoned into space instead. So they wont have to drink it.

On Thursday, Ms Koch filmed the wastewater being vented from Orion, with sparkling beads of water seen shooting into space.

But with the Orion crew not due back until Friday, it remains to be seen whether rescuers picking the astronauts out of the Pacific Ocean will best remember their bright orange space suits  or their stench.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Meetings between King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Ndebele king claimant Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo have been widely hailed as a landmark moment, signalling a renewed rapprochement between the Zulu and Ndebele nations, whose shared ancestry stretches back centuries.The engagements are being viewed as symbolic of a long-awaited reunion between two towering historical figures  King Shaka and King Mzilikazi  whose alliance and eventual split shaped much of southern Africa's early 19th-century history.Shaka and Mzilikazi were once close allies, working together to establish the Zulu Kingdom during its formative years. However, their relationship fractured dramatically around 1822 during the upheaval known as the Mfecane  a period of widespread conflict and migration that reshaped the region from present-day South Africa to as far north as Tanzania.Historians attribute the split largely to disputes over the spoils of war, particularly cattle seized during Zulu military campaigns against neighbouring communities such as the Sotho. According to oral tradition, Mzilikazi, a senior commander under Shaka, refused to surrender cattle he had captured, prompting a bitter fallout. To this day, Zulu elders often jokingly ask their Ndebele counterparts, 'Ziphi inkomo zenkosi?' (Where is the king's cattle?), reflecting the enduring cultural memory of the dispute.Following the break, Mzilikazi led his followers northward, carving out new territories across the Transvaal before moving through present-day Botswana and Zambia, and eventually settling in what is now Zimbabwe. His leadership laid the foundation of the Ndebele nation.King Misuzulu, son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, descends from Shaka's lineage through his half-brothers, including King Dingane, King Mpande, and later King Cetshwayo  all sons of Senzangakhona.On the Ndebele side, Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo is recognised by the mainstream Khumalo royal house as a legitimate heir, tracing his lineage to King Lobengula through his son Njube. Lobengula's rule came to an end following defeat by colonial forces led by Cecil John Rhodes during the Anglo-Ndebele War.Bulelani's life reflects the complex legacy of colonial disruption. A South African citizen born in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, he descends from a lineage forcibly relocated from Zimbabwe during colonial efforts to dismantle the Ndebele state. Despite lacking formal recognition by the Zimbabwean government, he has gained broad cultural acceptance among Ndebele communities.His claim has not gone uncontested, with figures such as Peter Zwide KaLanga Khumalo and Stanley Raphael Tshuma also asserting competing claims to the throne.The renewed engagement between the Zulu and Ndebele leadership comes against the backdrop of ongoing cultural revival efforts. Each September, the Ndebele nation commemorates Mzilikazi Day, marking the death of the founding king in 1868. The event draws large gatherings from across southern Africa, uniting Nguni-descended communities from South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania, with efforts underway to include delegations from Mozambique's Shangani people.Observers say the recent meetings could mark a turning point in healing a centuries-old rift, reinforcing shared heritage and strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.
4 April 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Three years ago, the idea of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia building a common regional home seemed a noble wish - admirable in concept, impossibly remote in practice. Indeed, the concept of the South Caucasus House in the context of the visionary ideas of prominent Azerbaijani writer and philosopher Mirza Fatali Akhundov streching back to the 19th century, when referring to the historical attempt to establish the short-lived South Caucasus Sejm in 1917, which ceased to exist within months since its establishment, and finally the declaration issued in 1996 by Heydar Aliyev and Eduard Shevardnadze, that gestured toward a common regional destiny. Conceivably, the concept had a habit of coming back like a boomerang defeated by politics.

In the past two years, the South Caucasus has undergone changes that no analyst had reliably forecast. Indeed, the peace accord signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the White House in August 2025, marking the end of the conflict, which had been going on for more than thirty years, was unprecedented in every possible way, as it represented the first time that there were positive relations between the three states in the region since their gaining independence after the dissolution of the USSR. Georgia and Azerbaijan have always had close and good relations. Now, it is time for the third vertex of that triangle, Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, to change from hostile to positive dynamics, albeit rather fragile.

Since the lifting of Azerbaijan's transit restrictions in late 2025, Russian grain and Azerbaijani fuel have been arriving in Armenia via Azerbaijani railways, over 10,000 tons of oil products and more than 22,000 tons of grain since January 2026 alone. They are the infrastructure of economic peace. It was done not by statesmen and their declarations but by logistics directors and railway operators who were previously unable to do it.

Georgia hosted a trilateral deputy foreign minister-level conference between Armenia and Azerbaijan in April 2025 - a process intended to let the three South Caucasus countries assume their role as a "trilateral agency" for the very first time. Although no startling announcements were made in the Tbilisi talks, the fact remains that such talks have taken place. Just two or three years ago, this would have been almost unattainable, yet impossible, in previous years. Gradually, the region is beginning to learn how to express itself without a third partys intervention.

This new arrangement was just one more example that shows how the states of the South Caucasus are changing their foreign policy approaches and trying to make themselves independent as decision makers within the region.

One might wonder what is meant by "one more example."

Well, back in October 2023, the prime ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia had once met in Georgia. During this meeting, former Prime Minister Garibashvili emphasized that Georgia, as an impartial mediator and a friend to both Armenia and Azerbaijan, is committed to fostering peace in the region. Notably, this statement was made just one month after the anti-terrorist measures taken in Karabakh in 2023.

Given its strategic importance, the "Caucasus House" concept has the potential to evolve into an organization focused on the security and cooperation of the peoples of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the North Caucasus.

Long road to this moment

1917 - South Caucasus Sejm established, the first attempt at a common regional parliament. Dissolved within months, partly due to irreconcilable positions on Armenia's role.

1996 - Heydar Aliyev and Eduard Shevardnadze sign a joint declaration in Tbilisi - the first practical step toward the "Common Caucasian House." Armenia's ongoing occupation of Azerbaijani territories stalls implementation.

2023 - Azerbaijan restores sovereignty over Karabakh. The final military chapter closes; the diplomatic one begins.

April 2025 - Georgia hosts the first trilateral meeting of Armenian, Azerbaijani, and Georgian deputy foreign ministers, a new format for direct regional dialogue without external mediation.

August 2025 - Armenia and Azerbaijan sign an initial peace agreement at the White House. For the first time in independent history, all three South Caucasus states are simultaneously in positive bilateral relations.

Since January 2026 - Azerbaijani fuel and Russian grain have been arriving in Armenia via Azerbaijani railways. The Iran war underscores the strategic logic of regional solidarity.

The situation in Iran has now tilted the equation in such a way that it was unlikely to be achieved by diplomacy alone. While the South Caucasus finds itself right above a region embroiled in conflict, whose effects have seen drone flights across the border into Azerbaijan, refugees crossing over to Armenia, and disruption of the energy flows relied upon by all three states for their economic needs. This is more than just an issue that exists in theory.

In such a situation, the South Caucasus House is no longer just an idea of solidarity within the region; it becomes a means of survival. An entity acting like a single organism, which can share transport networks, have diversified sources of energy, and keep corridors open, is much better positioned to handle the waves of disturbance coming from its southern neighbours than three nations, with conflicting agendas, sitting right across the border from a war. This survival instinct has already manifested itself in Azerbaijan by becoming a humanitarian corridor for Iran, permitting the transport of Russian assistance, and at the same time developing stronger economic relations with Armenia.

All of this can be undone. Georgias politics have yet to become settled matters. An Armenian parliamentary election is due to take place in June 2026, when the fate of the entire peace process will be truly on the line. No formal agreement has yet been concluded by Azerbaijan and Armenia. Russia, for the first time in more than two decades, has relinquished its mediating role in the region, and it has done so reluctantly. We kind of saw this in the recent Pashinyan-Putin talks. For its part, Iran, whose access to both Armenia and the Caucasus has been hindered by this new configuration, has made no secret of its displeasure.

However, something else has now happened which cannot easily be undone. For the very first time, Baku, Tbilisi, and Yerevan are speaking the same language to each other without relying on Moscow, Brussels, or Washington acting as intermediaries. In essence, that is what the "South Caucasus House" project has always been about from its earliest days - the people of the South Caucasus deciding to solve their problems together, accepting their interdependence, and constructing their security architecture without the assistance of any outside power. While it would certainly have been a visionary concept throughout much of the last century, there may finally be an occasion for its realization. This approach will help dispel the perception of isolation among the countries of the region. Since the South Caucasus is often described in geopolitics as a conflict zone, called the "Balkans of the Caucasus," implementing this idea could serve as a model for security and cooperation recognized by the international community. Additionally, it could foster a positive image among neighboring countries. Importantly, this does not imply forming a unified state like the South Caucasus Sejm, but rather enabling the three nations and their peoples to coexist peacefully and securely.
4 April 2026 12:15 (UTC+04:00)

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4 April 2026 14:20 (UTC+04:00)

The Zangezur transport corridor is expected to be completed and put into operation within the next four to five years, Turkiyes Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, has said, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking in an interview with CNN Turk, Uraloglu noted that construction of the corridor is progressing steadily and will play a critical role in easing congestion along key transit routes in the Caspian region.

The construction of the Zangezur corridor will be completed within four to five years. Its launch will eliminate bottlenecks at the narrowest crossing points in the Caspian basin, the minister stated.

He added that Turkiye has already held a tender for a 224-kilometer railway project stretching from Kars to Dilucu, a key border crossing point. According to Uraloglu, part of the project in Nakhchivan has already been completed, while the remaining sections are being built by Azerbaijan and are close to completion.

The Zangezur corridor is seen as a strategic link connecting mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave of Nakhchivan, while also enhancing broader regional connectivity between Asia and Europe.

The project gained renewed momentum following a trilateral meeting held in Washington on August 8, 2025, involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The leaders signed a joint declaration aimed at securing peace between Baku and Yerevan and establishing transport links between Azerbaijans mainland and Nakhchivan.

The initiative has been branded the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, highlighting its geopolitical and economic significance.
4 April 2026 09:51 (UTC+04:00)

In accordance with the instructions of Azerbaijan's President, Ilham Aliyev, another humanitarian aid consignment was sent to the Islamic Republic of Iran on April 4.

AzerNEWS reports, citing Azertag, that the aid was dispatched in line with the telephone conversation held between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Masoud Pezeshkian on March 8, 2026. The aim is to support meeting the existing needs of the friendly and neighbouring people of Iran.

The humanitarian aid sent to the Islamic Republic of Iran includes various types of food products, medicines and medical supplies with a total volume of 200 tonnes. This includes 190 tonnes of food products, 7 tonnes of medicines and 3 tonnes of medical supplies.

The humanitarian cargo was sent via 10 freight vehicles (TIR).

It should be noted that, in connection with accompanying and delivering another humanitarian aid sent by Azerbaijan to Iran, officials from Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and State Agency for Material Reserves have departed for the Islamic Republic of Iran.
4 April 2026 10:39 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

According to the National Hydrometeorological Service, starting from today and over the coming days, unsettled weather is expected across the country. Precipitation is forecast, with heavy rainfall in some areas. Short-term floods and rising water levels are possible in certain mountain rivers, while intense and occasionally heavy rain may affect flood-prone areas around Baku. Thunderstorms and intermittent strong winds are also expected.

AzerNEWS reports that, in this regard, the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) has issued an appeal to the public, urging citizens to observe relevant safety rules.

It is recommended to stay away from hazardous areas to avoid flooding, mudflows and inundation caused by heavy rainfall. In case of danger, people should immediately move to higher ground and strictly follow the instructions and advice of rescue services.

During strong winds, citizens are advised to keep away from light structures and temporary buildings, as well as from buildings and advertising boards. It is also recommended not to stand under electric poles and wires or tall trees. Considering that strong winds complicate firefighting efforts, fire safety regulations must be strictly observed in windy conditions. In addition, operators of small vessels should take into account that going out to sea in such weather conditions is prohibited.

At the same time, to protect against lightning hazards, electrical appliances should be unplugged, and the use of telephones (landline, mobile, public phones, etc.) should be avoided. When outdoors, people should not approach power lines, lightning conductors, drainage systems or antennas, nor take shelter under tall trees; instead, they should seek lower ground. If in a vehicle, drivers should stop, close the windows and wait until the lightning passes.

Remember: ignoring safety rules puts lives at risk.

In case of danger, call 112, the statement said.
4 April 2026 10:17 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has responded to the expression of gratitude by Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to AzerNEWS, the post, shared on the Presidents X social media account, reads: The expression of gratitude by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, my brother President Masoud Pezeshkian, to the Azerbaijani people and state for the support provided is highly appreciated by our people.

Our friendly and brotherly peoples have supported each other for centuries, and we will continue to stand by each other in both good and difficult times.
4 April 2026 11:42 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

This convoy is the third humanitarian aid shipment sent from Azerbaijan to Iran. In essence, it is a convoy that conveys the solidarity and moral support of the Azerbaijani people and government to the Iranian people.

AzerNEWS reports via Azertag that these remarks were made by Irans Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Demirchilou, in an interview with journalists.

He stated that Iran is currently going through a difficult period, and that support provided at such a time is of great importance.

I would like to emphasise once again that the Azerbaijani government has taken certain initiatives in this regard. It first sent humanitarian aid, and plans are in place to continue these deliveries. This demonstrates that Azerbaijan intends to maintain its support and once again show its solidarity, Demirchilou added.
4 April 2026 15:15 (UTC+04:00)

Landmine contamination remains one of the most urgent humanitarian and socio-economic challenges facing Azerbaijan in the post-conflict period. AzerNEWS reports that years of occupation have left vast territories polluted with landmines and unexploded ordnance, creating a deadly barrier to recovery, reconstruction, and long-term development.

According to official estimates, more than 1 million landmines and unexploded devices are scattered across Azerbaijans liberated areas, affecting approximately 13,000 square kilometers. Since the end of the 2020 war, over 350 Azerbaijani citizens have been killed or injured in landmine explosions, highlighting the continuing human cost of the conflict.

The consequences extend far beyond casualties. Tens of thousands of internally displaced people remain unable to return safely to their homes due to the persistent danger. Large areas are still classified as high-risk, slowing down resettlement efforts and delaying the restoration of normal life. Demining operations are complex, costly, and time-consuming, making rapid progress difficult.

The economic impact is equally significant. Thousands of hectares of fertile agricultural land cannot be used, directly affecting food production and rural livelihoods. Major infrastructure projectsincluding roads, railways, and energy systemsface delays and increased costs due to necessary clearance work. In some cases, reconstruction timelines have been extended by several years because of mine contamination.

Environmental damage further complicates the situation. Forests, water resources, and ecosystems remain unsafe, limiting biodiversity and hindering sustainable development. Experts estimate that fully clearing the affected areas could take 20 to 30 years and require tens of billions of dollars in investment.

In response, Azerbaijan has made demining a national priority. Significant financial resources have been allocated, and modern technologies such as drones and specialized equipment are being deployed. Thousands of hectares have already been cleared, allowing gradual progress in reconstruction and the return of displaced populations.

However, the scale of the problem exceeds national capacity. One of the major challenges remains the lack of accurate and complete minefield maps, which slows operations and increases risks for demining teams. Although some maps have been provided, their reliability continues to be questioned.

This reality underscores the need for stronger international cooperation. Global organizations, donor countries, and humanitarian agencies must increase their support for demining efforts, technical assistance, and victim rehabilitation programs.

Ultimately, the landmine crisis in Azerbaijan is not only a national issue but also a global humanitarian concern. Without sustained international engagement, the legacy of conflict will continue to endanger lives, delay recovery, and obstruct the path toward lasting peace.
4 April 2026 15:46 (UTC+04:00)

Following the directive of Ilham Aliyev, a new batch of humanitarian assistance was dispatched from Baku to the Islamic Republic of Iran on April 4. AzerNEWS reports that the convoy, consisting of 10 trucks, crossed the border through the Astara State Border Checkpoint.

The aid package totaled 200 tons, including 190 tons of food and grocery products, 7 tons of medicines, and 3 tons of medical supplies.

This delivery aligns with a telephone conversation held on March 8, 2026, between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Massoud Pezeshkian. The initiative aims to support the neighboring Iranian population and address urgent humanitarian needs.

Azerbaijans humanitarian assistance underscores the strong neighborly and friendly ties between the two countries, highlighting a commitment to regional cooperation and solidarity in times of need.
4 April 2026 16:48 (UTC+04:00)

A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Ali Asadov, with the participation of leaders from various central, city, and district government bodies, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers, the meeting discussed measures to address the aftermath of heavy rainfall and flooding that struck several cities and districts between March 26 and 28.

Officials reviewed the damage and issued relevant instructions to the responsible central and local executive authorities to mitigate the consequences.
News / National

by Staff reporter

What was meant to be a quick morning hop from Johannesburg to Harare turned into a nine-hour ordeal for passengers aboard a delayed Fastjet flight, with scenes of frustration, protest and police intervention unfolding at OR Tambo International Airport.The early morning flight, scheduled to depart at 6:45am for the short 1 hour 45 minutes journey, only took off at 3:52pm after multiple delays and an aborted takeoff, leaving travellers stranded for hours with limited communication from the airline.Passengers described a chaotic situation as departure times were repeatedly pushed back throughout the day, with explanations ranging from technical faults to the unavailability of a critical spare part. Many said the lack of clear and consistent updates worsened tensions inside the terminal.As the delay dragged into the afternoon, tempers flared. Some travellers resorted to drinking and smoking, while others staged a spontaneous protest, singing and carrying placards mocking the airline as "Slowjet." Police were eventually called in to restore order as the situation escalated."One passenger even attempted to force their way into the cockpit and was quickly offloaded," said a traveller who recounted the incident. Several other passengers were also removed from the flight amid growing unrest.The situation briefly appeared to improve when passengers were boarded around midday. However, hopes were dashed when the aircraft aborted takeoff due to another reported technical issue, further fuelling anxiety and anger among those on board."We were told different stories throughout the day - from waiting for a spare part from Harare to other technical problems," one passenger said. "Some insiders claimed the airline knew about the delay the previous day but failed to inform us, which is unprofessional."The disruption comes during the busy Easter travel period, when demand on the JohannesburgHarare route surges. Airlines have been increasing frequencies to cater for the traffic, with competitors such as South African Airways, Airlink, FlySafair, CemAir and Air Zimbabwe all servicing the high-demand corridor.FlySafair has ramped up operations to double daily flights during peak periods, while South African Airways has increased frequencies to around 12 weekly flights, offering travellers more flexibility.Against this backdrop of growing competition and improved connectivity, Fastjet's prolonged delay stood in stark contrast to its brand promise of efficiency, with passengers left questioning the airline's reliability.By the time boarding was finally completed and the aircraft departed, the airline's name had become the subject of ridicule among exhausted travellers  a journey that was supposed to be fast had instead become an all-day wait.
4 April 2026 13:55 (UTC+04:00)

Amid escalating aerial attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, a new strike has targeted the site of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in southern Iran, AzerNEWS reports.

According to Irans Atomic Energy Organization, the incident was reported via its official account on the social media platform X. Authorities confirmed that a missile landed within the perimeter of the Bushehr facility, triggering an explosion that damaged one of the auxiliary buildings outside the main complex.

The blast reportedly resulted in the death of a security guard stationed at the site. However, officials emphasized that the plants core infrastructure remained intact and that electricity generation has not been disrupted.

This latest incident marks the fourth attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant since February 28, underscoring rising tensions and the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in the region.

The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, Irans first nuclear energy facility, began operations in 2011. In 2013, operational control of its first reactor unit was transferred from a Russian state nuclear company to an Iranian entity. Since then, the unit has operated at a maximum capacity of 1,000 megawatts.

Over the past decade, the facility has generated more than 65 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. According to official figures, total electricity output at the plant reached approximately 72.4 billion kilowatt-hours between 2013 and March 20, 2025.
4 April 2026 20:55 (UTC+04:00)

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, AzerNEWS reports, citing Global Times.

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.
4 April 2026 19:50 (UTC+04:00)

Germanys foreign minister on Saturday called for the European Union to end its unanimity principle in decision-making, especially in foreign and security policy, AzerNEWS reports, citing Azertag.

"We should abolish the unanimity principle in the EU in foreign and security policy before the end of the current legislative period so as to be better capable of acting internationally and to be truly grown-up," Johann Wadephul said.

Speaking to the Funke Media Group, as cited by the DPA news agency, Wadephul also highlighted a recent dispute with Hungary over a large EU-backed loan to Ukraine.

Wadephul instead expressed support for decisions based on qualified majority voting among the EUs 27 member states.

"All the experience that we have gained over recent weeks with aid for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia indicate this," he added.

Hungary has been blocking a 90 billion ($103 billion) loan to Ukraine, creating a political impasse within the bloc.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has tied his country's approval to the restoration of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. Budapest claims Ukraine deliberately halted the flow, while Kyiv says the disruption followed damage caused by a Russian strike and has rejected calls for inspections.

On Hungarys looming April 12 general elections, Wadephul said that it is up to Hungarians to choose their government and that Germany would work with any Hungarian administration.

Orban, Hungarys prime minister since 2010, is known for often taking exception with the views of his EU colleagues.
4 April 2026 21:30 (UTC+04:00)

Google has removed three state-affiliated YouTube channels belonging to Belarus, in a move linked to international sanctions, AzerNEWS reports.

According to reports by the state news agency BELTA, the deleted accounts included its own channel, as well as those operated by the television broadcasters ONT and STV.

BELTA noted that Google, which owns YouTube, has not provided any official explanation for the removals. The lack of transparency has drawn criticism from Belarusian authorities.

The Belarusian Ministry of Information condemned the decision as unfriendly and unjustified, arguing that the affected media outlets are not included in any international sanctions lists. The ministry emphasized that it reserves the right to take retaliatory measures in response to the platforms actions.

The development underscores growing tensions between global technology companies and state-controlled media outlets in sanctioned or politically sensitive environments, where questions of content moderation, compliance, and geopolitical influence continue to intersect.
Hard on the heels of the Supreme Court hearing arguments on "birthright citizenship", two "anchor babies" who benefited from it are in the spotlight for planting a bomb at a US military base. One has been arrested and the other apparently has fled to China. Both were born in the US to illegal aliens from China, who were ordered removed by the immigration courts decades ago but never were actually deported.

The two anchor babies, a brother and sister planted the bomb at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. If it had exploded it could have killed and injured American servicemen.

https://redstate.com/wardclark/2026/04/03/birthright-citizenship-backfires-chinese-anchor-babies-in-macdill-afb-ied-plot-n2200935

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/04/03/chinese-anchor-babies-now-adults-accused-of-planting-bomb-at-macdill-air-force-base/

This also comes hard on the heels of the news that another "anchor baby" is the new head of Mexico's most dangerous crime cartel.

Will the Republican appointees on the Supreme Court have the backbone to do the right thing and affirm the original intent of the drafters of the 14th Amendment, as they clearly stated at the time it was passed, that it does not grant automatic citizenship to anyone who happens to be born in the United States? It is pretty clear that perennial wimp John Roberts, who is a pathetic excuse for a judge, will not, but will the other five?
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
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.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

A director at Waterfallsbased boarding school Focus Academy is in trouble after he allegedly stole a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) camera drone in Mazowe District.The matter came to light at the Concession Magistrates Court on Thursday, where the director, Darlington Dumba, appeared facing a theft charge.Dumba and five others pleaded not guilty and were remanded out of custody to 4 May.The State alleged that sometime in February, Dumba and his accomplices were conducting illegal mining activities at Grenbroke Farm in Concession.A ZBC news crew reportedly arrived at the farm to film the illegal operations, angering Dumba, who allegedly used a catapult to strike the drone, causing it to fall.The suspects then picked up the drone and threw it into a dam.A police report was filed, leading to their arrest.
Theodore Theo Bland admitted in federal court that he killed two out-of-state drug dealers, including a Pittsfield man, in Lowell, Vermont, and stole fentanyl and crack cocaine tied to a wider trafficking conspiracy. A plea agreement calls for consecutive life sentences for Bland, who acknowledged the killings and a series of drug and firearm offenses connected to the 2023 case.
PITTSFIELD  General Electric Co. has proposed plans for a pair of rail sidings along the Housatonic Railroad, allowing for train transit of PCB-contaminated sediments from the Rest of River cleanup of the Housatonic River.

The company will present its plans at an online meeting hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Those wishing to sign up for the online meeting are asked to register for a unique website link or URL to join the meeting. Persons having difficulty accessing the design plan and/or registering for the meeting are asked to contact Olivia Lopez at lopez.olivia@epa.gov.

The companys revised transportation plan was conditionally approved by the EPA in 2024 after an earlier proposal largely relying on trucks drew wide opposition. The revised plan now leans on trains carrying multimodal containers to ship less-contaminated sediments to a landfill being built in Lee, and more-contaminated sediments out of the region.

The transportation plan is part of the Rest of River cleanup, under the terms of a consent decree approved by a federal judge in 2000. Under the terms, GE agreed to remove PCBs, a probable cause of cancer, from the river and its flood plains, and pay for the work.

The GE transportation plan proposes three rail sidings: at Utility Drive in Pittsfield, at Woods Pond in Lenox near the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, and near Rising Pond Dam in the Housatonic section of Great Barrington. As the cleanup is moving from north to south, the Rising Pond segment, and its rail siding, are years away.

The presentation will include a summary of pre-design investigations completed for both locations, an outline of requirements the plans must meet, and a description of GE's design process. There will be time for questions following the presentation, and comments on the plan are being accepted through April 16 at R1Housatonic@epa.gov.

The rail plan shows that sediments will be dewatered and loaded into intermodal shipping containers, which will be sealed before moving up or down the line.

According to the plan, rail cars carrying sediments averaging more than 50 parts per million will travel north to Pittsfield, where they'll change trains for travel to out-of-area disposal sites. Sediments averaging less than 50 ppm will head south to the Woods Pond siding, where they will be offloaded for transport to the Upland Disposal Facility off Woodland Road in Lee.

The Utility Drive siding will be a temporary facility built for the cleanup and will be removed when that phase of the cleanup is complete, according to the plans. Trucks will unload intermodal containers filled with dewatered soil and sediment removed from Reach 5A of the cleanup, temporarily store those containers, and load them for transport to their final destinations.

General Electric used PCBs in the power transformers it built at its Pittsfield factory. Use of PCBs, a family of man-made chemicals that was widely used in manufacturing, was discontinued in the late 1970s when they were found to be a probable cause of cancer and other health problems.

The Utility Drive siding will be an outbound-only facility, with two parallel tracks positioned at an angle away from the railroad right-of-way.

The Woods Pond spur will at first take in rail cars carrying intermodal containers loaded with sediment from Reach 5A of the cleanup  from the West and East branch near Fred Garner River Park in Pittsfield to Utility Drive. Later, it will take in sediment from reaches 5B, 5C and 6. Those multimodal containers will then be transported by truck to the Upland Disposal Facility, which will hold about 1 million cubic yards of lower-contaminated sediments.

Most sediments from Reach 6  which includes sediment behind the Woods Pond Dam  are expected to be hydraulically siphoned directly to the landfill. But sediments that exceed the 50 ppm average must be disposed out of the area under the terms of the cleanup.

Unlike the Utility Drive rail transload area capacity, the Woods Pond Spur will receive sediments from multiple locations.

The Woods Pond siding will also include infrastructure for the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. Three additional rail spurs and an inspection pit will be built, where the railway can store and service its 26 railroad cars.

The company says it has been meeting with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, which owns the Utility Drive property, on the potential impact of work and operations on recreational activities within the 818-acre George Darey Wildlife Management Area in Lenox.

The company also said it has conferred with the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum to ensure that the redesign of the property will be sufficient for both Rest of River cleanup operations and the railway museums future use; with the Town of Lenox; and with the state Department of Transportation, which owns the rail right of way, and the Housatonic Railroad.

According to GE, both MassDOT and the Housatonic Railroad found the plans generally acceptable, on a conceptual level.

When it was using PCBs, General Electric disposed of the man-made chemical in the Housatonic River, which remains posted with health warnings advising that anglers and hunters not eat what they catch. The company has already removed PCBs from a 1-and-a-half-mile stretch of the East Branch of the Housatonic River and capped contaminated sediments on its former plant and in Pittsfields Silver Lake.

A cleanup plan approved by EPA in 2016 would have required all removed sediments to be hauled away for disposal. But GE successfully challenged that plan in court, and a negotiated cleanup plan, brokered in closed-door executive sessions by a committee representing affected towns, approved a plan including local disposal in Lee.

Many Lee residents remain opposed to the landfill and its design, saying it threatens health, the environment and property values. And environmental advocates continue to call for on-site treatment of PCBs rather than disposal. But a federal appeals court tossed a lawsuit opposing the current disposal remedy in 2023.
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Russia and Ukraine traded deadly strikes overnight and on Saturday morning, killing 10 people and wounding several dozen more, officials on both sides said.

The attacks came as Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled to Istanbul for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He will also meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians.





We are working to strengthen our partnership to ensure the real protection of lives, advance stability, and guarantee security in Europe and the Middle East. Joint efforts always yield the best results, Mr Zelensky said in a post on the messaging app Telegram after arriving in Istanbul.

Russia fired 286 drones at Ukraine overnight, 260 of which were downed, the Ukrainian Air Force said in an online statement.

Five people  three women and two men  were killed in the city of Nikopol in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and 19 others were wounded, head of the regional military administration Oleksandr Hanzha said.

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The attack damaged market stalls and a shop.

In the city of Sumy, not far from the border with Russia, a strike wounded 11 people, the National Police said.

Residential areas were hit, and houses, cars and utility networks were damaged in the attack.

In the capital Kyiv, a drone strike caused a fire on the first floor of a three-storey office and warehouse building, Ukraines State Emergency Service said.

No casualties were reported.

In the partially occupied Donetsk region, a Russian drone strike hit a civilian car on the KostyantynivkaDruzhkivka road on Saturday morning, killing one woman and wounding another, according to the head of the Kostyantynivka City Military Administration Serhiy Horbunov.



A Russian T-72B3M tank fires towards a Ukrainian position (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP/PA)

The Russian Defence Ministry claimed on Saturday that its forces fired long-range air and ground-based precision weapons, as well as strike drones at unspecified military-industrial and energy facilities used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Meanwhile, the Russian-installed head of the occupied Luhansk region, Leonid Pasechnik, said Ukrainian forces hit railway infrastructure in the region and private houses, killing a family of three  a couple and their eight-year-old child.

The Security Service of Ukraine, also known as the SBU, claimed it used drone strikes to halt production at a metallurgical plant in the Russian-occupied city of Alchevsk in the Luhansk region, most of which is controlled by the Russian forces.

The SBU said on its Facebook page that drone strikes damaged blast furnaces, key production workshops, distillation columns, gas pipelines and electrical substations that power the plant, which supplies Russias state tank and railroad car plant Uralvagonzavod.

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There was no immediate comment from Russian officials.

The Russian Defence Ministry said that the Russian military overnight shot down 85 Ukrainian drones over nine Russian regions, the annexed Crimea region and the Black Sea.

In Russias Rostov region, on the border with Ukraine, one person was killed and four sustained injuries, according to the regions governor Yuri Slyusar.

The attack sparked a fire at a warehouse facility of an unspecified logistics company, and another fire on a dry-cargo vessel flying a foreign flag several kilometres from the shore, Mr Slyusar said.

In the Samara regions city of Tolyatti, one person was wounded, governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said.

The roof of a residential building was damaged and windows were shattered in several apartments, he said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Two members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Minerals unit in Mutare have appeared in court facing extortion and bribery charges after they were allegedly caught in a sting operation demanding an additional US$5 000 from a suspect.The officers, Taona Zhou (37) and Observant Tinashe Marodza (37), were arrested last Friday in Mutare's Central Business District following a dramatic incident in which they reportedly resisted arrest for close to an hour, drawing public attention.They were apprehended at Blue Bottle Store after allegedly receiving the bribe money and later appeared before Harare magistrate Jesse Kufa on Saturday. The pair was granted bail of US$100 each.According to the State, the two officers solicited money from a transport operator in exchange for facilitating the release of trucks carrying mineral ore destined for Mozambique.Prosecutors say the complainant, Tawanda Zimbowa, a player in the transport and logistics sector, had been contracted alongside another driver to ferry mineral ore for a Chinese national. On March 21, the trucks were intercepted in Mutare by CID officers, including Zhou, who confiscated the drivers' passports and vehicle registration books.The court heard that Zhou allegedly informed the drivers that their consignment carried false declaration papers and instructed them not to proceed until the matter was clarified. Although the documents were later returned, the officers allegedly demanded payment to allow the trucks to continue their journey.The situation escalated when the complainant reportedly discovered through a clearing agent that US$15 000 had already been paid as a bribe to the accused but had not been shared among other officials as allegedly agreed.On March 25, Zhou allegedly contacted one of the drivers, Langford Kamanga, demanding a further US$5 000 to facilitate the release of the trucks.The matter was subsequently reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), which authorised a trap operation.On March 26, ZACC officers accompanied the complainant to Mutare, where a meeting was arranged with the accused at a food outlet in the city centre. During the meeting, the officers allegedly confirmed their willingness to receive the money before directing the complainant to follow them to another location.According to the prosecution, the complainant handed over the marked trap money under surveillance, after which Zhou allegedly placed it inside a vehicle. ZACC officers then moved in and arrested both suspects.A subsequent search reportedly recovered the marked money from the front seat of the vehicle.The State argues that the accused acted unlawfully by demanding and receiving a bribe in connection with their official duties.Zhou and Marodza are facing charges of extortion as defined under Section 134 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, or alternatively bribery under Section 170 of the same Act.The matter has been remanded to a later date for continuation of trial proceedings.
Iranian and US forces were searching for a missing American pilot on Saturday from one of two warplanes downed over Iran and the Gulf, while US President Donald Trump warned Tehran time was running out on his latest deadline for a deal to end the war.

The prospect of a US service member alive and on the run in Iran raised the stakes for Washington as the conflict entered its sixth week with scant prospect of peace talks in sight and polls showing low public support.

With Iran's leadership defiant since the start of the war, its foreign minister left the door open in principle for peace talks with the US via mediation from Pakistan, but gave no sign of Tehran's willingness to bow to Trump's demands.

"We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us," Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X.

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Mixed signals

Trump has sent mixed messages since the conflict began with a US-Israeli bombardment of Iran on February 28th, switching between hinting at diplomatic progress to making threats to bomb the Islamic Republic "back to the Stone Ages".

On Saturday, he repeated his threats to intensify attacks on Iran if it failed to reach a deal or open the key Strait of Hormuz waterway.

"Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!" he said in a post on Truth Social.

The war has killed thousands, sparked an energy crisis and threatened lasting damage to the world economy. Iran has virtually shut the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.

Iran attacked an Israel-affiliated vessel with a drone in the strait, setting the ship on fire, Iran's state media said on Saturday, citing the commander of the Revolutionary Guards' navy.

Iran touts new air defence systems

The downing of two US warplanes shows the risks still facing US and Israeli aircraft, despite assertions by Trump and his Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that US forces had total control of the skies over Iran.

Iranian fire brought down a two-seat US F-15E jet, officials in both countries said on Friday, and a US official said search-and-rescue efforts had recovered one of the crew.

Two Black Hawk helicopters engaged in the search for the missing crew member were hit by Iranian fire but made it out of Iranian airspace, the two US officials told Reuters.

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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was combing a southwestern area near where the pilot's plane came down, while the regional governor promised a commendation for anyone who captured or killed "forces of the hostile enemy."

In a separate incident, an A-10 Warthog fighter aircraft was hit and crashed over Kuwait, with the pilot ejecting, the US officials said. Iranians, pummelled by air power since the US and Israel began their attacks, celebrated their success.

The Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command said it used a new air-defence system on Friday, which targeted a US fighter jet, three drones and two cruise missiles.

"The enemy should know that we rely on new air-defence systems built by the young, knowledgeable, and proud people of this country, unveiling them one after another in the field," a Khatam al-Anbiya spokesperson said, according to Iran's state media.

The Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted various areas in Israel in a wave of missiles and drones. Israeli media reported that two warheads from an Iranian cluster missile landed near Israels Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.

Later on Saturday, the Israel Defence Forces said they had detected more missiles launched from Iran towards Israel.

The Revolutionary Guards also targeted US HIMARS rocket launcher batteries in Kuwait and Patriot missile batteries in Bahrain, according to a statement read on Iranian state TV.

Petrochemical zone struck in Iran

Iranian state media reported air strikes at a petrochemical zone in southwestern Iran, with five people reported injured.

They later said a fire there had been extinguished.

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A projectile also hit an auxiliary building near the perimeter of Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant, the Tasnim news agency said, killing one person.

The operations of the plant were unaffected. Russia's state nuclear company Rosatom evacuated a further 198 of its staff from the site on Saturday, Russian news agencies reported, in evacuations already planned before the latest incident.

The Israeli military meanwhile said it had carried out "a wave of strikes" on Tehran.

Israel has been waging a parallel campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon after the militant group fired at Israel in support of Iran. Early on Saturday, Israel's military said it was striking the militants' infrastructure sites in Beirut.
The US military is pressing ahead with a frantic search for a missing pilot over a remote area in south-western Iran, after the Middle Eastern country shot down an American warplane and called on people to turn the pilot in, promising a reward.

The plane, identified by Iran as a US F-15E Strike Eagle, was one of two attacked on Friday, with one service member rescued and at least one missing.

It is the first time the United States has lost aircraft in Iranian territory during the war, now in its sixth week, and could mark a new turning point in the campaign.





The conflict, launched by the US and Israel on February 28, has rippled across the region.

It has so far killed thousands, upended global markets, cut off key shipping routes, spiked fuel prices and shows no signs of slowing as Iran responds to US and Israeli air strikes with attacks across the region.

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Missile and drone strikes continued on Saturday, with an apparent Iranian drone damaging the headquarters of the US tech giant Oracle in Dubai.

The downing of the military planes 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.

The US and Israel had boasted recently that Irans air defences were decimated.

Israels military said Iran had launched missiles towards the country.

Mr Trump reminded Iran of his deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out  48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them, he said.

Meanwhile, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran said on social media that an air strike hit near its Bushehr nuclear facility, killing a security guard and damaging a support building.

It is the fourth time the facility has been targeted during the war.



(PA Graphics)

Also on Saturday, Irans top diplomat reiterated his governments willingness to join talks aimed at stopping the war.

Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said they have never refused to go to Islamabad.

Pakistan said last week that it would soon host talks between the US and Iran, but it is not clear when or if they will take place.

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Saturdays search for the pilot focused on a mountainous region in the countrys south-western province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad.

Neither the White House nor the Pentagon released public information about the downed planes.

In an email from the Pentagon 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.

A US crew member from that plane was rescued.

But the Pentagon also notified the House Armed Services Committee that the status of a second service member on the fighter jet was not known.

A US military search-and-rescue operation continued on Saturday.



President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran would not be affected by the incident (Alex Brandon, Pool/AP)

In a brief telephone interview with NBC News on Friday, Mr Trump declined to discuss the search-and-rescue efforts but said what happened would not affect negotiations with Iran.

Separately, Iranian state media said a US A-10 attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf after being struck by Iranian defence forces.

A US official said 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.

An anchor on a TV channel affiliated with Iranian state television urged residents to hand over any enemy pilot to the police.

Throughout the war, Iran has made a series of claims about shooting down piloted enemy aircraft that turned out not to be true.



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)

Friday was the first time the Iranian public was urged to look for a downed pilot.

Iranian state media said in a post on the social platform X its military shot down a US F-15E Strike Eagle.

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The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a pilot and a weapons system officer.

An apparent Iranian drone damaged the Dubai headquarters of the American tech giant Oracle on Saturday after Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened the firm.

The attack targeted the headquarters, which sit along Dubais main Sheikh Zayed Road.

Footage obtained by The Associated Press from outside the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showed damage to the building.

A large hole could be seen in the buildings southwestern corner, with the e in Oracle on a neon sign damaged.



A newly constructed bridge struck by US air strikes in Karaj, west of Tehran, Iran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

The sheikhdoms Dubai Media Office, which speaks for its government, said it was a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception that fell on the facade of the Oracle building in Dubai Internet City, adding there were no injuries.

Oracle, based in Austin, Texas, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The guard has accused some of Americas largest tech companies of being involved in terrorist espionage operations against the Islamic Republic and said they were legitimate targets.

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Earlier Iranian drone strikes hit Amazon Web Services facilities in both the UAE and Bahrain.

In a social media post late on Friday, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Irans parliament speaker, issued a veiled threat to disrupt traffic through the Bab-el-Mandeb, a second strategic waterway.

The strait, 32 kilometres (20 miles) wide, links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.



Destroyed houses that were hit in an Israeli air strike in Saksakiyeh village, south Lebanon (Hussein Malla/AP)

It is one of the busiest choke-points in global trade, with more than a tenth of seaborne global oil and a quarter of container ships passing through it.

What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertilizer shipments transits the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait? Mr Qalibaf wrote.

Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait?

Iran has already greatly disturbed the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, sending fuel prices skyrocketing and jolting the world economy.

World leaders are struggling to end Irans stranglehold on the strait as the UN Security Council is 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.



(PA Graphics)

On Friday, he said in a post on social media: With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began.

In a review released on Friday, the US-based group Armed Conflict Location and Event Data 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 Arab states and the occupied West Bank, 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 US service members have been killed.

In Lebanon, more than 1,300 people have been killed and more than one million displaced.

Ten Israeli soldiers have also died there.
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Eating outFood Brisbanes most distinctive rooftop bar just got a makeover It features a new design and a new, graze-friendly food menu. What hasnt changed? Those one-of-a-kind views. Matt Shea April 4, 2026 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

What if I told you Brisbanes best rooftop bar isnt Soko or Maya or Iris. That it isnt a heaving, DJ-driven spot in buzzy Fortitude Valley or the CBD or Woolloongabba. Instead, youll find it in New Farm  a little perch atop an old Queenslander a couple of blocks back from the river. If the rooftop bar at Spicers Balfour, which is simply named Rooftop Bar, isnt Brisbanes best, then its at least its most singular. There are plenty of rooftop bars in Brisbane, but none with views quite like Spicers Balfour. Markus Ravik Occupying a converted attic reached by a narrow staircase, its views arent across skyscrapers and packed city streets. The office towers are there, sure, but in the distance, framed by a patchwork of lush foliage, rusted tin roofs and the peaks of the Story Bridge. Its very quiet, very green, unmistakably Brisbane.

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Related Article Good Food hat 15 / 20 Review The Happy Boy teams best restaurant isnt Happy Boy A lot of our international guests dont know where Balfour is, exactly, assistant general manager Cathy Madden says. They just know theyre coming to Brisbane. Then they arrive and discover the bar  you really have to bring them up here  and they see the old buildings, the view. Youre on this residential street; you dont feel like youre in the middle of everything. Its an amazing introduction to Brisbane. The redesign is subtle but makes much better use of the bars limited space. Markus Ravik Rooftop Bar has now officially reopened after a long-planned refurbishment. Madden conducts a quick tour (what hasnt changed is the bars size  its still super intimate) and points out new furniture, a green wall and, most importantly, a roof threaded with hanging greenery to protect guests from the elements. Its relatively subtle stuff but makes better use of the available space.

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The bar is already popular with locals, but the redesign is intended to make it more so. The bar is a much greener space these days, reflecting its bucolic outlook. Markus Ravik Its more aimed at the neighbourhood, to give them somewhere to go, and Ive noticed more events since we [relaunched], Madden says. Hens parties, baby showers, that kind of thing. Helping with that approachability is a new menu intended both for the bar and the restaurant downstairs. Gone is the French-Vietnamese cuisine, replaced by lighter, snack-driven, seasonal eats broadly European in style  think charred carrot skewers with tarragon and toasted sesame; ricotta gnocchi with pesto, pecorino and wild rice; Northern Territory baby barra with sauce vierge. The food is backed by a tightly curated wine list that mostly keeps things super approachable but not at the expense of a few ballers such as a By Farr Farrside pinot and a Benjamin Leroux Volnay 1er Cru Les Mitans.

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With the makeover comes a new evening menu more suited to grazing. Markus Ravik There are also house spins on classic cocktails and a decent selection of non-alcoholic drinks. We get a lot of locals who stop by for a drink, Madden says. One comes in for breakfast a lot of the time. She sits up there on a Saturday and has her Benedict. Spicers is such a relaxed luxury brand, Madden says. People feel very comfortable just wandering in, or else they walk past and are curious, and the team is super accommodating in those moments. Open 5pm-8.30pm (breakfast only 7am-11am)

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37 Balfour Street, New Farm, (07) 3358 8888 thebalfourkitchenandbar.com.au
NSW refills diesel stocks

New South Wales service stations are slowly refilling diesel stocks but 150 are still without supply as Australia looks to its neighbours to keep the tankers coming.
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NationalNSWPlanning The plan to revive Sydneys most divisive office block Megan Gorrey April 4, 2026  12:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

North Sydneys languishing MLC Building will be revived for office workers after the former owners sold the block, staving off plans to partly raze the state heritage-listed complex for a 22-storey tower. Wentworth Group bought the modernist-style Miller Street building for more than $100 million in February, following years of heritage battles and numerous attempts by developer Investa to revamp the site with a gleaming new office tower, education facility or build-to-rent apartments. The MLC Building, designed by Bates Smart McCutcheon, won the NSW Architects Enduring Architecture Prize in 2021. Edwina Pickles Wentworth has started refurbishing the building into A-grade commercial space and taking prospective tenants through. It expects the block to be upgraded, leased and opened by next year. North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker said upgrading the deserted building for office workers would contribute to the revival of the CBD spurred by the opening of the Victoria Cross metro station.

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The council would welcome the original use being reinstated and the building being given some care and attention, Baker said. Related Article Development MLC Building is on the heritage list but part of it might be razed The plan to use the building, which has been vacant since 2022, underscores a citywide debate about balancing the preservation of Sydneys commercial centres with the state governments push for sorely needed housing. Wentworth Group hopes the upgraded building will reactivate the prominent site within North Sydneys core, which has rapidly transformed around the metro station. The companys plan represents the latest chapter in a long-running saga to redevelop the building, which was North Sydneys first high-rise office block when it was completed in 1957.

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Investa first submitted plans to North Sydney Council in 2020, seeking to demolish the complex to make way for a $500 million office tower, sparking criticism from architects and heritage advocates. The outcry prompted the state government to list the building on the State Heritage Register in 2021. A NSW court later overturned that decision due to an administrative error, before the government reinstated the block to the register, citing its ongoing and irreplaceable heritage values, in 2024. Planning authorities have approved plans to revamp the complexs 14-storey Miller Street wing, and replace the rear Denison Street wing with a 22-storey office tower. The new owners say the plan is unlikely to be activated. Meantime, Investa pursued several proposals to redevelop the site. One of those applications, which involved converting the block into 340 build-to-rent units, was withdrawn. The Sydney North Planning Panel last year approved a plan to refurbish the dominant Miller Street wing, while demolishing the smaller Denison Street wing for a slender 22-storey office tower.

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City life Inside the Sydney clocktower where time will turn backwards In March, the state government approved separate plans for a similar redevelopment, to be used as a university campus. In its decision, the planning department acknowledged the development would result in significant heritage impacts and would not be the optimal outcome, but said changes to the Miller Street wing were appropriate given the buildings age, and fire and structural problems. [This would] allow for the greatest opportunity to conserve the key elements to the heritage significance of the building that can be widely appreciated that have the greatest potential to support the ongoing restoration, conservation and appreciation of the building, the decision said. Wentworth Group said: Whilst the asset has approval for a 48,000-square-metre premium commercial development, it is unlikely to be activated under Wentworths ownership. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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PoliticsFederalFeminism Opinion I watched the manosphere documentary. Wow, are men OK? Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist April 5, 2026  5:00am

April 5, 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 most revealing moment in Louis Therouxs new documentary, Inside the Manosphere, comes not when one of its preening influencer subjects flexes a bicep or spouts an antisemitic slur in the same sentence as asserting that men should be the dictators in their marriages. It comes when one of the documentarys subjects, a 24-year-old known as HS, is berated by his mother for using a disrespectful tone with her. HS, who calls his mother Mummy, is caught on camera impatiently rejecting her repeated suggestions that he drink a juice. He doesnt want to drink a juice, he tells her, his irritation rising. Harrison Sullivan, aka HSTikkyTokky, with his mother, Elaine, and documentary maker Louis Theroux in Inside the Manosphere. Netflix Dont embarrass me, she snaps, pointing an index finger at him (the internationally recognised gesture of a mother who has been pushed too far). Dont be rude. Thats not the way I brought you up. Do. Not. Be. Rude. HS backs right off. A few minutes later, he is filmed on his knees, scrubbing the floor with a towel, as his mum castigates him for dirty marks on the villas floor.

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HS is known online as HSTikkyTokky, an unmanly moniker that sounds a little like a pet name his mum might have given him, but which actually refers to one of the many platforms on which he grifts his grift. Related Article Streaming Louis Theroux has always covered those on the edge. These are his best works HSTikkyTokky  whose name is Harrison, as his mother insists to the documentary crew  is a star in the online constellation known as the manosphere, a loose collection of explicitly misogynistic, anti-feminist internet content creators who advocate a return to hypermasculinity and the natural rule of men over women. They are often antisemitic and homophobic, and they are intimately connected to the youth-hustle culture prevalent on social media. They promote to their young male followers the idea of escaping the matrix, which is shorthand for the suckers-only life of working at a 9-to-5 job. As Theroux illustrates, this often translates to selling money-making subscriber scams to their followers, usually enabled by dubious cryptocurrency. The projection of wealth is essential to their power  so they are pictured in seaside villas and driving fast cars. They exist alongside an ecosystem of OnlyFans content-creator women, who they openly denigrate, while using them as props in their own content. HS has many hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, although the exact count is unclear because he keeps getting banned from platforms for his performatively controversial content.

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At the beginning of the documentary, he professes total ignorance of who Theroux is, even Googling him as he speaks to his followers. That ignorance is easy to believe  this is a 24-year-old dude who doesnt seem to own enough shirts, who lives in a villa in Marbella, Spain, because he is on the run from criminal charges in his native England, and who spends up to eight hours a day livestreaming his activities for his audience, a lifestyle that appears as exhausting as it is boring. Louis Theroux on set with Amrou Fudl, known as Myron Gaines, for Inside the Manosphere. Netflix But HS is clear-eyed, to the point of being dead-eyed, about his business model. We live in an attention economy, he says, and if I had just done good things, I would have never blown up on social media in the first place. From here, it is a natural trajectory to proclamations such as f--- the Jews, and luring a gay man into a meeting, only to bash him (with a group of cronies, naturally) while livestreaming the assault. Its not the kind of thing that would make many mothers proud. But the genius and the pathos of the documentary is the way it exposes how dependent these hypermasculine figures are on the women around them. In so doing, Theroux reminds us of their basic humanity, even as they are telling their followers: I dictate when I want to put d--- in you, bitch ... it doesnt matter what you f---in think.

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That quote is courtesy of an American influencer called Myron Gaines, who stands next to his girlfriend as he explains to Theroux the concept of one-way monogamy, which means that the man can have multiple partners (as biology intended), while the woman stays faithful (as biology intended  with the somewhat confusing caveat that all women are also untrustworthy sluts). Related Article Opinion

Schools I approached a woman in a pub. It was a vital step toward becoming a good man Adam Voigt CEO and former principal As he nurses a fluffy white toy poodle in a hot pink pet halter, Gaines explains to Theroux that he is not a misogynist because I love women, and because I understand them, I know whats best for them. His girlfriend, Angie, says Myron is different off camera than he is on camera. She damns him with the faint declaration: I love him very much, and I will love him as long as were together. Gaines tells Theroux that Angie accepts that he might have multiple wives one day. The camera focuses on Angies face. A frown creeps across it. Ill see when it happens  I dont know how that will work, she says, as her boyfriend back-pedals, now telling Theroux that maybe Ill change my mind down the road.

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Theroux points out that he has backtracked on that already, and Angie abruptly walks off camera. Apparently desperate to maintain his aura of control, Gaines calls after her that she needs to clean up his room, but a few seconds later, the camera catches her squeezing past Theroux and her boyfriend, on her way out the door, coat in hand. She hasnt, presumably, cleaned his room. Gaines tells his followers that women want a guy who can dominate them and lead them. According to the internet, he and Angie are no longer together. Another of the documentarys subjects is Florida-based influencer Justin Waller, who founded a construction company aged 24. He asserts that men literally built society, and insists that men (not women) built and invented absolutely everything in the world. He seems keen to impress Theroux with his proximity to the Trumps. Louis Theroux with Justin Waller in Inside the Manosphere. Netflix I had dinner with Barron, the 40-year-old father of three tells Theroux, referring to US President Donald Trumps youngest son, who is half Wallers age. Ive been to Mar-a-Lago four or five times.

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Later, as his toddler daughter gambols around the room, Waller tells Theroux he is also an adherent of one-sided monogamy, which often means threesomes with his hot partner. Wallers own childhood was chaotic and violent, and as Theroux notes, many of these guys had difficult or non-existent relationships with their fathers. Which perhaps explains why they hanker for the traditionalism of the male-breadwinner-model nuclear family. What they dont seem to understand is that central to that model of masculinity is taking responsibility for others, and caring for them. And it is difficult not to see the desperation that underlies their desire to control women. Because you only need to control a woman if youre worried that, given her freedom, she might use it to leave you. Jacqueline Maley is a columnist and senior writer at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
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WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Trump sets 48-hour deadline before all hell in Iran as search continues for missing US airman April 4, 2026  4:39pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to make a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours before he unleashes all hell, as an American airman remains missing behind enemy lines. One airman was rescued after a US F15-E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down by Iran, as the regime scored an exceedingly rare success against US air power. The Iranian regime has scored a rare win against US air power after downing an F-15 Strike Eagle jet. AP The downing of an F15-E, which carries a two-member crew and can conduct air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, has highlighted the Islamic republics continued ability to hit back despite Trumps assertions that it has been completely decimated. In a post on Truth Social on Saturday (US time), Trump reminded Iran of the 10-day extension he made in late March to his threat to bomb Iranian power plants unless the critical oil route reopened.

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Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT, Trump wrote. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign [sic] down on them. Glory be to GOD! The rescue of the downed airman occurred as the US military was conducting a search and rescue operation, said three people familiar with the matter who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitivity of the situation. Israel is helping the US with the operation. Related Article Middle East at war Trumps Iran obsession means US boots on the ground still on the cards Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was combing an area near where the pilots plane came down in south-western Iran, and the regional governor promised a commendation for anyone who captured or killed forces of the hostile enemy. A US Air Force UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was badly damaged by Iranian ground fire during the rescue operation, but it managed to fly to safety in Iraq.

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Meanwhile, Iranian state media also said that a US A-10 attack aircraft crashed after being hit by Iranian defence forces. The A-10 crashed over Kuwait, with the pilot ejecting, two US officials told Reuters. Loading White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, President Trump has been briefed. Irans parliamentary Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf mocked the US after his country shot down the US F15-E. 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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The last time a US fighter jet was shot down in combat was an A-10 Thunderbolt during the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, said retired Air Force Brigadier General Houston Cantwell, a former F-16 fighter pilot. But, he said, thats because the US had largely been fighting insurgents who didnt have the same anti-aircraft capabilities. The fact that there have not been more fighter jets lost in Iran, Cantwell said, is a testament to the capabilities of US forces. The fact that this hasnt happened until now is an absolute miracle, said Cantwell, who served four combat tours and is now a senior resident fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. Were flying combat missions here, they are being shot at every day. US Central Command said in a statement on Wednesday that American forces have flown more than 13,000 missions in the Iran war while striking more than 12,300 targets.

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After more than a month of punishing US-Israeli airstrikes, a degraded Iranian military nonetheless remains a stubborn foe. Its steady stream of strikes against Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbours have been causing regional upheaval and global economic shock. When it comes to American dominance over Irans airspace, theres still a distinction between air superiority and air supremacy, said Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran program senior director at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank. A disabled air defence system is not a destroyed air defence system, he said. We shouldnt be shocked that theyre still fighting. American planes have been flying missions at lower altitudes, which makes them more vulnerable to Irans missiles, Taleblu said. Its possible that Iran fired at the F-15 with a surface-to-air missile, but its more likely that a portable, shoulder-fired missile was used, he said. Those are much harder to detect and reflect how Iran is weak but still lethal. This is a regime that is fighting for its life, he said.

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The war, now entering its sixth week, is destabilising economies around the world as Iran responds to the US 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. Loading However, a container ship owned by a French maritime company reportedly passed through the waterway on Saturday (Australian time), making it the first European vessel to do so since the war broke out. The container ship, the Kribi, flies the Maltese flag and is owned by French company CMA CGM. A liquefied natural gas tanker co-owned by Japanese and Omani companies has also passed through, marking the first passage of a Japan-affiliated vessel through the waterway since the start of the war, 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 on Friday (Australian time).

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Iran has so far managed to keep attacking targets across the region. Authorities in Dubai said the facades of two buildings were damaged by debris from intercepted drones, including one belonging to the US tech firm Oracle. No injuries were reported. Related Article Analysis

Middle East at war China wants a seat at the Middle East peace table, but without the work The Abu Dhabi government media office said on Friday (US time) that one Egyptian national was killed in fires caused by falling debris at Habshan gas facilities, following the interception of an Iranian aerial attack. Another four expats, including two Egyptians and two Pakistanis, sustained minor wounds. The Kuwaiti armys air defences have also had to engage with seven ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 26 drones over the past 24 days, according to a statement. AP, Reuters 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.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A Zimbabwean truck driver has been arrested following a multi-vehicle crash on the N3 Toll Route near Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday morning, after allegedly making an illegal U-turn that triggered the collision.According to Siboniso Duma, preliminary findings by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) indicate that the crash occurred around 3am and involved a bus and two trucks.Duma said the accident unfolded after the truck driver allegedly executed an illegal U-turn, leading to a collision with oncoming traffic.A total of 53 passengers were on board the bus at the time. Authorities confirmed that about 25 people sustained injuries and were transported to Ladysmith Provincial Hospital for treatment, while 29 passengers escaped without injury.The MEC said the driver was arrested after allegedly admitting to making the illegal manoeuvre."When questioned about his illegal U-turn by a firm and no-nonsense RTI Ladysmith team, a Zimbabwean truck driver pleaded for mercy," Duma said.Authorities have launched a wider investigation involving the South African Police Service, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, and the Department of Home Affairs to verify the driver's immigration status and confirm the legality of the vehicle documentation.Duma said the incident forms part of intensified enforcement operations under the #NenzaniLaEzweni campaign, which targets heavy motor vehicles on major routes including the N3 and N2.He added that more than 25 undocumented foreign national truck drivers have been arrested since the operation began, with several deported after completing sentences while others remain in custody pending legal processes.Authorities have urged all motorists, particularly heavy vehicle operators, to strictly adhere to road regulations to prevent further fatal accidents on South Africa's major transport corridors.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Farai Marapira, the ruling party's Director of Information, has said that the ZANU-PF will remain in power indefinitely, dismissing claims that the party is facing a succession crisis.Speaking in an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation, Marapira said suggestions of internal leadership tensions reflect a misunderstanding of how the party operates."If anyone honestly believes we have a succession problem in ZANU-PF, then they don't know what we are about," he said."We are ZANU-PF, we are a revolutionary party. We are a party born of war, blood, and sacrifice."He added that the party is not concerned with what he described as "false headlines" predicting instability or decline."We are not affected by these false headlines. These are challenges in the heads of people who wish for our demise," Marapira said.He further insisted that when leadership transition eventually takes place, it would be managed smoothly within the party structures."When the time for succession comes, we'll do it so smoothly, you are going to be surprised," he said.Marapira's remarks come amid ongoing political debate in Zimbabwe, including controversy around parliamentary recalls that have reshaped the opposition landscape.Following internal disputes within the opposition, several Members of Parliament were recalled through processes linked to disputed leadership claims, resulting in the ruling party securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament.Marapira defended the constitutional recall provision, arguing it ensures accountability of elected representatives to their political parties."One of the major complaints of the opposition is the recall clause but we have said this is actually a binding of the people's will," he said.He argued that MPs are elected on party tickets and are therefore accountable to party manifestos and structures."So when they assume these positions, they have a true sense of accountability to that party through whose manifesto they've gone in," he said.He also dismissed opposition calls for reforming or removing the recall clause, insisting the issue reflects internal weaknesses within opposition structures rather than constitutional flaws.The remarks come as Zimbabwe's political environment continues to evolve ahead of future electoral cycles, with debate intensifying over governance, party discipline, and parliamentary accountability mechanisms.
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A new independent animation banner is betting on legacy newspaper comics to stake out space in an ever-shifting animation landscape.

Goodman Pictures has teamed with director Tim Johnson to launch Underneath the Umbrella Productions and develop film and television projects. The venture launches with a trio of notable literary acquisitions: Johnny Harts long-running comic strips B.C. and Wizard of Id, as well as The Book of the Dun Cow by Walter Wangerin Jr.

Johnson, whose credits include Over the Hedge, Home, and Antz, is set to co-write and direct the companys first feature, an animated adaptation of Wizard of Id. Hell script the project alongside Tom Astle, continuing a creative partnership that dates back to Home.

In a release, Johnson explained:

This is a dream project. As a young boy, I learned to draw by tracing the original Johnny Hart and Brant Parker comic strip. I grew up on the timeless humor of Wizard of Id. Similar to my experience directing Over the Hedge, I believe the rich characters and sharp wit of Wizard offer incredible potential to create a family film that appeals to many generations and cultures. Teaming up with Tom Astle on this new film project is a real joy.

The slates underlying IP is about as legacy as it gets. B.C. (launched in 1958) and Wizard of Id (1964, co-created with Brant Parker) were staples of newspaper comics pages for decades, each earning the Reuben Award, a rare distinction, doubly so for strips from the same creator. Both titles reached global syndication heights that are unlikely to be duplicated in todays largely digital media ecosystem.

Johnson added:

All three initial Underneath the Umbrella Productions projects are rare finds  unicorns! They have strong four-quadrant, family-audience appeal. They work internationally. They are based on high quality, award-winning IPs. They have humor and heart, and a natural fit for animation.

No synopsis was included for the proposed feature, but the Wizard of Id strip is set in a satirical medieval kingdom populated by a scheming monarch, a long-suffering wizard, and a rotating cast of prisoners, knights, and peasants. Featuring gag-driven stories, it uses anachronistic humor to skewer modern politics, class hierarchies, and institutional power, often filtering contemporary concerns through a fantasy lens.

Rights to the comics were secured from Patti Hart of John Hart Studios, while The Book of the Dun Cow, a National Book Award winner, comes via the estate of Wangerin.
The funeral service will be April 12 for a Hamilton County deputy who died unexpectedly on Thursday.



Chad Allen "Trooper" or "Cheeseburger" Young was 54 and lived at Ooltewah.



The Sheriff's Office said, "It is with great sadness that the men and women of the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office announce the death of Deputy Chad Young, who passed away in a local hospital after suffering from a medical emergency at his home.



"Please join us in keeping Deputy Youngs family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."



He will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and the deep love he shared with family and friends, it was stated.



He was born on January 30, 1972, in Chattanooga, and was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Allen Young, who passed away on Nov.

14, 2021, and his grandparents Jim and Irene Lovell and Jesse and Mildred Young.Chad devoted 23 years of his life to serving his community as a deputy in the Civil Warrants Unit with the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office. His family said, "It was a role that was far more than a career; it was a calling he deeply loved and embraced as part of who he was. Being a deputy was central to Chads identity, and he took great pride in wearing the badge, upholding the law, and serving others with unwavering dedication."Prior to this, he worked as a corrections officer at Walker State Prison and Hays State Prison in Georgia. Throughout his years of service, "Chad was known for his strong sense of responsibility, his respect for others, and his steadfast desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he served."Outside of his career, Chad found joy in lifes simple pleasures. He loved playing online video games, collecting firearms, and had a passion for muscle cars and hot rods. His enthusiasm for his hobbies was only matched by the joy he found in sharing them with others."Chad was of the Seventh-day Adventist faith. In his early years, he attended Standifer Gap SDA school and later graduated from Ooltewah High School in 1990.He is survived by his wife, Janet Young; his mother, Jan Grant (Don), and his half-brother and sister, Kanaan and Karryelle.A Celebration of Life service will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, in the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, with Sergeant D. J. Rachels officiating. The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Collegedale Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Scratch Inc. at www.scratchinc.org.Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway.
A local teacher is seeking support for her quest to be America's Teacher of the Year.

Danielle Rudd said, "After winning Teacher of the Year last spring, I took on several projects over the summer that focus on serving students with diverse needs such as homeschooled students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Happy Autism Awareness Month to everyone, by the way.

"Recently, I was hired as an Inclusion Educator through a Chattanooga nonprofit organization, and I enjoy serving students daily.

"It would be such an honor to win Americas Favorite Teacher, and I need the community to support me as I have supported these precious students."





Here is where to vote:




News / National

by Daniel Nemukuyu

EXPELLED Zanu-PF officials Messrs Didymus Mutasa and Rugare Gumbo are still fighting to be accepted back into the ruling party despite being founding members of a new political outfit, Zimbabwe People First led by Dr Joice Mujuru.The two - who were expelled last year for allegedly trying to topple President Mugabe and replace him - are still battling to have their expulsion from Zanu-PF nullified by the High Court.ZPF has notified the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of its existence ahead of the 2018 elections, but the two politicians did not give up on their High Court challenge after their lawyers Mbidzo Muchadehama and Makoni recently asked the court to set the matter down for hearing.The pair is seeking to nullify amendments made to the Zanu-PF constitution and other decisions, including their dismissal at the ruling party's December 2014 Congress. The High Court is yet to set down the challenge for hearing following the request by lawyers who are eager to have the matter brought to finality.The request for a hearing date in the matter was filed at the High Court last month after all the parties had filed heads of argument. In the heads of argument filed last month by Zanu-PF and President Mugabe's lawyer in the matter Mr Terrence Hussein of Hussein Ranchhod and Company, the issue of the two forming ZPF was raised with the ruling party seeking the dismissal of the application.Part of the heads read:"In any event, as pointed out earlier, of their own volition they have decided to formally disassociate themselves from Zanu-PF and voluntarily associate themselves with another political organisation known as the "People First"."As seasoned political actors, they are clearly aware within their field of expertise, that it is implausible to be a member of two political parties at the same time," read the heads.Mr Hussein added that if the duo is serious about People First, then the meaningful reason for pursuing the case would be to undermine Zanu-PF to their political advantage and that the courts cannot be used to play a part in political parties fights.Mr Hussein argued that since the two are no longer Zanu-PF members, they have lost their right to be heard in a case to do with Zanu-PF internal decisions."At its essence, this 'application' is a prayer by persons who are no longer members of the first respondent (Zanu-PF), that the processes and meetings of the first respondent whose outcome was unfavourable to them be nullified on the basis that their right to participate in the first respondent's processes and meetings was summarily curtailed."The application is very much a case of sour grapes," reads the heads of argument.They are arguing that the Zanu-PF Congress of December 2014 was a nullity and that it was held in breach of the party's constitution.They also seek the nullification of the constitutional amendments made and adopted at the congress. Party elections or appointments made in terms of the amended constitution, the duo said, should be declared illegal.Mutasa and Gumbo argued that all votes of no confidence passed against various party structures and individuals between October and December 2014 are inconsistent with Section 68 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.The two argue that the removal of some party members from the Central Committee and any refusal of others from contesting for the same positions was in breach of both the party's constitution and the Supreme law of the country.It is the duo's argument that failure by the party to hold elections for the positions of Vice President, second secretaries and the national chairperson was unlawful and in violation of Zanu-PF's constitution.Mutasa and Gumbo argue that the congress was not free and fair. The two, through Mutasa's affidavit, argued that the party breached their constitutional rights by convicting them without being given audience."The respondents breached the rights of us applicants, including those of Joice Mujuru, by making allegations against us and indeed convicting us without our right to be heard and or right to administrative justice as defined in the Constitution respected."Further respondents' unlawful action which prevented us from participating in the congress and the election thereof, our right to participate in politics freely, as required by Section 67 of the Constitution was breached," reads the affidavit.
A Chattanooga man has been arrested on sexual exploitation charges after a 14-year-old female said she sent him explicit sexual photos in exchange for discounted vape products.

George Turner Graves, 22, of 2884 Fern Leaf Lane, is facing charges of one count of sexual exploitation of children and eight counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

The photos were sent by the eighth grade student through her Snapchat account, it was stated.

A group of eighth grade girls said they had been communicating with Graves.

The girl initially denied sending the photos, but later gave investigators details of her contact with the man.

The girl's mother examined her phone and found multiple explicit pictures that she had sent to the man.
Franklin Graham speaks at the European Congress on Evangelism, hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), from May 27 to May 30 in Berlin, Germany. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Franklin Graham responded this week to remarks by Pope Leo XIV, pointing to the biblical example of King David to challenge the popes assertion that God rejects the prayers of those engaged in war.

Graham made the comments during a Tuesday appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, when host Piers Morgan asked him to address the popes Palm Sunday homily criticizing the use of Jesus name to justify armed conflict.

"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."

In response, Graham pointed to Scripture, saying, "Oh, I don't know. 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."

While expressing a preference for peace, Graham said he believes war can be justified in certain circumstances, particularly when confronting what he described as evil regimes.

"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."

Pressed further by Morgan, Graham emphasized that his perspective differs from that of the pope, noting his Protestant background.

"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."

Later in the interview, Graham addressed debates surrounding Christian Zionism, saying that while he does not believe Scripture teaches that Jesus return depends on the Jewish people regathering in Israel, he views the nations founding as prophetically significant.

"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 eventually come to faith in Christ.

Grahams remarks echoed themes from a prayer he delivered during an Easter gathering at the White House on Wednesday, where he referenced the biblical story of Esther in relation to modern tensions with Iran.

"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.
Home News King Charles III stirs outrage for neglecting Easter message: 'Christians will be heartbroken' Speculation swirls that Charles secretly converted to Islam

Quick Summary AI Summary King Charles III faces backlash for not issuing an Easter message this year.

Public and Christian leaders express disappointment over the king's decision.

Concerns arise about the neglect of Christian heritage, showing favor to Islam. 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

King Charles III has prompted concern from members of the public and some Christian leaders in the United Kingdom for declining to issue a formal Easter message to his subjects this year, despite offering one last year and commemorating Ramadan with a statement in February.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla held the Royal Maundy service on Thursday in Wales for only the second time in its 800-year history, though the king's lack of an Easter message, which was confirmed by Buckingham Palace, raised eyebrows from many on social media, including some who speculated he might have secretly converted to Islam.

Ceirion H. Dewar, a traditionalist Anglican bishop who penned an open letter to the king last month, warning that the Christian heritage of the U.K. is being "deliberately eroded" and faces growing hostility amid surging Islam, told GB News that he is "bitterly disappointed" by the lack of a royal Easter message this year.

"There isn't a royal precedent for releasing a message, but since coming to the throne, Charles has chosen to do so every year," he said. "Having just issued a Ramadan and Eid Mubarak message for the Islamic community, choosing not to give an Easter message is bitterly disappointing."

"It does not meet the expectations you would expect from the monarch," he added. "Christians will be heartbroken, having learned the defender of the faith has ignored them."

Dewar suggested that the historically Protestant English monarch neglecting to issue a statement commemorating the most important Christian holiday is "so much worse" than simply being syncretistic.

Godfrey Bloom, an English author and former member of the European Parliament, echoed concerns that Charles might be Muslim, accused him of betraying his constitutional role and urged him to abdicate.

"You are of no use to this country whatsoever," Bloom said. "You have failed in every conceivable way in your relatively short period of time on the throne."

"In the name of God, go!" he added, quoting Oliver Cromwell's famous line to the Rump Parliament in the wake of the English Civil War in 1653.

The Greatest Betrayal In English History - My Easter Message To Our MUSLIM King pic.twitter.com/5DFp3Risn1  Godfrey Bloom - The New Philosophers (@Godfrey_Bloom) April 3, 2026

Stephen Kuhrt, who serves as the Anglican vicar of Christ Church, New Malden in England, said he believes the king's lack of an Easter message was ill-advised, but is being misinterpreted.

"If the king was going to make a speech about Islam in the current climate, perhaps he would have been well-advised to have done something Christian as well, but I genuinely don't think that it was intended the way people have been interpreting it," he said.

"I can understand why people are upset in the current climate, but I don't think that was the intention: to denigrate Christianity."

'If the King was going to make a speech about Islam in the current climate, perhaps he would have been well advised to have done something Christian as well.'



Reverend Stephen Kuhrt, says the absence of an Easter message from King Charles is not intentional. pic.twitter.com/F0gB1W70h4  GB News (@GBNEWS) April 3, 2026

Gavin Ashenden, who served as chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II from 2008 to 2017 before leaving the Church of England for Roman Catholicism, issued a 15-minute video statement rebuking the king for neglecting an Easter message, especially as Christianity evaporates in the U.K. amid what he called "a moment of crisis in our civilization."

Ashenden, who departed his role as the queen's chaplain after publicly protesting that St. Marys Cathedral, Glasgow, marked the Feast of the Epiphany by reciting verses from the Quran denying Christ's divinity, suggested the exclusive claims of Christianity are not palatable to Charles because they contradict the multicultural relativism that has become his de facto religion.

"It's Easter, your majesty. Christ is risen," he said. "Try saying it, perhaps, to your subjects to encourage them; to encourage them to live the faith, to talk the faith, to pray the faith, and to rediscover their own value in the eyes of God. Is that not what a king ought to do at a time like this?"

Ashenden questioned the usefulness of Charles and his royal house if he is unwilling to fulfill his oath to be a defender of the Christian faith.

"I'm afraid it's true: if you can't do this, if you cannot find it in your heart on Easter day to wish your Christian country well on a feast of Christ's resurrection, then maybe you ought to be doing something else in life. Maybe the span of the usefulness of the house of Windsor has come to an end," he added.

Since formally assuming the throne in 2023, Charles has repeatedly prompted outrage for actions that many have characterized as an affront to the historic English Protestantism that he swore to uphold and defend in his coronation oath.

When he met with Pope Leo XIV and participated in an ecumenical worship service with him in the Sistine Chapel last October, he became the first reigning English monarch to be formally received by a pope since King Canute met with Pope John XIX in 1027. The move led to complaints and calls for his abdication from multiple historic Protestant fraternal groups in the U.K.

Last Christmas, the king stoked backlash for his Christmas message that praised "the great diversity of our communities" while expressing his admiration for "all the great faiths."

King Charles III is slated to make a state visit to the United States later this month, when he will deliver an address to a joint session of Congress to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence from Great Britain.
Home News US military archbishop claims Iran war unjust, Catholic troops in dilemma: 'Do as little harm as you can'

The Roman Catholic archbishop who serves the Archdiocese for the Military Services claimed in an interview released Friday that the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran is unjust and advised Catholic service members in a moral dilemma to "do as little harm as you can."

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who has ministered to all U.S. military Catholic chaplains since 2008 and was also president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops until 2025, further described claims the Lord approves of the war as "problematic," according to the interview set to air Sunday on CBS News' "Face the Nation."

When asked if the Iran war is justified, Broglio said, "I would think, under the just war theory, it is not, because while there was a threat with nuclear arms, it's compensating for a threat before the threat is actually realized."

FULL INTERVIEW: Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who heads the Catholic Archdiocese for the U.S. Military Services, speaks with @FaceTheNation about the war in Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's rhetoric about the war invoking Jesus' name, and more. pic.twitter.com/ItBaZxiR3F  Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) April 5, 2026

Broglio said he would align himself with Pope Leo XIV, who stoked fierce debate for his Palm Sunday homily claiming that God rejects the prayers of those who wage war while quoting the prophet Isaiah's condemnation of ancient Judah's leaders for their bloodshed.

The U.S.-born pontiff has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, dialogue and humanitarian aid since the outbreak of the war, describing it last month as a "scandal to the whole human family."

Broglio acknowledged the complex moral situation U.S. service members who are Catholic might find themselves in by fighting a war that fails to meet the just war criteria of the Catholic Church, but said they are nevertheless generally required to obey.

"Obviously, the way conscientious objection is set up in the United States military, you cannot object to a specific war or a specific action. You can only object to, 'I'm opposed to war.' It depends on where you are in the chain of command."

"Obviously, the Marine who's given an order, he's not in a position, really, to resist that order. He has to obey, unless it's clearly immoral, and then he would probably have to speak to his chaplain, to his chain of command."

"The question might be, would generals or admirals have space to perhaps say, 'Can we look at this a different way?'" Broglio continued, but noted he has spoken to higher-ranking military officials who are "also in the same dilemma."

"I guess my counsel would be to do as little harm as you can, and try to preserve innocent lives," he added.

Broglio went on to describe the religious rhetoric of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who recently invoked the imprecatory psalms during a Pentagon prayer service while asking God to "pour out your wrath" against the enemies of the U.S., as "a little bit problematic."

"The Lord Jesus certainly always brought a message of peace, and also, I think war is always a last resort," he said, though he conceded there might have been military intelligence he is not aware of.

"But I do think that it's hard to cast this war as something that would be sponsored by the Lord," he added.

Broglio's assessment of the Iran conflict echoes Bishop Emeritus Joseph Strickland, who explained to Tucker Carlson during an extensive interview earlier this week why he believes the war in Iran doesn't meet just war criteria, which was laid out primarily by Augustine of Hippo in the fourth century amid the collapse of the Roman Empire.

"It has to be a real threat, not a perceived threat; not a future threat, but a real threat. It has to be in proportion," said Strickland, who was removed from his position as bishop of Tyler, Texas, in 2023 by Pope Francis after publicly accusing him of "undermining the Deposit of Faith."

Strickland explained that a just war must also have a reasonable expectation of success and endeavor not to harm innocents.

"There probably aren't many wars in human history that would qualify as meeting all the criteria," he said. "Some meet more than others. But I don't know that this present conflict  they're not even calling it a war, and I think that tells us something  but this present conflict, I don't know that it qualifies on any of those points."

Fractures appear to be forming among Catholic and Evangelical leaders over the war in Iran as it heads into its sixth week.

Earlier this week, evangelist and Samaritan's Purse CEO Franklin Graham pushed back against the pope by likening the war to World War II and citing the example of King David, who Graham noted was a man of war and often invoked God's aid in battle.

"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 said during an episode of "Piers Morgan Uncensored."

Avraham Burg, a native Israeli who served in the Israeli Defense Forces and was briefly the interim president of Israel in 2000, dismissed Graham's application of King David to current events.

Burg noted that even the Old Testament suggests God abhors bloodshed, and that He prohibited David from building the temple because he had "shed so much blood before me on the earth," according to 1 Chronicles 22:8.

The debate over the moral justification of the Iran war comes as President Donald Trump and the Pentagon have asserted an increasingly bellicose tone while suggesting hostilities are poised to escalate in the coming weeks, including against crucial civilian energy infrastructure.

During an address to the nation on Wednesday, Trump said the U.S. was preparing to hit Iran "extremely hard" and "bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong," after which Hegseth tweeted simply: "Back to the Stone Age."
Home News Christians in Syria cautiously scale back Easter celebrations after violent attacks

Quick Summary AI Summary Christians in Syria scale back Easter celebrations due to recent violence.

Armed men attacked a predominantly Christian town in Hama province, damaging property.

Church leaders announced that Easter will be celebrated only with prayers inside churches, no outdoor events. 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

Syrian church leaders have announced that Easter celebrations this year will be confined to prayers inside churches after dozens of armed men stormed a predominantly Christian town in Hama province on the eve of Holy Week, firing guns, smashing vehicles and damaging property over the course of hours.

The Greek Orthodox and Catholic patriarchs issued a joint statement saying Easter this year will be celebrated in Syria only with prayer inside the churches, The National reported, adding that there won't be any outdoor events for children, Easter egg hunts or marching bands.

The patriarchs said Syria was facing challenges aimed at undermining common living between Muslims and Christians, and called for confiscation of illegal weapons, equal treatment of all citizens and respect for individual and public rights.

The attack took place last Saturday in Suqaylabiyah, a town of about 16,000 residents in the Ghab Plain of Hama who are mainly Greek Orthodox Christians, according to the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

The violence began the day before when two young Muslim men from the nearby town of Qalaat al-Madiq verbally harassed Christian women in Suqaylabiyah. Local Christian men assaulted the two men, who were then expelled from the town and later returned with dozens of others on motorcycles.

The mob fired guns in the air, smashed cars and damaged storefronts while residents hid inside buildings. The attackers also destroyed a shrine of the Virgin Mary.

Footage filmed by the attackers or secretly recorded by residents showed acts of vandalism and theft accompanied by threatening chants and insults, as reported by EWTN News. No casualties were reported.

The Syrian government deployed the army and national security forces to contain the situation, but mobs continued to gather and several attempts to storm the town were foiled by government forces. Some national security personnel were reported to have participated in the violence, however.

A second attempted attack the following day was thwarted by security personnel, deepening residents fears of further assaults.

Christians in the town assembled before the main church in an expression of popular anger, while residents staged a protest sit-in demanding accountability for the perpetrators, including members of General Security, whom protesters accused of participating in the violence.

Demonstrators rejected a single-color army, meaning a force dominated by one religious or ethnic group, and voiced frustration with state media coverage that characterized the incident as a personal dispute.

The Christian Emergency Alliance said the Suqaylabiyah attack was the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting Syrias Christian minority.

The assault, on the eve of Holy Week, lasted hours. Pray for the Christians of Syria  they need immediate help, the Alliance wrote on X.

The Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, along with most other churches in Syria, announced that Easter celebrations would be confined to prayers inside churches, citing the current discouraging circumstances.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East said incidents targeting the Christian community cannot be dismissed as individual incidents and called for an official investigation, accountability for those responsible and compensation for those affected.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Hama branded the attackers outlaw groups and demanded the formation of a judicial investigative committee and laws restricting weapons to the hands of the state.

Syrian Christians for Peace, a civil society organization, called on all Syrians to reject sectarianism, urged the government to launch a national dialogue initiative and asked Syrian authorities to enact legislation criminalizing hate speech.

Suqaylabiyahs population has fallen from 20,000 to 16,000 after December 2024, when the government of former President Bashar al-Assad collapsed and many residents with ties to the old order fled the town.

During the civil war, some Christians from Suqaylabiyah were recruited into a local brigade of the National Defence Forces, a pro-government auxiliary, and the towns association with the former government contributed to tension with surrounding, predominantly Sunni areas.

The new Syrian government, led by Sunni Islamists, has made improving relations with the United States its top priority, a stance that has helped spare Christians from the violence dealt to other minorities, including the Druze and Alawites.

A United Nations report documented more than 1,700 people killed and around 200,000 displaced during a single week of violence in southern Syria in July 2025, most of them Druze civilians, with documented violations that may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.

Easter falls on April 5 for Western Christians this year, and on April 12 for Eastern Christians.
Home Opinion Pope Leo is wrong on 'just war': A radical break from 1,600 years of Christian tradition?

This past Sunday  Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026  Pope Leo delivered his homily before tens of thousands gathered in St. Peters Square to open Holy Week. This is the customary practice, but what he said sparked international controversy among many when he spoke on the topic of war.

The pope declared that Jesus rejects war and that no one can use Him to justify war.

And taking Isaiah 1:15 out of its historic and even theological context and application  which referred to the sins of Judah against God  the pope told the crowd that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war. Their hands, he said, are full of blood.

Now, popes addressing global conflict on Palm Sunday is nothing new. There are more accounts in history than we can probably count. What is new is a sitting pope using that moment to rhetorically dismantle 1,600 years of Christian tradition, his own Catholic tradition even, the tradition that Catholics today maintain has never changed. But it has. Neither Pope Leo nor his predecessor Pope Francis, who have more in common with progressivism than historic Roman Catholicism, has said as much to contradict official Church teachings that have been stated for well over a thousand years.

So how should we think about this?



First, Scripture does not forbid war  Scripture instructs on just war



Just war begins not with Church philosophers  it begins with the Word of God. The Sixth Commandment does not prohibit war or even killing. It prohibits murder and the shedding of innocent blood. And in war, there are evildoers who must meet just punishment.

Yes, tragically innocent blood is also shed in war. More on that in a moment. But God said murder and killing are not the same thing. Exodus 22 says if a thief breaks in at night and is struck down, there is no guilt. Exodus 15 says it plainly: The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name. That is not confusing a metaphor created for rhetorical effect for something else. God is actually against evil  and He punishes evil. And war has often been an instrument of Gods divine judgment against evil.



Deuteronomy 20 gives Israel a detailed framework for how war is to be conducted  honorably, justly, with terms of peace offered before battle and limits on its destruction. Defending His people was a chief duty of Israels kings. King David, the man after Gods own heart, was a warrior, and he killed thousands. Nations throughout Scripture served as Gods instruments of justice against people whose evil had reached a point where God, in His wisdom, decided it was time to act. And that is not anything new if you read your Bible.



The New Testament doesnt change this either. Romans 13 says the governing authority does not bear the sword in vain  it is Gods servant, carrying out His wrath against evil to protect the innocent. 1 Peter 2 affirms the same thing. Jesus Himself warned that wars would come, even as we await His return. In Revelation, there is a final battle in which Christ Himself returns with a sword. But this is not, again, new to anyone who is well-versed in Scripture.



Second, Christian tradition also affirms just war

Augustine of Hippo built on this foundation in the 4th century: war as a tragic act of love  love for God and love for neighbor, waged not for revenge or conquest but to restore peace and protect the innocent. St. Thomas Aquinas systematized Augustines just war in his Summa Theologica. And he had several cases to make: Legitimate authority has to be invoked; there has to be a just cause; and there has to be a right intention to go to war.

Theologian D.A. Carson has affirmed that refusing a just war out of misplaced passivity can itself be a failure of love for neighbor and love for God. The Southern Baptist Convention here in the United States, the largest Protestant denomination in America, unanimously reaffirmed the just war tradition in 2024, both in agreement with Scripture and in agreement with Western civilization and Church history.

While many might maintain that Pope Leo did not formally revoke the Catechisms teaching on just war, that was the same standard that was also applied to Pope Francis, who also did no wrong regarding Catholic tradition. Leo did rhetorically gut his tradition, however, in this homily.



Third, history proves that civilizations fall when just war isnt applied

If Charles Martel had lost at the Battle of Tours in 732 A.D., Islam, which had already consumed North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, would have marched through the heart of Western Europe, taking every Christian country captive. Pope Gregory III backed the military defense of Europe at that time against jihadi Muslims, and Charles Martel won. Europe remained free from Islam.

If Jan Sobieski had not ridden to relieve the Siege of Vienna in 1683, 140,000 Ottoman troops would have poured into Central Europe unopposed, once again making Europe fall to Islam. After the victory, Sobieski wrote to Pope Innocent: We came, we saw, but God conquered.

These were clearly just wars. And they saved the West.

But there are numerous, countless other examples. World War II, where over 75 million people died, including 25 million soldiers and over 50 million civilians, was justified because of the threat of Nazi control over all of Europe and for a thousand years, a reign of darkness. Only the cowards were blamed in the aftermath of World War II for their failure to act decisively, and that included British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who wanted to negotiate with Hitler but was too afraid to confront and combat Hitler.

While the pope did not immediately reference Operation Epic Fury, many who are defending the pope are referencing this war not being justified as was his intention in that homily. While that may be exactly what the pope had in mind, thats not at all what his homily said, nor was that what he was attacking.

The West has become increasingly weak and vulnerable. Much of the West has been hollowed out spiritually, morally, economically, and even demographically.

For the past two decades, the West has absorbed Islam and, along with it, jihadi terrorism on Western soil. In the month of March alone, there were at least four terrorist attacks on American soil, and most of them have been ignored by the media, while current podcasters are far too concerned about the Jewish conspiracy to give an honest appraisal of these ongoing and continuing threats.

As Christians, we must be sober-minded in understanding what is at stake here when it comes to biblical truth, the battle between good and evil, Gods purpose for a just government, and the propaganda war that is being waged to confuse all of this under the shadow of endless conspiracies and suspicion.

Any public figure that would either ignore terrorism or justify nations that sponsor terror while simultaneously laying endless accusations and propaganda against nations and governments working to defend their freedom is not trustworthy and could very well be an agent of chaos.

As Christians, we know that war is not a good in itself. War is grim. War means bloodshed and death. We must mourn war.

We can affirm that we must do all that we can to ensure that war is a means of last resort. But to say that war can never be justified is to create the very argument that defends evil, while creating mass victims.

There are and have been times when war, as a matter of defense, has been obedience and faithfulness to God and what he has called Christian men and leaders to do in their strength and in honor. Anyone who loves Christ and his neighbor can understand that.



Just war is not a Christians compromise with evil; it is a Christians duty and refusal to let evil go unpunished.

Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center.
News / Regional

by Thulani Ndlovu

THE Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) sitting in Bulawayo on Wednesday upheld the death sentences of five men for "gruesome murders", bringing to 15 the number of people confirmed to hang by the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bulawayo this year.The court granted clemency to one accused, commuting his death sentence to 15 years in prison.The six men - Desire Dewa, Onias Nyoni, Bernard Dube, Enock Ncube, George Moyo and Nkoyiyabo Ndzombane - were convicted of murder and rape on separate charges around the country by the Bulawayo High Court.The appeal court upheld 10 death sentences in May this year.Dube (41) raped Sanelisiwe Ngwenya before killing her at the 67km peg along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road. According to the State outline, Dube demanded money from Ngwenya who said she had none."Ngwenya, fearing for her life, turned and ran towards a nearby gate leading into the bush. Dube gave chase and caught up with the deceased as she tried to climb a four-strand fence," read part of the State outline.It added that Dube took out a green and white nylon rope from his shirt pocket and used it to tie Ngwenya around the neck."Dube then force-marched Ngwenya to a secluded bushy area a few metres from the road. He forced her to the ground and removed her underwear and raped her. When the deceased tried to cry out for help Dube tightened the rope around her neck in the process strangling."Nyoni, from Makwasha under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane, whose case took about nine years to be heard, ambushed his neighbour, Rice Phiri, while walking in a bushy area and stabbed him to death with a sharp object."Phiri had in his possession, a small bag containing a blue overall, a sack of 10kg wheat and an unknown amount of cash. Nyoni stabbed Phiri, took his property and left him to bleed to death," the State outline reads.However, the cause of death could not be ascertained due to advanced decomposition, according to post-mortem report number 180730.Ncube and Moyo were accused of house breaking with the intention to steal and theft at Phakama Secondary School, in Plumtree. They armed themselves with knives, a screwdriver, a crowbar, lamp and a box of matches."On arrival at the school they broke into the administration block and while inside, lit a lamp and loaded stolen items into a bag. The stolen items included a solar panel, solar chargers, a stapler and pens," according to the charge sheet.At about 10pm Ncube and Moyo were spotted by a teacher who armed himself with an axe and went to investigate."On arrival the deceased ordered Ncube and Moyo to surrender, but instead of surrendering, Ncube bolted out of the administration block while carrying the stolen property loaded in a bag," read part of the State outline.The deceased followed in hot pursuit and after 100 metres cornered Ncube ordering him to lie down. Ncube pretended, to comply with the order according to his own testimony but suddenly drew an Okapi knife from his back pocket, opened it and stabbed the now deceased once on the lower abdomen. He died on the spot.Moyo was found guilty of murder for being an accomplice to the crime. However, his lawyer Robert Ndlovu of R Ndlovu and Company had sought to argue that Moyo's intention was restricted to the planned school breaking with intent to steal and theft.Justice Ben Hlatshwayo found Moyo guilty by doctrine of common purpose to the murder, saying he had to do more to break from the chain connecting him to the subsequent actions of Ncube."In the present case the manner and degree of participation of the second appellant was not that of a subordinate, but that of a co-principal offender. Both appellants were armed with knives for the clear purpose of warding off any challenge to their enterprise of unlawful entry and theft," Justice Hlatshwayo said."The purported withdrawal by Moyo occurs when the crime is all but completed and is purely fortuitous. The bolting away by his co-offender and the deceased chasing him gives Moyo the perfect opportunity to slip away."Ndzombane, who decapitated his own brother with a sharp axe in a disagreement over the sharing of groundnuts, was spared the gallows after the court found extenuating circumstances.Justice Hlatshwayo noted that Ndzombane had a history of mental illness and faulted the High Court for failing to call a psychiatrist to testify during the trial."The conviction of murder with actual intent is upheld. However, the sentence of death is set aside, as there has been a finding of extenuating circumstances. The accused is sentenced to a term of 15 years imprisonment."
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Passenger planes sit on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 11, 2026. Drones fell near Dubai airport, injuring four people, while ships were hit in or near the Strait of Hormuz on March 11 as Iran kept up its campaign disrupting oil markets and air and maritime traffic. AFP | Getty Images

Amid the ongoing Iran war, the roar of the Middle East's commercial tourism has been replaced by the steady hum of repatriation flights, leaving vacationers to navigate the landscape of rising airfares and safety concerns. It's yet another airspace closure that airlines have had to deal with since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. It's a stark contrast to a prediction from the United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Economy and Tourism that the country would amass a market volume of almost $950 billion by 2026. Dubai, in particular, finds its position as the crown jewel of Middle East's tourism faltering as its airports have been forced to shut temporarily during the conflict. Canceled flights to and from the Middle East region have exceeded 46,000 since the U.S.-Israel attacks on Feb. 28, aviation data firm Cirium told CNBC previously. And at the Aviation Festival in Singapore in March, India's SpiceJet said the Middle East conflict has significantly affected its operations due to heavy traffic between India and the region. But it's not just airlines that have been cancelling flights. Travelers from Asia told CNBC they have been canceling their travel plans to the Middle East and considering holidays within their own region instead.

Canceled travel plans

Vietnam-based Michelle Bui, Regional Associate Manager at Ellerton & Co. Public Relations, told CNBC she initially intended to tour the Middle East in May to visit friends in the region and spend time in its deserts. Her plans were quickly cut short when she began looking for flight tickets, as prices were "just so high," that she couldn't justify the cost, she told CNBC in an interview  a surge in fuel prices caused by the fallout from the Iran war has seen airfares rise. Bui found that flight tickets, including layovers, from Vietnam to the Middle East, had reached about $1,500 to $2,000 in March. Many travelers cited non-refundable fare change fees as a top cancellation trigger, Jay Ellenby, president of Safe Harbors travel group, said in an email. There was a noticeable 20-30% uptick in cancellations for Middle East routes from the travel agency's Asian clients, with many quoting $450 non-refundable fare change fees on international trips being a top cancellation trigger. Instead, these travelers were pivoting to Southeast Asian hubs like Singapore or intra-Asian routes, Ellenby added. Booking platforms have been collating user data to create more effective suggestions for travelers stuck in transit or in ticket planning limbo. Instead of needing to have multiple booking tabs open, travel websites have been looking to help shoppers find quick solutions, according to Maurizio Garavello, senior vice president at data analytics company Qlik. "Are you checking three times because you're checking a different price, if there is a promo, or [are you] checking three times because you cannot find something that makes you comfortable [to travel]?" By identifying a consumer's issue, it's easier for a company to provide a solution and gain an extra booking dollar, he said.

More people are traveling for business now than at any time in the past two years. That's why CNBC is investigating business travelers' favorite hotels across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Lost Horizon Images | Image Source | Getty Images

Business travelers

Business trips have been no different. With some companies pausing travel to risky areas until further notice, voluntary flight cancellations on Europe to Asia routes more than doubled in the first week of March, according to data from travel agency Perk. It's a likely indication that companies are "weighing their options to ensure their employees are out of risk," said Perk's President, JC Taunay-Bucalo, in an email to CNBC. Vincent Siow, general manager for Singapore and Brunei at Novo Nordisk , told CNBC his flight to Singapore from Copenhagen on Feb. 28 was canceled and he became temporarily stranded in Dubai. Novo Nordisk's security team organized flights for Siow from Dubai to Istanbul via Doha and Riyadh, and then back to Singapore, a convoluted route by any estimation. For business travelers like Siow, work travel is likely to continue. "We'll still have meetings," Siow said, "it's just that we need to plan properly, try to avoid flying in that zone." For some businesses, traveling to closer locations and via other means, is proving the more attractive option. There has been a good take up rate for passengers traveling from Singapore to Batam in Indonesia by ferry, according to Singapore Cruise Centre's CEO Jacqueline Tan. Some Singaporean businesses run offshore manufacturing operations in Batam, while others send staff to the island for meetings or corporate retreats, Tan said. In spite of a fuel surcharge of 6 Singapore dollars ($4.66), Horizon Ferry, which operates vessels on the popular 60-minute trip between Singapore and Batam, has seen the number of customers in March "holding quite well," Tan added.

Traveling the region

Regional travel, particularly via ferry or cruise, offers "a very quick gratification for a very short get away. You don't really have to think about it, and you're really not spending that much," Tan said. Companies that run corporate retreats in Batam or weekend travelers that might be looking for an inexpensive getaway can do so at a cost lower than in their own city due to the strength of the Singapore dollar, she added. For Bui, vacationing in Vietnam is now a more attractive option  but she's likely to travel by train or car, given that the price of internal flights doubled in April when compared to March, she told CNBC. Generally, traveling within one's own region has become a more attractive option for Asians, according to David Mann, Asia Pacific chief economist at Mastercard, speaking to "Squawk Box Asia," in March. Instability in the Middle East with rising airfare has made the cost a bit too high to bear for many Asian travelers, he said. While the jury's still out on how long this trend will maintain, Mann said it remains heavily dependent on whether oil and jet fuel prices continue to rise.
A USAF McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle lands at RAF Lakenheath on July 22, 2025, in Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Simon Galloway | Getty Images News | Getty Images

The U.S. military continued to search for a missing American airman after an F-15E fighter jet was shot down over southwestern Iran on Friday. One crew member has been rescued, but the second remains unaccounted for, with both U.S. and Iranian forces searching. Iran and the U.S. confirmed Tehran downed the two-seat F-15E jet, while separately two U.S. officials said the pilot ejected from a U.S. A-10 Warthog fighter aircraft that crashed in Kuwait after being hit by Iranian fire. Two Black Hawk helicopters engaged in the search for the missing crew member in Iran were hit by Iranian fire but made it out of Iranian airspace, two U.S. officials told Reuters. The possibility that the airman could be captured has raised concerns in Washington about potential leverage for Tehran. The incident marks the first time Iranian forces have successfully downed a U.S. combat aircraft since the war began. President Donald Trump said Saturday in a Truth Social post: "Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign [sic] down on them." On March 26, Trump said he would extend a pause in attacking Iran's energy facilities by 10 days to April 6 at the request of the government of the Islamic Republic. In a televised address from the White House on Wednesday, Trump told Americans that he expects the Iran war to last another two to three weeks, but said the conflict was close to an end. "We are going to finish the job, and we're going to finish it very fast," he said. Iran's foreign minister, in principle, left the door open for peace talks with the U.S. amid talks about mediation from Pakistan, but he gave no sign of Tehran's willingness to bow to Trump's demands. "We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us," Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. Pakistan told the Associated Press on Saturday that efforts to broker a ceasefire are "right on track."

Debris strikes Oracle building in Dubai, UAE says

Iran continued launching waves of missiles and drones across the region, with the United Arab Emirates saying it intercepted dozens of incoming threats in the past 24 hours. The office of U.S. tech giant Oracle in Dubai was damaged by falling debris, the city's media office said, as Iran continued to fire projectiles across the Middle East in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Oracle's office in Dubai damaged by what is believed to be debris following an aerial interception of an Iranian projectile. April 4, 2026. CNBC

"Authorities confirm that they responded to a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception that fell on the facade of the Oracle building in Dubai Internet City," the Dubai Media Office said in a post on X. No one was injured in the incident, the media office said. Oracle didn't immediately respond to a request for comment emailed by CNBC. A CNBC journalist in Dubai reported hearing multiple interceptions overnight.

Cruise missiles reassigned to Iran conflict: Report

The U.S. military reportedly is assigning the majority of its stealth Joint Air-to-Surface Missile-Extended Range, or JASSM-ER, cruise missiles to the war in Iran, according to a Bloomberg News report. The move will leave just 425 of the powerful missiles in reserve elsewhere, according to Bloomberg. The decision to reassign the $1.5 million weapons from stockpiles in the Pacific came at the end of March, Bloomberg reported, citing a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

Long Range Anti-Ship Missile and a JASSM-ER Missile are displayed at the Lockheed Martin exhibition stand during the Security Equipment International (DSEI) at London Excel on September 09, 2025, in London. The DSEI hosted defense equipment manufacturers from around the world at a 4-day exhibition in London. John Keeble | Getty Images News | Getty Images

U.S. revokes green cards, visas of several Iranians

The Trump administration has revoked the green cards or U.S. visas of at least four Iranian nationals connected to the current or former Iranian government, including two who have been detained by immigration authorities and are to be deported. The action were taken after Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined they were no longer eligible for either lawful permanent resident status, or to enter the United States, the Associated Press reported. In a statement on Saturday, the State Department said the niece and grand-niece of former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike near the Baghdad airport in 2020, had been arrested late Friday by immigration agents after Rubio revoked their green cards. "Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement," the statement said, adding that Afshar's husband has also been banned from entering the United States. Afshar and her daughter had been living a "lavish lifestyle" in Los Angeles for many years while publicly supporting the Iranian government and anti-American attacks, according to the statement. She is "an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the "Great Satan," Rubio said in a post on X. "The Trump administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes."

Bushehr nuclear power plant hit

Separately, a projectile struck near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant overnight, killing at least one worker and damaging part of the facility, according to Iranian authorities. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there was no increase in radiation levels but warned of the risks of attacks near nuclear infrastructure. Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi warned that repeated strikes on the site could trigger a wider regional disaster, while signaling Tehran is not prepared to quickly enter negotiations, saying any talks must result in a "conclusive and lasting" end to the war.

A reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant in Bushehr, Iran. Getty Images

Russia's state nuclear company Rosatom evacuated a further 198 of its staff from the Bushehr nuclear plant, Russian news agencies reported. Rosatom has been evacuating staff from the plant since the Iran war broke out at the end of February. Still, Iran's Revolutionary Guard has threatened attacks on a swath of U.S. tech companies with operations in the Middle East, including Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft and Google. The Guard warned on Tuesday that 18 tech companies would be considered as "legitimate targets" in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. "From now on, for every assassination, an American company will be destroyed," they said in a Guard-affiliated Telegram channel. The list of companies also included Cisco, HP, Intel, IBM, Dell, Palantir, JPMorgan, Tesla, GE, Spire Solutions, Boeing and UAE-based artificial intelligence company G42.

James Henderson, CEO of risk management firm Healix, said the rise in threats against tech companies is not a flash in the pan, but is a sustained pattern. "Tech assets are now treated as part of the conflict, not peripheral to it," Henderson told CNBC. "It also signals that future crises may target data centers and cloud platforms as much as traditional strategic sites," he added. Iran struck Amazon Web Services data centers in the Middle East in early March, causing outages in a number of apps and digital services in the United Arab Emirates.

Petrochemical zone struck in Iran
US President Donald Trump looks out at the White House Ballroom construction while arriving for a meeting with oil executives in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.

The Trump administration is arguing that a judge's order to halt construction of a $400 million ballroom creates a security risk for President Donald Trump as it asks a federal appeals court to pause the ruling.

In a motion filed Friday, National Park Service lawyers say that the federal judge's order to suspend construction of the new facility is "threatening grave national-security harms to the White House, the President and his family, and the President's staff."

"Time is of the essence!" the lawyers write, citing materials that will be installed to make a "heavily fortified" facility. The ballroom construction also includes bomb shelters, military installations and a medical facility, according to the filing. The ballroom is part of President Donald Trump's plans to quickly remake Washington.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington on Tuesday ordered the temporary pause of the construction project that includes demolishing the East Wing of the White House. He concluded that unless Congress approves the project, the preservationist group suing to stop it is likely to succeed on the merits of its claims because "no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have."

The judge suspended enforcement of his order for 14 days, acknowledging that the administration would appeal his decision.

Leon's ruling and the appeal came the same week a key agency tasked with approving construction on federal property in the Washington region gave final approval to the project.

In his ruling Leon, who was nominated by Republican President George W. Bush, suspended enforcement of his order recognizing that "halting an ongoing construction project may raise logistical issues."

Leon also addressed national security in his ruling, saying he reviewed information the government had privately submitted to him and concluded that halting construction wouldn't jeopardize national security. He exempted any construction work that is necessary for the safety and security of the White House from the scope of the injunction.

Trump lashed out at the ruling, but also noted that it would allow work on underground bunkers and other security measures around the White House grounds to continue  even though those will be paid for by taxpayers. Trump has pledged that he, along with private donors, will cover the costs for the ballroom construction.

But the National Park Service argues in its motion that the president has "complete authority to renovate the White House" and the current state of the grounds, which is an open construction site, make it harder to protect the White House.

"Canvas tents, which are necessary without a ballroom, are significantly more vulnerable to missiles, drones, and other threats than a hardened national security facility," the motion says.

The Trump administration is asking the appeals court to decide on its request by Friday. It also asked that the 14-day suspension of Leon's order be extended by another two weeks so that the case can be taken to the Supreme Court.
At first glance, the early life of Steven Hoskin sounds almost like something out of a cosy Sunday evening TV drama. Home was a quiet Cornish village; Maudlin near Bodmin, perched on the edge of the Lanhydrock estate.

There, the exquisite Victorian stately home is famous for its collection of rhododendrons in the grounds.

Raised by his mother, Steven had free rein in his tiny village, going from door to door chatting to his neighbours who always had their homes open to him. His uncle and aunt lived opposite, and his physical strength as a young man saw him dor farm work on - graft at harvest time was paid in cider.

Steven, who had learning difficulties, left the peace of Maudlin in 2005, but hes still very much remembered there. Not just for his simple good nature - but because of the terrible end he later met.

For not long after he left home, some 20 years ago, Steven - trusting, vulnerable, yet strong as an ox as one neighbour described him to the Daily Mail - was murdered in circumstances so brutally callous it almost defies belief.

One of his killers was a girl aged just 16. Another, a man he believed was his best friend.

Stevens last hours on earth were nothing short of hellish. At the hands of his killers, on the evening of July 5, 2006, the 39-year-old was drugged, abused and tortured, dragged around in a dog collar and stamped on before being tied up.

Force-fed an overdose of paracetamol and alcohol, which left him barely conscious, he was then taken to a nearby viaduct by the murderous gang.

Forced over the safety rail, he clung on for dear life, screaming for mercy.

Then one of the gang - 16-year-old Sarah Bullock - stamped on his hands, laughing as she did. She kept stamping until he could no longer hold on, and he plunged 100ft to his death.

So how did innocent Steven fall into such vicious company?

The torture and murder of vulnerable Steven Hoskin in 2006 sent shockwaves through the south west of England

Steven was sent falling 100ft to his death off this viaduct in the town of St Austell in Cornwall by a gang of bullies he thought were his friends

His learning difficulties were pronounced. An IQ test Steven took a few years before his death put him in the bottom 0.4 per cent of the UK's population and he was unable to read and write.

His mother, Ethel, a single parent, also had learning difficulties, and his father was never in the picture.

Stevens world was small, and he was desperate for a group of friends. At school, bullies tormented him, making his existence a misery.

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Even when he was taken out of mainstream education at 12 and placed in Pencalenick, a special boarding school for children with learning difficulties, he remained a magnet for tormentors.

Unable to get a full-time job after leaving school aged 16, he relied on the largesse of locals to get by, as well as living on benefits.

Matt Richards, who owns the W Richards and Sons family business near Maudlin, said he had fond memories of Steven, who worked there occasionally as a labourer.

He told the Daily Mail: He was as strong as an ox but was a little bit childlike. He could throw bales all the way over the truck if you asked him to.

A training programme when Steven was 16 years old designed to help him get work ended when he was victimised by his coursemates.

Then, around 2004, the seeds of Stevens disaster were sown. His mother became too ill to look after them both. Ethel was moved to sheltered accommodation in Launceston, 20 miles away.

Steven, meanwhile, found digs in Newquay - but would still regularly go home to see former neighbours and work with the Richards family.

Then, in April 2005, adult social services found Steven and his little terrier dog their own place to live - a bedsit in the mid-Cornwall town of St Austell, ten miles away.

Steven was dead a little over a year later.

His loneliness and desperation to make friends led to his bedsit being infiltrated and taken over by a cruel gang of drop-outs, drug addicts and drunks - led by 30-year-old Darren Stewart.

A violent man with a predilection for taking advantage of vulnerable people, Stewart would hang around on the streets outside Stevens new home. Within weeks of Stevens arrival, he had moved in and began controlling him, partly by supplying Steven with alcohol and drugs. Any benefit money Steven received was promptly taken by Stewart, who resorted to punching and kicking Steven if he ever showed resistence.

One Maudlin local at the time said Steven would phone home telling how delighted he was to have finally found mates. Im in a gang!, he would say breathlessly.

He appeared to have zero concept of the dangerous company he was in.

Suspected by locals of being a drug-dealer and seen as the areas big man, Stewart - who was was obsessed with drugs and jumping from bridges - had an aggressive nature that was never far from the surface. One girl accused him of threatening her with a hammer.

Still, he had a troupe of teenage girls who were fascinated by him, one of them being Bullock.

All too soon, she also moved into Stevens flat, and she was very much an active participant in the events which led to his death.

High on drugs and booze, Stewart, his girlfriend Bullock and another member of the gang, Martin Pollard, then 21, tortured Steven.

Darren Stewart controled Steven partly by supplying him with alcohol and drugs, also taking his benefit money

Sarah Bullock laughed as she stamped on Steven's hands, with Martin Pollard looking on as he died

The latter told how he had been convinced by the two others that Steven was a paedophile - a completely false allegation - and then joined in the violence.

Bullock is thought to be the one who put the dog's lead on a bruised and battered Steven, telling him: Time for walkies.

Eventually, to stop the agony, Steven falsely confessed to being a paedophile. He was then forced to swallow 70 painkillers and the trio frog-marched him to the top of the Trenance railway viaduct that soars over St Austell, visible from the window of his bedsit.

Steven was chronically afraid of heights - the viaduct was a place he was already scared of.

Matt Richards, his old friend from Maudlin, told the Mail: I remember he was petrified of heights to the point he wouldnt stand on an upturned bucket, so you can imagine how terrified he mustve been in his final moments.

After he fell, Steven landed on parked cars beneath, suffering horrific injuries.

So unaffected were Bullock and Stewart by what they had done that, after the murder, the pair returned to the bedsit and she pestered him for sex - playtime as she called it - before dialling 999 and reporting Steven missing.

Two decades on, his murder remains a source of deep upset. His neighbours can barely bring themselves to look at the viaduct from which he fell.

Lee Nicholls, 55, who lived a couple of doors down from Steven, said: Its bloody disgusting what happened to him.

What kind of cases do you want to read more about? Let us know at: crimedesk@dailymail.co.uk

The viaduct does have an association with Steven now, what happened feels like a story from my life and a part of my history.

I was in my mid-30s when it happened. When you see horrific crimes on the television you feel detached but its completely different when it happens on your doorstep.

I had no idea Steven had any mental problems, that only came out in the case, he just seemed like a normal bloke who was quiet.

Matt Richards remembered how every week he would walk the three miles into Bodmin to get his benefits then would go to Woolworths, spend it on whatever, get a taxi back and that would be his money gone for the week. If he still had money you wouldnt see him'.

Mr Richards said: When he moved to St Austell it took him away from a community where he knew everybody and was looked after and he was exposed to people who took advantage of his trusting nature.

It was a huge shock when it all came out. Its never nice to know a friend has gone that way.

Darren Stewart was jailed for a minimum of 25 years for murder at Truro Crown Court in 2007.

Sarah Bullock was handed a ten-year detention for the same offence.

As he sentenced her, Mr Justice Owen said she was totally infatuated with the gangs ringleader but was still an enthusiastic participant in the torment.

The flats in Blowing House Close where Steve lived in St Austell - ten miles away from where he grew up

The Trenance railway viaduct where Steven spent his final terrifying minutes can clearly be seen from the bedsit he once called home - something neighbours said reminded them of his grim death 20 years later

Her family, who live nearby, had tried to get her away from Stewart two days before the murder but he had turned her against them.

Martin Pollard, meanwhile, was sentenced to eight years for manslaughter. He is the only one who appeared to show remorse, claiming to be haunted by the sights and sounds of that night - particularly the noise Stevens body made as it hit the cars.

I should have stopped it from the beginning, he said in court.

Two 17-years-old boys also received a three-year Supervision Order and community service for falsely imprisoning and assaulting Steven.

The judge criticised social services for not protecting Steven, described in court as a child in a man's body, with a subsequent investigation by the Serious Case Review panel revealing a litany of failures.

Indeed, the community care team did little when Stewart - and his revolving roster of young girlfriends - moved into Stevens tiny bedsit, controlling him and his money.

Despite this, the then-Cornwall County Councils adult social care team closed their case with Steven when he requested a stop to the service in which a helper would come in twice a week and assist with household basics including shopping, budgeting, correspondence and bills.

Despite the avalanche of 999 calls from Stevens flat complaining about being hurt, his friend going missing and criminal damage, little seemed to be done.

Indeed, his frequent unaccompanied visits to hospital and his GP - uncommon given adults with learning difficulties tend to avoid these services - were not treated as alerts, and no decisive action was taken about his substance misuse.

The month before his murder, Steven contacted his social work assistant to ask for help completing a form. He said he was having difficulty settling in St Austell and wanted a swap to be near his mother.

On the same day he visited a local adult social care office asking for 20 for food and stated that he had been taken advantage of.

Steven was given the 20, but no inquiries were made about who was exploiting him.

The review found Steven literally had nowhere within his own home to which he could retreat and that he was unequal to protecting himself from Stewart's influence.

In a damning conclusion, it said: Even the initial meeting of the Serious Case Review Panel confirmed there was no lack of information about Steven and his circumstances and that with better inter-agency working, Steven Hoskin would have been spared the destructive impacts of unrestrained physical, financial and emotional abuse in his own home.

It found that at every stage following Steven leaving the comparative safety of his mothers home, all Serious Case Review contributors could have been potential rescuers, but every part of the service system had significant failures in this role.

In a statement following his death, his mother said: Steven was generous. He wanted friendships. He is at peace at last, now he cannot be hurt anymore.
For a moment, as she sat in a courtroom in North Wales last week, Sarah Gunther had to fight the urge to leap from her seat, throw herself at the young man standing in the glass-panelled dock and demand answers.

'Obviously, I was trying to stay strong,' she says. 'But there was a point when I just wanted to just get in there and shake him, to say to him, "What have you done?"'

She scanned the face of the young man, once so achingly familiar  someone she'd watched grow from a sweet-faced baby, to troubled little boy, to a young man on the cusp of adulthood  looking for something; recognition, contrition, anything.

There was nothing.

Impassive, Tristan Roberts, 18, stood before Mold Crown Court to be sentenced for the incomprehensible murder of his own mother  Sarah's sister Angela Shellis.

Beside Sarah sat Tristan's elder brother Ethan, a 20-year-old worn down by the weight of grief and the void left by 'the best mum anyone could ask for'.

She was, they both agree, a mother who had loved her younger boy unconditionally, who had fought for him tirelessly.

A mother who had begged for help again and again, only to be failed by a system that couldn't  or wouldn't  listen.

As shown in the hauntingly prescient email, shared with her sister, that Angela had written to her local health board, just 14 months before Tristan, who had ADHD and autism, marched her to her carefully planned execution.

Angela Shellis was found dead in Prestatyn, North Wales in October 2024 after being murdered by her 18-year-old son Tristan

Tristan Roberts (pictured), stood before Mold Crown Court to be sentenced for the incomprehensible murder of his own mother Angela

'I will not give up fighting for my son,' she implored. 'I will not lose him to mental health/criminality or worse. Do something!'

In the end, both were lost: him, to the criminality she feared; she, to her son's callous hand.

Standing in the dock, Tristan showed not a flicker of emotion, as he was jailed for life for murder  a crime he'd admitted, but for which he has never given any explanation. 'I don't think he showed any remorse. At some points I think he was even smirking,' says Sarah, 44.

What was documented during that court hearing was, even to the most hardened of observers, shocking.

Fuelled by a violent hatred towards women, Tristan spent hours locked in a toxic online world, fixated on the notion that his 'devoted' 45-year-old mother  who had given up her teaching career to look after him  was to blame for his unhappiness, and discussing his plans to kill her.

In the run-up to the murder, he'd used the AI search engine DeepSeek to ask for tips for a 'non-experienced killer', including whether he should use a knife or a hammer.

After it refused to engage, Tristan tricked it by lying that he was writing a book about serial killers.

DeepSeek suggested a hammer would be better and gave the pros and cons for both.

Angela, of course, knew none of this. It's what makes it all the more tragic when Sarah and Ethan, speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, recall the glimmer of hope she'd clung to as Tristan prepared to celebrate his 18th birthday in October  just two weeks before he killed her.

Angela Shellis' sister Sarah Gunther (right) and son Ethan Roberts (left) spoke to the Mail's Beth Hale about their ordeal

'He didn't want a big fuss,' says Sarah, 'so I remember she was excited when he said he wanted to have an evening of whiskies and Coke, because he was 18, with a takeaway and watching Dexter together. It felt like a bonding thing.' Dexter, a cult American TV series about a serial killer, was his favourite show.

A modest request, but huge to a mother desperate to connect with the little boy who'd once ran to her with a scuffed knee, but who now could barely tolerate her.

In court last week, it was revealed that this simple request was anything but innocent. For two days before his birthday, Tristan had also asked AI whether if someone drank 'enough whisky and Coke', would they 'be able to defend themself'.

In the end, Tristan abandoned his birthday plans. Instead, he went to his local branch of The Range to buy a knife and disposable razors: being 18, he could legally buy weapons now, too.

Then on October 24 last year, Tristan went through with his evil plans. First, he held his mother prisoner in her bedroom, attacking her with a hammer and strangling her, then he forced a balaclava over her head, led her to a nature reserve near their Prestatyn home and bludgeoned her to death  while recording every moment on a dictaphone.

The depths of the depravity wrought that night haunt Sarah, who worked alongside her sister as a teaching assistant at Rhyl High School, and Ethan, who has paused his second year studying computer science at Warwick University.

There has been precious little time for this gentle pair to grieve. Their grief is layered with a litany of unanswered questions.

Of course, there's the fundamental question of why Tristan did what he did. But more than that there's the question of why, when Angela had spent years begging for help  from social services, from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)  was so little action forthcoming?

Roberts had previously posted misogynistic messages (pictured) and boasted of his chilling intent to kill on controversial chat forum Discord, which has been linked to other murders

The court was told Angela, who trained as a primary teacher in her 30s but had opted to work as a teaching assistant to devote more time to her troubled son, had 'repeatedly tried to obtain support', with 'limited success'.

Ethan and Sarah can't emphasise enough how tirelessly Angela fought: 'My strength is I want these people held accountable,' says Sarah. 'CAMHS, social services. Their job is to protect people, to help people who need help, and they didn't do it.' Ethan agrees: 'I'd said to Mum, "What is it going to take for them [the authorities] to see he's not well? How long can this go on?".'

There has been shock upon shock. 'I'd gone months trying to think it was an in-the-moment thing, that he'd had a mental health episode or that someone else was involved,' says Sarah.

'Then getting told there was planning and purchases and online chats . . . You can't prepare yourself for that.'

Tristan, it was revealed, had spent weeks in his bedroom, pouring out his thoughts on the controversial platform Discord.

He had posted numerous messages, describing his need for 'revenge, justice, vengeance'. Aunt and nephew hold their emotions close, but they are broken. 'I think he sort of blames himself,' Sarah says of her nephew. 'And I probably do the same. Did I miss this? Did I miss that? The questions are just for ever in my head.'

What's indisputable is that all Angela had ever done for her son was fight for him. Tristan was just six when diagnosed with autism.

At the time the family were living in Luton with both boys attending mainstream schools. Angela fought for Tristan to transfer to another school with the requisite resources to help him.

Ethan remembers: 'Obviously, he was an autistic kid, he was annoying, he caused problems, but not serious problems. We'd go out with Mum on the weekends a lot,' he says, with the flicker of a smile. 'Cinema, out with the dogs, camping, coming to Wales to visit my grandparents or Sarah.'

She loved to travel, so there were countless big family holidays. Sarah and Ethan struggle to reconcile these times with the twisted tale Tristan wove online  describing an 'entire life' of 'hell, abandonment, betrayal'.

'He had the same upbringing as me,' says Ethan, betrayal flickering in his eyes. 'He had the least traumatic upbringing.'

There was one upset, however. In 2021, Angela's 20-year marriage to husband Mark, the boys' father, had broken down and two years later she moved to Wales to be closer to her own family, and to the boys' paternal grandparents.

Her younger son was given a choice to stay with his dad or go with them. He opted to move to Wales. He enrolled at a local school, but struggled and failed his GCSEs before beginning  and being asked to leave  an access course at college.

'Some days he'd walk around town all day, no one knows what he was doing,' says Ethan. 'At home there'd be times he didn't leave his room for like 12 or 20 hours.'

The hammer Roberts bought on Amazon and used to murder his mother in woodland near their home

Angela, meanwhile, had discovered her son was self-harming and referred him to CAMHS.

Then in 2024, there were two significant escalations. First Tristan disappeared on a visit to his father and was found, after frantic public appeals and police searches, sleeping on a town centre bench.

Then came a caravan holiday to Scotland with his mother and aunt. There was a trivial row over a mobile phone one evening and Tristan 'flipped'. 'He was punching her on the head and I had to go into her bedroom and drag him off,' says Sarah.

Ethan was in the US that summer, working at an American camp before going to university, and remembers his mother telling him about it on his return.

'It was one of the only times I ever saw her upset,' he says. 'She was crying, about losing her son, that she couldn't reach him any more.'

Tristan was admitted to the children's ward (not a psychiatric unit) at Glan Clwyd hospital, in Rhyl. 'I'd say there were four to five days of meetings with CAMHS workers, social services, video calls of me and Ange literally screaming, "He needs help".

'Two minutes later, they'd go into the room with Tristan and he'd go, "But I'm fine".'

Ethan also couldn't understand it all: 'They believed him,' he says. 'Not the responsible adults, looking after him every day.' Time, perhaps, will provide answers.

Denbighshire County Council said last week that it and 'partner organisations' had referred the case to North Wales Safeguarding Board and couldn't comment.

Tristan was eventually released from hospital into homeless accommodation  which he trashed  before a month later being arrested for theft and possessing a knife in a public place.

There was talk of him being sectioned, but it didn't happen. So, by the summer of last year, he was back home, living with his mother.

His behaviour spiralled: he began refusing to wash or care for himself, developed an obsession with knives and hammers, and all the while his animosity towards Angela grew.

The chilling parallels with the case of Axel Rudakubana, the autistic 17-year-old who murdered three girls in Southport in July 2024, are hard to ignore.

Ethan worried about leaving his mother alone as he headed back to university, but Angela reassured him she would be OK.

Sarah and Ethan's memories of that final week in October are still raw. Angela visited her sister, as she did at least a couple of times a week, for a cup of tea on the Tuesday. Normally, there'd be bingo on a Thursday night, but after a tough day and bad weather, they both agreed they wouldn't bother.

There'd been text exchanges with Ethan too  about his plans for dinner and the weekend  'just normal stuff,' he says. But that 'normal' was about to be shattered.

At first Sarah didn't think much of it when she couldn't reach her sister the following morning, but then she saw a worrying post on Facebook about the discovery of a woman's body in Prestatyn.

'Of course, your mind starts swirling,' she says. 'There had always been a sixth sense between Ange and me. Like she'd know if there was something wrong with me and I'd know if there was something wrong with her.'

Ethan, meanwhile, was also worried when his mum didn't answer her mobile. When he received a text from her phone, claiming she had a sore throat, he automatically 'knew it was Tristan'.

Sarah called the police before dashing to the family home with the boys' paternal grandparents.

There they found a fortress: the front door barricaded by a bookcase, the back by two dining chairs with weights taped to them.

Sarah managed to push her way inside, desperate to find Angela. Instead she found her nephew, in the bathroom. 'I haven't done anything, leave me alone,' he said.

The police arrived shortly afterwards, capturing his arrest on camera. Later, they found chilling Ring doorbell footage from a neighbour's home, showing Angela  limping and leaning on a crutch from earlier knee surgery  and her son, leaving the house at 3.19am.

Ethan made a moving personal impact statement to court in which he described the hell of his four-hour bus journey home, 'running over and over in my mind what could have happened'.

Today, he feels anger and guilt, even a little anger towards his mum. Why didn't she fight, scream or struggle more?

'She was probably trying to calm him down because that's what she'd always done... to de-escalate the situation,' says Sarah.

What haunts them most though is the knowledge that none of this needed to happen. Ethan doesn't know how he feels about his brother now. 'I hope he gets help, but I don't really care,' he says.

Sarah, adds: 'I can't say I don't love him, I can't bring myself to say that. I'm hoping that in time somebody will see that he does actually need help. I think that's what my sister would want, even after all this.'
LinkedIns new research and book on AI reveal the practical gap small business owners need to close right now.

The conversation around AI at work has often been framed as a binary: either you are threatened by it or you are embracing it. New research from LinkedIn suggests the reality is more complicated, and more useful, than that.

A LinkedIn poll conducted alongside the Australian launch of Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI found that when asked how they feel when AI takes over tasks they used to do at work, 42% of Australian professionals say they feel relieved because it frees them up, and 36% say they are curious about what comes next. Only 17% say they feel threatened.

That is a striking result. The dominant emotional response to AI taking work off peoples plates is not anxiety. It is relief.

Matt Tindale, Managing Director of LinkedIn Australia and New Zealand, said the data reflects a readiness that many Australians may not recognise in themselves. The data tells us that Australians are more ready to adapt than they might think. A new LinkedIn poll found that 78% of Australians feel either relieved or curious when AI takes on tasks they used to do at work, and that openness is exactly the mindset that gets people ahead.

But relief and curiosity about AI are different from knowing how to use it well. And that is where the more challenging numbers sit.

The skills shift already underway

More than a third of Australian professionals, 37%, say they feel overwhelmed by how quickly they are expected to understand and use AI at work. Nearly two thirds, 63%, believe those who resist AI tools risk falling behind. The gap between those two positions is where most small business owners and their staff currently live.

The pace of the shift in the broader economy makes that gap more urgent. LinkedIns research shows hiring for AI talent has grown more than 300% over the past nine years, creating 1.3 million new roles globally. Eight in ten C-suite leaders now say they prioritise hiring someone with AI confidence over experience alone.

In Australia specifically, AI and data skills now make up the largest share of the countrys fastest-growing skills in 2026, according to LinkedIns Skills on the Rise data. Prompt engineering has emerged as a sought-after capability, and AI literacy across Australian workplaces has grown 32% year-on-year across firms and 60% in large enterprises.

Sarah Carney, National CTO at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, said the most important step for people feeling behind is simply to start. The most important step is to start small, stay curious, and practice, because confidence comes from doing. When you pair AI literacy with human strengths like judgement, communication and creativity, it becomes a real advantage in your day-to-day work and your career.

Human judgement is not going anywhere

One of the more reassuring findings in the LinkedIn data is the strength of trust in human judgement even as AI becomes more embedded in daily work. Eighty-two per cent of Australian professionals say trusted human insight is irreplaceable, even as AI becomes more advanced.

That finding aligns with what the books authors argue. Open to Work, written by LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky and Chief Economic Opportunity Officer Aneesh Raman, is drawn from insights across more than a billion LinkedIn members alongside Microsoft research. Its central argument is that the skills no machine can replicate, creativity, curiosity and communication, are exactly the ones that will define career success in an AI-augmented workplace.

Tindale put it directly. Open to Work is focusing on the creativity, curiosity and communication that no machine can replicate.

For small business owners, that framing is practically useful. The conversation about AI in the workplace does not need to be about replacement. It can be about reallocation, moving human attention toward the work that genuinely requires human judgement while letting AI handle the tasks that do not.

What this means for small business owners

The LinkedIn data lands at an important moment for small businesses navigating AI adoption. The emotional readiness is there. The skills gap is real. And the pace of change is making both more urgent simultaneously.

Ninety per cent of Chief People Officers in Australia expect work to be organised around skills rather than traditional job titles as roles continue to evolve, according to LinkedIns research. For small business owners, that signals a shift in how to think about hiring, training and team structure going forward.

The practical implication is not to overhaul everything at once. Carneys advice to start small and stay curious applies as much to a small business owner introducing AI tools to a team of five as it does to a corporate executive managing hundreds of staff.

The overwhelm that 37% of Australian professionals report is real. But so is the relief that 42% feel when AI takes tasks off their hands. For small business owners willing to start somewhere, the data suggests the experience of actually using AI well tends to shift people from the first group into the second.

Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI is now available in Australia via major retailers and online platforms.
America has won swift, decisive, overwhelming victories against Iran in only four weeks, President Trump told the American people in his nationwide broadcast on Wednesday night.

Irans navy was gone, its air force in ruins, its missile and drone arsenals smashed, its industrial capacity to replenish its stock of weapons destroyed, the regimes leadership decapitated.

Our enemies are losing and America is winning, he repeated for emphasis.

The US had achieved total military dominance in just 32 days and the onslaught was nearing completion, he assured his audience. Even the enriched uranium Iran needs to make nuclear bombs was now buried deep under rubble. Just a couple more weeks of air strikes  to bring them back to the stone ages  and it would be job done.

Back in the real world, Iran yesterday hit a desalination plant in Kuwait, which depends on extracting salt from sea water for 90 per cent of its water supply. Another Iranian strike forced Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, to close its largest natural gas processing plant. Iranian cluster munitions also struck Haifa, Israels major sea port.

Tehrans grip on the Strait of Hormuz tightened. The global oil and gas shock sparked by the war, which already has much of Asia reeling from soaring energy prices and shortages, is now rapidly bearing down on Europe, bringing widespread economic disruption and hardship in its wake.

If this is Trumps idea of victory, it would be interesting to learn what he would regard as a defeat. Moreover its a strange form of victory in which, so far, all the winners are the bad guys  while the losers are mainly Americas erstwhile allies.

If, before April is out, he declares victory and walks away with anything like the current state of play prevailing, then Trumps War on Iran will prove to be catastrophic  above all for those who have hitherto regarded themselves as Americas friends.

If this is Trumps idea of victory, it would be interesting to learn what he would regard as a defeat, writes Andrew Neil

A Norwegian oil tanker attacked in the Strait of Hormuz in 2019, said to have been attacked in the waters of the Gulf of Oman

Mohammad Ghalibaf, the speaker of Irans parliament, who now wants to impose tolls on ships using the waterway

The list of winners, to date, is small and tight: the Iranian regime and its major allies in the axis of autocracy, Russia and China. The list of losers is long and growing: the global economy; the Gulf States; energy-importing democracies from the Far East to Europe, including Britain; and that bulwark of democracy, the Atlantic Alliance.

For all his bluster and bravado, Trump is already in retreat. When the first attacks on Iran were launched on February 28, the White House explicitly listed regime change as one of the war aims. No longer. All the signs coming out of Washington indicate that Trump is prepared to end hostilities with the regime in Tehran still intact.

It doesnt seem to have dawned on the White House that, no matter how bruised, bloodied and battered, just to have survived is effectively a victory for the tyrants of Tehran. They live to fight another day  and with a lethal weapon they didnt have when the war started: the Strait of Hormuz.

This gives them a grip on the worlds most important energy choke point. Theyve already closed it to all but Irans closest allies (such as China), although a French container ship was allowed to pass through yesterday, some say because of President Macrons criticism of Trump.

Whatever the case, thats far from the end of the matter. The Iranian parliament, led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, is currently passing legislation to allow Iran to charge tolls for all ships using the Strait, much as Egypt charges for ships passing through the Suez Canal.

Of course theres no legal basis for doing this. Unlike the Suez Canal, which runs through Egypts sovereign territory, the Strait is an international waterway between two sovereign territories (Iran and Oman). But Tehran is not minded to adhere to the finer points of international law, as touted by the likes of Keir Starmer and his attorney general, Richard Hermer.

Iran will have its tolls  and it will be much more than a fresh source of revenue to finance post-war rearmament. It will use its grip on the Strait to bar ships of countries the regime regards as unfriendly. It will bargain with Europe for access to the Gulf in return for Europe dropping economic sanctions against it.

It will wield its control of what is an essential economic lifeline for the Gulf States, through which most of their exports flow (not just oil and gas but petrochemicals and fertilisers), to give it leverage over these states to do Tehrans bidding.

This has all the makings of a geopolitical disaster. Yet Trump is washing his hands of the matter. It is thanks to Trumps War that Iran has seized the Strait. But he says its up to others to take it back. It is almost as though he regards it as just punishment for those US allies in Europe and Asia who refused to join him in attacking Iran.

It is dawning on the Iranian regime that control of the Strait is an even more powerful global weapon than its ability to develop nuclear weapons. Yet even here Trump is in retreat. Denying Iran the Bomb was also one of his original war aims. Thats being junked, too. Trump now claims the enriched uranium Iran needs to make nuclear bombs remains buried deep under rubble from Americas bombing of its nuclear facilities last June. He says US satellites are all over it and at the first sign of Iran trying to retrieve it, US missiles will be on their way.

Now if this were true it rather undermines the case for going to war in the first place. After all, Trump claimed that it was the imminent prospect of an Iranian nuke that made air strikes imperative. But if America already had a watchful, lethal eye on Irans nuclear resources, then why bother to attack?

Of course, its unlikely to be true  and even if it were it is hardly a foolproof scheme to deny Iran the Bomb. Over the years Tehran has been tenacious and inventive in keeping its nuclear ambitions alive, as it has in rebuilding its missile and drone inventories after theyve supposedly been obliterated.

We now face the prospect of Iran emerging from Trumps War with its power enhanced, an unthinkable outcome at the start of this benighted escapade only five weeks ago. Not just with its nuclear ambitions still alive but with an economic weapon of global reach in the shape of the Strait of Hormuz. I doubt Israel saw this as the ending when it eagerly joined in the American onslaught.

You can see why the Gulf States, the global economy and the democracies of Europe and Asia all look like being the losers in Trumps War. But the list of victims doesnt stop there: Nato might be the biggest loser of all.

Trump has never had much time for Nato. Now hes so angry the Nato allies wouldnt join him in his Iran venture  even though they never wanted it, were never consulted in advance and werent asked to participate anyway  that he threatened this week to pull America out of Nato, which would be devastating for the Atlantic Alliance.

The President, of course, doesnt have the power to do that on his own. It would take a Senate vote, which Trump would almost certainly lose, even with its Republican majority. But he can act and deploy US forces in multiple ways that effectively remove America from Nato operations. It would be a calumny of the foulest order. But with Trump you cant rule it out.

Now you will understand why there are wry smiles emanating from Moscow and Beijing. Not only have they watched their Iranian allies survive all America and Israel have had to throw at them, they can enjoy the spectacle of Trump ripping apart the greatest alliance for democracy the world has ever seen. Christmas really has come very early this year for our totalitarian adversaries.

Of course, as is always the case with Trump, we dont know what hell do in the few weeks he says are left of the war. But a source very close to him told me this week that the truth is he doesnt know what to do  that neither slinking away under cover of claiming bogus victory nor doubling down with land incursions (boots on the ground) were appealing.

A blaze in Haifa after Israel's Fire and Rescue Service said that an industrial building and a fuel tanker at Israel's Oil Refineries were hit by debris from an intercepted Iranian missile

The pretence of retreat-after-winning would quickly unravel when people saw the Iranian regime bloodied but unbowed, said my source, flexing its muscles against US allies. But the deployment of ground troops to take Irans Kharg Island oil port or to seize Irans enriched uranium risked being blunders for the ages, given how fraught with danger theyd be. Both could haunt him all the way to Novembers mid-term US elections.

Truth to tell, nobody knows what Trump will do next. Not even Trump, probably. But rather than fruitless second guessing, the Nato allies need to concentrate on the formidable task of defending our democracies in a brave new world without America at our back.

Some European countries already get this  Germany, Poland, the Baltic States, the Scandinavians. They are rearming at pace. But not socialist Spain  and not Keir Starmers Britain.

The failure of our Labour Government to take rearmament seriously is becoming the national scandal of our time. Almost a year after it was handed a sensible strategic defence review, which it accepted in its entirety, it still hasnt come up with a blueprint to finance it.

Instead the Government struggles to hit a woefully inadequate 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence, with ministers forced to fiddle the figures to reach even that, while so many of our European allies leave us in the dust. For decades after the Second World War, we spent more on defence as a share of GDP than any other Nato ally bar America. It meant we still mattered in the world.

But in recent years weve slumped from second to 12th, with every prospect of slipping further. No wonder our allies now regard us as a laughing stock when it comes to military might.

Yes, Labour inherited a terrible Tory record on defence spending. But, as former Labour defence secretary John Hutton told me this week, all the more reason to be making up for lost ground now, rather than using it as an excuse for inaction.

It is instructive to remind ourselves that, in shameful contradistinction to Starmers failure to raise defence spending, even prime minister Neville Chamberlain, as he tried and failed to appease Nazi Germany in the late 1930s, saw the need to ramp up rearmament.

Chamberlain has gone down in history as the architect of appeasement. But he grew defence spending from roughly 3 per cent of GDP in the mid-1930s to over 7 per cent by 1938, a year from war, even as he tried to negotiate with Adolf Hitler. Contrast that with Starmers pathetic attempts to reach 2.5 per cent as the world becomes more dangerous by the week.

Weve had enough grandstanding on the global stage from our Prime Minister. He needs to concentrate on putting our own backyard in order, as circumstances dramatically change. We have no sway over Trump  the Kings state visit notwithstanding  and should stop pretending we have.

Trump will do whatever best suits his own narrow self-interest and we will have to deal with the consequences of Trumps War.

No doubt the American people will have their revenge come the November elections. But that will be scant consolation for those of us in the rest of the world having to live with the fallout from his folly.

We would be best served by getting ourselves into shape for the rocky road ahead. If only we had a Government in any way commensurate to that immense task.
When Keir Starmer appointed his cost-of-living champion two months ago, he was probably hoping for a slew of catchy initiatives to scold and penalise big business.

Retail boss Richard Walker was handed a remit to look at areas where consumers get a rough deal and report directly to the Prime Minister on cost-of- living interventions.

Now, in one of his first public comments since taking on the job, Lord Walker has turned his sights not on the commercial world but on the Government.

Rather embarrassingly for Labour, he observed the fuel duty cut needs to be extended or enlarged.

He even implied that Chancellor Rachel Reeves  whose support for the ongoing 5p-per-litre cut in fuel duty has been lukewarm at best  should hand motorists a far greater discount.

The Australian government, he pointed out, has already introduced a 14p deduction, and Ms Reevess meagre offering is set to expire in September.

The Government can now look forward to being rebuked by its own cost-of-living tsar if it fails to address the unjust tax bonanza on petrol and diesel.

As millions of families will discover as they travel to visit loved ones this Easter weekend, motorists are already suffering acute price-rises.

Among them, rural drivers endure the worst of it with prices up 10 per cent more at forecourts in the countryside, a new study by the RAC Foundation has found.

Furthermore, if the Green Party have their way there will be a 55mph speed limit on the motorways.

Labour must treat motorists fairly, not chasten them, if it wants Britain to thrive.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed Iceland Foods executive chairman Richard Walker as the Government's new Cost of Living Champion

Lord Walker works across government to enhance business partnerships and focus on reducing household costs, following his appointment as a Labour peer

Criminal negligence

Gangs of masked youths are running riot in the capitals streets.

But Labours Sadiq Khan insists London is a safe city and condemns any suggestion to the contrary as lies.

The Mayors fallacious remarks led to him being dressed down by Marks & Spencer retail director Thinus Keeve who observed: I keep hearing crime is falling, especially in London  something none of us believes.

Mr Keeve reported the absolute opposite with crime becoming more brazen, more organised and more aggressive.

Under Labour, the problem is set to get far worse.

It has passed laws to end most jail terms of less than 12 months (meaning nearly all shoplifters will no longer face prison), cut punishments and let lags out of jail earlier than ever before.

From the preposterous remarks of their politicians to the sheer lunacy of their policies, Labour simply cannot be trusted on law and order.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan insists London is a safe city and condemns any suggestion to the contrary as lies

Action on Hormuz

Keir Starmer vacillated over action in the Middle East and now the UN Security Council stands accused of a similar lack of urgency.

It had been poised to vote on authorising the use of defensive force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

But because the ballot had been scheduled for Good Friday, it was postponed.

This newspaper supports preserving the sanctity of Easter, but dont they know theres a war on?

Diplomats everywhere must pull out all the stops to get oil flowing again if we are to avoid a catastrophic global recession.
Deep under the North Sea, in sites controlled by Britain, are around 3 billion barrels of oil and gas  about 165 billion-worth.

And yet, out of pure ideology, Labour are insisting it remains there even while other countries drill.

This is economic insanity. I spent Monday on an oil rig talking to newly-trained Scottish workers. They told me that in the past year, many of their friends have been taking jobs in America, the Gulf and Scandinavia. No one is investing here and I dont know why, one said.

But I know why: its because of Ed Miliband. Every day brings another reminder of the lunacy of the Labour Partys ongoing ban on new oil and gas licences, spearheaded by its dogmatic Energy Secretary.

Increasingly, a chorus of voices  by no means only from the fossil-fuel industry  have been urging the Government to reconsider.

Tony Blairs think-tank has called for this ban to be overturned. So has the Labour-supporting GMB Union. The head of RenewableUK, the trade association for wind, wave and tidal power, wants to see drilling continued in the North Sea, as do energy company bosses like Greg Jackson of Octopus.

Even Rachel Reeves is said to be keen to get her hands on the revenue that would flow in from our oil and gas fields  even if she probably hopes she could spend it on yet more welfare handouts.

Labours oil and gas policy is not just destroying jobs north of the border  its killing industry across the UK. Heritage brand Denby Pottery has just gone into administration. Our chemical industry is 60 per cent smaller than it was in 2021. Heavy industry is suffering.

Kemi Badenoch speaking to workers at an oil rig in Aberdeen

Keir Starmer holds his head in his hands as Kemi Badenoch questions him over North Sea Oil at PMQs

On Thursday, I was on an industrial estate in Redcar, North Yorkshire, speaking to staff from the US giant Huntsman, who believe Britain is in the last-chance saloon if it wants to maintain heavy industry. Standing amid the hollowed-out shells of the old factories that once powered the North East, I could almost see our country deindustrialising before our eyes.

Its time to stop.

Last week Keir Starmer stood at PMQs looking as timid and helpless as ever. He told Parliament he couldnt do anything about new drilling licences because it was all up to Ed Miliband. As I told him to his face, this was pathetic.

If Starmer had a backbone and he was determined to tackle the cost of living and bring down bills for British families and businesses, he would have sacked Miliband long ago.

Yesterday it emerged that the Government might make a partial and belated U-turn on drilling the Jackdaw field 250 miles east of Aberdeen, thanks to the campaign the Conservatives have led. But there is still no clarity on what Miliband might approve or when. Once again Starmer is being pulled helplessly along for the ride while the real leader of the Labour Party makes the decisions that matter.

Yes, people have concerns about climate change but in this more dangerous world we need to get Britain drilling.

Its good for our financial security, our energy security and above all our national security. Under my leadership, the Conservatives have published a draft Bill that would deal with the planning problems and the lawfare that have previously stopped drilling in the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields.

We have committed, too, to scrapping the Energy Profits Levy [a temporary 38 per cent tax on UK oil and gas company profits] to make the offshore industry viable. We have said we will change the mandate of the North Sea Transition Authority, which regulates oil and gas activity in Britain, to just one task  getting as much of the stuff out of the North Sea as possible.

And heres the point. The revenue from North Sea drilling would allow us, as a government, to support British families. Our new Cheap Power Plan would save a typical household 200 and Labour could adopt it tomorrow if they were brave enough  rather than lavishing another bailout on people on benefits, they could lower the costs of everyones bills.

Our plan would cut VAT from energy bills and scrap Milibands green taxes, immediately helping families with the cost of living. By removing the Carbon Tax on industry, we would protect British jobs and manufacturing. And we would help ensure we dont lose more refineries here in the UK: in the past year alone, we have lost a third of our refining capacity.

To get Britain working, we need to cut spending, slash tax and back business. Time and again, Starmer has U-turned under pressure. I wont stop pushing until he sees the light, overrules Ed Miliband and does what everyone knows is right  getting our oil and gas out the ground. Fuel Britannia!
Yesterday's dramatic news that US forces were searching for the crew of an F-15 fighter jet, apparently downed by a missile over southern Iran, will serve as a brutal wake-up call to the American public.

Iranian media reports of an airborne rescue mission being mounted to locate two missing flyers are bound to trigger chilling echoes of the 1979 hostage crisis when 66 US citizens, including diplomats and civilian personnel, were seized by a mob that stormed the American embassy in Tehran.

Coming not long after the psychological scarring of the Vietnam war, the 444-day crisis, which included a failed military attempt to free the hostages, was a catastrophic blow to American power and prestige.

Thankfully we learned yesterday that one crewman, who had ejected from the stricken aircraft, was swiftly picked up by a rescue squad. But as darkness fell, concern was growing for the whereabouts of the other flyer.

And with the Iranian regime offering a bounty for the capture of the serviceman, the war, which began five weeks ago today, is entering a perilous and unpredictable path.

If the forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) detain the missing crew member first, then America could find itself plunged into a fresh crisis.

I have some experience of how this might play out after Iran seized six Royal Marines and two Royal Navy seamen on the Shatt al-Arab waterway between Iraq and Iran in 2004. As the UKs deputy ambassador, I was despatched to the Iranian port of Bandar-e Mahshahr to negotiate their release.

There was one big difference from today  Britain was not at war with Iran. And after years of popular protest and weeks of key leaders being killed, the regime has become less coherent and less predictable.

US forces have been searching for the crew of an F-15 fighter jet, which was apparently downed by a missile over southern Iran

Images of the wreckage from a downed US fighter jet appear to show a 'Europe' logo

A photo emerged on Friday of an ejection seat as the whereabouts or status of the crew currently remains unknown

Nevertheless, I am certain there will be some similarities in how things play out.

Central to negotiating with Iran is to recognise that the regime, despite all the damage meted out by President Trump, is single minded and fixated only on its own survival.

Despite the blood-curdling sabre-rattling that comes out of Tehran, it is not suicidal, and ultimately it is pragmatic, acting rationally in its own interests.

It also has an acute sense of the need to create leverage against its enemies, which is why it is behaving as it is over the Strait of Hormuz and firing rockets and drones at its Middle East neighbours. At the same time the Iranian regime will want to appear to the world as the wronged party in this conflict.

Which brings us on to how it might treat a captured American pilot. Might the flyer be killed? It is highly unlikely, as the Iranians will want to keep them alive for maximum leverage.

But given the unpredictability of the regime at the moment, it cannot be ruled out.

The elimination of so many at the top by US strikes makes the calculation more difficult. Authority to make decisions has been devolved to local IRGC commanders, who may take a much more aggressive and uncompromising stance towards their prisoners. This might be physical mistreatment, but more likely it will be emotional.

Twenty-two years ago, the British military detained by the IRGC I was sent to negotiate over were blindfolded, marched into the desert and subjected to mock execution.

Footage has also emerged of Iranians shooting at US rescue planes

Smoke and flames rise at the site of airstrikes on an oil depot in Tehran

Unable to see, they believed they were about to be shot.

They were also forced to read scripts to cameras apologising for their crime of entering Iranian waters. All these actions by the Tehran regime were in breach of international law. With an American prisoner, similar treatment is likely, along with isolation and sleep deprivation.

Will any US detainee be tortured? Again, unlikely given the Iranian regimes preference for occupying the moral high ground. But local commanders might be capable of committing violence against a hostage.

There will undoubtedly be tensions within the Iranian hierarchy between those advocating humiliation of their greatest enemy and those wanting to show a humane face to the watching world.

One thing I am certain of is that the Iranian regime will want to parade their captured trophy for propaganda purposes as soon as possible. My guess is they would keep the prisoner at an undisclosed location, probably an IRGC barracks, having removed anything that might identify its whereabouts to US or Israeli intelligence.

There is one other factor: the Iranian regime is patient. They will be content to let a stand-off over a hostage last for months, even years, as they extract the maximum price and grind down the will of their adversary.

Today America has a very different sort of leader from Jimmy Carter in 1979. In Donald Trump we have a highly capricious president and the Iranians will find it is almost impossible to second guess what he might do.

In the meantime, the memory of the crisis nearly 50 years ago and former president Carters bungled rescue mission will haunt every hour until the flyer is brought home.
Day has broken over southwestern Iran. Arid, unforgiving terrain. Rocky outcroppings, sparse vegetation, valleys that swallow sound and shadow alike. For one American aviator somewhere in that landscape right now, and for the family watching their phone back home, that desolation is not the enemy. It may be salvation.

I know this world. I've strapped into a cockpit and flown three combat missions over Iraq. I've felt the weight of what it means when the enemy has a shot at you. You know it. Every fighter pilot does - including the one shot down Friday by Iranian forces. We don't talk about it much. But we prepare for it constantly.

Let me put this shootdown in context, because the American public deserves to understand what's actually happening in the skies over Iran.

Our forces have now flown more than 13,000 sorties since the beginning of this five-week campaign and this is the first shootdown. That is not a failure. It is a testament to the extraordinary planning and execution built by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, who have developed a strategy that has systematically dismantled Iran's defenses with precision and discipline.

The campaign began exactly as it should have, with stealth. B-2s, F-22s, F-35s. Aircraft that radar cannot find. When you open a war with stealth, you remove the enemy's eyes before they can see you coming. That phase of this campaign was nearly flawless.

But wars evolve. As targets shift from hardened strategic sites to more dispersed, tactical ones, the aircraft required changes too. The F-15E Strike Eagle is one of the most lethal fighter-bombers ever built. It is not, however, a stealth aircraft. And that distinction matters enormously.

The most dangerous threat to a non-stealth aircraft in this environment is not a radar-guided missile. It's a heat-seeking one. These weapons, which are man-portable, shoulder-fired, and infrared-guided, are the quiet killers of modern air warfare. They emit no radar signal. They give no electronic warning. They are visually aimed and thermally guided, chasing the heat signature of your engines with single-minded precision.

Unless a pilot physically sees the launch, which is a near-impossible task at speed and altitude, there is almost no time to react.

The F-15E Strike Eagle is one of the most lethal fighter-bombers ever built. It is not, however, a stealth aircraft. And that distinction matters enormously

I've felt the weight of what it means when the enemy has a shot at you. You know it. Every fighter pilot does (Pictured: Dan Rooney)

Our forces have now flown more than 13,000 sorties since the beginning of this five-week campaign. Thirteen thousand. And this wreckage is from the first shootdown yet

The most dangerous threat to a non-stealth aircraft in this environment is not a radar-guided missile. It's a heat-seeking one, which may have shot down the US fighter jet

This is not a flaw in our strategy. It is the physics of pushing an air campaign into its next phase. We own these skies. We are dominating this fight. But air dominance does not equal invulnerability.

We train for the worst day of our lives. Repeatedly.

There's a saying in fighter pilot culture: Train like you fight. Fight like you train. We don't say it to sound tough. We say it because it's the only reason people come home.

Long before any of us ever pulled g's in a combat zone, we rehearsed what happens when the jet stops flying and the ejection seat fires. We trained for it in classrooms, in simulators, in the water, and in the woods. Ejection. Evasion. Survival. Resistance. Escape. The military calls it SERE training, and it is brutal by design. Because the alternative is worse.

The moment that seat fires, training takes over. Your body is moving before your brain catches up. You're checking your chute. You're scanning the ground below you. You're assessing threats. You're reaching for your survival radio before you've even hit the ground. This is not improvisation. This is choreography rehearsed so many times it becomes instinct.

The pilot we're talking about right now has done all of this. Whether he's sheltering in place in some rocky draw or already in custody, he is executing a plan. One our military has spent decades and billions perfecting.

Night would have been his greatest weapon. The fact that darkness fell over that stretch of southwestern Iran was, counterintuitively, good news. American forces own the night. Our ability to turn night into day, through technology, through training, through assets most people don't know exist, is unmatched on this earth. Every hour the sun was down tilted the odds back toward us.

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney is the F-16 Pilot & Commander of Recruiting, Oklahoma Air National Guard and a Republican Candidate for US Congress, Oklahoma's 1st District

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Secretary has developed a strategy that has systematically dismantled Iran's defenses with precision and discipline

Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine has been a large part of this effort

The Iran campaign began exactly as it should have, with stealth B-2 aircraft that radar cannot find

Right now, hopefully, this pilot continues to evade, doing exactly what we trained him to do: move to cover, use the terrain, authenticate his identity on the radio, avoid capture, and trust that an enormous machine is spinning up to find him. And it is.

When a crew member goes down, the entire war effort stops. Everything. Every asset, every priority, every resource pivots to recovery. That is our code. That is our culture. No one gets left behind is not a slogan. It is a standing order.

If he's been captured, the real fight begins.

Capture is the outcome every aviator trains hardest to avoid, and prepares most seriously to survive. SERE training exists to simulate what captivity looks and feels like. Sleep deprivation. Isolation. Interrogation. Psychological pressure.

You learn your rights under the Code of Conduct. Name. Rank. Service number. Date of birth. That's it. You give nothing else. Not because you're a hero in that moment, but because you've been trained to make your mind a fortress even when your body has nothing left.

In Iranian captivity specifically, the stakes are extraordinarily high. This is not a nation that follows the Geneva Convention as a matter of principle. American pilots have been used as pawns, as propaganda, as leverage. The psychological warfare begins immediately. The cameras come out. The pressure to speak, to confess, to perform on cue. It starts before the bruises fade.

This pilot knows that. He has been prepared for it. But that doesn't make it any less terrifying.

This was not a surprise.

It almost seems inevitable in hindsight. Escalation at this level, in this region, would eventually put American aircrews in mortal danger. Fighter pilots know this. We sign up knowing this. We fly knowing this.

When a crew member goes down, the entire war effort stops. Everything. Every asset, every priority, every resource pivots to recoveryincluding these US Air Force aircraft searching for the missing polit on Friday

What the American public sometimes forgets is that the men and women strapping into those cockpits are not reckless. They are the most trained, most prepared, most mission-focused warriors this nation has ever produced.

They have war-gamed this exact scenario, the downed jet, the hostile terrain, the enemy at the perimeter, more times than their families will ever know.

And the rest of us, his fellow aviators, his commanders, his country, are doing everything in our power to bring him home.

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney is the F-16 Pilot & Commander of Recruiting, Oklahoma Air National Guard and a Republican Candidate for US Congress, Oklahoma's 1st District
The Labour veteran was scathing. Starmers blown it already, he said. Hes kicked off the local election campaign by saying to the voters, I dont care what you do, Im staying. Hes basically sticking two fingers up to them. And theyre going to punish him.

Over the past week, Downing Street has certainly been pushing a clear and consistent narrative. The results of next Mays elections will be bad for Labour. But whatever verdict the electorate delivers, the Prime Minister will remain unmoved. Instead, as one newspaper was briefed, he will deploy a strategy of minimise, warn and distract.

This will involve downplaying the scale of the losses, scaring Labour MPs with the prospect of an Angela Rayner premiership, and trying to shift the political focus with a swiftly deployed Kings speech, followed by a possible reshuffle.

But theres one fundamental flaw in No 10s masterplan. Which is that the losses about to inflicted on Starmer and his party are set to be far, far worse than their worst nightmares.

During the past month Sir Keir and his staff have made the fatal mistake of believing their own publicity. Or rather, believing their own spin.

Since the start of Donald Trumps ill-starred assault on Iran, the Prime Ministers aides have been peddling the line that by distancing himself from the Presidents adventurism, he was set to enjoy a popularity boost. They pointed to polling that showed 70 per cent of those questioned supported Starmers stance of trying to keep Britain out of the conflict.

But that alignment between his policy and the public mood is not producing any meaningful political dividend. A majority of those asked still believe his overall handling of the war has been bad.

His personal approval ratings have barely shifted, ticking up marginally from a dire minus 48 to an equally dire minus 44. And Labours national poll average is 17 per cent, exactly the same as when the war began.

Sir Keir Starmer speaks with Milton Keynes residents this month as he campaigns ahead of the local elections on May 7

As one Labour MP told me: It started as a line-to-take from No10. But then they started to think it was true. The reality is no one cares about Starmers stance on the war. Its still cost of living, immigration and the fact everyone thinks were no better than the Tories were.

The idea of a Love Actually Bounce  where Starmer replicates Hugh Grant and wins plaudits for standing up to a bullying US President  was only ever a fiction. And its one that is about to be brutally exposed in five weeks time.

First, there is the fresh carnage Reform is about to inflict in Labours northern working-class heartlands. Some of Starmers aides had been clinging to the hope the Farage surge had finally peaked, and that the emergence of an anti-Reform coalition could mitigate their losses. And there are indeed signs that the purple wave is gradually receding in the national polls.

But in the Red Wall  where the perception is of a binary choice between endorsing Starmer or rejecting his woke, milquetoast centrism  Labour is facing an extinction level event.

In some of the former North East bastions, such as Sunderland, party officials believe they will be lucky to emerge from election night with a single seat intact. Then there are the former metropolitan strongholds such as London. Until now, the inner cities had seemed insulated from the collapse of support Labour was experiencing nationwide. But the Gorton and Denton by-election, and the surge of support for the Green Party that has followed Hannah Spencers triumph, has changed all that.

Current polling shows that as many as 19 of the partys 21 councils in the capital could now be under threat. Whats more, Zack Polanskis insurgents arent simply at Keir Starmers gates  theyre at his front door.

One of the Greens key aims is snatching away control of Starmers own Camden Council, even though they currently have only a single councillor.

As part of the minimise element of Team Starmers strategy, his supporters are attempting to manage expectations by comparing the likely scale of Labour losses with those experienced by Tony Blair in 1999, which saw him relinquish more than 1,000 seats to William Hagues Tories. But that is a comparison that is entirely specious.

In 1999, Blair was facing typical mid-term discontent, and a political landscape in which the two main parties commanded 70 per cent of the vote. What Starmer is facing is a potentially devastating two-flank assault from the Left and the Right.

Although his situation is even more desperate than that. In Gorton, Labour collapsed to third place because they were subject to a pincer movement that saw the Greens capturing liberal, Left-wing voters, while Reform ate into the partys traditional working-class support.

But next month Starmer will face a third major threat. In a number of councils, Labours base of Muslim support is set to fracture, and be hoovered up by a rag-tag coalition of hard-Left and radicalised Islamist insurgents.

Starmer will 'scare Labour MPs with the prospect of an Angela Rayner premiership', writes Dan Hodges

The Prime Minister serves up tea at Newton Leys Pavilion in Milton Keynes during his pre-election campaign

In Birmingham, for example, a deal has been forged between pro-Gaza campaigners, community campaigners and disaffected former Labour officials and councillors to run a slate to take over the council. As one of the organisers told the Birmingham Mail newspaper candidly: Our objective is to finish off the Labour Party.

Thanks to Keir Starmer they may well get their wish. The collapse of the partys vote to Reform would have been enough. But the additional haemorrhaging of votes to the Greens means Labour are now facing historically catastrophic losses. And when the disintegration of bedrock Muslim support is piled on top, it becomes nothing less than an existential political crisis for Starmers party.

But the Prime Minister still seems to be in denial over the electoral Armageddon bearing down upon him. He genuinely does seem to think the losses can simply be shrugged off with a promise of another fifty quid off energy bills, a dozen more breakfast clubs and a couple of carefully calibrated digs at Donald Trump.

And as he is about to learn the hard way, they cannot. Labour arent confronting 1999 Blairite apathy but the white fury of voters who want Starmer gone, and are prepared to vote for more or less anyone who will help push him towards the Downing Street exit.

Scotland. Wales. The Red Wall. London. Everywhere you look  or everywhere Keir Starmer looks when he wakes up on May 8  Labour is facing oblivion. And no amount of deftly spun distraction will be able to minimise or deflect from that reality.

Keir Starmer is confident he can survive next months local elections. The British people have other ideas.
There were two takeaways from Prime Times sextortion expose.

The first concerned the rise of male victims between the ages of 18 and 24 falling for the vile racket.

Men like Shane, who described how he was lured into a trap by a woman online and shaken down for every cent in a merciless blackmail scam.

The second, and, to my mind highly dubious contention, is that its imperative young men not be made to feel embarrassed or ashamed if they are hoodwinked into sending intimate photos of themselves to online strangers, for fear it will stop them reporting the crime and seeking help.

Now I dont want to go hard on young men, but surely they should feel mortified for dropping their guard as well as everything else?

Its not exactly on a par with sex, drugs and rock n roll, the usual mistakes that are made growing up, is it?

George W Bush said, When I was young and foolish, I was young and foolish.

But was George moronic enough to strip off in front of someone he knew zero about, and who could be brandishing a camera and a portal to the whole wide world? Well, maybe.

It strikes me that blokes would stand a far better chance of looking after themselves if it was drummed into them that getting naked in front of strangers makes them idiots, rather than victims who are worthy of sympathy.

Its not as if youngsters can plead ignorance about how the internet works.

Most of them seem to be tech wizards who could send Artemis 3 into space after a few minutes frenetic tapping on their bedroom keyboards.

True, young men dont have it easy these days. As Louis Theroux showed, they are prey to the reptilian talking heads of the manosphere, led by the repugnant Andrew Tate.

The rise of #MeToo has made them unsure of the dating rules and how to approach the opposite sex.

At the same time, 18-to-24-year-olds have powerful biological urges  urges which they are prone to taking desperate and unwise measures to mitigate.

But surely even the most indulgent definition of these missteps doesnt include a hormonal youngster showing their privates to online strangers?

The Prime Time documentary must have scared the bejaysus out of any young fellow inclined to seek company online.

It also gave some handy hints about spotting scammers  like the invitation to get down and dirty after a few minutes chat or the suggestion to move to another platform.

Prime Times Shane moved to Facebook Messenger at the behest of his girlfriend, which was a disaster as it gave his tormentors access to his family and friends  to whom they sent the short clip of his youthful indiscretion.

Meanwhile, my generation would never have sent a compromising snap halfway across the world if only because of the effort required.

Between finding the camera to taking an attractive photograph, which was no mean feat, to getting film developed at the chemist and finally trekking to the post office, the sex hormone hasnt yet been invented that would power that level of drive and commitment.

The internet has turned what was once a total faff into a piece of cake. But while that explains the growing rate of extortion scams, it doesnt excuse the gullible idiots who fall for them.

WILL PAM BONDI NOW USE HER VICIOUS TONGUE FOR GOOD?

While her declaration of eternal gratitude to Trump for sacking her smacks more of the cultish mindset of the crazed fanatic than a sane human reaction, it remains to be seen if Pam Bondi will be quite so in thrall to her boss in the weeks to come.

Or, indeed, if she is tempted to heed Virginia Giuffres familys plea that she do right by the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and give evidence to Congress.

The nowex Attorney General was unceremoniously fired for her handling of the Epstein scandal, and her part in the ICE operations in sanctuary cities that rebounded so negatively on the president and for which Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem mainly took the hit.

Trump also lost patience with Bondi over her failure to prosecute his enemies like former national security adviser turned archcritic John Bolton and former FBI director James Comey.

Yet Bondi knows more about the Epstein files than anyone, and this gives her leverage over her boss. Hes probably gambling on the diehard Trumpist keeping the faith.

As attorney general, Bondi obediently fired anyone deemed insufficiently loyal to her boss  and sacrificed her admittedly slight reputation in her highly political, and ultimately doomed, attempts to prosecute his rivals.

She has also adopted Trumps nasty habit of disparaging his adversaries in the most disgusting terms.

During a US committee hearing into the Epstein files, she called Democrat Jamie Raskin a washedup loser lawyer.

Whats to say that she wont turn her vicious tongue on the man who betrayed her loyalty? It couldnt happen to a nicer bloke.

As Bondi moves to the private sector, she might decide to weaponise her insider knowledge about the paedophile financier and his links to her lovely boss and make a trip to CNN.

Marjorie Taylor Greene will be waiting for her in the lobby  and welcoming her into the growing antiTrump fold.

IF ONLY OUR HOUSING SECTOR WASN'T SO FUEL-HARDY

As several of our EU counterparts struggle with depleted fuel supplies, we, it appears, are sitting pretty with a substantial 90 days worth of oil on reserve and a secure energy supply for the month of April.

Fair dues to whoever manages our supply chains.

When Covid struck, we had enough food stockpiled so noone went hungry. The same was true when the Ukraine war exploded.

Had this talent for devising rainyday contingency plans been transposed to the housing sector, we could have avoided the homelessness crisis.

THERE ARE ONLY LOSERS IN THE LIVELY-BALDONI BATTLE

In the viciously contested PR battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, the judges throwing out 10 of her 13 claims in her sexual harassment lawsuit is being simultaneously cast as vindication for both parties.

Team Lively argue that it has been gutted on a mere technicality, while Team Baldoni claims its more proof that their man has no case to answer.

Team Lively argue that it has been gutted on a mere technicality, while Team Baldoni claims its more proof that their man has no case to answer.

As of now, the only certainty is that there will be no winners in next months trial of two thoroughly unlikeable Hollywood stars whose most outstanding attribute is an eagerness to remorselessly smear each other into the gutter.
After having four inches of his manhood removed in a drastic surgery to save his life, Steven Hamill feared he would never fulfil his dream of being a father.

The 33-year-old food industry worker was diagnosed with penile cancer in April 2019, after suffering a raft of distressing symptoms.

Steven first visited his GP in March that year complaining of pain and swelling in his genitals, and was diagnosed with balanitis  inflammation of the head of the penis that can be caused by infection or irritation.

He was sent home with a topical cream.

But after developing worsening, intense pain coupled with an extremely unpleasant odour, Steven was rushed to A&E after fainting and waking in a pool of his own blood.

There, doctors gave him the devastating diagnosis: penile cancer, advanced enough to require a partial amputation.

Steven was terrified. 'Every time I went to bed I would think, 'is this the night I'm going to die? Will I see next week? Should I make plans for next week?',' he said.

Today, however, Steven is cancer-free, and the proud dad of a four-year-old boy. And despite the taboo nature of his cancer, he has taken the brave step to go public  in a bid to raise awareness of the symptoms and encourage men not to delay seeking help.

After having four inches of his penis removed in a drastic surgery to save his life, Steven Hamill feared he would never fulfill his dream of being a father

The 33-year-old food industry worker  now known as 'Stumpy' to his friends  was diagnosed with penile cancer in April of 2019

'I was really lucky that even after I had four inches removed it left me with around four inches,' Steven says. 'So it's still fully functional and working.'

Around 700 men are diagnosed with penile cancer in Britain each year  the disease most commonly occurs in men over the age of 50.

A significant proportion of cases are thought to be preventable. Cancer Research UK estimates more than 60 per cent are linked to known risk factors, including infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), smoking, and chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus.

The disease is notoriously hard to spot because symptoms can easily be mistaken for less serious problems, which men are often too embarrassed to talk about.

As a result, late diagnosis is increasingly common, with many men ignoring early warning signs  which can, as in Steven's case, result in amputation.

Of men diagnosed early, however, more than 90 per cent survive at least five years after diagnosis.

Major risk factors include smoking, not being circumcised, a weakened immune system and older age.

Symptoms include a growth, lump or sore that does not heal within four weeks, a rash, bleeding, abnormal discharge, as well as unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue and abdominal pain.

Steven was transferred to a specialist unit at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester where he was diagnosed with penile cancer

In Steven's case, cancer was dismissed as a possibility due to his age.

'I had every sign and symptom of penile cancer and the doctor agreed, but he said it "couldn't be cancer" as I was only 26 at the time,' he said.

Steven says his first warning sign was when he noticed the head of his penis had ballooned to four times its usual size.

When he went to the doctor in March 2019, he says it was dismissed as balanitis and he was given steroid cream.

But over the next month, Steven began to experience pain 'like someone poking a needle into the end' of his penis.

He also developed a 'death' smell that 'followed him around' and that other people could notice.

It was only after passing out in his brother's car and waking in a pool of blood that he was rushed to A&E.

He was then transferred to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, where he was diagnosed with penile cancer.

There, he underwent a circumcision before having 'half' of his penis removed, before being told he was cancer free in July 2019.

Now, Steven is raising awareness of his diagnosis to urge men to get any unusual symptoms checked out as cancer can strike at any age

Steven said: 'I put steroid cream on it for two weeks solidly and there was no change.

'I went back to the doctors two weeks later and he said it was definitely balanitis.

'But by this point I was in so much pain and the odour started. I would describe this smell as death.

'The smell followed me round and it was awful and other people could smell it.'

Steven is urging men to get any unusual genital symptoms checked out by a doctor, as cancer can strike at any age.

'I was told I would never have kids because the surgery affected my urethra  butI now have a four-year-old boy,' he said.

'Everything is still functional and I can still have kids.'

Steven  who jokes that he is now nicknamed 'stumpy' by his friends  says his diagnosis didn't put him off dating, prior to meeting the mother of his child.

'It changed from person to person, what I'd tell dates about my surgery. Sometimes I'd make a joke about it instantly.

'But it's was never an issue  it's more me adapting and learning new things.

'I've got a whole new tool to figure out how to function because it's completely different.

'When it came to intimacy, I did at times get in my head and think: "She's going to think it looks really weird". I still get self-conscious all the time.'

He admits the psychological impact has lingered.

'I get phantom pain now and again, which makes me worry that the cancer is coming back. I have vivid dreams about going through it all and being told I have cancer.

'I think it was so much to go through in five months  it felt like years.'

His message is simple: 'If anything doesn't feel right, don't be embarrassed and don't just hope it goes away.

'Reach out  and don't leave it too late.'
Health researchers are sounding the alarm after noticing more people refusing life-saving blood transfusions because they come from vaccinated donors.

In a study out of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 15 patients or families of patients who needed blood transfusions rejected them because they requested blood from donors who were not vaccinated.

The majority of patients were children or teenagers.

The refusal led one patient to go into shock, another to develop anemia and others to have their surgeries delayed.

Now, doctors involved say they fear more Americans, spurred by vaccine-suspicious health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, will follow.

Over a two-year period, the researchers found requests for non-anonymous - meaning patients can choose specific donors for their transfusion - had increased because the patients specifically wanted blood from unvaccinated individuals.

The patients had told doctors they wanted unvaccinated blood because they believed it was safer, but their exact safety concerns are unclear.

Researchers noted that while the total number of these donations was small, the requests caused delayed care and could have contributed to complications of not receiving a timely blood transfusion, which can include organ failure, stroke and death.

A Vanderbilt University study found an increase in patients asking for unvaccinated blood for blood transfusions (stock image)

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In children, delays in blood transfusions can also permanently stunt development or cause severe neurological damage.

The study found that in at least four cases, patients experienced significant medical issues because they or their families wanted to wait for unvaccinated blood.

These effects included one patient doing into shock due to low levels of hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues. Two other patients had to have their surgeries delayed.

'Despite being framed as "safer," directed donations may paradoxically increase risk,' the authors wrote in the journal Transfusion.

Exact figures are unclear, but the study notes that since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, doctors across the country have had more requests for unvaccinated donors due to the popular anti-vax belief that Covid vaccinated patients can 'shed' mRNA in the shots into their blood.

Some anti-vaxxers also believe receiving blood from a vaccinated donor will cause them to suffer the serious but extremely rare side effects associated with the shot, such as a kind of heart inflammation called myocarditis.

The misinformation has come as RFK Jr has expressed doubts about the safety of Covid vaccines and referred to the shot as 'the deadliest vaccine ever made.'

However, there is no evidence that being vaccinated against Covid or any other vaccine-preventable illness alters the blood in any significant manner. Blood centers also do not track the vaccination status of donors.

The researchers noted that because donor vaccination status is not tracked, many patients seeking unvaccinated blood will ask from donations from family members or friends who they know are not vaccinated.

The ability to donate blood to a specific person, however, depends on blood type, age and pre-existing conditions such as HIV or AIDS, hepatitis B or C, cancer and blood disorders such as hemophilia.

Directed donation requests can also force hospitals to skimp on or ignore screening processes used to ensure the safety of standard blood donations.

Join the discussion Should hospitals honor requests for unvaccinated blood even if it risks patients' lives?

US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F Kennedy (pictured above) has expressed unfounded safety concerns about Covid vaccines

Scientists have noted there is no evidence that Covid vaccines can shed into blood (stock image)

About 60 percent of the US population is eligible to donate blood, but only three percent donates, leaving the country in a severe blood shortage, according to the American Red Cross. The agency declared a severe shortage in January 2026 after the US blood supply fell 35 percent within a month, which could have been due to this year's harsh flu season.

In 2023, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), American Red Cross and Americas Blood Centers issued a joint statement regarding the misinformation surrounding vaccinated blood.

'Blood donations from individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized for use in the US are safe for transfusion,' the agencies said.

'Similar to other vaccines such as those for measles, mumps or influenza, COVID-19 vaccines are designed to generate an immune response to help protect an individual from illness, but vaccine components themselves do not replicate through blood transfusions or alter a blood recipients DNA.

'In summary, there is no scientific evidence that demonstrates adverse outcomes from the transfusions of blood products collected from vaccinated donors and, therefore, no medical reason to distinguish or separate blood donations from individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccination.'
Social media is a wonderful thing for keeping people in contact. But how truthful are we when we are updating our WhatsApp groups and posting on Instagram?

When I first got the idea for my new novel The Last Week of Him, there were two subjects I wanted to explore: firstly, how an unexpected WhatsApp message can instantly change our lives; and secondly, how well we really know our friends when we mostly keep up with their lives through social media rather than in person.

The Last Week of Him opens when my three main characters receive a shocking unexpected WhatsApp message.

But the question of how well we truly know our friends is asked throughout the whole book and this is something I feel that many people will recognise.

In The Last Week of Him, the three main characters, Nora, Fern, and Clo, grew up inseparable, in a small town in the west of Ireland.

They each left for college and pursued careers in different parts of the world, keeping in touch via the odd WhatsApp message and by sharing their lives on Instagram.

Initially delighted to be back together again under the same roof in their hometown of Belmullet in Co Mayo, their reason for returning unearths long-hidden secrets they have kept from each other, and which they hoped would stay buried forever.

As the secrets unfold, they are forced to question whether they really know each other at all any more and whether their loyalty to each other is strong enough to withstand the shocking revelations.

In the novel, I really wanted to ask the question and have my readers thinking about it: in the age of social media, are we staying close  or just staying updated?

A 2024 survey by Pew Research Centre across 48 markets showed that 38% of people prefer interacting on social media, while 30% favour in-person, and 32% are neutral. This indicates a global tilt toward digital methods.

Author Ruth O'Leary has taken a deep-dive into how online interactions work

Younger generations (1834) are far more likely to favour social media (43 per cent) compared to those aged 55 and older (24 per cent).

The pandemic forced a rapid shift to digital, as we were all stuck indoors, establishing habits of remote social connection that have persisted and increased.

Gen Z and Young Adults are most likely to prioritize digital contact.

Roughly 62 per cent of Gen Z professionals prefer messaging apps for work, and 25 per cent of teenagers report they spend time with friends in person daily, compared to near-universal occasional digital interaction.

For those over 50, social media is frequently used to maintain contact with people they do not see regularly in person.

Nearly 25 per cent believe they would lose contact with certain family members if they stopped using social networking sites.

After the pandemic, some people rushed back into social situations, while others, who may never have felt comfortable in social situations anyway, were quite happy to keep their relationships online.

And of course the workplace facilitated this shift. In professional settings, only 14% of meetings are now fully in person. However, 88 per cent of employees believe in-person interaction is essential for building strong workplace relationships.

We all know that we only see one version of a persons life on Instagram, the one they want to show us. As a long-time user of Instagram, I am no different.

When I was walking the Camino as research for my novel A Week to Remember, I posted early dawn walks through eucalyptus forests and photos of my cold beer reward after five hours of walking.

Did I post pictures of my sore feet or the exhausted version of myself hauling myself up a flight of stairs using the bannisters and my walking poles?

Social media can be great for keeping in contact, but there are significant downsides

No, I did not.

Social media offers us connection with people all over the world that we never had before. I follow many people on Instagram who I have never met.

Their accounts are mostly about writing or travelling but for those who post a lot, I could probably tell you where they went on holiday, how many times they go to the gym and possibly what they had to eat for their lunch out if they have posted it. Thats way too much information to know about a stranger.

But for family members living far apart from each other platforms such as Instagram are a gift.

If one of my children lived abroad, I would want to see as much of their life as possible, even if that glimpse came through Instagram.

For parents and grandparents, it can become a window into distant lives, helping them feel connected to children and grandchildren living thousands of kilometres away.

In my novel my three main characters never returned to live permanently in the town they grew up in. They just return to visit family for holidays.

The Last Week Of Him by Ruth OLeary is out now, published by Poolbeg

And even though they only get together to meet in person once a year, they still consider themselves best friends.

When they meet up in person, they always connect and it feels just like old times again.

The downside of following accounts of friends you rarely see in real life is that the curated, filtered versions of their lives can lead to jealousy, FOMO (fear of missing out), and decreased dissatisfaction with your own life.

How do avoid all these negative side effects?

1) Recognise that people only show you what they want you to see.

2) Unfollow anyone who causes these negative feelings.

3) Limit your scrolling time.

4) And lastly; we could arrange to meet our friends in person, join an in-person group like a book club or a hiking group, pick up the phone and call a friend to find out whats really going on in their life.

The solution is in our hands literally.
Ground Forces say Ukraine is not preparing for mobilization of women, creating no mechanisms for it

The command of Ukraines Ground Forces has denied reports that the country is preparing to mobilize women and said no such plans exist.

"In recent days, Ukrainian media and online platforms have been flooded with reports alleging that preparations are underway to mobilize women into the military. This information is groundless and manipulative, and is being used by the enemy to undermine mobilization efforts and discredit the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the Ground Forces press service said on Saturday.

The command also said that after the accidental entry of the first female citizen without the relevant education into the system, an internal investigation was conducted, which identified errors in Oberih system dating back to 2021. The review found a number of similar cases, and proposals to eliminate the shortcomings were submitted to the General Staff and the Defense Ministry.

"The command of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has submitted a number of proposals to the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense aimed at eliminating gaps and shortcomings in Oberih system. This important issue remains under constant review, and all identified inconsistencies are being analyzed in detail. The Ground Forces command is open to dialogue and interested in resolving this problem," the press service added.

The military stressed that Ukrainian legislation has not changed, and that women may join the Armed Forces only voluntarily, while mandatory military registration applies only to female citizens with medical or pharmaceutical education.
It's only natural to have insecurities - especially now, as influencers post seemingly flawless photos with what appears to be perfect plastic surgery.

Everyone from celebrities to members of the government are showing off their looks - even politician Kristi Noem, who famously has been categorized as having 'MAGA face.'

And while it is important to love the skin you're in, it's also important to feel good each and every day - and sometimes, that might involve a 'tweakment' or makeup trick to help mask an insecurity.

The Daily Mail has consulted with a top plastic surgeon and a makeup artist to share how you can improve your feelings about those pain points - with or without surgery.

Whether it's stubborn acne scars or wrinkles, there are multiple treatments available.

And while some celebrities are famous for going under the knife - take reality star and 'momager' mogul Kris Jenner, for example - shelling out thousands of dollars isn't the only way to adjust your face.

The experts have included some less expensive things you can do, so that your vanity doesn't totally break the bank.

Here's what they had to say.

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Lips

With so many celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Angelina Jolie embracing their plump pouts, it may seem like big lips are in vogue.

But what can you do if your lips are on the smaller side and you're looking to enhance them just a little bit?

According to the experts, there are two routes to take - one is more dramatic than the other.

Kat Dorn, makeup artist at New York City's LRN Beauty, shared her tips and tricks with the Daily Mail, explaining that there are some simple tools you might already have in your beauty kit that can help.

'For a more luscious pout, try first using a plumping lip treatment or gloss and let sit on for five to ten minutes,' Dorn told the Daily Mail.

Lip plumping treatments often range anywhere from $5 to $100, with regular lip liners and lipsticks going for as low as $3 to as high as $60.

'Next, pat dry and use a lip liner that is two to three shades deeper than your natural lip,' she added. 'Contour your lips around the edges and fill in a little bit at the corners of the mouth.

'Next apply the lipstick or gloss of your choice and add a little bit of a lighter shade to the center of the lip to highlight.'

But if that is still not satisfying your need, there are other things you can do.

There are plenty of non-invasive hacks for visibly plumping your lips

You can get fillers to plump your lips, or you can use makeup

Depending on your concerns, you can explore injectables like Botox and filler.

Botox, short for 'botulinum toxin,' is an injection made from neurotoxins, which work to weaken the muscles in the face or other parts of the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

'If a gummy smile is the concern - where too much gum is exposed when smiling - Botox can be used to relax the muscles that pull the upper lip upward, creating a more balanced, proportionate smile with minimal downtime,' double board-certified ENT and facial plastic surgeon, Dr Michael Bassiri-Tehrani told the Daily Mail.

The procedure, commonly known as a 'lip flip,' is often priced around $200 but can cost more depending on how many Botox units are injected.

Nose

As people age, the nose often changes - growing larger or becoming droopier.

Of course, for those unhappy happy with their nose, there's a rhinoplasty - plastic surgery that changes the shape of the nose and in some cases can improve breathing.

But Bassiri-Tehrani said options range from this 'comprehensive reshaping' to more 'subtle refinements.'

'A rhinoplasty can address the nose as a whole, or it can be targeted to a specific area, like the bridge or the tip, and is typically performed under general anesthesia,' he explained.

Typically, a rhinoplasty costs around $7,637, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But in cities such as New York, it can go up to $30,000.

At Bassiri-Tehrani's office, a full rhinoplasty starts at $25,000.

The plastic surgeon said that in terms of getting a traditional rhinoplasty, recovery is 'generally well-tolerated,' and for those patients looking for 'comprehensive results, it's often the most effective path forward.'

'If you're self-conscious about your nose, know that there are options ranging from subtle refinements to more comprehensive reshaping,' Dr Bassiri-Tehrani revealed to the Daily Mail

There are also options that focus on more minor tweaks.

'For patients who are otherwise happy with their nose but want to address a weak or drooping tip, I offer a minimally invasive procedure called the Tip Stitch,' Bassiri-Tehrani said.

'This technique subtly lifts and stabilizes the nasal tip using only local anesthesia, making it a great option for those who want a refined result with less downtime.'

He charges a starting rate of $8,000 for the procedure.

If you aren't looking for surgery, the doctor suggested dermal filler. However, it's not for everyone.

'Some physicians use dermal fillers to reshape the nose non-surgically, though this comes with significant risks and is something I reserve for very specific cases,' he said.

Risks include serious complications like infection, tissue damage and, in rare cases, blindness due to its close proximity to your vascular network, according to Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona.

For those less inclined to sign up for a procedure, you can also change the appearance of your nose with makeup.

Dorn recommends using a cream contour stick, which usually ranges anywhere from $5 to $50, to help craft the nose you want. Powder products, which are typically sold at retail anywhere from $8 to $60, depending on the brand, can also help.

'Use a shade several shades deeper than your natural skin tone and use a smaller blending brush to sweep a little cream or powder from the start of your inner brow straight down the sides of your nose,' Dorn instructed.

'Next, take a shade of cream concealer in your shade or a little brighter and, using a separate small blending brush, apply the brighter color directly on either side of the darker color blending into under the eye.'

After that, she then recommends taking the same brighter color cream or powder and applying it in the center of the nose, blending upward to the area in between your eyebrows.

'Then, take a Beautyblender or a third clean blending brush, and, in up and down motions, blend the colors until there are not harsh edges,' she continued.

'I also like to blend the darker color under the nose and into the nostrils, and along the sides of the nose going downward with the excess product.'

Finally, set it with powder and blend it all together.

Teeth

Sometimes, those stubborn yellow spots on our teeth just won't go away, no matter how hard we try.

Of course, using teeth whitening strips and polishes can help brighten your smile, but there are also certain lip colors that can help enhance your look.

Dorn recommended using the brand MINT created by dentist Mariana Mintcheva.

Dorn pointed to the brand's Nude Rose lipstick shade, which retails for $40, as the color contains blue pigment, which can give the illusion of whiter teeth.

'This color gives immediate bright smile and fuller lips with Hyaluronic Acid and Oleoactif,' she said.

If it's not just color you're looking to address, there are more drastic options.

Bassiri-Tehrani said a lip lift will naturally increase how much of someone's teeth are visible when they smile, restoring a youthful appearance 'without touching the teeth directly.'

Teeth whitening strips and polishes can help brighten up your smile, but there are also certain lip colors that can do the trick

The procedure works by reducing the space between the nose and the lips, and enhances the shape.

It costs, on average, around $4,814, according to RealSelf, but can run much higher in markets like New York and Los Angeles.

Dental veneers are an option done by a cosmetic or general dentist.

Still, since those are permanent, it's important to know exactly what kind of shape and smile you're looking for.

'If you're planning to get dental veneers, it's worth sequencing carefully,' Bassiri-Tehrani told the Daily Mail.

'Addressing the lip first ensures you don't end up with more tooth show than intended once both procedures are complete.'

Wrinkles and fine lines

Famously, fine lines and wrinkles come with each year of wisdom as we age.

And while many choose to embrace their lines, there are some who don't want to.

Thankfully, there are plenty of options that can help treat wrinkles, from cosmetic surgery to injectables and even makeup.

Bassiri-Tehrani broke down the common complaints that usually come from patients.

The first is 'crepey' or thin skin, which comes with aging. He said this is best treated with 'peels, lasers, creams and sometimes dermal fillers, as the skin itself is the issue.'

Typically, the next complaint is dynamic wrinkles, which are the classic fine lines we all know and think of.

'These are the creases in the skin from repeated facial movements, best treated with a neuromodulator such as Botox or Dysport to soften the muscle activity,' Bassiri-Tehrani said.

There are plenty of options that can help treat wrinkles, from cosmetic surgery to injectables and even makeup

Lastly, there are skin folds, which are often treated with more intensive plastic surgery, like a facelift. On average, the procedure costs $11,395, per American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

'In short, if a patient has to use their fingers to pinch or pull their skin to demonstrate their goals, then it is likely surgery is going to be needed,' the plastic surgeon told the Daily Mail.

'This can mean a facelift, mid-facelift as well as endoscopic options to internally tighten, support and/or trim.'

But if you're not looking for any serious cosmetic work or injectables, you can always use products like concealer to cover up those fine lines.

According to Dorn, the best way to combat these lines is to work on preventing them in the first place.

'Always make sure you moisturize as much as you possibly can - morning and night,' she told the Daily Mail.

'Make sure to use a good night cream, because... our skin needs hydration, and [overnight] is a perfect time to use a richer cream that can soak in with no makeup on top,' she said.

Skincare products that contain retinoids can also be used in these cases, per Cleveland Clinic, as they can help to activate elastin and collagen in the skin.

Retinoids usually range in cost from as low as $10 for an over-the-counter treatment to $100 for prescription strength.

Nowadays, many skincare products also contain retinoids, like the $350 Retinopro Growth Factor Night Cream made by celebrity-adored doctor Jason M Diamond.

Dorn also recommended using a priming face spray when applying your makeup, which can cost as little as $13.

Acne scars

Acne is an extremely common problem facing both men and women, and even when your breakouts are gone, it can still cause pesky scarring on the skin.

According to Cleveland Clinic, around 80 percent of people ages 11 to 30 will experience acne, and one in five of them will experience scarring.

It's important to see a dermatologist if you develop acne scarring - they can provide over-the-counter medication. But for a day-to-day solution, there are some makeup hacks.

Dorn recommended a skin scar balm, which can range anywhere from $26 to over $68, or a full-coverage concealer.

'The best way to camouflage [acne scars] is light layers of a skin scar balm first as a base, then a full coverage concealer directly on the acne spots,' Dorn told the Daily Mail.

According to Cleveland Clinic, around 80 percent of people aged 11 to 30 will experience acne, and one in five of those people will experience scarring

She then recommends letting the concealer dry, and then following up with a full-coverage, matte foundation integrated with a blending brush.

'Finish with a light setting powder and a good setting and finishing spray,' Dorn added.

These products can be purchased quite affordably as they're all available at drugstores and big-box retailers.

Dorn also recommended an easy-to-use product from the brand Prequel.

'It is a silicone scar stick (found on Amazon and Target for $18) that moisturizes and fills in the scars to create a more smooth finish for the makeup to lay on,' she explained.

More intensive remedies include laser facials and resurfacing. Bassiri-Tehrani said plastic surgery isn't necessarily your friend in this case, and warned against it.
Boomer: Fancy watching an episode of MasterChef together?

Gen Z: Hey Im noticing I dont quite have the capacity for TV right now, but I really appreciate you thinking of me.

The capacity for TV? The whole point is it requires zero brainpower.

I need some low-stimulation time to regulate, but Id love to reconnect when Im feeling a bit more resourced.

Youre not back on the self-help books, are you?

NGL*, I asked ChatGPT how to politely refuse your invitation.

You asked a robot how to say no thanks?

Its called emotional outsourcing. Apparently, almost 50 per cent of Gen Zs use ChatGPT to write difficult messages for them.

Whatever happened to asking your friend over a drink in the pub?!

According to tech site Futurism, wed rather socially offload hard conversations to AI to overcompensate for our stunted communication skills.

Artificial intelligence? AI is Gen Zs emotional intelligence

Hard conversations? I was asking if you wanted to watch MasterChef, not negotiate with the Iranians.

Youd be surprised what people use it for. A survey by dating app Wingmate has found that 41 per cent of young adults have used AI to write a breakup message.

Tosh! In my day you at least had the decency to dump someone face to face. Or if you were a real coward, via a Post-it note, like Berger did to Carrie in Sex And The City.

One Yale student used ChatGPT to reject a girl his friends set him up with. Futurism says the ensuing text was six paragraphs long and chockful of ChatGPTisms.

Six paragraphs? Thats not a rejection, thats a dissertation.

While Id love to hang out more  whether its just as friends or whatever it was we were this weekend  Im not looking for anything too serious right now.

Thats the best it could come up with? Its hardly Shakespeare!

Its less wishy-washy than what he could have come up with alone.

Its entirely wishy-washy! The bloke cant even define his own weekend. Anyway, whats wrong with my old classic: This isnt going to work. Best of luck.

IMO* thats way too harsh. ChatGPTs all about respectful uncoupling.

What does that look like?

This isnt easy to say, and its not something I take lightly  but Ive realised that this just isnt right for me any more. Youve been important to me and I truly care about you  but I think its best if we go our separate ways.

So sterile!

But you can adapt it to better suit the person. Whats the most specific reason you ever broke up with someone?

The human touch: Carrie gets dumped by post-it

I once had to dump a boyfriend when I found out he ran a Bros fan club

OK, you should have tried this: I dont think I can emotionally compete with When Will I Be Famous? on a daily basis. No hard feelings  just maybe take a day off from Bros. Or dont. Thats entirely your journey.

OK, thats quite good actually. If I recall rightly, I told him to get a life and slammed the door of his Fiesta.

Its great for conflict resolution, too. One TikToker shared that she uploads any disagreement she has with her partner, and ChatGPT tells them whos wrong.

Relationship counselling by computer? You might as well stand and argue with that silly Alexa speaker.

FR*, ChatGPTs really compassionate. One TikTok with 30,000 likes says: Theres literally never been a better time to go through a breakup because now you have an assistant with you 24/7.

An assistant?! When your Aunt Maureens marriage ended, her assistant was a bottle of Blue Nun.

Your tone is so aggy*. Its probs because of you Boomers and your short tempers that Gen Zs prefer talking to AI than real humans.

Right, thats it. Im watching MasterChef. Alone. Using my own brain and my own words.

Want me to ask ChatGPT how you should apologise for being so harsh?

Get out.

*NGL Not gonna lie.

*IMO In my opinion.

*FR For real.

*Aggy Aggressive
A bright morning in May, 2014. Dr Lucy Hone's family are packing for a long weekend: her husband Trevor, their teenage sons and 12-year-old daughter Abi.

They're staying with family friends at a remote rural lodge on New Zealand's South Island. Before they leave, the phone rings. Abi's best friend Ella wonders if Abi can travel with her, in one of the other cars? 'We said yes, of course,' says Lucy.

So they drop off Abi on the way out of town. She scampers away shouting, 'See you later!'

After making their journey, Lucy hears there has been a road accident. Innocently, she imagines this has delayed her daughter and her friends. But, then, a policeman calls  and says he's on his way to see her and Trevor.

Twenty agonising minutes pass before he arrives.

The policeman asks what clothes Abi was wearing, and after Lucy describes the little Converse trainers and grey dress, he delivers shocking news: a stationwagon sped through a stop sign, ploughing into the car carrying Abi, Ella and Ella's mother, Sally. All three were killed instantly.

'Our bubbly, ebullient Abi, gone forever,' says Lucy. 'Our gorgeous girl, taken in a moment of madness.'

She remembers feeling thirsty, shaking and falling to the floor.

Abi (right) with her brothers Paddy and Ed in 2009

Lucy, now 58, is a globally respected expert in resilience psychology. For two decades she has focused on why some people cope better than others with stress, uncertainty and change. British born, she lives in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she worked with disaster response teams after the 2011 earthquake.

She brought Abi's body home for five days before the funeral. 'As her mum, I'm so glad I did. I had all that time with her.'

After a traumatic bereavement, she says, the mind doesn't believe what has happened. Abi's presence during those days helped make it clear that she really had died.

The white coffin, covered with bright polka dots, was placed on Abi's bed. At night, Lucy would sit with her alone. 'I read to her, added special things to her coffin, plaited her hair and put her favourite body lotion on her legs.'

Abi's friends visited, lying beside her, stroking her hair, holding her hand. They drew pictures and wrote poems to place in the coffin, played guitar, sang songs, lit candles. The funeral, at a local school, was attended by 2,000 people.

Lucy has published a new book examining grief from various events such as divorce, family estrangement, dementia, job loss and infertility

Lucy, pictured, published another book on grief in 2018 and and delivered a TED Talk on the subject the following year

Lucy doesn't remember everything about that time, such as how they told the boys that Abi had died. But some time in the first hours, an image came to her: a fork in the road. 'I remember thinking: this is your life now.'

Sometimes she didn't want to go on. 'Standing in our bedroom one day I thought, 'I don't want to do this. I don't like my life any longer.'

But an idea crystallised, which she has carried ever since: 'Choose life, not death. Don't lose what you have, to what you have lost.' Her boys Paddy and Ed were 14 and 16. She was not going to let grief swallow their childhoods, their futures.

In 2018 she published a book, Resilient Grieving, to help others suffering devastating losses. Her 2019 TEDx talk, Three Secrets Of Resilient People, has been viewed more than nine million times and was ranked 29 on TEDx's official list of the top 100 must-watch talks of all time.

She begins like this: 'If you've ever lost someone you truly love, if you've ever had your heart broken, struggled through an acrimonious divorce or been the victim of infidelity, please stand up.'

She continues: 'If you've ever had a miscarriage or abortion, or struggled with infertility, please stand up. If you or someone you love has suffered from mental illness, had a life-changing diagnosis, dealt with suicide or endured physical impairment, stand up'

By now the room is on its feet.

Testing moments like these are so common, and yet people talk so little about them. To address that, Lucy has published a new book, How Will I Ever Get Through This? examining these 'living losses'. Real grief accompanies divorce, family estrangement, dementia, job loss, infertility  losses that, she says, society often doesn't recognise as grief-worthy.

At the heart of the book is a deceptively simple idea: 'Grief is the difference between where you are and where you thought your life would be.'

I tell her about some of my own recent losses (bereavement, the end of a job I loved, my child leaving home) and add that these feel minor compared with what she has endured.

'Grief is subjective,' she tells me. 'Nobody has a right to tell you what you can and can't grieve. If I can use my awful experience to help things feel a little easier for you then I'll take that.'

This is Abi's legacy, she says.

Whether it's the end of a relationship, dashed hopes or an unwanted diagnosis, 'living losses' can feel like the ground has fallen away beneath you. To get through such things, Lucy says, they must be acknowledged.

'Accepting Abi's loss was a conscious choice,' she says. Ruminating makes acceptance difficult. 'What if Abi hadn't gone in Sally's car that day? What if I hadn't suggested the trip? What if I'd done something, anything, to delay them, even by a millisecond'

7 WAYS TO BUILD RESILIENCE 1 Spot the good Train yourself to notice even the smallest wins: a wagging tail, a hot coffee or the sun on your face. 2 Savour, don't rush When something good happens, let it linger instead of moving past it. Don't let guilt quash it. 3 Find the positive Looking for even the smallest silver lining in any situation is the kind of mental agility essential for coping. Ask yourself, 'What can I take from this?' and notice what's helping and who is showing up. 4 Get out of your head Anchor yourself in the present moment through small sensory acts like peeling an orange, plunging hands into hot water or making tea. Try to accept the now without judgment and know that everything changes all the time. 5 Focus your attention Know you cannot control the past or future, so focus on what's helping you right now. Asking yourself, 'Is this helping or harming me?' helps work that out. 6 Small wins can make a big impact Shrink your goals when everything feels overwhelming. Celebrate small victories like replying to an email, making the bed, responding to a text or simply getting out of the door. 7 Treat kindness as medicine Do something for someone else, even in a small way. Kindness shifts attention outward and reminds us we have something to give.

To heal means accepting that you may never fully understand why something happened. 'I'm not diminishing the awfulness, but being stuck in it makes it harder to move forward.'

But what if you can't stop going over things? Move your body, Lucy says. Physical activity creates a reset. 'Get off the couch, off the floor, out of bed, and take one action to put that 'interrupt' in place.'

She recommends simple daily rituals: making coffee, dog-walking, swimming, reading good books, lighting a fire, catching up with friends. She calls these 'islands of certainty' that can rebuild a feeling of stability.

Most people gain new insight and strength from trauma, but it takes effort. When something good happens, resist the urge to move past it. Let it linger. Above all, remember humans make mistakes, we all mess up.

In her TEDx talk, Lucy says resilient people ask themselves, 'Is what I'm doing helping or harming me?' 'This question gives you a pause to reflect and assess,' she says.

'You can apply it to almost any situation, big or small.' For a while, if she looked at photos of Abi and found her mood darkening, she would put them away. And she avoided the trial of the driver who killed her daughter.

It's a myth that people move directly through five stages of grief: denial, bargaining, anger, depression and acceptance. Grief is personal, and emotions ebb and flow unpredictably.

It's been 12 years since Abi's death, but grief can still ambush Lucy: 'When the house is full of men, I miss her madly and try to conjure a picture of how different the moment would look had she lived.'

She notes that, of course, there's no going back. 'Even if you recover your health, rebuild your relationship, get your job back, have the baby you longed for you are not going back to the previous you.' Instead, she says, with each knock 'you take your hard-won wisdom forward, each time constructing a sturdier world view.'

From other self-help experts, this might sound less convincing. But Lucy's professional expertise, combined with her experience of devastating loss, give her authority.

'The point of life isn't to live without pain, misery or anguish, or avoid grief,' she says, 'because to do that would mean living without love, meaning and connection. A life without those things isn't a life worth living.'

How Will I Ever Get Through This? by Dr Lucy Hone is published by Atlantic Books, 14.99. To order a copy for 12.74 until 19 April, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over 25
Whats your favourite brand of olive oil?

A French brand called Querubi (26, querubi.fr) is one of the best Ive had. It tastes so green and verdant and alive. Its expensive, so I just use it for drizzling.

Food or drink item you always pack when you go abroad?

I often take dried chillies with me in a bag. Ill throw in three or four chipotles, a couple of guajillos and some ancho chilli flakes.

Restaurant you want to go back to?

Theres an amazing restaurant called Alfonsina about 45 minutes from Oaxaca City, Mexico, and its totally, deliriously delicious. Its a mum and son team, very regional, and serves sublime Oaxacan food.

Thomasina Miers, 50, is a chef, writer and the Wahaca co-founder

Top spot for drinks with a view?

Da Adolfo on the Amalfi Coast; Forza Wine in Peckham and Seaside Boarding House in Dorset. Theyve all got different but equally spectacular views.

Condiment that improves any meal?

Chilli oil makes everything taste better. I normally make it, but Poons does a delicious one as well (6.80, ocado.com).

Go-to ready meal?

FieldGoods, available at many independent delis, does a brilliant Goan fish curry (7.75). I also love Spice Tailor, which does amazing Indian-spiced marinades (3.95 each, Waitrose) that you can throw on to any vegetable or meat.

Best fish and chips in the UK?

The Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop in Suffolk. Its famous for its local produce, and being fresh from the sea, the fish is perfect.

Thomasina loved the dishes at Alfonsina, near Oaxaca, Mexico

And the best Sunday roast?

The Camberwell Arms in South London. All the components are beautifully cooked; the horseradish is impeccable, the roast potatoes are properly golden and crispy, and the vegetables are beautifully seasoned.

Favourite corner-shop chocolate?

Tonys Chocolonely. Weve worked with them on a new range of dessert tacos at Wahaca (available until 28 April), which are delicious; the chocolate cherry one is my favourite.

Boujiest thing in your store cupboard?

Worm salt and Willys Live Apple Balsamic Vinegar, which at 29 is expensive, but it has a three-star Great Taste award and transforms anything you put it on.

Favourite UK restaurant?

I want to pay homage to the late Skye Gyngells Spring at Somerset House in Central London. Its Scratch menu  where people can have a three-course meal made using ingredients that would otherwise be wasted, for a third of the price  is groundbreaking.

You can only eat one kind of potato for the rest of your life  what is it?

Chips and mayonnaise, every time.

Choice of butter?

Fen Farm Dairy is brilliant. Whenever I go to Suffolk, I bulk buy its Bungay butter. I also buy Brinkworth Dairy butter at my local market  just so good.

Best bread?

Im obsessed with bread-making. I make a couple of sourdough loaves every week: a mix of granary, white and wholemeal.

Most useful kitchen gadget or utensil?

Either a microplane for grating ginger, garlic and zest, or a pestle and mortar for pounding spices, chillies and nuts.

Go-to for cheap eats?

Sudu, a Malaysian in Queens Park, is really fun. Theres also a Chinese in Hammersmith called Master Wei that is insanely delicious.

Favourite cheese?

White Lake Cheese in Somerset makes the most delicious hard goats cheese called Rachel; and Brinkworth Dairys soft Camembert-style cheese.

Favourite brand of crisps?

Manomasa does delicious manchego and olive ones.

Ten-minute meal that always delivers?

A fried egg on toast.
GROUND-FLOOR RENOVATION COSTS Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Flooring 5,500 Screed and boarding 2,800 Plumbing 18,000 Labour and materials 60,000 Paint 1,200 Kitchen cabinets 2,500 Furniture Free, as brought from previous house Windows Original to the space TOTAL 90,000

The household

Writer and content creator Lisa Dawson, 55, her son, Leo, 16, Buddy the dog and Flo the cat. Lisas two older children, who are at university, also visit frequently.

The project

When Dawson first moved into her three-storey, four-bedroom Victorian terrace in the centre of York with her husband Joe in June 2025, it seemed to tick every box. There was plenty of natural light, original windows and two bathrooms so their son Leo could have his own space. The elegant proportions, high ceilings and period details made it an ideal family home, with the bonus of a view of York Minster from the front door.

What Dawson hadnt planned for was the shock announcement that Joe wanted a divorce, two months after moving in. Despite being blindsided by the news, Dawson decided to buy him out, get a higher mortgage and create a home that reflected her next chapter. I wanted a base that our children could treat as their own even if they werent living there, she says. Although it was abrupt, I knew that if I could get through cancer [Dawson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012] and the life changes that brought, I could sure as hell get through a man leaving me.

The living room is a sanctuary for Lisa and Buddy (the dog, pictured) and was previously used by a MasterChef winner to host supperclubs. The Togo sofa and chair are from Ligne Roset and have been with Lisa for eight years. The coffee table is an Ebay find and the rug is La Redoute. The flooring is by Parador.

BEFORE

There is no imprint of Joe left in the house now. He would have wanted to live in a fully carpeted house with a white-gloss kitchen, underfloor heating and a La-Z-Boy recliner chair, says Dawson. No, thanks.

Despite its period charm, the house needed serious work. The parquet floor, while photogenic, had been glued directly on to the original boards and was completely uneven. Walking on it felt like a bouncy castle, and it wasnt structurally sound, Dawson says. She ripped it out, levelled the subfloor with boarding and screed and installed engineered oak flooring over the top. Instagram went nuts, she says. My followers all wanted me to keep the parquet!

A French dresser has been repurposed as a kitchen island to house Lisas cutlery and linens. The previous Aga was taken away by Avec Cookers who recycled the parts, and the chimney breast was removed for space. Lisa also took out the spotlights, which allowed for an extra five inches of ceiling height. Fridge from Smeg.

BEFORE

The wallpaper throughout was 70 years old and had been applied over several coats of different paint, and much of the plumbing needed replacing. The renovation plan quickly snowballed, recalls Dawson. Every time we touched something, we would uncover something else that had been botched. A case in point was the bathroom ceiling, which fell through into the kitchen after years of undetected leaks had turned it to mush. It needed to be gutted.

The ground floor and bathroom renovation took six months to complete. Leo and I lived in our bedrooms, with a microwave and TV, says Dawson. One evening the macerator broke and they stayed in a hotel for the night. After living in one room for four months it was heaven!

Divorce decor

From lighting a candle and drinking wine while watching The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills, to making design decisions entirely on her own, Dawsons divorce journey has had its upsides. Not to mention being able to starfish in bed. I sleep so soundly now, she says. Its funny the things you dont know you are sacrificing or bending over backwards for, until you no longer have to do it.

In the lounge area Lisa uncovered the original fireplace  used as log storage  and framed it with Purple Brown square gloss tiles from Bert & May. The pendant light is from Original BTC and the in-built bookcases are painted in Wheatsheaf by Mylands. It makes the room always feel sunny, even in York! says Lisa.

BEFORE

Although Dawson had always led most of the decorating decisions in the marriage, she now has complete creative control  and relishes it. I dont have to run anything past anybody, she says. As a result, one of Dawsons favourite rooms is the very girly upstairs bathroom. The shower enclosure features pale-pink gloss tiles that look like Zellige but are actually ceramic tiles from Bert & May, with a pink glass wall light and the perfect striped-linen shower curtain, which took Dawson ages to track down. Joe preferred glass shower screens, so this was my opportunity to do something softer and more decorative, she says. I love it.

Though shes been in the house for less than a year, Dawson has already layered it with trinkets and treasures reflecting a lifetime of stories. We split possessions  I got to keep the vintage French dining table and pink Togo sofas, she says.

Second-hand steals

Anyone who follows Dawson will know she prioritises preloved pieces wherever possible. The marble coffee table in her living room was an Ebay find for 150, while the French vintage display cabinet was 600 and holds an array of Dawsons collectables. Im a charity shop obsessive, she says. Most of the furniture is second-hand. Hero pieces include a set of vintage Bertoia dining chairs that Dawson bought for 300 from a Substack subscriber, and the lounge areas coffee table, which is a replica of one Dawsons family had during her childhood; she found it on Ebay for 150.

In the kitchen, Lisa opened up the original narrow doorway to create more space. The worktops are by Caesarstone and the cabinets are from Howdens. Its a mix and match of luxe with budget, says Lisa. The Powder Room door is painted in Cigar by Mylands.

BEFORE

Original features (including shutters, skylights, ceiling roses and coving) were carefully reinstated throughout, restoring the homes period charm. The lounge fireplace, which had been encased in concrete, was uncovered and brought back to life as a fun log-storage area. I wanted to restore the house to its former glory with a few modern flourishes, Dawson says.

However, downsizing from the previous 5,000 sq ft family home (located just outside York) to a more manageable 1,800 sq ft required a ruthless edit. I cleared the garage, the cellar  everything I had in storage, says Dawson, who used to own seven dinner sets and ten (ten!) fruit bowls. Anything that didnt earn its place in her new life was passed on: gifted to friends, either sold via Facebook Marketplace or donated to charity.

My local charity shop sent a Gift Aid letter to say they had made over 700 from my things, which was lovely to hear.

Considered colour

Im not a pattern person, says Dawson. Anything floral is a no. Instead, she favours confident blocks of colour, used to zone spaces and highlight architectural details such as woodwork and doorways. Joe had zero interest in interior design, so colours meant nothing to him, she says.

In the lounge area and adjoining dining room, floor-to-ceiling bookcases are painted in the earthy tones of Cigar and Wheatsheaf by Mylands  the latter echoed on the living room shutters  to create focal points that anchor both rooms. Repeating a shade at either end of a long space helps to pull everything together, she says. The reveal of the painted bookcases in the dining room caused a stir on social media, with their Cigar shade garnering almost 10,000 likes on Instagram.

The bathroom is the girliest room in the house, with pink gloss tiles and a striped linen shower curtain from Ferm Living. Monochrome chequerboard floor tiles from Bert & May stop the overall look from becoming too sugary.

BEFORE

By contrast, the surrounding walls are kept deliberately restrained in an off-white, providing a calm backdrop for Dawsons evolving collection of art and textiles. A neutral base gives me the freedom to move things around without worrying about them necessarily going together, Dawson says.

One of her favourite colourful pieces of art, by Australian painter Ces McCully, reads: I Have Slow Punched You In My Dreams, and takes pride of place above the living-room fireplace.

For Dawson, it feels apt for a space that has been entirely designed by her. Ive been overwhelmed by the support from other women navigating divorce in their 50s, she says. This is a new chapter, for me and my home.

Find Lisa on Instagram @_lisa_dawson
Youth, they say, is wasted on the young. Thats because too much of the really fun stuff in life is simply out of reach for younger people struggling to make their way in the world and lacking the finances for it.

Only when they get older can they afford some of those things they yearned for in their younger days - when they really would have appreciated it more.

Well Renaults new Twingo super-mini turns that equation in its head. Because fun stuff is suddenly more affordable.

I spent two days whizzing around in the perky new all-electric five-door Twingo supermini on one of the worlds most famous party islands and I can tell you straight - it is brilliant fun with a vibrant vibe.

Its not big, its not particularly fast, its not flashy, and the electric range is adequate.

But it looks cute, oozes character, drives well with lively acceleration, proved exceptionally nippy around town, is so nimble it turns on a sixpence, is easy to park, has a bright and breezy youthful character, demonstrates remarkable attention to detail, has a tendency to surprise and delight, and truly brings a smile to your face.

The new Renault Twingo 'has a tendency to surprise and delight and truly brings a smile to your face', says Ray Massey as he drives the little EV on launch

Indeed the headlights are designed to look like smiling eyes, with the area below resembling a smiling mouth, and theres a welcoming light signature on start up.

And it wont break the bank - with prices set to start from under 20,000.

Renault bosses described the pricing as affordable but not cheap.

Great things come in small packages.

Fitting too that the French car-maker chose the Spanish party island of Ibiza (albeit off season) with its renowned club scene as the venue for the international lunch of a car which exudes fun and is cool to chill-out in.

So when the Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera track Moves like Jagger popped up on the Spotify play list (through the very impressive hi-fi system) I was so chilled that while singing along I was mentally throwing shapes in the Pacha mosh-pit.

Or was it dad dancing?

Renault has nicknamed the cheap EV, which costs under 20k , 'Le Frog'. It launches under this name in its UK marketing campaign.

Bonjour Le Frog

Twingo is affectionately nicknamed in France The Frog - and UK bosses are to use that fact - playfully they said - to launch the French car in the UK with a Le Frog themed campaign featuring cars in Absolute Green - one of six colours available including Absolute Red, Mango Yellow, white, grey and black.

The impressively tight turning circles of just 9.87m makes it highly manoeuvrable and ideal for city driving.

Measuring just under 3.8m in length means it fits easily into parking spaces and the 1.7m width gives you a fighting chance of opening the doors once youre parked too.

Its agility is helped by its light weight of just 1,200kg using a chassis that cannibalises and exploits the front of the award-winning Renault 5 and the rear of a Captur.

The new Twingo is the fourth generation of the super-mini which has clocked up more than 4.1 million sales in 25 countries since the original launch in 1992. That first-generation car was never officially sold in the UK.

Nevertheless, there are still more than 240 personal imports still registered with the DVLA.

The second generation Twingo arrived in the UK in 2007 selling 20,000 before the third generation landed in 2014 adding 12,000 to the 32,000 UK total.

For the new Twingo there are two trim levels: evolution and techno.

The evolution trim includes as standard the sliding individual rear seats, 7-inch driver display screen. 10-inch infotainment screen and cruise control.

The techno trim adds one-pedal driving, a reversing camera, and heated seats , plus Google built in with all the trimmings including access to Renaults vice-activated virtual assistant called Reno.

The interior is a big selling point with a 7-inch driver display and 10-inch infotainment screen

Attention to detail

Inside it has a simple but very clever interior set-up. The trim may feel a bit plastic to the touch but the overall effect is cheerful without being cheap.

I was also most impressed by the attention to detail.

The lettering for the Twingo name spelled out on a plate on the passenger dashboard takes its cue from letters inspired by Playstation and GameBoy games.

The colourful carpets, roof lining, and air-vents also reflect these playful Twingo alphabet graphics.

The drive-shifter stalk has a cover - inspired by a lipstick holder - whose design can be personalised. And the red hazard warning light button is designed t look like a boiled sweet.

The streamlined exterior styling is also functional and includes a fin on top of the rear lights to direct air, and the rim around the rear window to prevent estate car effect drag.

The rear side-windows pop out on a heavy-duty spring hinge to let air in, saving space and cost.

Punching above its weight

Powered by a one-size only 27.5kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery enabling a compact lightweight 60kW (82hp) electric motor, Twingos acceleration from rest to 62mph is a fairly adequate 12.1 seconds, but will hardly set the world alight.

However, it is the sprightly sprint from rest to 31mph in 3.85 seconds that is more important here as this gives the car its nippy zippy feel around town and operating like it is punching above its weight.

Similarly, the top speed governed at 80mph may seem low, but its 10mph above the legal speed limit and perfectly sufficient for the job in hand - so why would you want or need more.

Add to that the four levels of regenerative braking set via a switch on a steering wheel stalk.

Although level 4 is officially the one-pedal driving mode, I found level three to be my preference for letting the car brake itself while also generating electric charge for the battery.

The claimed 163-mile range is not huge but with a fair wind its enough to get from London to Sheffield on a single charge.

The claimed 163-mile range is not huge but with a fair wind its enough to get from London to Sheffield on a single charge

But realistically this is a city suburban runaround whose natural habitat is in urban heartlands, shopping trips, school runs, trips to the countryside to see friends and family, or to go off partying. And for these tasks it is ideally suited.

The car has 24 advanced driver assistance systems including many that are more often seen on larger cars, such as adaptive cruise control, safe exit alerts warning of potential danger from other vehicles for occupants leaving their cars and rear cross traffic alerts.

A my safety switch allows the driver to hit one button to activate - or switch off - any driver alerts they want or find intensely irritating.

Boot space of 350 litres increases to 1,010 litres with the two rear seats folded flat. The 50 litres of underfloor storage is accessible via a special fap, even when theres luggage up top

Space invader

Boot space of 350 litres increases to 1,010 litres with the two rear seats folded flat.

The 50 litres of underfloor storage is accessible via a special fap, even when theres luggage up top.

Anther flexible friend is the ability of the two rear independent seats to moved backwards or forwards by up to 17cm - either to accommodate things in the boot or to increase space for individual rear passengers.

As a result, the rear feels fairly roomy with Renault pointing out that Twingos cabin space rivals the segment above, with 160mm of rear kneeroom and 1,305mm shoulder width.

Add to that 19 litres of cabin storage including 3.6-litre central console, two 1.8-litre door compartments, a hand-height cubby for phones, and rear seat pockets.

Special anchor points allow accessories to be fitted as part of Renaults innovative YouClip range - including a 3D-printed USB cable reel, a foldable shopping bag, and a luggage cover.

Twingos rivals include the Fiat 500e, Hyundai Inster, Citroen eC3, and BYD Dolphin Surf

Power to the people - if the lights go out

With the prospect of an energy crisis and power cuts looming, theres another benefit to Twingo.

Its 11 kW AC/50 kW DC charger not only allows charging to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes, its bi-directional vehicle-to load (V2L) capability means that if theres a power outage, Twingo (like its sibling Renault R5) can power domestic 220V appliances in your house up to 3,700W.

One quirk is that there isnt a specific Park mode on the drive stalk - which might leave you wondering if the car is actually parked. Its a quick shared by the award-winning electric Renault R5 and R4 models too.

But there is a parking brake and, as a fail-safe, the car automatically and cleverly goes into park mode when you take off your seat-belt or open the door.

Im also betting most buyers will lose the special plastic key needed to access the screen washer disguised on the bonnet.

Renault UK managing director Adam Wood confirmed Twingo would cost from comfortably under 20,000. UK order books don't open until autumn

Form an orderly queue

One other downside is that you will have to be patient as UK order books for the right -hand driver version wont open until Autumn ahead of first customer deliveries in January.

However, for 100 potential customers can sign up for Renaults R-Pass service which grants priority for ordering and delivery, as well as access to other information and benefits.

Twingos rivals include the Fiat 500e, Hyundai Inster, Citroen eC3, and BYD Dolphin Surf.

Designed in France and assembled in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, there was also significant input from Chinese EV and battery specialists ACDC which meant that the production cycle could be slashed to just 24 months.

Renault UK managing director Adam Wood confirmed Twingo would cost from comfortably under 20,000.

Well have a lot of fun launching Le Frog in the UK.

As with the award-winning Renault R5, two thirds of whose UK customers are private buyers spending their own money rather than their companys, he expected a similar proportion for Twingo.
The new Speed hair dryer from GHD is more than a personal care gadget, the hair styling appliance maker explains. It is the result of five years of research at the firm's laboratories in Cambridge, and is designed to deliver lustrous locks faster.

This is due to a key innovation  a central stream of hot air with an outer ring or 'halo' of cooler flow.

But the dryer is not just the latest example of Britain's global lead in hair technology. It represents a gamble on demand for expensive beauty products of every sort remaining strong in a tough economic climate.

It's a bet also placed by FTSE 100 titan Unilever, which is doubling down on its skincare and make-up ranges having sold off its food division to US giant McCormick.

The firm is offloading famous brands such as Marmite and Hellmann's mayonnaise to focus on the likes of Dove skin creams and TRESemme hair products. This appears to be informed by predictions that people will still be willing to splash cash on looking good while cutting back on groceries.

The trend has often been dubbed the 'lipstick effect'  a term used to describe when consumers prioritise smaller luxury treats such as make-up and haircare over pricier indulgences during times of economic stress.

'Lipstick effect': Women are set to cut back on groceries to look good, says GHD boss Jeroen Temmerman

But even when it comes to products such as high-tech hair tools, which can cost the same as a European mini-break, bosses still think demand will stay hot.

Jeroen Temmerman, boss of GHD, describes his sector of the beauty industry as 'resilient' as a result of this trend, even as artificial intelligence (AI) searches make it easier for customers to subject potential purchases to even more scrutiny than before on efficacy and value for money.

The Speed, in which Temmerman takes an almost paternal pride, costs 299. This is modest, however, in a sector where the combined styler-dryers from rival Dyson can set you back 579.

Temmerman says: 'Looking good and having nice hair is something people just don't want to cut back on. In this industry, there can be good years and there are years when it's not so good, but the future is enormous.'

Confident: Jeroen Temmerman describes his sector of the beauty industry as 'resilient'

The GHD boss is not alone in his belief that people are likely to keep spending on things that make them look good while reducing spend in other areas. The global hair tech market, based on gadgets that curl, dry, straighten and volumise, creating 'beachy' waves and big bouncy blow dries, is forecast to grow from 11 billion today to 17 billion by 2034.

Last week, analysts at Bank of America noted that demand for beauty products was continuing to accelerate across global markets. This was supported by a rebound in demand from China and strong sales in Korea, known for its booming skincare sector.

This bodes well for the likes of GHD, founded by three Yorkshire entrepreneurs 25 years ago and which burst on to the scene with straightening tongs which promised every day would be a 'good hair day'. The pledge, made when straight hair was the height of fashion, gave the firm its name.

Today, GHD, which sells its products in the UK, US and Asia, is part of Wella, which in turn is owned by US private equity giant KKR. It has two key rivals: Dyson and SharkNinja. Like GHD, they carry out their research in Britain but make their goods elsewhere.

Temmerman views innovation as vital, saying: 'We invest in research because, as a great British brand that travels the world, research is a key part of our reputation everywhere. Our Cambridge labs are the very essence of our company.'

He also argues that information is key to sustaining the firm's success, as GHD products are used in about 20,000 salons across Europe.

The input of hairdressers is 'our biggest inferential network' Temmerman says, with this feedback fed into the creation of new products. It's also key to what he calls the 'consideration phase', when a potential customer is assessing the product before buying.

The process is being radically changed by AI, which makes it possible to scrutinise every aspect of a product before purchase.

In the UK, GHD tools are available in Boots, John Lewis and hairdressers. But, whatever channel they buy through, people now devote even more time than before to the study of online ratings, reviews, YouTube videos and Instagram reels, all of which can be synthesised into neat summaries generated by AI chatbots.

Such is the importance of this process that beauty, luxury goods and other companies are now monitoring how AI systems rank the 'desirability' of their products.

And this formerly unquantifiable quality is fast becoming a crucial performance metric.

Temmerman will be hoping the Speed's streamlined design and science will ensure top desirability. But if times become even more challenging, GHD will be hoping consumers still want every day to be a good hair day.
The outgoing boss of Vistry saw his pay more than double last year even though Britain's biggest affordable housing provider built fewer homes after issuing a series of profit warnings that have sent its share price tumbling.

Executive chairman Greg Fitzgerald made 2 million, up from 875,000 in 2024, accounts just filed show.

He is retiring after nine years at the helm of the company, which has been championed by former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner for building one in seven affordable homes  properties that are priced below local market rates for sale or rent.

Taxpayers have handed Vistry  owner of Bovis Homes, Countryside Partnerships and Linden Homes  374 million in funding over the past decade, according to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook.

On the move: Greg Fitzgerald is quitting Vistry, championed by ex-deputy PM Angela Rayner (pictured inset with Sir Keir Starmer) for its affordable homes

The Government has also cleared the way for Vistry to receive up to 700 million in further subsidies as part of a 39 billion extension to its affordable homes programme.

But in a blow to Labour's ambitious housebuilding targets, it delivered just 15,658 new homes in 2025, down 9 per cent on the previous year, blaming uncertainty ahead of the Chancellor's Budget for the shortfall.

Vistry, which works with partners such as housing associations and local councils, has also been hit by rising construction and employment costs amid reports that it has delayed payments to some suppliers.

The audit watchdog is also investigating the conduct of two unnamed accountants about forecasting and financial reporting at Vistry's southern England unit between 2023 and 2024, which led to a 165 million miscalculation.

Vistry has said it will cooperate fully with the investigation.

The Electoral Commission is also examining whether political donation rules were broken after Vistry hosted a drinks reception last summer for Labour MPs. The regulator told The Mail on Sunday its inquiries were ongoing.

Fitzgerald has come under fire for wielding too much power by combining the roles of chairman and chief executive, which goes against best boardroom practice.

He is being replaced as chairman by existing board member Rob Woodward, but will stay on as chief executive for another year or until a successor is found.

Vistry declined to comment.
Campaigners including former PM Gordon Brown, Confederation of British Industry boss Rain Newton-Smith and David Tennant are celebrating the end of a tax anomaly that forced firms to pay VAT at 20 per cent on goods they donate to charity.

Tennant, who plays lascivious TV boss Lord Tony Baddingham in the Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper's Rivals, hailed the change, which takes effect tomorrow, as 'an end to the cost of giving'.

New CBI analysis has calculated this will benefit charities by 72.5 million in the first year alone, based on a YouGov survey of 1,377 businesses.

Under previous rules, businesses had to pay VAT on any unsold goods they donated unless the items were exempt or zero-rated, or the charity exported, leased or sold them on.

Opening the bubbly: David Tennant with co-stars in Disney+'s Rivals

It gave firms an incentive to send surplus products to landfill or for incineration  incurring no VAT  rather than give them to needy families.

The CBI, led by Newton-Smith, has been working with The Multibank, a charity set up by Gordon Brown in 2022 to combat poverty. David Tennant is an ambassador.

Newton-Smith said: This is a great example of what can be achieved when the Government and business come together to find common-sense solutions.

Our analysis shows this change in tax rules has the potential to make a multi-million-pound difference to charities every year, now that businesses can provide surplus stock tax-free.

'Previously wasted items including clothes, bedding and toiletries can now be donated without paying VAT, allowing businesses large and small to make a real difference to the lives of people in need.'
The City watchdog is under fire for failing to protect small shareholders in investment trusts besieged by carpetbaggers.

Leading industry figures said the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is naive, needs a 'reality check' and has a lack of understanding of what is at stake.

Glen Suarez, who chairs Impax Environmental Markets trust, and Jonathan Simpson-Dent, who chairs the Edinburgh Worldwide fund, called on the regulator to stop raiders from riding roughshod over small investors.

Both trusts are being targeted by US hedge-fund raider Boaz Weinstein of Saba Capital, who is exploiting loopholes in the regulation to make repeated attempts to take control of trusts, against the wishes of most shareholders.

Scrutiny: The Financial Conduct Authority is under fire for failing to protect small shareholders in investment trusts besieged by carpetbaggers

'It is absolutely fair to say the FCA is not taking enough regard of the plight of private investors. It needs to step up,' Suarez said.

The FCA has launched a review into the rules after Saba took stakes in a string of investment trusts then tried to install its own directors on to their boards.

Despite being rejected by other investors, Weinstein has persisted, in a war of attrition. 'He only needs to win once whereas the board needs to win every time,' said Suarez.

Simpson-Dent said the regulator was doing too little, too late, adding: 'We will see blood on the floor before the FCA takes action.'

On the attack: Boaz Weinstein of Saba

Simon Walls, the FCA's head of markets appeared to pre-empt the review's conclusions in a blog, suggesting the watchdog would be reluctant to intervene.

He argued trusts could take legal action or amend their articles of association to defend themselves against raiders. The trusts say this would be prohibitively costly and impractical.

'I get the impression he doesn't understand the issue,' Suarez told The Mail on Sunday.

Simpson-Dent said he was 'flabbergasted' by the remarks from Walls, referring to the 'naivety of the FCA'. He said: 'They are telling us 'just change your articles'. But we can only change them with a 75 per cent shareholder vote. When you've got an aggressor who owns 30 per cent you'll never get them changed.'

Edinburgh Worldwide and Impax have embarked on 'exit tender offers', which aim to give investors who do not want to risk being marooned in a fund controlled by Saba the chance to get out at close to net asset value.

Suarez urged investors to vote on the exit tender offer. The formal close is 11am on April 14 but for some platforms it could close as early as April 10, so shareholders should vote as soon as they can. The closing date for the Edinburgh Worldwide exit tender offer is 2pm on April 8.

Richard Stone, head of the Association of Investment Companies, said: 'It's deeply unjust that we could see the loss of two investment trusts whose shareholders have repeatedly backed the board. After an exodus of listings to overseas, the UK can ill afford to lose more companies from the London market.'

The FCA said it hoped record voting turnouts continued, and that boards have legal powers if they consider results not in the best interest of shareholders adding: 'We've announced a review to ensure minority shareholders have the right protections.'
Photo: https://t.me/dnipropetrovskaODA

Russian forces attacked two districts of Dnipropetrovsk region more than 20 times with drones, artillery and aerial bombs, injuring three people, including two children, regional military administration head Oleksandr Hanzha said.

"Three people were injured. A five-month-old boy, a six-year-old boy and a 41-year-old woman. All are receiving outpatient treatment," Hanzha said in a statement published on Saturday morning.

According to him, in Nikopol district, the district center, as well as the Pokrovske, Chervonohryhorivka and Myrove communities, came under fire. The attacks caused fires and damaged private homes, infrastructure and a fire engine.

In addition, in Synelnykove district, Vasylkivka, Mykolaivka, Pokrovske, Dubovykivka and Petropavlivka communities were struck. Infrastructure facilities and an administrative building were damaged. A private house and an outbuilding also caught fire.

"The enemy attacked two districts of the region more than 20 times with drones, artillery and aerial bombs," Hanzha said.
Schools are pocketing up to 700,000 each to teach pupils who don't speak English as their first language, the Daily Mail can today reveal.

Two schools  one in Manchester and another in Northampton  this year collected at least 500,000 towards paying translators, bilingual teaching assistants and support materials, according to Department for Education figures.

The funding is not ring-fenced and is instead baked into a school's overall budget, with councils saying it can be spent on 'almost anything'.

Nationally, schools received a record 539million this year to cater for pupils who have English 'as an additional language' (EAL).

Figures for the 2026-27 academic year show this is set to rise to 572million. Costs are expected to soar by 157million since modern records began in 2020.

Critics have voiced anger over the rising cost to taxpayers, fuelled by immigration having spiralled to all-time highs.

Separate DfE statistics show English is now no longer the mother tongue for most pupils in parts of the country. For example, two-thirds of children in Newham, east London, speak another primary language.

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Chris McGovern, of the Right-wing pressure group Campaign for Real Education, said policymakers must stop focusing on the 'poor immigrant'.

He told the Daily Mail: 'Stop pitying them, we obsess about it far too much and we don't need to fret about them  we need to worry about the white working-class kids.

'Of course children who don't have the requisite English language skills need to be assimilated and have time and money spent but that should come before they enter the school system.'

Other campaigners have called for funding to be explicitly diverted to white working-class children, saying they are being ignored and left to fall behind.

Just one in five white working-class pupils achieve a good pass in English and maths, compared to 45.4 per cent across all demographics.

Mr McGovern said that one or two special centres or target schools should be set up within each local authority to provide a pre-education English course to children who struggle.

He added: 'We have consistent and obvious annual evidence that it is the white working-class children who perform worse and need numeracy and literacy support, if there is money to be going around.

'A lack of imagination is the big problem with the educational world but however we tackle it we need to focus on the right group  don't pity the immigrant, they are the education system's biggest success story.'

DfE bosses define the EAL as where pupils have 'been exposed to a language other than English during early development and continues to be exposed to this language in the home or in the community'.

Someone born in Britain may still have English as an additional language and children classed as EAL may still be proficient in English.

Nationwide, English isn't the first language of 1.8million pupils, or one in five, according to the 2024/25 school census. This has risen from 1.2million a decade ago.

Schools get extra cash for EAL pupils in the national funding formula, which supports them with the higher costs associated with educating those pupils. Local authorities then distribute the funds within their boundaries.

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The algorithm also hands out cash to schools depending on the number of pupils with special needs and in deprivation.

Manchester Academy, a secondary school in the crime-ridden Moss Side suburb, took over 670,000 in EAL funding for 2025/26  more than any other school.

Northampton International Academy (517,287) and St Claudine's Catholic School for Girls in Brent, north London (459,659) rounded out the top three.

Nationwide, schools took an average of 27,418, or around 320 per pupil who does not speak English as a first language.

Most of the expenditure goes towards teachers who specialise in teaching English to foreign children, bilingual assistants, and even interpreters for parents' evenings.

Job ads online ask for translators fluent in languages including Romanian, Arabic and Polish.

Around 2,000 schools from the Daily Mail's audit will not show funding figures.

Of these, around 1,700 received no EAL funding from their local authority while the remainder have merged with new multi-academy trusts and generated new identity numbers which cannot be compared over time.

The findings come after the Daily Mail last year showed English is not the first language for the majority of pupils at more than 2,000 schools across the country.

Two schools did not have a single child who spoke English as their mother tongue.

The investigation raised concerns among critics that the slew of different languages being spoken can be incredibly disruptive for learning and integration.

Teachers have previously said schools were under mounting pressure from mass immigration and called on ministers to fund them properly to cope with the array of different languages that pupils speak.

EAL provision features in Ofsted's new ranking system.

A Department for Education spokesman said: 'Every child deserves a high-quality education, including children who speak English as an additional language.

'We trust schools, who know their pupils best, to make decisions about how to invest their funding to support every child while getting the best value for money from overall resources.

'Its this Governments mission to break the link between background and success, halving the disadvantage gap for this generation, so that every child can achieve and thrive.

'The measures in the Schools White Paper will do this, including Mission North East and Mission Coastal that will improve outcomes for white working-class children and disadvantaged communities, alongside plans to radically reform the way disadvantage funding is given to schools.'
The United States has developed and deployed Artificial Intelligence on the battlefield, as demonstrated in the Iran war, but there's one enormous leap in the technology that would threaten the United States.

'AI warfare is here, and it's expanding, and I don't think that that's going away. If anything, I think it's getting bigger and more strong,' Wynton Hall, the author of the New York Times best selling book 'Code Red: The Left, the Right, China, and the Race to Control AI' in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail.

Currently, the United States is using AI to sift through the enormous pool of collected data for useful intelligence, such as images, audio, video, satellite feeds.

The military has used AI tools such as Anthropic's Claude for real-time targeting into Palantir's Maven system - which speeds up military decision-making.

The military's use of mass pattern recognition, Hall said, was already helping cut the long hours of human intelligence resources.

But the development that would significantly impact the digital battlefield would be the concept of RSI, recursive self-improvement.

Currently, most AI models rely on large language models (LLMs) that generate text on externally trained datasets. The development of an RSI model would do it on its own, without human intervention.

'It's a theoretical construct and it's not been hit yet, but it's this idea that there could be and will be a point at which AI is able to update and improve itself recursively. That is to say, autonomously,' Hall said.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth provides updates on military operations in Iran, where AI systems are currently being used to sift through target data and surveillance

Currently most AI systems use large language models (LLMs) trained by humans to generate text

RSI modeled AI could be integrated into military robots, drones, and other killing and hacking machines.

Making that technological leap, Hall said, would give a country an enormous edge in warfare.

'The country that has that will have full-spectrum battlefield dominance in things like encryption, in things like code hacking, hacking into missile systems, hacking into infrastructure, and also in cybersecurity,' Hall said.

If China beat the United States to RSI, they would likely us it to develop a totalitarian digital world, Hall warned, something that both Democrats and Republicans should work together to prevent.

'None of us want to live in a CCP surveillance state or a techno-authoritarian regime, I don't care what a person's background is politically, I don't think any American wants that and recognizes that that's a real problem,' he said.

The use of AI in the military in the United States has relied on the development of the technology by private industry in the Silicon Valley tech industry.

But recently the use of AI in the military has hit a snag, after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth demanded full control of Anthropic's AI technology systems for lawful military use.

The fight was triggered by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei who set red lines for the use of their technology to ban the Pentagon from using it for fully autonomous lethal systems or mass surveillance of US citizens.

Hegseth berated Amodei for what he considered a 'master class in arrogance and betrayal,' and said the Pentagon would not work with Anthropic's 'woke' restrictions.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has tried to set limits for the way the Pentagon uses their technology

President Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth challenged Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei for trying to limit the Pentagon's use of their AI technology

Hegseth confirmed the Department of War only contract with AI companies who accede to 'any lawful use' of the technology, and threatened to label Anthropic as a supply chain risk, if they did not agree to their terms.

Trump directed the United States to root out Anthropic's technology from the Pentagon, describing them as a 'radical left, woke company.'

Hall said that the Department of War correctly stood up for their independence over a private company, despite Anthropic's attempts to place limitations on their technology.

'The terms of service agreement from a vendor government contract should not override the terms of the battlefield that a commander-in-chief should, no matter who they are, whether it's a Democrat president or a Republican president' Hall said.

Constitutionally, Hall noted, the President and the military were elected by the American to make the decisions about war and with American lives on the line, no company should be in a position where they influence or control military operations.

'I think that any commander-in-chief has to be able to know that in the middle of a special operations, you know, secret, you know, mission, that a guardrail from a technologies term of service agreement isn't going to throw up a red gate and, you know, disconnect when we have human lives on the line,' he said.

Any military contract with a private company includes the direction that the products will be used for all lawful purposes by the United States.

He warned that long-standing efforts by some companies in the tech community to restrict their work for the Pentagon would harm the overall race with China to compete with AI.

'The soldiers and sailors and airmen and marines that give you the physical security that made you billionaires and endlessly wealthy, they were there for you. It's time for you to be there for them,' he said.
The crash was a particularly violent one, with the BMW M4 said to have hit 100mph shortly before it flipped over and burst into flames.

Passenger Tessa Walker didn't stand a chance.

Walker, a promising 18-year-old high school senior, was pronounced dead at the scene of the March 22 accident in Platte City, Missouri.

The car's 18-year-old driver Om Patel and three other passengers were injured but survived.

Patel was booked into jail shortly afterwards but later released, with the Platte County Sheriff's Office continuing to investigate. No charges have been filed.

Investigators say alcohol and speed were 'likely' factors in the crash, which happened after Patel and his friends left a boozy 18th birthday party at 4am.

Indeed, questions are now mounting over why Om's millionaire parents Amarkumar and Heena Patel decided to buy their schoolboy son such a wildly powerful car.

Om received the brand new M4 on his 16th birthday in March 2024, title records show. The $93,695 car has 503 horsepower and is capable of reaching 191mph, with the 'M' in its name standing for 'Motorsport.'

Tessa Walker, 18, died on March 22 after the BMW M4 she was riding in crashed and erupted into flames along a rural Missouri road

Om Patel, in his booking photo on March 22, was released from jail without charges

The powerful BMW M4 was registered to Om Patel on his 16th birthday after being purchased six months prior for $93,695, vehicle records show

A base model Honda Civic - the type of car more likely to be driven by a newly-qualified teen - generates just 150 horsepower.

Last March, one of Om's friends shared a photo on Instagram of him posing in front of the menacing-looking, gunmetal gray BMW in a damp parking lot at night.

Motoring experts warn that cars like the M4 should only be handled by highly-experienced drivers, making it a particularly worrying choice for a teenager with little time spent behind the wheel.

Disturbingly, the Daily Mail has discovered that Om was known to law enforcement for driving too fast prior to the accident that killed Walker.

He was issued a ticket for speeding by over 20 to 25mph and pled guilty in court in June 2025, less than a year before the smash that took his friend's life.

Om was further cited for an undisclosed moving violation in August 2025. The outcome of that case was not made publicly available.

Driving too fast seemingly runs in the family, with father Amarkumar Patel - a successful contractor and hotelier - cited for speeding in 2019 and 2020.

He pled guilty in both cases.

Om Patel with his dark gray 2024 BMW M4 - a wildly powerful coupe with 503 horsepower and that can hit speeds of 191mph - in March 2025

Om, Heena, Rudra and Amarkumar Patel (left to right) attend Rudra's high school graduation ceremony in May 2024

Amarkumar and Heena Patel own a gorgeous $1.3 million home in the Kansas City suburb of Riverside, Missouri, where they live with their two sons Rudra and Om

A makeshift memorial and wooden cross honoring high school volleyball player Tessa Walker has been placed at the scene of the deadly crash

Om Patel's high school classmate Tessa Walker was riding in the car at the time of the crash

Nyadit Akoi, seen with Tessa Walker in November last year, was one of the passengers in Om Patel's car. She survived the crash

Om's older brother Rudra was also cited for engaging in a speed competition - otherwise known as street racing - in August 2025 and admitted the offense.

He was gifted a powerful black Mercedes sedan for his 16th birthday and posed for a photo with the gleaming car on social media while it was wrapped in a giant red bow.

Om comes from a wealthy family with hardworking parents.

Amarkumar and Heena raised their sons in a beautiful $1.3 million home in Riverside, Missouri, a smart suburb of Kansas City.

They run a contracting firm which earned $521,000 last year, as well as multiple local hotels that brought in $414,000 over the same period, according to records viewed by the Daily Mail.

The couple appear to have passed their impressive work ethic onto their children, with Om working as a crew member at a local frozen custard shop. Rudra runs his own buy-and-hold real estate investing company.

Amarkumar, Heena and their sons clearly enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Besides the showplace home and expensive cars, the family have enjoyed trips to exotic destinations including Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Heena and Amarkumar Patel gifted their son Rudra, pictured, a brand new Mercedes in March 2022 to mark his 16th birthday

Om Patel, 18, was driving 100mph when he lost control of his BMW M4 and crashed, police said. The collision was so violent that the car flipped over several times, before coming to a stop on the shoulder of state highway 45 and bursting into flames

Heena and Amarkumar Patel at a relative's wedding in May 2022. The couple earns around $935,000-a-year running three hotels in the greater Kansas City area, business records show

Tessa Walker, 18, was killed just after 4am on March 22 when Om Patel crashed his BMW M4 along a state highway in rural Missouri

Om Patel's 2024 M4, as seen on his brother Rudra's Instagram in December 2023.The 'M' in the car's name stands for 'Motorsport'

Heena is a very proud mother, commemorating her two boys' birthdays with heartfelt posts calling each child her 'lovely handsome son.'

Sharing the photo of Rudra posing with the top-of-the-line Mercedes he was given for his 16th birthday, Heena wrote: 'We are bless (sic) by god as a gift our dear son.'

'Happy Birthday Rudra we love you so much god bless you be always happy in journey of life.'

Sadly, there will be no such 'happy journey of life' for Tessa Walker.

Across town, her father Drew, a single-dad-of-five, is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his beloved daughter.

Just six years ago, Drew lost his life partner Amanda, who was mother to his children. She was only 34.

'For a girl to endure so much and then leave just as she was to be let loose into the world is a cruel and confusing thing. Rip Tessa bear,' he wrote on Facebook.

Now Drew, who works as a tattooist, must grapple with the avoidable tragedy that killed his daughter.

Om Patel at a car dealership in Beverly Hills, California in January 2025. Court records show that Patel has a history of traffic violations, including a getting a speeding ticket last year

Tessa Walker, a senior at Park Hill High School, was planning to attend Northwest Missouri State University in the fall

Tessa Walker leaves behind her father and four siblings. Her mother preceded her in death

He was too upset to speak to the Daily Mail.

Walker, straight-A student and competitive high school athlete, was expected to graduate next month.

She planned to attend Northwest Missouri State University in the fall after being awarded several academic scholarships.

A caring and thoughtful teenager, Walker enjoyed writing and art.

She volunteered with the Midwest Innocence Project, which seeks to help wrongly-incarcerated prisoners.

Platte County Sheriff's Office say they plan to turn their investigation findings over to the county prosecutor for consideration of criminal charges.

Om Patel could be charged with involuntary manslaughter, driving while intoxicated and armed criminal action, criminologist and Arkansas State University Professor Angelo Kevin Brown said.

Because Om is under the age of 21, he could also be hit with a minor in possession of alcohol, the expert added.

If convicted, Om could face up to 15 years in prison and lose his license.

Om Patel and his parents did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for a comment.
Buried roughly 500 metres deep inside a mountain in central Iran, the Yazd missile base is less a bunker than a buried fortress.

Carved into one of the hardest types of rock on Earth, the facility sits inside Shirkuh granite that can withstand crushing pressures far beyond conventional construction materials.

This material puts up the toughest barrier possible for even the most powerful American bunker-busting bomb  the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator.

And inside, the mountain has been hollowed into something closer to a hidden city than a military base.

The secret facility is thought to possess an automated rail system which runs through tunnels linking assembly areas, storage depots and multiple concealed exits cut into different faces of the mountain.

In similar underground missile cities seen in Iranian propaganda videos, launchers are moved around rapidly on lorries, rolled out to fire, and withdrawn back underground behind heavy armoured doors in the blink of an eye.

Despite weeks of relentless US-Israeli strikes on its facilities, Iran is somehow still able to unleash its hidden arsenal of rockets and drones at targets across the Middle East.

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Yazd missile base alone is thought to have been hit at least six times since the start of Trump's war with Iran, including on March 1, March 27 and 28.

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A handout photo made available by the Iranian Army in 2022, shows drones in an underground drone base, in an unknown location in Iran

Yet footage published by an OSINT (open source intelligence) account on March 28 appears to show two missiles being launched from the site, ISW reports.

However it remains unclear whether the launches took place before or after the US-Israeli strikes.

Across Iran, similar underground 'missile cities' have reportedly been carved into mountains, forming a dispersed web of hardened sites that support the country's ballistic missile capability.

The Islamic Republic has spent years constructing these cavernous bunkers to shield its vast missile arsenal from destruction, experts say.

And while Israel pummeled Tehran's infrastructure in June's 12-day war, the regime emerged from the bruising conflict with much of its stockpile of thousands of ballistic missiles intact.

Now, US intelligence sources have claimed that Iran still has half its missile launchers and thousands of drones.

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.

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.

Since the start of the current conflict, US and Israeli forces have carried out an extensive campaign targeting Iran's missile infrastructure.

Across the country, strikes have collapsed entrances, cratered ventilation shafts and damaged surface installations. However, the system deep underground remains intact.

A recent CNN investigation found that while 77 per cent of visible tunnel entrances had been hit, activity at those sites resumed quickly.

Construction equipment was observed returning within days, clearing debris and reopening access routes into the mountains.

Reports describe cavernous halls filled with ballistic missiles, drones and launch systems, all believed to be connected by transport corridors designed for rapid movement.

A report by Alma Research found similar data in its January 2026 assessment based on damage sustained during the 12-day war in June.

This image from 2022 released by the Iranian Army shows an underground bunker full of drones in an unknown location

Iran showed off a sprawling underground network of tunnels filled with row after row of drones and rockets in a propaganda video at the start of the war

Footage released by Iran's Fars News Agency a week into the current conflict showed long rows of missiles and Shahed drones lined up inside one such facility, with trucks carrying launchers positioned deep within the tunnels.

Iranian flags hung from the ceilings as the camera moved through the space, revealing the concerning scale of what has been built out of sight.

Many of the drones are relatively cheap and quick to produce, while the systems used to intercept them are far more expensive.

Defending against such attacks can cost many times more than launching them, raising concerns that even well-equipped adversaries could face strain over a prolonged campaign.

However, experts say the real difficulty lies in penetrating the carefully-designed architecture where the weapons are stored.

These underground complexes are designed around resilience, with tunnels segmented with blast-resistant doors to contain damage.

Multiple entrances and exits allow operations to continue even if one or several access points are destroyed.

Meanwhile, some openings are decoys and others are concealed within the natural contours of the terrain, making them difficult to identify and target.

And even the most advanced bunker-busting weapons are constrained by the material they must penetrate.

Speaking to the Statesman, analyst Shanaka Anslem Perera said: 'The mountain does not care how many sorties are flown above it.

'The railway does not care how many portals are sealed. The geology is the defence, and the geology has been there for 300 million years.'

Penetration depth varies depending on whether a target is covered by soil, concrete or dense rock.

Granite, in particular, absorbs and disperses explosive energy, reducing the effectiveness of even the largest conventional munitions.

According to RUSI, penetrating hardened underground facilities may require multiple strikes on the same point, detailed intelligence on internal layouts and sustained follow-up attacks to prevent rapid repair.

And all of this must be carried out while suppressing air defences and coordinating attacks across multiple dispersed sites.

Speaking to Globes, tunnelling expert Dr Amichai Mittelman said: 'The mountains in Iran provide a level of protection 50-100 meters thick of rock that is hard to crack even by heavy bombs.'

Targeting entrances has its limitations, as destroying an opening can block access temporarily, but does not collapse the network behind it.

The same logic applies to other potential weak points, such as ventilation holes.

'The Iranians thought of everything, so they built many ventilation holes and shafts and installed fans to compress the air inside,' said Mittelman.

'Sometimes this is a weak point for underground complexes  suffocation of those inside, but it is doubtful whether this is true for the large missile cities. The electrical infrastructure is also built on backups.'

The primary underground missile facility near Yazd is the Yazd Missile Base, a deeply buried complex identified at coordinates 31.803792N, 54.298661E

Ground operations offer no easy alternative, and analysts note that inserting special forces into such deeply buried and complex tunnel systems would be high risk and difficult to scale.

Experts say each site would need to be tackled individually, across multiple heavily fortified locations.

Tal Inbar, an expert on the Iranian missile program and a senior research fellow at the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance said: 'The effectiveness of a ground unit in such a facility is limited, and if you really want to solve the problem, you will have to send such a unit to each of these dozens of bases, which means it will be very difficult to succeed.'

Despite weeks of sustained bombing, Iran has continued to launch missiles at Israel and its Gulf neighbours throughout the conflict.

In the latest escalation on Friday, the Islamic Republic unleashed a ferocious attack on Gulf energy sites striking an oil refinery and desalination plant in Kuwait as well as a major gas complex in Abu Dhabi after boasting it has shot down a second American F-35 fighter jet.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the feared military arm of the Iranian regime, said the aircraft was attacked over central Iran by its air defences, according to a statement carried by Mehr news agency.

Meanwhile it's unclear how the conflict will be resolved, with Donald Trump threatening to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Age' this week while simultaneously claiming the gallant US military had already won.

Trump 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.

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.

At the same time, it is obvious Tehran has been planning for an attack like this for decades.

The mullahs know they have several advantages over America's 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.

And this, combined with their lethal supply of hidden weapons, allows Tehran to 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.

Meanwhile, although the pace of Iranian strikes has slowed compared to the early days of the war, it has stabilised into a steady rhythm, suggesting that sufficient infrastructure remains operational.

Perera said: 'The persistence of Iranian missile fire despite three weeks of intensive strikes is not resilience. It is infrastructure.

'IRGC did not prepare for this war by building rockets. It prepared by building railways inside mountains. The rockets are replaceable. The railways are permanent. And the granite that protects them was formed before mammals existed.'

'The strait is 21 miles wide. The mountain is 500 metres deep. And the railway inside it is still delivering missiles to the surface,' he added.
A prominent child psychiatrist faces losing her medical licence after speaking out against 'gender-affirming care' at a major children's hospital.

The Queensland Health Ombudsman has referred a complaint against Dr Jillian Spencer to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) which could deregister her or severely restrict her ability to practise.

The action by AHPRA comes after Dr Spencer posted a link on X to a media article where she criticised gender-affirming medical treatment, and revealed her concern about the trans culture at Queensland Children's Hospital.

The specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry was suspended by the hospital after she spoke out about its gender ward, which she said was 'oppressive' and 'inappropriate' for children.

The hospital's Queensland Children's Gender Service was decorated with Trans Pride flags, celebrated 'Wear It Purple' day for a week and had children from the mental health ward draw or paint pro-trans posters for its walls, she said.

Dr Spencer told the Daily Mail that, as a medical professional, she believed she could raise her concerns that this health service was harming patients.

She added that 'troubled kids in hospital' were being led along a path to change their bodies with 'irreversible decisions'.

'It's not health care, it's a political movement - and I am being punished for exposing what goes on,' she said.

Dr Jillian Spencer believes it is important to have a public debate over the different views by medical professionals about gender-affirming treatment

Dr Jillian Spencer is a vocal opponent to gender-affirming treatment for children and is being investigated by national health regulator AHPRA which has power over all doctors' registration

After working for Queensland Health for 20 years, including eight at the hospital where she was campus director of health, Dr Spencer said three years ago she made the decision to push back against the facility's 'affirmation model'.

It supports 'gender interventions' for children with body dysmorphia, she said, and made puberty-blocking medication and cross-sex hormones like oestrogen or testosterone available to minors.

Dr Spencer said debate on gender-affirmation treatment was vital, but was being suppressed by the national health regulator.

She believes the regulator fears that if doctors are sceptical, there is a danger trans people wouldn't seek help and could be at risk of self-harm or suicide.

'Before I was stood down, being in the hospital felt very heavy, walking past those Trans Pride flags every day,' Dr Spencer said.

'Talking to people while they're wearing rainbow lanyards and pronoun badges was dispiriting.'

She said Queensland Health 'mandated' staff must use a child's preferred pronoun instead of their biological gender, and would put youngsters on drug therapy leading to surgery.

She said clinicians had to use the preferred pronouns even while discussing the case with another doctor, and that 'trans pride' celebrations took over the whole hospital.

Psychiatrist Dr Andrew Amos was also investigated by AHPRA after he posted on social media about the controversial gender-affirming treatment offered to young people

Jillian Spencer does not believe doctors should be prevented from publicly debating the current gender-affirming treatment for children

'They were getting mentally ill children from the mental health wards to create artwork to put up on the walls to celebrate those events,' Dr Spencer told Daily Mail.

'The Wear It Purple events were insufferable and completely inappropriate for a children's hospital.

'I felt physically sick after a gender clinic nurse said the hospital was running chest binder fitting sessions for girls.'

Dr Spencer now faces possible deregistration or restrictions forbidding her from clinical practice after making her views public.

Townsville child psychiatrist Dr Andrew Amos, who shares similar views, was effectively banned from working in February by strict new restrictions on his medical licence after he spoke out.

Dr Amos has been campaigning against the gender-affirmation model, arguing it is incompatible with ethical medical practice.

He argued that children questioning their gender were rushed into the affirmation of an alternative to their biological gender without proper psychiatric assessment.

The young person could have an underlying mental health condition or just be seeking a new identity and some attention to escape past trauma, he said.

When Dr Spencer was at the Queensland Children's Hospital she said the gender ward was festooned with Trans Pride flags and nurses taught chest binding classes to girls

He is now effectively deregistered after being prohibited from holding direct or indirect consultations, treatments or assessments, in person or even by telehealth.

He is also banned from the posting on social media about gender issues.

Dr Spencer said other doctors who share her views are now too frightened to speak out for fear they might suffer the same fate as Dr Amos.

She lashed out on social media and branded the AHPRA 'an attack dog' for gender activists who had worked together to destroy Dr Amos's career.

Others dubbed the gender-affirmation model 'pseudoscience' in replies to her post, and said AHPRA's reaction to rein in Dr Amos as 'regulatory overreach'.

One said it showed 'gender ideology can only be sustained when it is protected by draconian censorship'.

'AHPRA is behaving like a modern-day witchfinder or inquisitor,' they added.

Another asked: 'Are we getting to the stage in Australia where we're not allowed to even talk about gender critical points of view?'

Join the discussion Should doctors be allowed to speak out about gender care or should they be silenced?

Dr Spencer is currently challenging a termination notice from the Queensland Children's Hospital, insisting she has a right to freedom of political expression.

AHPRA declined to comment specifically on the two cases involving Drs Spencer and Amos.

But a spokesman added: 'It is important that people feel safe when receiving healthcare and have confidence in regulated health practitioners.

'We respect practitioners' freedom of expression, including advocacy via social media, provided it does not involve abuse, discrimination, or pose a risk to public safety.'
The most consequential diplomatic vacancy in the world sits empty  and President Donald Trump is in no hurry to fill it.

The US ambassador to Russia remains unoccupied  and the glaring hole on Trump's team has turned the competition for the prestigious slot into a realtime Apprentice audition, full with schemers, rivalries and of course, victims.

Despite official denials, all roads reportedly lead back to Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, reportedly favored to stay in his current role.

Insiders say the search isn't stalled by a lack of talent, but by the need for any appointee to align with Witkoff's own vision for America's most sensitive backchannel.

The absence of a confirmed US ambassador to Russia creates a significant void in a crucial diplomatic relationship. This vacancy comes amid Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, a war that has entered its fourth year. Without a designated ambassador, the US lacks a direct and highlevel channel to Moscow for deescalation and conflict resolution. Since the invasion, Congress has authorized over $170 billion in total aid.

'This is a pattern, especially in the Trump administration  special envoys bigfooting the ambassadors,' a diplomatic source familiar with the region tells the Daily Mail. 'It is shocking that we are already in April and we don't have an ambassador to one of the most important countries in the world.'

In the running were a veteran Wall Street financier with deep Kremlin ties and a seasoned political operative who has held senior intelligence and envoy roles across both Trump administrations, both out of the running.

Operating as a special envoy, Witkoff has bypassed decades of State Department protocol to become the primary  and perhaps sole  conduit between Washington and Moscow, alongside his unofficial negotiating partner Jared Kushner.

In the running were a veteran Wall Street financier with deep Kremlin ties and a seasoned political operative who has held senior intelligence and envoy roles across both Trump administrations, both out of the running

Special envoy Steve Witkoff, left, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, center, and Jared Kushner attend a meeting with Ukrainian officials back in November of last year

Ric Grenell, the former acting director of the renamed TrumpKennedy Center, floated his interest in the Moscow role to close colleagues, according to two sources close to Grenell

Bob Foresman, a seasoned businessman with deep, decadeslong ties to the Kremlin, was reportedly once the frontrunner, according to three sources familiar with the process

Operating as a special envoy, Witkoff has bypassed decades of State Department protocol to become the primary  and perhaps sole  conduit between Washington and Moscow , alongside his unofficial negotiating partner Jared Kushner

His influence is staggering. Witkoff has already logged eight facetoface meetings with Vladimir Putin, a level of access that would make a career diplomat weep with envy.

'There's nobody in Moscow that does anything without his blessing  so why does he need an interlocutor getting in the way?' one former ambassador familiar with the situation said.

Diplomatic insiders say Witkoff is 'highly comfortable' with the status quo and has privately expressed concern that a heavyweight diplomat could dilute his direct line to the Russian president.

While Witkoff and Kushner's backchannel diplomacy fires on all cylinders, the broader USRussia relationship is falling into a black hole of neglect  and the search for a permanent ambassador has already left bodies in its wake.

Ric Grenell, the former acting director of the renamed TrumpKennedy Center, floated his interest in the Moscow role to close colleagues, according to two sources close to Grenell.

'He had an interest in the job  or at least he floated the idea to select colleagues. But Putin's regime is extremely antiLGBTQ, so I'm sure they didn't take that thought too seriously,' one source close to Grenell told the Daily Mail. 'That would never happen anyway.'

Bob Foresman, a seasoned businessman with deep, decadeslong ties to the Kremlin, was reportedly once the frontrunner, according to three sources familiar with the process.

Foresman served as ViceChairman of UBS Investment Bank and Deputy Chairman of Renaissance Capital between 2006 and 2009, and earlier led investment banking for Russia at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein from 1997 to 2000, chairing its regional management committee. He declined to comment when contacted by the Daily Mail.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin welcomes US special envoy Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service, Josh Gruenbaum, during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on January 22, 2026

Grenell, meanwhile, is said by those closest to him to be holding out for a 'top national security job'

Trump looks on next to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference following their meeting to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, in Anchorage, Alaska, back in August last year

The absence of a confirmed US ambassador to Russia creates a significant void in a crucial diplomatic relationship. This vacancy comes amid Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine, a war that has entered its fourth year. Without a designated ambassador, the US lacks a direct and highlevel channel to Moscow for deescalation and conflict resolution. Since the invasion, Congress has authorized over $170 billion in total aid

Two diplomatic sources say Foresman was sidelined because the administration didn't want him  and that Witkoff told the President he didn't need the help.

A White House staffer confirms it was Trump himself who, after brief consideration, pulled the plug.

A source familiar with the selection process says it will be a tough role to fill: 'Certain ambassadorial positions are considered more desirable than others. This is considered a hardship post by the State Department.'

Grenell, meanwhile, is said by those closest to him to be holding out for a 'top national security job.'

Two attendees at last year's Munich Security Conference told the Daily Mail they watched Grenell behave like a 'commissar' at the conference's annual Ukrainian lunch  hovering over diplomat and former Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg to ensure the 'right things were said,' as both men sat beside Ukraine's defence minister.

Those present described it as 'an embarrassing look'  and read it as Grenell already auditioning for an advisory role.

'Everybody speculating at the conference thought he's just waiting for Rubio to fail so he can take that job. There were even rumours he'd become national security advisor,' one former diplomat who attended said.

Yet while the internal jockeying continues, the reality in Moscow is unchanged.

'There is truthfully no ambassadorial appointee who's going to have top Putin ally Kirill Dmitriev calling the ambassador instead of Steve and Jared,' said another former ambassador familiar with the region. 'There is no rush to fill that role because it has now been deemed unnecessary'

Diplomatic insiders say Witkoff is 'highly comfortable' with the status quo and has privately expressed concern that a heavyweight diplomat could dilute his direct line to the Russian president

'There is truthfully no ambassadorial appointee who's going to have top Putin ally Kirill Dmitriev calling the ambassador instead of Steve and Jared,' said another former ambassador familiar with the region. 'There is no rush to fill that role because it has now been deemed unnecessary.'

The US Ambassador's seat in Moscow has been empty for nearly nine months following the departure of Lynne Tracy on June 27, 2025.

Tracy, the first woman to hold the post, concluded her mission after a turbulent 29month tenure that began in January 2023  let go by Trump when the new administration was ushered in.

Her time in Moscow was defined by Putin's suspension of the New START treaty  effectively blinding the world's two largest nuclear powers to each other's arsenals  and a volatile era of hostage diplomacy that culminated in the landmark August 2024 prisoner exchange.

New START was the last major nuclear arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow. Signed in 2010 by Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, it was designed to cap both nations' nuclear arsenals and prevent an allout arms race.

This is totally fake news. Special Envoy Witkoff has not put his thumb on the scale in any way for a US Ambassador position in Russia. These personnel decisions are made by the President, and the Special Envoy is focused on bringing the Russians and Ukrainians together to facilitate a peace deal,' Anna Kelly, White House spokeswoman told the Daily Mail in response to this story.
This is the moment a wealthy widow finally regained access to her late husband's New York City townhouse after months of legal wrangling with his housekeeper, who is accused of squatting in the property.

Sarah Shalev, 45, was seen surveying the $13 million home on Manhattan's Upper East Side this week  the same day the alleged squatter was due in court.

Neurologist Shalev's estranged husband, businessman Craig Schmeizer, died suddenly in November from blunt force trauma.

He had been living in the five-bedroom property at 111 East 81st Street with his housekeeper, Hilarie Page, who was later sued by his surviving family for allegedly refusing them access to the home.

Page  who the Daily Mail exposed as a repeat offender with a history of legal problems and evictions  was served with an eviction notice in mid-March and vacated soon after.

She was due at Housing Court on Tuesday but failed to appear.

Peter Kolodony, the attorney representing the family trust, was present and told the Daily Mail outside the courthouse: 'My client is back in and did what had to be done.'

When approached outside the Upper East Side home, Shalev declined to comment.

Sarah Shalev, 45, surveys her dead husband's $13 million home in Manhattan after finally kicking out his old housekeeper

Neurologist Shalev's estranged husband, businessman Craig Schmeizer, died suddenly in November from blunt force trauma

Page has allegedly been holed up inside this $13.2 million Upper East Side townhouse where she worked as a live-in housekeeper

The development follows five months of legal battling.

Shalev is trustee of the two trusts that control the LLC in charge of the home and is identified in court papers as the personal representative under Schmeizer's will.

Page, who could not be reached for comment, moved into the townhouse at some point following the couple's separation.

According to the original complaint: 'Page was a licensee occupying space in the Building with the permission of Schmeizer.'

But the 'said license of Page to occupy space in the Building was terminated by virtue of the death of Schmeizer.'

The estate alleges that since Schmeizer's death, Page refused to allow Shalev or representatives access to the building.

In November, shortly after Schmeizer's death, Shalev called Page and was met with hostility, according to the complaint.

'She was extremely hostile, told me she was not going to leave the house because Craig was dead and it was clear that I would not be allowed into the Building,' Shalev said in the filing.

In February, after Page ignored legal letters, Shalev and a legal representative attempted to enter, the document shows.

When no one responded, a locksmith was called.

Shalev (with her late husband) is trustee of the two trusts that control the LLC and is identified in court papers as the personal representative under Schmeizer's will

Schmeizer and Shalev in 2014

According to the complaint, once the door was opened, Page 'ran toward the door, screaming,' and both sides contacted police, who ultimately instructed the estate's representatives to leave.

The Daily Mail has reviewed dozens of court documents showing she has been legally evicted from at least three homes prior to the latest saga.

We also spoke to multiple people behind those evictions.

In one case, a former friend took legal action after she refused to leave his apartment, where she had been staying on his couch.

In 2017, photographer Terry Niefield, now 83, said he reluctantly allowed Page to stay at his one-bedroom loft in Chelsea after she was evicted from her home in Murray Hill.

The arrangement was meant to be temporary, he said, but court documents claim she refused to leave for more than two years.

Niefield said Page began inserting herself into his daily life, joining him and his girlfriend for meals  putting strain on the relationship. He later described her as 'nasty' and a 'parasite.' A court ordered eviction was later carried out.

Page, 66, was due in Housing Court this week but failed to show

Terry Niefield, 83, said he invited Page to crash on the couch of his one-bedroom Chelsea apartment and she refused to leave for two years

Another landlord, who asked not to be named, told the Mail Page stopped paying rent and verbally abused her when she tried to evict her, leaving her feeling trapped in her own home.

She was eventually served an eviction order and forced to leave.

Even Page's friends have described her as 'ice cold.'

Page was arrested in September 2025 on assault and harassment-related charges stemming from an incident at the townhouse that left her boss, Craig Schmeizer injured, according to the New York Post.

A photo obtained by the Post showed blood dripping from around his left ear onto his white shirt.

The charges were later dropped, and the NYPD told the Daily Mail: 'The investigation regarding his death is closed. There was no criminality.'
Pam Bondi masked a private heartbreak as she stood inside the White House for Donald Trump's primetime address to the nation on Wednesday night.

Her face wore a tight smile as she mingled with her cabinet colleagues, concealing the inner shock of a career-ending blow delivered moments earlier.

She and Trump had been friends for years, their bond forged in Florida's Republican circles long before he ever reached the White House.

But now the attorney general, 60, had just been fired by the President after months of scandal over her botched handling of the Epstein files.

Bondi begged Trump to keep her until the bitter end.

She asked him for more time during their private White House meeting, pleading with him to reconsider - but Trump's mind was made up.

'She was unhappy and tried to change his mind,' a senior administration source told the Daily Mail.

She had hoped to remain in the role until at least the summer, the source said, but Trump was increasingly frustrated - and even paranoid - about his attorney general.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Her face wore a tight smile as she mingled with her cabinet colleagues, concealing the inner shock of a career-ending blow delivered moments earlier

The attorney general, 60, had just been fired by the President after months of scandal over her botched handling of the Epstein files

Donald Trump and Pam Bondi at Mar-a-Lago in March 2016. Bondi, Florida's attorney general from 2011 to 2019, first attached herself to Trump during the 2016 campaign, using her prosecutorial credentials to defend him on national TV

At the root of his anger was a belief that Bondi had tipped off Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell that the FBI was preparing to release a cache of documents related to his alleged relationship with a suspected Chinese spy.

'The White House wasn't pleased she was intervening due to her personal friendship with Swalwell,' our source said.

Bondi and Swalwell are understood to have maintained a friendly relationship despite the Democratic representative openly criticizing her since she took the AG position.

Just hours earlier on Wednesday, Bondi had been at Trump's side at the Supreme Court, watching proceedings in the birthright citizenship case - one of his signature battles. By evening, she was out.

The White House denies that the President feared Bondi may have leaked information to Swalwell, and said the allegation played no role in her dismissal.

Bondi remained in place throughout Trump's Iran address, seated in the front row between Scott Bessent and RFK Jr, her face not betraying that she had just lost the most important job of her life.

The next morning she flew home to Florida, issuing a statement thanking Trump and pledging her continued loyalty.

Trump on Thursday praised her as a 'great American patriot and a loyal friend' in a Truth Social post, hailing the 'tremendous job' she did in bringing down the national murder rate.

'We love Pam, 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,' Trump wrote.

Donald Trump, accompanied by newly sworn-in US Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaks to member of the media in the Oval Office at the White House on February 5, 2025

IN THE BEAST TOGETHER ON WEDNESDAY: Just hours earlier, Bondi had been at Trump's side at the Supreme Court, watching proceedings in the birthright citizenship case - one of his signature battles. By evening, she was out

Trump's reasoning for the sudden dismissal comes in part because the President believes Bondi tipped off Eric Swalwell about the FBI 's efforts to release investigative documents related to his relationship with an alleged Chinese spy

Bondi becomes the second Cabinet casualty in less than a month, brought down by months of MAGA fury over her handling of the Epstein files - a saga that has dogged Trump's Justice Department since Day One.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general until a permanent nominee is confirmed. Reports have circulated that Trump is considering MAGA-aligned EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for the role.

'Let's hope it's Zeldin,' one former Trump administration official told the Daily Mail.

Bondi served as Florida's attorney general from 2011 to 2019 before attaching herself to Trump during the 2016 campaign, using her prosecutorial credentials to defend him on national TV.

She went on to join his impeachment defense team in 2020, cementing her place in the loyalist inner circle - a loyalty that, in the end, could not save her.

Swalwell, one of the leading candidates in California's gubernatorial race, flatly denied the leak claim.

'We had no heads-up by anyone in the administration. None,' he told the Daily Mail. 'These stories would be laughable if not so outrageous. An administration that is now at 33 percent approval is looking to blame anyone but the right people - themselves.'

It is unclear whether the allegation will be pursued further. Bondi has not commented on it.
A former Midwest university professor who fathered at least 10 children and wrote about Christian sexual ethics has been charged with rape and sexual battery of one or more minors.

John Kent Tarwater, 55, was indicted last Friday in Greene County, Ohio, about an hour west of Columbus, on two counts of rape, three counts of sexual battery and three counts of gross sexual imposition.

Tarwater was booked into the Greene County Jail, where he remained in custody as of Friday night.

One victim was known to Tarwater and was as young as 10 years old when the alleged years-long abuse began, per the indictment viewed by the Daily Mail.

Tarwater had worked at Cedarville University, a Baptist school with roughly 6,400 students, as a business administration faculty member and associate finance professor since 2017.

In December 2022, he penned an article titled 'Does Sexual SelfGratification Glorify God?' which has since been deleted but remains archived online.

'Perhaps the issue that causes the greatest confusion for both single and married people centers on the permissibility or impermissibility of masturbation,' Tarwater's article read.

He coauthored a piece the previous year titled 'Business Ethics in the Marketplace: Exploring Transgenderism.'

Former Cedarville University professor John Kent Tarwater, 55, was charged with two counts of rape, three counts of sexual battery and three counts of gross sexual imposition

Cedarville University academic catalogs said Tarwater joined the school in 2017. Earlier this week, the university said Tarwater had been 'dismissed' in October

Tarwater also wrote the 2005 novel 'Marriage as Covenant: Considering God's Design at Creation and the Contemporary Moral Consequences.'

'The book analyzes the covenant understanding of marriage in relation to feminist and homosexual attacks on the standards of sexual moral behavior taught in the church and reflected in the culture,' its back cover read.

Tarwater has been accused of engaging in sexual conduct and sexual contact with a victim under 13 during part of the alleged period and under 18 at later times, according to the indictment.

The abuse took place between August 2019 and last July, prosecutors claimed.

Some of the allegations happened at a Cedarville address listed in the 3300 block of US Route 42 East, the indictment said.

Tarwater compelled the victim by 'force or threat of force,' per the legal filing.

He was arraigned Thursday morning at the Greene County Courthouse and joined the proceedings on a video call from jail, according to Dayton 24/7 Now.

Tarwater's attorney, who was listed as Jay A. Adams in legal records, entered his plea of not guilty for him in court.

'This is a man who is, of course, presumed innocent,' Adams said. 'This is a man who has no criminal history.'

Tarwater was charged with two counts of rape, three counts of sexual battery and three counts of gross sexual imposition

Cedarville University previously highlighted Tarwater in a press release touting the city as the 'most collegiest college town in Ohio'

Adams added that Tarwater was facing 'delayed allegations' and argued a $1 million bond was more typical for homicide cases.

'There is no dead body in this case,' he told the court.

Cedarville University previously spotlighted Tarwater in a press release celebrating that the Washington Post had ranked Cedarville as Ohio's 'Most Collegiest College Town.'

The city accomplished this by 'melding town culture with university culture,' listing Tarwater as an example of that.

'It's also professors like Dr. John Tarwater, associate professor of finance, watching one of his 11 children on the court,' the press release said.

The document was prepared by the university's public relations department led by Mark D. Weinstein, according to The Roys Report.

'I am aware of John Tarwater having 10 children, not 11,' Weinstein told the outlet.

Prosecutors said that some of Tarwater's abuse happened in a house at the 3300 block of US Route 42 East in Cedarville

Tarwater's work includes the 2005 book 'Marriage as Covenant: Considering God's Design at Creation and the Contemporary Moral Consequences'

Cedarville University told the campus community about Tarwater's indictment and arrest on Tuesday through an email from John W. Davis, the school's associate vice president for human resources.

'Today we were informed that Dr. Tarwater was indicted by a Greene County Grand Jury and arrested on eight felony counts, including rape, gross sexual imposition, and sexual battery,' Davis wrote.

The email shed further clarity on when the school learned about Tarwater's alleged crimes.

'We were informed in July 2025 that Dr. Tarwater was under investigation for concerning allegations,' Davis wrote.

He added: 'Due to the nature of the investigation, he was immediately placed on administrative leave and restricted from coming on campus.'

The school added that Tarwater had been 'dismissed from his contract' in October.

'Our understanding is that these charges do not involve anyone Dr. Tarwater met or interacted with as a University professor,' Davis wrote.

'Even so, we desire to be transparent and ensure the safety of everyone on campus,' the email said.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Tarwater's attorney Jay A. Adams, Greene County prosecutor David Hayes and Cedarville University for further comment.
It has become a familiar spectacle outside the gates of schools and colleges across the country  wisps of sickly sweet vapour in the air above gaggles of youngsters puffing on brightly-coloured vapes.

As the flavours have grown more exotic and the packaging ever more playful, the devices have become trendy must-have accessories among todays youth.

Their rapid proliferation has created a new generation of nicotine addicts and is fuelling a burgeoning and very profitable industry.

Thousands of vape shops have sprung up across towns and cities, often within sight of schools, their displays stacked with eye-catching designs and bubble-gum flavours. With them has come a cascade of warnings about the damage to developing lungs, illicit and underage sales and rogue operators using them as fronts for organised crime.

But behind the neon glow and fruity branding, a more immediate danger lurks  one that remains largely hidden from view. Vapes are increasingly used by predators to entice and groom children into criminal or sexual activity.

The shops themselves are said to be a new frontline in the fight against child exploitation, with police and safeguarding professionals expressing deep concern.

Girls Out Loud, a charity which works with vulnerable girls in the North West, has seen a notable rise in children being groomed or coerced by vape shop operators who entice them through their doors by offering free samples.

Vapes are the key method at the moment, said founder Jane Kenyon. If Im working with a girl who is being groomed... nine times out of ten its via a vape.

The charity Girls Out Loud, which works with vulnerable girls in the North West, has seen a notable rise in children being groomed or coerced by vape shop operators

Iqbal Singh raped a schoolgirl after grooming her with free vapes at his shop in south London

Singh took his victim to the back room of his vape shop (pictured), gave her alcohol and assaulted her

The modus operandi is something one mother, who we will call Sarah, from a leafy Surrey suburb became tragically all too familiar with. Her daughter Emily became a victim when she was just 14 and a promising schoolgirl from a loving home. She has been living with the consequences ever since.

When Sarah started discovering an occasional vape in her school bag or hidden in a drawer, she had no idea it was a sign of a looming nightmare for her daughter.

Though worried, Sarah dismissed it as the kind of boundary-testing behaviour of wayward teenage years. To start with, the vape was somebody elses. She would say, its not mine, she recalled.

Then Emily said that she went into a vape shop with an older girl and that they were given free samples. My gut instinct was that something was not right, but when I tried to talk to her, she would brush it off, as teenagers often do.

In reality, countless vapes were being gifted to Emily by shop owner Iqbal Singh, an Afghan national who called himself Tony.

She had been taken to the shop near her school by an older friend, and was soon drawn to its bright displays. She later likened it to a wide-eyed child entering a big sweet shop for the first time.

Singh, then 40 and a father of three, presented himself as trustworthy, and quickly cultivated a friendship with the schoolgirl.

Looking back, her mother thinks Emily had become hooked on the vapes which led to her going back for more. We were finding them so regularly, I would say she was probably addicted but she always denied it, said Sarah.

Singh encouraged Emily and her friends to spend time in a room at the back of his Phone Repairs and Vape Store in Cheam, Surrey, where he plied them with alcohol and cannabis-spiked vapes.

He placed the vapes on a high shelf in the room, and would insist on lifting Emily up to reach them, sexually assaulting her as he did so on several occasions. The systematic grooming went on for six months before culminating in a prolonged and brutal rape.

Emily had come to view Singh as an adult she trusted, turning to him for help after getting drunk at a friends 16th party, fearful her parents would ground her if she went home. Singh took her to the back room, gave her more alcohol before assaulting her as she drifted in and out of consciousness.

Emily told no one. Instead, blaming herself, she became withdrawn and angry, dressed in baggy clothing to hide her body and cut her hair short. Over that following year we didnt know anything about it, said her mother. I suppose we naively thought her behaviour was down to her teenage years, blaming her hormones or GCSE stress. I tried to talk to her, there was a real disconnect.

A year would pass before the truth emerged, when Emily began suffering terrifying flashbacks of that back room with Singh that left her inconsolable and prompted her to confide in her parents.

Driven by fears for classmates still using Singhs shop, Emily also built up the courage to go to the police. After a complicated and drawn-out investigation, her attacker was convicted in September of multiple sexual offences  exactly five years after the attack.

In court, he tried to paint Emily as a fantasist, a child from a broken home struggling with her parents divorce  all of it lies dismissed by the jury. He was jailed for 22 years last month, affording her the vindication she had longed for. But at the trial it emerged Emily was not his only victim. Singh had raped her just months after being charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in another vape shop that he previously owned in Bromley, south London.

This came as a brutal shock to Emily and her family  and compounded their fears that there could be many other victims he had abused. He is so arrogant and shows such little remorse, so much so he had the gall to attack Emily even while on bail for assaulting another young girl, said Sarah.

He wont have stopped there. Theres obviously a pattern herethe similarities between the two cases are frightening. He is clearly predatory. He groomed Emily giving her free vapes, claiming they were samples he wanted to test.

She pointed out the premises he ran were located on busy, popular routes near schools, giving him access to hundreds of children: There are absolutely other girls out there... that thought makes me extremely uncomfortable.

Metropolitan Police detective sergeant Toyene Lait, who led the investigation into Singh, shares her concern and has appealed for any victims to come forward. She believes other grooming offenders are operating in vape shops across the country, warning: This could be the tip of the iceberg.

Emily, now at university having pieced her life back together, is desperate to ensure more teenagers do not suffer her fate. Her mother chose to speak out to warn other parents of the dangers.

It can happen to anyone. I would urge every parent, if youre finding vapes and noticing sudden changes in your child, trust your gut instinct, said Sarah. It could just be normal teen experimenting, but it could be something else.

Along with detective sergeant Lait, mother and daughter want stricter regulations in the industry, with those working in vape shops facing criminal background checks to weed out predators. Its a demand backed by the St Giles Trust, which fights against child exploitation and is raising awareness of the link between grooming and vapes. Kids in the past would smoke and groomers would offer them cigarettes... now it is vapes, said the charitys Junior Smart.

We are not saying this is happening in every single shop but we have to think about where the kids are going. Business owners need to take active responsibility.

Mr Smart, founder of the charitys SOS project which works with at-risk children, said there are two main factors that make vapes a particularly alluring choice for predators. One, they can easily go under the radar; and two, they are highly addictive, he said.

Some have called for stricter regulations in the industry, with those working in vape shops facing criminal background checks to weed out predators

Metropolitan Police detective sergeant Toyene Lait, who led the investigation into Singh, has appealed for any victims to come forward

Cigarettes are quite smelly, so caregivers or teachers will often pick up on them. Vapes dont give off a lasting odour  theyre fruity, discreet, dont set off smoke alarms and slip into pockets.

Children would at least eventually run out of cigarettes, he said, adding: But a child can be puffing on a vape with no break at all. Some hold as many as 3,000, 5,000 puffs. Ive seen young girls whose lips have turned blue from constantly puffing on these things.

It starts an addiction that is really hard to stop. And when youre so dependent on something, youre by virtue dependent on the person giving it to you.

Mr Smart warned that we havent even started to uncover the extent of the problem, and said a three-pronged approach was needed: enforcement against illegal sales, compliance checks to identify unscrupulous staff and an awareness campaign in schools and colleges about grooming. His sentiments are mirrored by Ms Kenyon at Girls Out Loud, who said the epidemic is affecting youngsters from all backgrounds, whether from a nice middle-class family, at private school or in a deprived area with no money.

She said groomers prey on girls going into mini marts and vape shops offering them free drinks or sweets before moving on to vapes.

They know those are addictive and they know theyll keep coming back for them, she said. You only need to drive past most secondary schools and the whole of the school is surrounded by kids vaping  its not difficult to see.

The older kids will get them, sell them in school, children might get addicted to them and then theyll start getting them at the shops.

Working with hundreds of vulnerable girls via her Manchester-based charity, Ms Kenyon believes vapes should not be sold in shops near schools. I want them out of mini marts, out of corner shops. I want them out of that accessibility. Children are literally falling out of school and into these shops.

To be in business in small towns just selling vapes, that gives you an indication of how many were selling, how addictive they are and how big that sector has become in a short time.

Trading standards teams have been left clambering to crack down on underage and illicit sales as the shops rapidly pop up in prime locations. In one disturbing case known to Girls Out Loud, a 14-year-old girl was sexually abused for weeks after being enticed with free vapes over social media by a man in his late 20s who was posing as a teenager.

A trading standards team in Dudley, West Midlands, say they regularly find evidence during raids which point to grooming. Its principal officer Kuldeep Mann fears the problem is an epidemic.

Weve been in situations where [staff] empty their pockets and theyve got reams of condoms, he told Channel 4 News. I once came across a book in Kurdish and it was translated... they were learning English words for youre pretty or I love your hair and youre young and beautiful.

He said his team focuses on finding ways to shut down the shops where they fear a threat of grooming. Last year the unit took action against a premises after receiving intelligence the men involved were driving 12-year-olds visiting the shop to different locations.

The National Police Chiefs Council said the emerging threat was firmly on the radar of forces and work was underway to disrupt offenders. One multi-agency approach at one force is focusing on identifying vape shops near schools that may present dangers.

Dedicated officers will then be deployed into the schools and colleges identified to carry out prevention and safeguarding work.

It has been more than a decade since vapes first arrived with the promise of helping smokers quit the habit that has long-been a drain on the NHS. But they have come at a cost few anticipated  one which may prove to be far greater and far more dangerous.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a phone call with Vladimir Putin, stressed the importance of not obstructing Ankaras efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war and of refraining from steps that could escalate tensions.

"President Erdogan stated that it is important not to hinder Turkeys efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war, that Turkey advises all sides to refrain from steps that could lead to an escalation of tensions, that attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea harm stability, and also stressed that the war in Iran must not create new zones of conflict within the framework of the Russia-Ukraine crisis," the Turkish presidents office said in a statement following the conversation.
For most visitors allowed within the heavily guarded perimeter of His Majesty's naval base at Faslane on the River Clyde, the highlight of their stay is usually a chance to see up close one of the Vanguard-class submarines that carry the UK's nuclear deterrent.

These, after all, are the cream of Britain's submersible fleet, armed with Trident ballistic missiles and sonar tracking that can detect an enemy vessel 50 miles away. Their movements, along with the personnel who man them, are restricted and classified information.

Just how secret would have been immediately clear to the 15 or so MPs and peers who were among one such visiting party invited to the base a little over a year ago.

For among the conditions of entry they had to agree to was handing over their mobile telephones and other devices because of the Royal Navy's strict no-photography rules.

What a shame. For during the course of their two days at the facility, which included an overnight stay, the parliamentarians were to be treated to a sight that surely would have made some very intriguing pictures.

No official secrets were spilled on this occasion, but the lurid episode of heavy drinking and flirting involving a female MP that is said to have unfolded in the Faslane wardroom - the Senior Service's equivalent of the officers' mess - has been damaging and potentially concerning.

It emerged this week that, following her visit to the base, the MP - whose husband has been arrested over allegations of spying for China - was reported for inappropriate conduct with a senior naval officer working on nuclear strategy.

Joani Reid, a married mother of two, was said to have got 'carried away' at a drinks reception during the visit by members of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) and was 'all over' the officer.

Labour MP Joani Reid with Sir Keir Starmer in February 2024. Ms Reid resigned the Labour whip in March 2026 after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China

Vanguard-class submarine HMS Vigilant stationed at Faslane. A lurid episode of heavy drinking and flirting involving a female MP is said to have unfolded in the Faslane wardroom

A fellow MP said that when a senior female Navy officer attempted to intervene and suggested Ms Reid go to bed she was sworn at by the MP, who was said to be 'extremely drunk'.

Following her husband's arrest, Ms Reid's antics were relayed

to parliamentary authorities because of fears that information on the nation's highly sensitive nuclear capability could have ended up in enemy hands.

Senior figures are said to be satisfied there was 'no link' to the China spy case. But the combination of alcohol and a 'works outing' far from home can often be a dangerous cocktail and has been the undoing of many a career.

Friends of the 40-year-old MP insist she was singled out, despite others on the trip also drinking heavily, and that the lurid accounts were the result of Tory MPs 'trying to make mischief'.

However, this admirable defence seemed to ignore the crucial adage that if you are in a hole, stop digging. For the saga took a further extraordinary twist when it was revealed that in a quite separate incident, the captain of another one of Britain's nuclear-armed subs has quit his role after being investigated over his links with Ms Reid.

According to the Financial Times, the Navy began an inquiry into allegations that the married officer had conducted an inappropriate relationship with her. They were said to have exchanged flirtatious messages and the investigation - from a 'due-diligence perspective' - was to examine any potential blackmail risk.

Last month, a fresh round of security checks on their connections were carried out after Ms Reid's husband, David Taylor, a former Labour adviser, was held under the National Security Act on suspicion of assisting China's foreign intelligence service.

Ministry of Defence officials were reportedly satisfied by the checks and confident that there had been no breach of security, nor was the officer subjected to disciplinary action. He has not left the service but has decided to step back from his leadership role for personal reasons.

Joani Reid is Labour royalty. Her grandfather was trade-union firebrand Jimmy Reid, one-time communist and famed for his leadership of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders work-in of the 1970s, a landmark in British industrial history

All in all, it's a very rum do and has plunged the Royal Navy into a fresh crisis, only months after the First Sea Lord, Sir Ben Key, was dramatically removed from his duties and stripped of his rank of admiral over his relationship with a junior officer.

The Taylor arrest had already triggered alarm in Whitehall and within the upper reaches of the Labour Party. Now the claims that his wife has allegedly been involved with not one but two senior military figures at the heart of the UK's nuclear fleet has added a murky twist.

'When her husband's links to China are added to the equation, the level of conspiracy and suspicion can't help but be raised,' one MP said this week.

By any measure it has been quite a kerfuffle and has given dark-haired Ms Reid, a former London councillor who was only elected to Westminster in 2024, an unwelcome profile.

The fallout from these revelations is likely to be more than just the cost of foolish misbehaviour for the MP, who had been commended for campaigning on Scottish child-grooming gangs.

For Joani Reid is Labour royalty. Her grandfather was trade-union firebrand Jimmy Reid, one-time communist and famed for his leadership of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders work-in of the 1970s, a landmark in British industrial history.

His granddaughter now finds herself at the epicentre of a potential national scandal.

So, what is it all about and how potentially damaging are the allegations against her?

The origins of the Faslane incident appear to date back to soon after her arrival at parliament in Keir Starmer's Labour landslide when she took the seat of East Kilbride and Strathaven from the Conservative Party.

Like many other young MPs, she accepted an offer to join the cross-party AFPS, which aims to give parliamentarians an insight into military life.

Participants choose the Navy, Army, or RAF with a minimum commitment of 15 days' service over the course of a year. MPs get the chance to dress up in fatigues and visit units both at home and abroad. Those who complete this agreeable jolly attend a 'graduation dinner' with senior officers and defence ministers.

Reid, whose constituency is about 30 miles from Faslane, signed up for the Navy experience. Trips for her intake included a Royal Marines-related visit to Norway and excursions to Portsmouth, where the aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are based.

But the highlight in January last year was Faslane, the top-secret base where the MPs and peers spent the night, and which, piquantly, was one of the settings for the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.

HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane which is about 30 miles from Ms Reid's constituency

As one fellow parliamentarian on the trip told us, such a visit was a 'privilege', but one that had been 'abused' by Ms Reid.

Following a day of briefings about the base, which is home to 7,000 personnel, the group were entertained to dinner in the wardroom, which sits within the base's Neptune building. The evening meal finished around 9pm and the group retired to a bar in the room above.

It was her behaviour over the following 90 minutes or so that is at the heart of the controversy.

Like most service facilities, the Faslane officers' bar is heavily subsidised and drinks are considerably cheaper than in 'civvy' pubs.

Among military staff, alcohol consumption is closely monitored because of the secret nature of their posting, but staff have little power to control the drinking of visiting guests and dignitaries. MPs would certainly be considered among the latter category.

According to our source, it was once the group had moved to the bar that he noticed Ms Reid's behaviour. 'She was all over this one officer,' he said. 'I didn't see him reciprocating in any way. At the same time, he didn't extract himself from the situation.

'But then, maybe he felt he couldn't because as an MP she was an important person - a VIP, technically.

'She got really hammered - absolutely hammered - so hammered that the officer in charge asked her to go to bed. Then she sort of swore at this poor woman. She was just extraordinarily lairy.'

This account was backed up by another of the politicians. His verdict was equally damning. 'I'm afraid she was over-familiar, loud, pushy and was clearly drinking far too much,' he said.

'Most of the group were mortified by her conduct. Not what you expect from an MP inspecting secret nuclear facilities.'

Asked about her behaviour the following morning, he added: 'I seem to remember that she didn't really have much memory of what she'd been up to.

'She seemed quite embarrassed when it was mentioned.

'I think one of the MPs suggested to her that she should apologise to the woman naval officer in charge.

'Whether she did or not, I don't know.'

The episode left parliamentarians uncomfortable - and angry. One said of Ms Reid: 'She behaved very inappropriately and then carried on after the drinks.' Another witness claimed there was 'plenty of flirting going round when you're that drunk', but added that he could not remember any specific incident involving Ms Reid.

Although details of the incident remained under wraps for 14 months, it is understood that Ms Reid's alleged behaviour was brought to the attention of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who is a trustee of the AFPS.

His office is said to have raised the matter with AFPS officials, who disclosed that Ms Reid had ended her involvement with the programme.

The first our source knew of her departure was when her name disappeared from their WhatsApp group. Because she failed to complete the course, she did not attend the graduation dinner.

An MP then alerted counter-terrorism police about the drunken episode following the arrest of Ms Reid's husband. The unnamed parliamentarian said: 'I made very clear that I was not suggesting any wrongdoing by Joani or the naval officer, but the police needed to know in case there was any risk to national security.'

Meanwhile, colleagues of the second Navy officer who stood down from his submarine command have rallied round. 'He is an outstanding officer and was due to head the training for future submarine commanders' course - known as the Perisher,' one insider said. 'He is a great bloke and dedicated to the service.'

It is understood that Ms Reid and the officer had known each other since they were young adults. He was not on the base when she and the other parliamentarians visited, but the pair were in contact subsequently. They are also reported to have met once as well, but have had no contact since last September. Ms Reid has denied their exchanges were flirtatious.

Quoting officials familiar with the case, the Financial Times reported that 'there was no physical relationship between the pair'.

For her part Ms Reid, who 'voluntarily' suspended herself from the Labour whip after her husband was arrested, has accused critics of 'opportunistic hypocrisy' for reporting her.

A close figure pointed to the gap of 'nearly a year between the events and the report,' adding: 'Many of the male MPs attending had plenty to drink, too, but only the woman is reported. Not hard to see what the real force behind this is when you consider that.'

The figure also said that any suggestion that Ms Reid had any relationship with the submariner from the wardroom incident was nonsense, adding: 'They have never spoken since and Joani doesn't even know his name.'

In a statement, the Royal Navy said: 'The security of the nuclear deterrent is our highest priority, and we have robust processes in place to protect the security of our people and capabilities.

'We will not comment on individual cases.'

Whatever the truth of what did or did not take place at Faslane, it has added to an unedifying series of scandals to beset the Royal Navy in recent years.

In 2024 the commander of a Vanguard-class submarine was sacked after filming a sex video. This came after another nuclear sub commander was removed from his vessel in 2017 amid claims of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.

Against a backdrop of booze, an MP and spy allegations, this latest brouhaha is likely to run and run. Deep waters indeed.
The Prime Minister must rein in Ed Miliband to tackle the cost of living and bring down bills for British families, Kemi Badenoch has said.

The Conservative leader turned up the pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to overrule his dogmatic Energy Secretary as the war in Iran squeezes already overstretched household budgets.

With the former Labour leader looking increasingly isolated amongst Cabinet colleagues, Ms Badenoch said the PM must stop this madness and access untapped energy reserves in the North Sea.

Writing in the Daily Mail, the Tory leader said: If Starmer had a backbone he would have sacked Miliband long ago. If he was truly serious about growth being his number one priority, he would have appointed someone else to the job.

If he was actually determined to tackle the cost of living and bring down bills for British families and businesses, he would have shown Miliband the door.

Pressure has been mounting on the Government to reverse the ban on new exploration of the North Sea as costs spiral and fuel supplies dwindle amid the crisis in the Middle East.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves also raised speculation of a Cabinet rift by saying she is 'happy' to see drilling due to the jobs and tax boost, although she appeared to be referring to existing projects. Meanwhile unions led by the GMB have also been piling further pressure on Labour.

It comes after it emerged that Mr Miliband could approve the development of the Jackdaw gas field but is said to remain opposed to the UKs largest untapped oil field at Rosebank.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is under mounting pressure to issue new licences for drilling oil and gas off the Scottish coast

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said that if Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer 'had a backbone he would have sacked Miliband long ago'

Ms Badenoch welcomed what could be a partial and belated U-turn, but said there is still no clarity on what Miliband might approve or when.

Once again Starmer is being pulled helplessly along for the ride while the real leader of the Labour Party makes the actual decisions that matter, she added.

However a spokesman for Mr Miliband hit back, saying: Kemi Badenoch can throw around insults but it wont cut peoples bills or deliver energy security.

'Ed is getting on with the job, driving clean, homegrown power that delivers growth and protects families from volatile fossil fuel markets.

Energy experts on Friday joined the Tory leader in urging the Government to approve a major North Sea gas field as uncertainty over energy supplies continues amid the war in Iran.

Lord John Browne, former chief executive of BP, said the Jackdaw field should absolutely be approved as we don't have enough diversification today to take care of crises.

David Whitehouse, chief executive of Offshore Energies UK, said: This is not an either renewables or oil and gas scenario.

We urgently need greater supplies of secure, domestically produced energy including oil and gas, which will remain a critical part of the UK energy system and economy for decades.

Their intervention came after the Times reported that Mr Miliband is minded to approve the Jackdaw project, but a source close to him said that is not the case.

The Jackdaw project has been awaiting the Energy Secretarys approval since 2024, after the High Court ruled that a previous licence was invalid because it had not considered the carbon emissions generated from burning the gas it produced.

Before the election, he said that allowing the Rosebank oil project to go ahead would be an act of climate vandalism and he has insisted that approving new drilling licences would not lower bills.

A source close to Mr Miliband described claims he was minded to block Rosebank and approve Jackdaw as pure speculation and said that a decision was always due to be made in the autumn.

The source added: 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.

And the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: 'The speculation today is wrong. No decisions on Jackdaw have been made - it is incorrect to suggest otherwise.

'The developers have confirmed the process is ongoing, and the independent regulator has recently requested further information before any final decision can be taken.'
A Connecticut girl has mysteriously died surrounded by pills shortly after allegedly being sexually assaulted by her stepfather.

Eve Rogers, 12, was discovered unresponsive on her bedroom floor with blood coming out of her nose at her home in Enfield last month.

Stepfather Anthony Federline, 39, was charged weeks later on April 2 with first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor in connection with her death.

The Enfield Police Department was called to the home shortly after 10am on March 18, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by the Daily Mail.

The girl's mother Melanie Federline told officials that her daughter had gone to sleep around 10pm the night before and locked her door, a relatively normal behavior for Eve.

Melanie went to wake her up around 10am the next day. The girl didn't respond to Melanie's knock, which she found unusual, per the affidavit.

Panicked, Melanie pried open the lock with a butter knife and found Eve unconscious with a blanket over her lap and her laptop open to YouTube, police said.

Pills had spilled onto the floor next to her dead body, but have not been identified. Police said one was pink and the other had a white powder inside.

Eve Rogers, 12, was found dead in her bedroom on the morning of March 18

Anthony Federline, 39, was arrested after police found evidence of his DNA while performing a rape kit on the victim, according to the arrest report

Eve's mother found her face-down on her bedroom floor with a blanket around her lap

Another pill, which appeared to be labeled as Aspirin, was sitting on Eve's desk.

Melanie called her husband for help and eventually phoned 911, per the affidavit.

According to police, when officers arrived, Federline 'was overcome with emotions and appeared to be angry.'

At first, Federline declined an interview and allegedly told police he 'wanted to break things.'

When officials examined Eve, they discovered that she was naked from the waist down and exhibited signs of sexual assault.

Examiners performed a sexual assault kit as police requested DNA samples from her mother, stepfather and siblings who were present at the time, per the CT Mirror.

Federline said the request 'felt like salt in the wound,' read the affidavit. DNA tests pointed to Federline as a 'contributor.'

The cause of Eve's death has not been determined as police await her autopsy and toxicology report, which could take weeks, reported the CT Insider.

Eve's mother Melanie Federline found her daughter unresponsive. She is pictured with stepfather Anthony Federline

Eve's cause of death has not been determined. Police found multiple pills lying next to her dead body

Eve was autistic, had been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and was in the process of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, police said.

She was a student at Enfield Public Schools before her mother began homeschooling her in 2022.

Amid Eve's shocking death, friends of the family started a GoFundMe to support them through the heartbreak.

According to a tribute to Eve on the fundraising page, the girl was 'filled with passion, justice and light.'

'This tragedy has left them heartbroken and struggling to cope with the sudden emotional and financial burdens that come with such a loss,' it read.

'As they navigate this incredibly difficult time, they are in need of support from their community to help them get through the days ahead.'

Eve has been diagnosed with autism and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Her parents said she was amidst a bipolar disorder diagnosis

Her obituary said Eve was 'unforgettable' and was 'uniquely herself.'

'She cared about justice, about people, about the world as a whole,' it read. 'She stood up for what she believed in, even at a young age and carried a sense of empathy that was both powerful and rare.'

Eve had five siblings, whom Enfield Chief of Police Alaric Fox told WTNH are in 'good, safe and appropriate places' following the shocking revelation.

Federline worked as a school bus driver for Smyth Bus Company. Enfield Public Schools contracted the organization. He has since been fired from the position.

Federline is being held on a $1,000,000 bond and is set to be arraigned on April 6.

The Daily Mail contacted the Connecticut Medical Examiner for more information.
British holidaymakers have turned to Turkey for their Easter getaways amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, as firms rush to offer discount deals.

The number of UK tourists visiting the eastern Mediterranean nation leapt by 64 per cent in the last week of March, new official tourism figures have shown.

And arrivals of Brits were 16 per cent higher last month than the same time last year, as per the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).

The most popular destinations include Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman and Izmir, which all offer some much-needed springtime sun this Easter weekend.

The sudden spike in interest in holidays to the country comes after the Middle East exploded into conflict earlier this year.

The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, which saw Tehran launch a wave of retaliatory strikes across the Gulf.

Glamorous locations across the region, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have become beloved hotspots for British tourists and expats alike in recent years.

But with airspaces closing en masse as bombs rain down, fearful holidaymakers have been turning their attentions elsewhere.

The number of UK tourists visiting the eastern Mediterranean nation (pictured, file photo) leapt by 64 per cent in the last week of March, new official tourism figures have shown

The sudden spike in interest in holidays to the country comes after the Middle East exploded into conflict earlier this year. Pictured: An explosion erupts after strikes in Tehran on March 7

Glamorous locations across the region, including have become beloved hotspots for British tourists in recent years. But with airspaces closing en masse as bombs rain down, fearful holidaymakers have been turning their attentions elsewhere. Pictured: File photo of Turkey

Sinan Seha Turkseven, TGA general manager, said: 'British travellers have made their verdict clear.

'Our border entries from the UK, and other European markets are showing double-digit growth year on year over the past few weeks.

'British holidaymakers clearly know that Turkey's holiday destinations are open, welcoming, and as spectacular as ever.'

Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at package holiday firm On the Beach, similarly said bookings to Turkey are seeing a 'strong resurgence' among British tourists.

In the past week alone, the company has seen a staggering 160 per cent increase in last-minute bookings over the Easter period.

Ms Harris said the trend was likely to continue for the rest of the year.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of package holiday firm Jet2, which is the UK's largest tour operator to Turkey, said the company is expecting 'a busy summer'.

And Helmut Wolfel, commercial director at Turkish airline SunExpress, similarly said the country is currently 'an attractive option' for British tourists.

The UK Foreign Office guidance remains that most of Turkey is considered safe for travel, apart from the border with Syria along the east of the country.

Holidaymakers willing to visit the country amid the Middle East war can now buy flights for just 15 or package holidays for only 200.

Some tourists were put off travelling to the country after the conflict began amid concerns fighting could spread beyond the Gulf.

These fears were exacerbated after Turkey confirmed early last month a 'ballistic munition' launched towards it from Iran was intercepted by Nato air defences.

The tourism industry has now put forward a range of affordable deals for sunseekers to entice them to the country despite any concerns.

Flights from London this month can be bought for only 15 to Bodrum, 28 to Dalaman, 30 to Antalya, 33 to Istanbul, 41 to Izmir and 52 to Ankara.

Package holidays are also very cheap, with seven nights for two self-catering in Marmaris with flights from April 22 costing only 212 each via easyJet Holidays.

The operator is also offering two people seven nights with breakfast at a hotel in Dalaman with flights from London for the same date for 214 per person.

The UK Foreign Office guidance (pictured) remains that most of Turkey is considered safe for travel, apart from the border with Syria along the east of the country

While business is booming in Turkey, spooked British tourists have started cancelling their holidays to nearby Cyprus. Pictured: An empty beach in Limassol, Cyprus, last week

Hotel bookings on the island are down by some 40 per cent as war rages in the Gulf. Pictured: A recent photograph of an empty street in Cyprus

The cheapest single flight from London to Turkey in March or April is a Ryanair service from Stansted to Bodrum on April 15 for 15, according to Google Flights.

Tourism chiefs in Turkey have been quick to reassure tourists all resorts, hotels and attractions are 'operating as booked' as conflict in the Middle East rages on.

The country's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, along with the TGA, insisted in a statement last month all tourist facilities are 'proceeding as normal'.

Officials said operations are continuing 'without disruption', with no government-mandated restrictions or disruptions.

All UK/Ireland flights to and from Turkish airports - including Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and other major international hubs - are departing on schedule.

Airlines serving the country have also not reported any flight disruptions, restrictions or cancellations linked to the conflict.

While business is booming in Turkey, spooked British tourists have started cancelling their holidays to nearby Cyprus.

Hotel bookings on the island are down by some 40 per cent as war rages in the Gulf.

Photographs show deserted beaches and streets in hotspots such as Limassol and Protaras which are usually bustling with tourists during the Easter holidays.

But conflict began in the Middle East just as Cyprus's tourism industry was reopening after winter, which has hit the Mediterranean nation hard.

Then on March 2, as Iran launched a series of counter-strikes, a drone struck a British naval base on the island, triggering a wave of tourist cancellations.

The drop in bookings is the latest sign of the war's broad fallout, from disrupted oil flows to mass flight cancellations and worsening economic outlooks worldwide.

Daily cancellation rates for short-term rentals in Cyprus shot up from around 15 per cent before the conflict to as high as 100 per cent in the days after, figures showed.

That number has since dropped, according to the data from US-based AirDNA, which tracks such bookings - but remained around 45 per cent by March 21.

Cyprus' Hoteliers Association has seen a near 40 per cent drop in March bookings and a similar reduction in April.

Cyprus, which welcomed four million international visitors last year, relies heavily on tourism from the UK, with British travellers making up around a third of arrivals.

But located just 100 miles from Lebanon and Syria in the Middle East, the country is seeing a decline in its usual visitor numbers as regional instability grows.
A Democratic congresswoman has revealed her husband of 20 years abruptly walked out on her family and demanded a divorce.

Michigan Rep. Hillary Scholten, 44, shared a statement on Friday evening about her heartbreak, saying she was blindsided by the breakup from her husband Jesse Holcomb, 45.

'Earlier this year, our family went through a heartbreaking change when my husband of 20 years suddenly left our family and then filed for divorce,' Scholten wrote.

The lawmaker revealed the news in a letter to her constituents that she then shared on X, saying she has been raising her two sons alone after her husband left.

'With the help of incredible family and friends, and through my unshakable, foundational faith in God, I have been raising my boys with strength, love, and stability,' she wrote.

'We have been overcoming every day.'

Scholten is seen as a rising star in the party and became the first Democrat in almost half a century to represent the city of Grand Rapids in Congress when she took office in 2023.

Michigan Rep. Hillary Scholten, 44, revealed her husband of 20 years Jesse Holcomb abruptly walked out on her family and demanded a divorce

The Democrat shared a statement on Friday evening about her heartbreak, saying she was blindsided by the breakup from her husband

Scholten last shared a picture of herself with her husband in January, and last year posted a Valentine's Day message describing him as her 'forever Valentine.'

The congresswoman did not share a Valentine's Day post with her husband this year.

Her husband Jesse Holcomb, a journalism professor at Calvin University, did not immediately respond to a request for comment following Scholten's Friday evening statement.

In her letter, Scholten told her constituents that she had no plans to step away from public life as she grapples with her divorce.

'Despite this personal hardship, I have continued to show up for you in every way too,' she wrote.

'I've passed legislation, brought dollars back to the district, and served my constituents - and I will continue doing just that.

'I raised my hand to do this job because I wanted more people who have never been heard to have a voice. As a woman, a mother, a social worker, and a public interest lawyer, I carry stories with me that are not often told in the halls of power.

'Nothing in my current situation changes that,' she said. 'In fact, it deepens it.'

Scholten last shared a picture of herself with her husband in January, and last year posted a Valentine's Day message describing him as her 'forever Valentine'

Scholten, seen with former President Bill Clinton, is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party and became the first Democrat in almost half a century to represent the city of Grand Rapids in Congress when she took office in 2023

Scholten joins a growing number of Michigan Democrats who have gotten divorced in recent years.

This includes Rep. Haley Stevens, who separated from her husband in 2022 after a year of marriage.

This was followed by then-Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin divorcing her husband Dave Moore in 2023, the year before she was elected to the US Senate.

The Daily Mail has contacted Rep. Scholten's office for comment.
America and Iran are locked in a tense race to find a US pilot downed by Tehran.

The war in the Middle East took a dramatic turn on Friday when an F-15E jet on operations over southern Iran was shot out of the sky.

One of the two-person crew was rescued within hours in a daring Special Forces mission involving low-flying US helicopter gunships.

But the hunt for the second crew member was a head-to-head competition between the warring sides.

In a major propaganda boost for Iran, images of debris from the downed jet, including an ejector seat and tail fin were flashed around the world.

To silence from Washington, videos then showed Pave Hawk helicopters, a C-130 Hercules aircraft and drones making low passes over a mountainous valley, with locals frantically firing at them.

The 60million F-15E is said to be part of 494 Squadron of the 48th Fighter Wing based at USAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. On Friday the Tehran regime put a 50,000 bounty on the missing pilots head and urged locals near the crash site to seize the American.

Iranian broadcasters told viewers: If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police you will receive a precious prize.

Pictured: A F-15E jet similar to the one shot down over Iran. The United States and the Islamic Republic are now locked in a race to locate one of the two pilots from the downed plane

Wreckage from the downed US fighter posted by Iran. In a major propaganda boost for Iran, images of debris from the downed jet were flashed around the world

The US Air Forces logo on the side of the F-15 fighter jet similar to the one found on debris in Iran

News channels also flashed messages on screen of shoot them if you see them and showed footage of villagers scouring a rocky hillside.

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf taunted the US and Donald Trumps numerous proclamations of winning the war, writing online: 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 second US Air Force combat plane crashed in the Persian Gulf region around the same time that the F-15E was brought down.

Officials confirmed the pilot of the A-10 Warthog attack aircraft had been safely rescued after it went down near the Strait of Hormuz.

Mr Trump was being closely briefed on the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) mission for the F-15E, which, if unsuccessful, could prove politically damaging.

The first shooting down of a US fighter jet of the conflict came after the US President repeatedly boasted Iran has no air defence capabilities.

Previously, three US aircraft were accidentally targeted by Kuwaiti air defences while Iran has destroyed US aircraft on the ground in Saudi Arabia.

On Friday White House officials were war-gaming the prospect of a US pilot being held hostage by the Iranians.

Donald Trump addressing the US nation on Thursday. The first shooting down of a US fighter jet of the conflict came after the US President repeatedly boasted Iran had no remaining air defence capabilities

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf (pictured in 2024) taunted the US and Donald Trump after the aircraft was downed

Pictured: The ejected seat from the US aircraft as published in Iranian media

The scenario would be likely to turn more Americans against the conflict which President Trump launched alongside Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu six weeks ago today.

US Colonel Mike Jernigan said: We have two US Marine Expeditionary Units in the conflict zone. They are the best people to rescue downed aviators are US marines.

Those guys have the mission for the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP). Right now, there are marines who are either on their way or they are in the helicopter ready to go.

The F-15E was conducting a routine sortie over Tehran on Friday when it was struck.

Within hours, pictures of the wreckage were posted on the internet, including a blackened crater where the jet crash-landed. Iranian state news agency Tasnim said local traders in the southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, were offering a reward of 10billion tomans (50,000) for anyone who finds the crew alive.

The plane is thought to have come down around 100 miles from the border with Iraq, where the US-UK Basra airbase is situated.

The former British ambassador to Iran, Nicholas Hopton, said: This is a significant moment. It is obviously deeply concerning for the families of the pilot and all service people.

What worries me particularly is that this incident is likely to trigger an escalation in the conflict, rather than a better situation in Iran and stabilisation in the region.

Pictured: An F-15 fighter jet similar to the one shot down on Friday. The fighter jet, with a top speed of Mach 2.5 (1,650mph), was downed in the province closest to Kharg Island, the epicentre of Irans oil industry

While Tehrans radar systems have been destroyed, Iran still possesses infrared heat equipment that can track aircraft.

Unconfirmed US intelligence reports have also challenged Mr Trumps suggestion that Irans attack capabilities have been decimated, with claims that its military still have half of its missile launchers and thousands of drones. Other assessments, denied by the White House, have insisted Iran has thousands of missiles stored at underground sites.

The F-15E, with a top speed of Mach 2.5 (1,650mph), was downed in the province closest to Kharg Island, the epicentre of Irans oil industry which Mr Trump could capture in the coming days. It is possible the missing pilot may not have survived the crash, as only a single ACES II ejector seat was photographed at the scene.

US pilots are trained in SERE, Survive, Evade, Resist and Escape techniques, at a flight school in Florida. Crews are also equipped with trackers on their uniforms and encrypted communication devices.

The two-person crew consisted of a lead pilot seated to the front and an Electronic Warfare officer seated behind. It was unclear on Friday which had been rescued.

The F-15E is a non-stealth aircraft making it easier to shoot down than an F-35 fifth generation fighter.

Asked if Fridays events will affect any negotiations with Iran, Mr Trump said: No, not at all. No, its war. Were in war.

His words came as Irans semi-official Fars news agency said Tehran had rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire.

The source said the proposal was made through an unnamed country. There was no immediate comment or confirmation from the US.
Aussies will pay at least 20 per cent more for groceries for at least six months due to the impact the war in the Middle East is having on fuel supplies, a supermarket boss has warned.

Ritchies CEO Fred Harrison told the Daily Telegraph shoppers should prepare to see price rises for fruit, vegetables, meat and milk as retailers are forced to pass on rising costs.

'We have suppliers who are putting on a fuel levy and we are absorbing that,' Mr Harrison said.

'Prices are stable right now but if this continues, prices will rise in the next two to three weeks.'

NSW Farmers economist Sam Miller said predicted price rises of up to 20 per cent may only be 'the starting point' because fuel costs are affecting both production and transportation.

Transport makes up to a third of the cost of foods like onions, strawberries, mushrooms, kiwifruit and pears and prices for those could jump by 10 per cent.

'People are saying this is worse than anything since the 1970s. It is hard to be optimistic,' Mr Miller said.

Ritchies CEO Fred Harrison said Aussies should prepare to see price rises for fruit, vegetables, meat and milk as retailers prepare to pass on rising costs.

Shoppers could soon pay at least 20 per cent more for fruit and vegetables due to the war in the Middle East

While the Middle East is known for being one of the world's most dominant suppliers of oil, also provides up to 45 per cent of the world's urea.

It is used in nitrogen fertiliser that encourages high crop yields and is used for wheat and vegetables.

Aussies could soon be paying 30 cents a litre more for homebrand milk, as dairy producers struggle with fuel and fertiliser shortages caused by the Middle East conflict.

Industry leaders have written to Coles and Woolworths requesting a price rise.

A two-litre bottle of homebrand full cream milk currently costs $3.20 at both Coles and Woolworths.

It could soon cost 60 cents more at the checkout, allowing producers to also hike up the price of other brands while remaining competitive.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday announced further cuts to the fuel excise after state and territory leaders agreed to pass on the GST windfall to motorists at the bowser.

Australia's dairy farmers have also written to the Prime Minister, calling for the sector to be recognised as a priority fuel user.

'Cows must be milked every day, milk must be collected every day, and it must reach processors and consumers quickly,' Australian Dairy Farmers president Ben Bennett said.

Oil tankers have been unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

Master Grocers Australia CEO Martin Stirling said the Australian economy was too reliant on imports and that the government needed to make plans to avoid a similar crisis in the future.

Farmers across the country are paying more than $3 a litre for diesel which is presenting them with some 'of the hardest battles' according to Wagga Wagga cattle farmer Paige Hatton.

If the Strait of Hormuz, where 20 per cent of the world's crude passes through, stays blocked it would cut profitability for four out of five businesses according to Australian Retail Council CEO Chris Rodwell.

A Coles spokeswoman said it was trying to stop cost rises 'flowing through to the shelf' while Woolworths has nearly doubled the levy for independent truck drivers.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said Iran was causing 'economic pain' by closing the Strait of Hormuz.

'The longer this war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be,' she said.
Nearly 13,000 people are under evacuation orders after a pair of smoky and fast-growing wildfires spread through windy Southern California Friday.

The Springs Fire broke out at around 11am Friday and by 3:30pm had nearly tripled in size to 4.45 square miles, while at the same time, the Crown Fire burned 280 acres close to Acton near North Crown Valley and Soledad Canyon roads.

The cause of the fire east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County is under investigation.

It was not immediately known how many households are under evacuation warnings or orders.

The Springs Fire was burning in a populated  but not densely so  unincorporated part of Riverside County, in a recreational area near the city of Moreno Valley, which has a population of roughly 200,000.

With Santa Ana wind gusts of over 50 mph, the fire is spreading through an area with highly flammable fuel, The LA Times reported.

The city is 10 miles southeast of Riverside and 64 miles east of Los Angeles.

'It's windy out there,' said Maggie Cline De La Rosa, a public information officer for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in Riverside County.

Nearly 13,000 people are under evacuation orders after a pair of smoky and fast-growing wildfires spread through windy Southern California Friday

The Springs Fire broke out at around 11am Friday and by 3:30pm had nearly tripled in size to 4.45 square miles, while at the same time, the Crown Fire burned 280 acres near Acton near North Crown Valley and Soledad Canyon roads

The Springs Fire was burning in a populated  but not densely so  unincorporated part of Riverside County, in a recreational area near the city of Moreno Valley, which has a population of roughly 200,000

Cline De La Rosa told The Daily Mail that around 12,900 people were under evacuation orders, with another 9,850 under warnings.

Nearby Moreno Valley College was forced to close down its campus due to poor air quality and ordered students and faculty to evacuate.

As of Friday evening, the Springs Fire is only five percent contained, while the Crown Fire is at 25 percent.

Alex Izaguirre, a spokesperson for the Cal Fire Riverside County, said the wind from the Springs Fire is 'spreading the smoke,' prompting concerned calls from residents in neighboring cities who can see and smell the smoke.

'Wind - that's the biggest issue right now,' Izaguirre added.

Local fire departments have been fighting the blazes with two air tankers, 23 engines, two helicopters and multiple bulldozers.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys through Saturday afternoon, with gusts of up to 50 mph expected.

'Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,' the advisory read.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys through Saturday afternoon, with gusts of up to 50 mph expected

UC San Diego shows a smoke covered landscape as the Springs Fire advances near Moreno Valley

A map showing the evacuation areas from the Springs Fire

The Crown Fire was first reported within an hour of the Springs Fire at around 11:23am with 80 acres burning at a 'moderate rate of speed' according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

That blaze is headed in the direction of structures, fire officials said, forcing multiple areas to evacuate.

Strong winds are likely to continue throughout the weekend, with gusts in Riverside County expected between 15 and 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, until at least Saturday afternoon.

Even when winds slow down, National Weather Service San Diego meteorologist Kyle Wheeler said there will still be danger.

'It's going to be weaker winds, but with the flow still coming out of the east, we're not going to see an increase in relative humidity,' Wheeler said.

The landscape will also remain dry, with humidity predicted to stay between 10 and 15 percent.

In Los Angeles, wind gusts have been measured as high as 55 mph, exacerbating the Crown Fire.

The area is still recovering from the brutal wildfires at the start of 2025.

The 14 fires that broke out during that January killed at least 31 people, forced more than 200,000 to evacuate, destroyed more than 18,000 homes and structures, burning more than 57,529 acres.
A Minnesota daycare teacher has been accused of slamming a child's head into a wall while in a drunken stupor.

Aniya Keosongseng, 21, allegedly got drunk during her lunch break working at Milestones Early Learning Center in Plymouth, 20 minutes west of Minneapolis.

She has been charged with gross misdemeanors of endangering a child and interfering with a police officer. She is yet to enter a plea.

A fellow daycare aide called the police on February 23 over fears that Keosongseng was having a 'panic attack,' according to a complaint obtained by Law & Crime.

When they arrived, officials found that the employee was 'slurring her words' and 'stumbling,' said the report.

She had a blood alcohol level of .356, more than four times the legal limit, reported Fox9.

In surveillance footage reviewed by police, the teacher was seen picking up a child, then stumbling backwards, allegedly 'slamming' the child's head into a wall.

As she tried to console the student, Keosongseng then 'lost balance and fell on top of the child', per the report.

Aniya Keosongseng, 21, was charged after allegedly working while intoxicated at Milestones Early Learning Center and 'slamming' a child's head into a wall while stumbling

Milestones Early Learning Center fired Keosongseng immediately after the incident

Police also noticed Keosongseng 'nodding off' while buttoning a child's outfit.

Fellow employees said that the former daycare aide 'deteriorated' throughout the day, per the filing.

When police tried to arrest her, the complaint stated that Keosongseng avoided them by 'pulling away and dropping herself to the floor.'

The report also alleged that Keosongseng bit an officer on the leg. She admitted to going home during her lunch hour to drink alcohol and she was taken to the hospital.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dangerously high blood alcohol levels can be associated with alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening.

Representatives for Milestones Early Learning Center told KSTP that Keosongseng was fired immediately after her horrifying drunken display.

'While we are proud of how our team handled the situation, we were deeply disappointed to learn the cause,' read their statement.

Keosongseng was charged with gross misdemeanors of endangering a child and interfering with a police officer for the incident. The child pictured was not involved

'The staff member was immediately terminated as there is a zero tolerance for alcohol or drug use.'

Milestones Early Learning Center disputed reports that Keosongseng 'slammed' a child's head or harmed a student in any way.

Representatives added that they 'did not observe any instance in which a child was injured or placed at risk due to the staff members actions.'

'We will be following up with the police department to understand why their report suggests otherwise,' it continued.

'Detectives spoke with both our Directors and families after completing their review.

'At that time, they communicated that no child was injured as a result of the staff members behavior, which is consistent with what we observed in the video.'

Police alleged that Keosongseng picked up a child while intoxicated and 'slammed' its head into a wall

Milestones Early Learning Center's assistant director told police that Keosongseng worked with children ages 12 months to 16 months.

She was responsible for feeding them, changing their diapers and putting them down for naps.

Employees said there had never been any prior issues with Keosongseng and she underwent a robust background check before being hired.

According to their website, the daycare provides a 'safe, fun and nurturing environment for children of all ages.'

She was released after being booked at Hennepin County Jail. Keosongseng's first court appearance is scheduled for April 16.

The Daily Mail contacted Milestones Early Learning Center, the Plymouth Police Department, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and Keosongseng for more information.
A man said to be the oldest person in the world has died aged 125, reportedly beating the official record held by an 116-year-old British woman.

Marcelino Abad Tolentino, who was from a remote village in Peru, sadly passed away in his sleep at a care home on Monday, just five days before his 126th birthday.

The farmer, known as Mashico, was born in 1900, making him the oldest man in his country - and quite possibly the most elderly person in the world.

But he has never been officially recognised with the title by Guinness World Records due to a lack of necessary documentation.

It leaves Ethel Caterham, from Lightwater, Surrey, who was born in 1909, as the formal recordholder, at 116 years and 222 days.

She is also the oldest British person in recorded history and the last known surviving person to have been born in the 1900s decade.

Mr Tolentino, who was raised as an orphan, lived in his isolated rural hometown his whole life.

He lived in extreme poverty for much of that time, cultivating his land by hand and trading agricultural goods with other villagers.

Marcelino Abad Tolentino (pictured), who was from a remote village in Peru, sadly passed away in his sleep at a care home on Monday, just five days before his 126th birthday

The farmer (pictured), known as Mashico, was born in 1900, making him the oldest man in his country - and quite possibly the most elderly person in the world

But he has never been officially recognised with the title by Guinness World Records due to a lack of necessary documentation. It leaves Ethel Caterham (pictured), from Lightwater, Surrey, who was born in 1909, as the formal recordholder, at 116 years and 222 days

The farmer, who never had a family, lived alone, without electricity or running water and using only a small oil lamp for light.

Incredibly, Mr Tolentino was completely unknown to the authorities until the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was discovered when he began receiving support from the country's Pension 65 programme, for those aged more than 65 who are in poverty with no pension.

The scheme saw him receive his first ID card and a state pension, which paid for him to move into a care home.

Shortly after, the centenarian suffered an accident that resulted in a serious hip injury and left him wheelchair bound.

In recent years, he became a nationally recognised figure for his incredible longevity.

Two years ago, the Peruvian government began the process of registering him as the world's oldest man with Guinness World Records.

But the process sadly could not be completed, officials said, as he could not show the required documentation of his birth.

The oldest man who ever lived was Juan Vicente Perez Mora, from Venezuela, who died in April 2024 at the age of 114 and 311 days.

The most elderly man alive today is 113-year-old Brazilian Joao Marinho Neto, from Brazil.

He sent Ms Caterham a congratulatory message on her 116th birthday in August last year, as she was the first person in British history to reach this age.

This reportedly marked the first documented exchange between the world's oldest verified woman and oldest verified man.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/

Ukraines Defense Forces shot down or suppressed 260 of the 286 Russian drones used to attack the countrys airspace, while 11 UAV hits were recorded at 10 locations and debris fell at six locations, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said.

"According to preliminary data, as of 07:00, air defense had shot down/suppressed 260 enemy UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas and other types in the north, south, east and center of the country," the Air Force said in the statement.

In total, during the night of April 4 (from 18:00 on April 3), the enemy attacked with 286 strike UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas and other types from the directions of Shatalovo, Bryansk, Kursk, Orel, Millerovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, around 200 of them Shahed UAVs.

The air attack was repelled by aircraft, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of Ukraines Defense Forces.

At the same time, 11 strike UAV hits were recorded at 10 locations, as well as the fall of downed drones (debris) at six locations.
US forces are in a race against time to save a missing fighter jet pilot whose aircraft was shot down by Iranian air defenses in a chaotic day of fighting - after a second American aircraft was also downed.

Iranian state media shared footage on Friday appearing to show a US A-10 Warthog plane being blown out of the sky, and reports say a second US aircraft, an F-15E Strike Eagle, was also downed hours earlier.

The joint incidents led two pilots to eject into enemy territory, and the F-15E pilot remains unaccounted for after US forces successfully saved the A-10 pilot in a daring rescue mission.

US forces are now desperately searching behind enemy lines to retrieve the missing pilot, with an urgent rescue mission underway.

On Friday evening, updated Pentagon data also revealed the number of US service members wounded in the Iran war has risen to 365 soldiers.

The total included 247 Army soldiers, 63 Navy sailors, 19 Marines and 36 Air Force airmen. The death toll for the conflict remains at 13 US service members.

Following reports that the two US aircrafts were shot down on Friday, White House officials said President Donald Trump was briefed on the relief efforts.

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, and insisted that it would not affect ongoing negotiations with Iran.

An A-10 Warthog combat plane crashed in the Persian Gulf near the Strait on Hormuz on Friday but the pilot was reportedly rescued. The pilot of a F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft that was also shot down on Friday remains unaccounted for

Iranian state media shared footage appearing to show the A-10 aircraft being blown out of the sky moments after the pilot safely ejected

When asked by NBC News reporter Garrett Haake whether the plane incidents could end negotiations between Iran and the US, 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.

President Trump said the US aircrafts being shot down would not affect ongoing negotiations with Iran, telling a reporter: 'No, not at all. No, its war. We're in war'

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show American jets flying low over southern Iran for a search-and-rescue operation

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

Parts 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 who posed as an Uber driver outside San Francisco nightclubs to pick up women before brutally raping them at knifepoint is facing life in prison.

Orlando Vilchez Lazo, 44, was found guilty after a 12-week trial on two counts of kidnapping with intent to commit rape, three counts of kidnapping, four counts of rape by force or fear and two counts of sexual penetration with a foreign object.

The verdict was announced Friday by San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who said that Vilchez Lazo could be sentenced to 100 years-to-life in prison.

Vilchez Lazo used a car displaying rideshare stickers from Lyft and Uber to pick up women who believed they were getting into actual rideshare cabs.

'Some of the victims were able to identify Mr. Vilchez Lazo out of a lineup,' Jenkins said. 'Multiple phones  that he took from them so that they could not call for help were found in his residence, so there were multiple things tying him to these crimes.'

Uber said Vilchez Lazo never drove for them, while Lyft confirmed he had been a driver but lied about his immigration status when he applied to work for them.

Vilchez Lazo is from Peru and was living in the US illegally when he committed the heinous crimes, according to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Jenkins said Vilchez Lazo's assaults caused the companies to change their practices to ensure rides were safer for female passengers.

Orlando Vilchez Lazo, 44, was convicted of kidnapping with intent to commit rape, rape by force or fear and sexual penetration with a foreign object

Vilchez Lazo will be sentenced at the end of April but the exact date had not been set yet. He faces life in prison

Vilchez Lazo used a car displaying rideshare stickers from apps like Uber and Lyft to pick up unsuspecting women before sexually assaulting them (File photo of an Uber car)

'How many women had to be reminded at that time to be sure to check license plates when they were getting ready to enter a rideshare?' Jenkins said. 'That they didn't say their name, but rather, wait for the driver to say their names?'

She added that rideshare companies were forced to change their policies to make sure that drivers had gone through background checks.

'This conduct led to so many changes and so much fear stoked in women who were simply trying to get home safely,' Jenkins said.

Jenkins explained that DNA evidence helped investigators connect Vilchez Lazo to the slew of sexual assaults, which began in 2013.

The case was delayed for years due to multiple postponements, legal challenges over DNA and the complexity of multiple victims and a years-long reconstruction of events.

Jenkins said Vilchez Lazos sentencing would be at the end of April but that the date had not been set yet.

The San Francisco District Attorney praised the victims' 'courage' and 'conviction' testifying against Vilchez Lazo.

'The defense put them through unimaginable amounts of questioning, accusing them of horrific things like consenting to this conduct or seeking for it to happen,' Jenkins said.

'This is what victims go through in the criminal justice system, and each and every day, we work hard in this office to help them tell their stories,' she added.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said that Vilchez Lazo's victims had shown 'courage' and 'conviction'

Jenkins said Vilchez Lazo's rapes caused the rideshare companies to change their practices and prioritize the safety of their female passengers (File photo of a woman waiting for a cab)

The first rape happened in 2013 after Vilchez Lazo picked up a 21-year-old college student leaving a bar in the Mission District neighborhood.

Vilchez Lazo drove her to an abandoned, industrial area, locked the car door and sexually assaulted her, according to the San Francisco District Attorney's office.

The victim said she did not know where Vilchez Lazo had taken her, as there were no people, vehicles or houses nearby.

In February 2018, Vilchez Lazo carried out a similar strategy with a 22-year-old woman who was leaving a nightclub in the South of Market neighborhood.

She left the club with a friend and ordered a rideshare to take her home, only to see that ride cancelled.

Vilchez Lazo then drove up to the curb and told the woman's friend that he could drive them home.

They assumed he was a rideshare driver and got into his vehicle.

Vilchez Lazo pulled over less than a block away and told the friend to exit the vehicle to get water.

Once this happened, he sped away with the woman to Mansell Street and 'violently raped her,' according to prosecutors.

According to the San Francisco District Attorney, the first rape happened in 2013 when Vilchez Lazo picked up a 21-year-old college student leaving a bar

Vilchez Lazo recurringly targeted his victims in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood, where he was also arrested

That same May, Vilchez Lazo targeted a 22-year-old woman in the same neighborhood.

He drove to a club with a rideshare decal on his car. When the woman got in and said her name to confirm it was the driver she called for, Vilchez Lazo falsely confirmed it was him.

He stole her phone, also took her to Mansell Street and raped her.

When she screamed for help, Vilchez Lazo put a metal object to her neck and threatened her.

This can be easy or this can be violent, he told her, according to the San Francisco DAs office.

Vilchez Lazo followed a similar strategy for his next rape in June.

A 21-year-old woman had just ordered a rideshare near Howard and Second Street to take her home.

Vilchez Lazo pulled up yelling, 'Uber, Uber,' which led the woman to believe that he was the driver she ordered.

Lyft said Vilchez Lazo had been a driver for them, but that he lied about his immigration status when applying for work (File photo of a Lyft car)

He then took the woman's phone, also took her to Mansell Street and sexually assaulted her.

Vilchez Lazo pressed what prosecutors described as a 'sharp object' against the woman's neck and cut her in different places around her body.

After she was raped, she managed to escape to a nearby home to desperately ask for help, where the residents called police.

One month later, an undercover surveillance team from the San Francisco Police Department spotted a car matching descriptions from the earlier rapes with a rideshare sticker.

The vehicle was circling near Howard and Second Street without picking up fares for over an hour.

Because of the similarities, officers pulled the car over. Vilchez Lazo was identified and arrested.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the San Francisco District Attorneys Office for further comment.
Thousands of Britain's most prolific shoplifters could avoid prison under new Labour plans, with retailers warning of potential chaos and supermarket bosses calling for security staff to be equipped with pepper spray.

The new laws, which scrap most prison sentences of under one year, could allow up to 12,000 repeat offenders to avoid jail.

The changes stem from the Sentencing Act introduced last year, which restricts magistrates and judges to imposing one-year prison terms only in 'exceptional circumstances.'

According to Ministry of Justice data, 98 per cent of shoplifters currently in prison would be eligible for alternative 'community punishments' under the new system.

This is despite shoplifting offences in England and Wales rising by five per cent in the year to September 2025, reaching 519,381, as per the latest ONS figures.

Levels remain just below the record 530,439 offences recorded in the year to March 2025.

The law, which came into force last month, was introduced to ease overcrowding in prisons. However, it has raised concerns that removing a strong deterrent could lead to a rise in shoplifting.

Lord Walker of Broxton, executive chairman of Iceland, said that 'just one incident of violence against my staff is too many,' pointing to the example of armed security guards in Spain to tackle rising retail crime.

New Labour laws, which scrap most prison sentences of under one year, could allow up to 12,000 repeat offenders to avoid jail

Ministry of Justice data has revealed 98 per cent of shoplifters currently in prison would be eligible for alternative 'community punishments' under the new system

Speaking to The Times, he said: 'I've always argued for more powers for security guards. You go to Spain and all the security guards have pepper spray and a truncheon, they don't mess about.'

It comes as Marks and Spencer's retail director, Thinus Keeve, said frontline staff are facing violence and abuse on a daily basis.

The retail giant faced unrest earlier this week at a store in Clapham, south London, where hundreds of youths swarmed high street shops as part of an online trend.

Mr Keeve has urged Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to take stronger action to tackle record levels of the crime, warning that shoplifters have become more 'brazen,' 'organised,' and 'aggressive' in their attacks on staff.

Lord Walker agreed with his fellow high street boss.

He said: 'We call it shoplifting, which sounds like a cheeky bit of pilfering, but actually we should just call it out for what it is, which is violent crime.

'We all saw the footage of marauding gangs and security guards being beaten up.

'The violent nature of it in Clapham is horrific.'

A survey by the Institute of Customer Service found that 43 per cent of frontline staff had faced hostility or abuse from customers in the past six months

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has warned that shoplifting will 'snowball out of control' under Labour's new sentencing reforms.

Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: 'Even prolific shoplifters generally get less than a year in prison at the moment. So Labour's plan to abolish prison sentences of under a year means that shoplifters will never go to prison at all.

'This means there will be no effective punishment for shoplifting and it will escalate even further. This is a shoplifters' charter and means shop theft will snowball out of control.'

Jo Causon, head of the Institute of Customer Service - which represents 350 businesses across Britain - added that the Government had shown 'no real engagement' with firms over rising crime on high streets, warning it poses a serious risk to economic growth.

This comes despite shoplifting costing the economy an estimated 2 billion last year and threats of violence against retail staff approaching their highest levels in 30 years.

Indeed, a survey of 1,000 customer-facing workers in Britain by the Institute of Customer Service found that 43 per cent of frontline staff had faced hostility or abuse from customers in the past six months  a rise of seven per cent up from the year before.

The report - released in October 2025 - also revealed that 22 per cent of respondents had been threatened with physical violence.

In addition, 40 per cent of service workers said abuse and aggression occur so frequently that they feel reporting it is pointless, while 35 per cent of those who had experienced aggression said they were contemplating leaving their roles.

Shoplifting costs the economy an estimated 2 billion last year and threats of violence against retail staff approaching their highest levels in 30 years

Ms Causon said the events at M&S are 'yet another reminder that abuse, hostility and criminal behaviour towards frontline workers is far too common - and all too often goes unpunished.

'This is not isolated to one brand or one sector: it is part of a much wider trend across our high streets and communities.

'For too many people working in customer-facing roles - whether in retail, hospitality, transport, or services - intimidation, threats and violence have become a grim part of the working day.'

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: 'This government inherited a prison system on the brink of collapse.

'The suspension of short sentences is part of wider, urgent reform to ensure our prison system isn't pushed to the brink of collapse ever again and dangerous criminals are kept off our streets.

'It would be wrong to suggest every short sentence for shoplifting will be suspended  particularly in the case of reoffenders.

'However, evidence shows that community orders and suspended sentences act as a more successful deterrent to reoffending than prison time.

'This government is committed to punishment that works as we tackle recurring shoplifting which blights our communities and high streets.

'We are delivering one of the biggest expansions of tagging in British history  backed by 100million in funding  which will target shoplifters among other offenders.'
The New York Times has been mocked on social media after publishing a headline mistaking what the 'NATO' acronym stands for.

Reporting on President Trump's threats to break off from the military alliance, the outlet printed a headline on Friday reading: 'A North American Treaty Organization Without America?'

The headline appeared to mistake the correct name for NATO, which is North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The blunder quickly circulated social media and led to ridicule, with Politico editor Sasha Issenberg first pointing out the mistake in an X post.

'Does the @nytimes know what NATO stands for?' he questioned.

After posts about the mistake racked up millions of views, the New York Times said it would issue a correction in Saturday's print edition.

'A headline with an article on Friday about President Trumps threats to leave NATO misstated the full name of the body,' the outlet said.

'It is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, not the North American Treaty Organization.'

The New York Times was mocked on social media after publishing a headline mistaking what the 'NATO' acronym stands for

After posts about the mistake racked up millions of views, the New York Times said it would issue a correction in Saturday's print edition

The slip led social media users to ridicule the news outlet, as many questioned how the error slipped through the cracks at the esteemed company.

One critic on X wrote: 'How did an editor not catch that? Amateur hour.'

'So you finally googled NATO?' joked another after the paper issued a correction.

The Daily Mail has contacted the New York Times for comment.

The article on the future of the military alliance was sparked by bombshell remarks Trump made this week, indicating he is strongly considering pulling the US out of NATO.

In an interview with the Telegraph, he said removing America from the 77-year-old alliance is now 'beyond reconsideration.'

He said: 'I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.'

Join the discussion What does this blunder say about trust in major news outlets covering global conflicts?

The article on the future of the military alliance was sparked by bombshell remarks Trump made this week, indicating he is strongly considering pulling the US out of NATO

Since the start of the war with Iran, the US has unsuccessfully tried to lobby its NATO allies into joining the fight.

The defense bloc has been reluctant to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway that ordinarily sees 20 percent of the world's oil pass through every day.

Following the establishment of a blockade, Iran has all but closed the Strait for weeks, sending oil and gas prices soaring.

NATO's halting response on the Middle East appears to have irked Trump, who said: 'Beyond not being there, it was actually hard to believe. I just think it should be automatic.

'We've been there automatically, including Ukraine. Ukraine wasn't our problem. It was a test, and we were there for them, and we would always have been there for them. [NATO] weren't there for us.'

He also accused the UK of being weak and accused the Royal Navy of not being in a good enough shape to fight: 'You don't even have a navy. You're too old and had aircraft carriers that didn't work.'
What started out as a racist slur turned into a life-threatening situation for a Chinese woman who was left covered in blood after a sickening assault in Canberra.

The 27-year-old, identified only as KK Zhang, was walking with a friend in the nation's capital on Thursday when she was punched in the head by a another female on Macdermott Place in Belconnen, at 5.45pm.

Ms Zhang didn't know the attacker who eventually threatened her with a knife before taking off in a dark grey Ford Falcon sedan.

'I had always thought Canberra was safe, with not much violence, until I experienced this myself,' she told 7News.

The bookkeeper claimed the incident started when a teenage girl and a young boy, possibly the attacker's kids, hurled racist abuse at her and ridiculed her Chinese speech.

Ms Zhang said she confronted the children and recorded the slurs directed towards her before the woman came up from behind and took her phone, leading to a physical altercation.

The woman was armed with a large knife, about 30 to 40cm long, which she pointed at Ms Zhang while making threats.

Ms Zhang's friend pulled her away but not before she was left covered in blood with non-life-threatening injuries.

Ms Zhang was left bloodied by the incident in Canberra

Her wounds were cleaned up but she bled heavily from the ear and nose

The incident happened in the Canberra suburb of Belconnen on Thursday

'But even as they got into the car, they were still smirking at us and making rude gestures, including giving us the middle finger,' she said.

'She was punching me, and I think her nails scratched me. I ended up with a 5mm cut on my face and bruising on my arms.'

Ms Zhang's left ear and nose were bleeding and she said the experience left her 'terrified' and shaken.

Police are still investigating the alleged assault and have appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident to call Crime Stoppers.
A Texas toddler could have shot a two-year-old in the head after finding a gun that police said was not properly stored.

A family outside of Houston joined together for a casual gathering on Friday afternoon that unexpectedly resulted in gunfire.

Deputies were called to Onaleigh Drive in the Channelview area, adjacent to Woodforest Boulevard and Dell Dale Street at 12.15pm, reported Fox26.

Juan, who declined to share his last name, told ABC13 that his grandson was the little boy who was shot.

'My wife, she went to my room, freaked out, screaming loud like call 911, she cannot even talk, she had blood on all her clothes,' Juan told the outlet.

Police said approximately seven adults were eating lunch in the living room while the two boys were alone in a bedroom.

Juan said he was sleeping when his wife woke him, demanding he call the police.

As the family rushed to the bedroom, they saw the four-year-old holding the gun as the two-year-old bled out. According to Click 2 Houston, the boys are not siblings.

Police officers were seen at the scene Friday afternoon as a preliminary invetigation unfolded

Harris County Police responded to a call outside of Houston after a two-year-old was shot in the head

Officials said the two-year-old was alert and speaking before being life-flighted to the hospital.

He underwent surgery in the intensive care unit and is now recovering in critical but stable condition. He is expected to survive.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez released a statement after the tragic events of the day, encouraging families to secure their firearms

The child's mother, reported KHOU, was at work at the time of the shooting, but police said at least one parent was present.

Juan told police that the firearm belonged to a family friend, 25-year-old Santiago Daniel Canet. He was among multiple people at the scene who were visiting the home from out of town.

The traumatized grandfather claimed Canet's gun had typically been stored on the top shelf of a closet. But investigators said it was unsecured and accessible to small children.

As a result, Canet was arrested and charged with making a firearm accessible to a minor. He was booked in the Harris County Jail.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office said the family secured the gun when police arrived and everyone cooperated with the investigation.

Multiple people were said to be visiting the home on Onaleigh Drive in Channelview, police said

Crimes Against Children Investigators were also at the scene. County officials said Child Protective Services may become involved.

The area around the home was taped off all day as police swarmed the scene, gathering preliminary information for the investigation.

As of Friday afternoon, Major Ben Katrib stated that the information was still very limited.

'All of this information is preliminary, of course and subject to change,' he told the press.

'It's always important to secure the firearm for anyone who is thinking about buying a firearm that does not have one,' Katrib added.

'If you have children or children might visit your home, they are spontaneous, they are curious. So if you do not have enough money to buy a safe or anything to secure the handgun or any firearm, then you should not buy it.'

Police said Santiago Daniel Canet was arrested following the discovery that he was the owner of the firearm. Canet was charged with making a firearm accessible to a minor

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez issued a statement after a second child was shot in a separate incident the same day.

'Today is heartbreaking. Two children shot in separate incidents. Safe firearm storage saves lives,' he wrote. 'Lock it. Secure it. Keep it out of reach. This is about protecting our kids. We all have a role to play.'

A three-year-old suffered a gunshot wound in Houston on Friday afternoon, reported KHOU.

Investigators said the shooting was believed to be 'negligent discharge,' though it is unclear who may have fired the gun.

The child was taken to the hospital in critical condition but is expected to survive.

The Daily Mail contacted the Harris County Sheriff's Office for more information.
Pete Hegseth has been described as 'paranoid' after he allegedly fired the highest ranking US Army officer because he felt his position was 'threatened' by him.

General Randy George, a Biden appointee, was told to step down and take immediate retirement on Thursday, on a day where rumors flew about both Hegseth and Donald Trump cleaning house.

The New York Post reported Friday that one of the potential cabinet members on the chopping block, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, led to George's firing because the two are close.

George was Driscoll's top aide and an official said that Hegseth has been worried Driscoll would replace him ever since the infamous March 2025 group chat fiasco.

'This is all driven by the insecurity and paranoia that Pete has developed since Signal-gate. Unfortunately, it is stoked by some of his closest aides who should be trying to calm the waters,' they said.

The White House backed Driscoll in a statement last night and a source said Hegseth 'can't fire' Driscoll for the time being.

'He is very concerned about being fired and he knows that Driscoll is one of the top contenders, or a natural contender, to succeed him,' the source added.

The firing of George is an attempt to get rid of anyone perceived to be an ally of Driscoll, who is also said to be close to Vice President JD Vance.

Pete Hegseth has been described as 'paranoid' amid changes at the Pentagon and allegedly fired the highest ranking US Army officer because he felt he was 'threatened' by him

Hegseth is said to be worried that Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll (pictured) will replace him. His closeness to General Randy George is the rumored reason he got fired

'Essentially Hegseth has frozen him out and tried to sideline him behind the scenes. Hegseth wants to fire him, but Vance has his back.'

A second source claims that Driscoll's involvement in negotiations with Ukraine have Hegseth worried.

'Pete got very paranoid about Driscoll talking behind his back to others in the military.

'It's really gotten under Hegseth's skin. He's trying to make everyone around [Driscoll] suffer for no reason.'

Another administration official, who remained anonymous, said that if Driscoll were fired, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell is 'pushing himself' to replace him.

'Sean is focused on the job he has now, as is Army Secretary Driscoll,' a senior Pentagon official told The Daily Mail.

'It wouldn't be out of line to speculate that Sean would be considered as a successor as he is one of the highest profile Army veterans serving at the top of Department right now, but both men are focused on serving the President and doing the job they have now.'

However, they added that Parnell lobbying for Driscoll's job is 'outsider spewing nonsense.'

When reached by The Daily Mail for comment, Parnell denied any conflict with Driscoll.

US Army Vice Chief of Staff General Randy George was let go by Hegseth on Thursday

The firing of George by Hegseth is an attempt to get rid of anyone perceived to be an ally of Driscoll, who is also said to be close to Vice President JD Vance

'Secretary Hegseth maintains excellent working relationships with the secretaries of every military service branch, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.'

A spokesperson for the White House backed Driscoll among several cabinet members who were said to be on the chopping block by anonymous sources.

'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 President's agenda and achieving tremendous results for the American people.'

Last night, following George's departure, 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.

Ousted General Hodne ran a department started by Biden-appointed General George, who was told to step down and take immediate retirement, CBS News reported.

A Pentagon official said: 'We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army.'

George is understood to have clashed with the Trump Administration's vision for the Army.

Vice Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve, a former aide to Hegseth, will be the Army's acting chief of staff.

Another administration official, who remained anonymous, said that if Driscoll were fired, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell (pictured) is 'pushing himself' to replace him

A spokesperson for the White House backed Driscoll among several cabinet members who were said to be on the chopping block by anonymous sources

Parnell described LaNeve as 'a battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience and is completely trusted by Secretary Hegseth to carry out the vision of this administration without fault.'

Hegseth's decision comes as 50,000 US troops are deployed in the Middle East ahead of a possible ground invasion in Iran.

George was the senior-most uniformed officer in the Army - a four-star general and the 41st Chief of Staff responsible for organizing, training and equipping more than one million soldiers, though not a field commander directing tactical strikes.

George reported to General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Army Secretary Driscoll, the civilian head of the branch; and Hegseth, whose highest military rank was as an Army major.

George was confirmed by the Senate in 2023, meaning he is significantly short of completing the typical four-year term.

Hegseth has purged more than a dozen senior officers, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General James Slife and the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse.

George's firing comes as the war in Iran remains extremely volatile with no end in sight.

Donald Trump vowed in a prime-time address Wednesday to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Ages', claiming the conflict would wrap within two to three weeks.

Oil prices spiked on the news as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's crude flows, remains strangled by the Islamic regime.

The Trump administration says that it is negotiating with Iran - claims which Tehran has rejected.

Trump has suggested in recent days he would be prepared to quit the war without securing the Strait, leaving it to Arab and European allies.

The Pentagon has meanwhile furnished the President with audacious plans to seize Iran's uranium with thousands of Marines and paratroopers now in the region.
A simple toothache and desperation to ease its pain almost killed an Adelaide man who wouldn't take a sickie.

Simon Yeaman was working as a media advisor ahead of South Australia's state election late last month when he started to feel sharp pain.

'This toothache developed and I didn't want to take time off to go to a dental appointment so I thought I'd just pop Nurofen. I was pretty ignorant,' Mr Yeaman told Daily Mail.

He'd made it past the election thanks to the over-the-counter pain killer but it led him to taking 30 Nurofen tablets in just two days.

On the Tuesday after the election, he went to bed feeling 'absolutely fine' but woke up on the bedroom floor at 3am.

'I literally could not get up. I luckily had my phone on the floor near me. I spent three hours trying to get up,' Mr Yeaman said.

'I thought I was having a stroke. I didn't think it was related to the painkillers at all.

'I couldn't work out why I couldn't get up. I couldn't even crawl onto my mattress. I could barely speak.'

Simon Yeaman didn't think taking 30 Nurofen tablets in two days would nearly kill him

Mr Yeaman required more than 100 stitches after his internal bleed

Mr Yeaman eventually was able to call Triple Zero and it was then that the reality of his situation hit home.

'They (paramedics) put me in the ambulance and had the sirens on and that's when I thought this was more serious,' he said.

'The pain was beyond belief and a nurse said "you need to calm down because we're trying to save your life".'

Mr Yeaman, who has a heart condition, experienced a massive internal bleeding event through the bowels while he underwent emergency surgery and he required three units of blood transfusions to save his life.

Speaking from his hospital bed at Royal Adelaide Hospital, Mr Yeaman told Daily Mail how his heart stopped for several minutes during surgery.

'I had to be revived. My heart stopped beating for four or five minutes,' he said. 'I was dead.'

Mr Yeaman, who woke with more than 100 stitches, was stunned when he found out how close to death he was.

'I have a daughter and I didn't want her to come in case I did die,' he said.

The maximum dosage for Nurofen Zavance (200mg ibuprofen) is six tablets in 24 hours

Mr Yeaman warned Aussies to read labels on medications and stick to the advice

The 61-year-old is currently getting his tooth fixed with root canal therapy and is expected to make a full recovery and may even leave hospital this weekend.

For adults, the maximum dosage for Nurofen Zavance (200mg ibuprofen) is six tablets in 24 hours.

The warning labels on the medication say: 'Do not exceed the recommended dose. Excessive use can be harmful and can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or liver damage.'

Mr Yeaman said his case was a good lesson for Aussies who think over-the-counter drugs aren't strong enough to cause damage if not used correctly.

'Sure, there's tiny writing on the back warning only to take a certain amount and avoid if pregnant, but I was just in so much pain,' he said.

'I had no idea how bad Nurofen could actually be. I was talking to the nurses and they said a lot of people don't realise.'

He said he would be using Panadol from now on to manage pain.

Australian Medical Association SA president, Associate Professor Peter Subramaniam told The Advertiser that people often underestimate over-the-counter like Mr Yeaman did.

'Over-the-counter does not mean harmless,' he said. 'Every medication, even those readily available, can cause serious harm when you take it outside the appropriate medical advice.'

And after being dead for a few minutes, family and friends naturally asked Mr Yeaman what was on the other side.

'I told them nobody was home. There was no Jesus, no Elvis, nobody,' he said.

Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of Nurofen, told Daily Mail: 'Consumer safety is our number one priority at Reckitt. We are pleased to hear that Mr Yeaman has recovered.'

'Nurofen is approved for the relief of mild to moderate pain and as with all over the counter medicines, must be used strictly as directed on the label. If pain persists consumers should seek the advice of a health care professional,' the statement said.
A man and a woman have been arrested following an investigation into the movements of police murderer Dezi Freeman, who was shot dead.

Victoria Police arrested the pair, believed to be associates of Freeman, at two properties in the state's northeast about 7am Saturday.

They were interviewed by police and have since been released, pending further inquiries. No charges have been laid.

Police confirmed that the pair are not family members of Freeman.

'Detectives from Taskforce Summit arrested two people this morning as part of their ongoing investigation into the movements of Desmond Freeman,' a spokeswoman said.

'The pair have since been released pending further inquiries.

'The investigation remains ongoing and as such, we are not in a position to provide further details at this immediate time.'

Freeman, 56, was shot dead in a hail of bullets by specialist police on a remote property in Thologolong, near Walwa on the Victoria-NSW border, on Monday after a seven-month manhunt.

Dezi Freeman (pictured) was shot dead by police on March 30, 2026 - after 216 days on the run

Dezi Freeman's life came to an end at his hideout in Thologolong on Monday morning

He was wanted for shooting dead Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart, who were among a team of police officers serving a warrant at his Porepunkah home on August 22 last year.

Investigators on Monday found Freeman hiding in a shipping container on the remote property after they reportedly tracked a car coming and going from the 56-year-olds hideout.

Specialist officers then had spent three hours attempting to negotiate a peaceful surrender with Freeman before multiple shots were fired.

It's understood Freeman fired two shots from a firearm stolen from one of the officers killed during the August 22 shoot-out before police returned fire up to 20 times.

For 216 days, Freeman remained one step ahead of what was likely Australia's biggest manhunt, vanishing into Victoria's rugged high country as police, specialist units and local search crews scoured the bush in vain for any sign of him.

When officers did finally track the double-cop-killer fugitive to the remote secret hideaway near the Murray River, the makeshift camp was littered with intriguing clues that it wasn't as abandoned as locals had believed.

The owner of the property - where Freeman was shot dead - was in Tasmania, and there was nobody looking after the farm because, as he put it, 'there was nothing to look after'.

Police revealed earlier in the week that an investigation had been launched into those who may have helped Freeman remain on the run.

A man and woman were arrested on Saturday as part of an ongoing investigation into the movements of Dezi Freeman. They were later released, pending further inquiries

Police revealed this week that an investigation had been launched into those who may have helped Freeman remain on the run. Pictured is the property where the fugitive had been hiding

'We don't know at what point he left the Porepunkah area and transferred to where he was found,' Police Commissioner Mike Bush said.

'It's very important for us to understand how long he's (Freeman) been here and who else was complicit (with) getting him here.

'And then caring for him or providing him with food and other things to this point.'

He warned anyone who helped Freeman faced a significant stint in jail.

'But that's always a matter for the presiding judge,' Commissioner Bush said.

It remains unclear how long Freeman had been at the property.

'That's a really important question and a really important fact that our investigators will work their way through,' Police Commissioner Bush conceded.

'We'll probably have to track back from this point to when he was last seen ... We will work that out, we will track backwards from here to ascertain how long he's been here and who helped him to be here.'

A $1million bounty was offered for information leading to Freeman's capture, but the police chief said any claim of the reward would likely remain confidential indefinitely.

A source told AAP on Wednesday the reward was being claimed.

Freeman's body has been formally identified, with homicide squad detectives continuing to lead the investigation to build a brief of evidence for a coroner.
The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning, as Storm Dave is set to bring 90mph winds and even snow blizzards this weekend.

The severe Amber weather warning, meaning 'danger to life', has been issued for the north of the country, including parts of Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, north Wales and Scotland.

It will come into effect at 7pm today and is due to remain in place until 3am on Sunday, bringing with it heavy snow and gale-force winds.

The dramatic weather, however, is set to be followed by temperatures into the mid-20s next week, according to the Met Office.

Greg Dewhurst, a Met Office meteorologist, said: 'There is cold air across Scotland at the moment and, as the rain pushes across this afternoon, it is going to turn to snow.

'We'll see heavy snow forming across parts of the Highlands as we go through the rest of the afternoon into the evening time and early hours, as much as 20 to 30 centimetres could fall over the higher ground, and five to 10 centimetres over lower ground.'

But temperatures are set to rise after Easter Monday, as warmer air comes from Europe.

Mr Dewhurst added: 'On Tuesday, warmer air moves in across England and Wales from the near continent through Tuesday and into Wednesday.

Pictured: A car crushed by a tree in north Tyneside as gusts of winds batter the northeast

The Met Office has now issued two Amber weather warnings - meaning a potential 'danger to life'

'We will see temperatures rising to the low 20s, with highs around 20C or 21C on Tuesday, and possibly 23C or 24C come Wednesday.

'The sunniest skies on Wednesday may be limited to south-east England, where 23 and 24 is most likely.'

He added that mid-20s temperatures are normal for April as the sun starts getting stronger.

The Met Office still has yellow severe weather warnings in place for wind covering the whole of mainland Scotland, Northern Ireland, parts of northern England and North Wales from Saturday evening into Sunday.

There could also be dangerous conditions from large waves along the coastline as well as gusts of up to 90mph in exposed areas.

Storm Dave will hit hardest on Saturday evening, before beginning to weaken on Sunday as it moves into the North Sea.

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney urged people to follow advice from authorities, saying there is the prospect of 'really quite challenging conditions' and encouraging people to 'make sure they stay safe'.

The Met Office has predicted 'snow, wintry weather' and rain on higher ground in northern Scotland as cars have been crushed by the storm in the northeast.

Between 6pm and 12am, travellers have been forewarned of disruption on roads as well as rail, air and ferry services.

More yellow weather warnings have been issued across northern England, Wales and Ireland of strong gusts as well as potential damage to buildings.

Passengers queue to use the Channel Tunnel at the LeShuttle site in Folkestone, Kent yesterday, as many travel to the continent for their Easter weekend getaways

It comes as millions of Brits have taken to the roads for the holidays as the RAC predicted it to be the busiest Easter on highways since 2022.

Two million Britons are estimated to travel overseas between Good Friday and Easter Monday, according to travel trade organisation Abta.

Elsewhere in Scotland, those driving have been urged to check their journeys before setting off.

George Fiddes, from Transport Scotland, said: 'Storm Dave is a timely reminder that we can face challenging weather conditions at any time of year, not just during the winter period.

'The Met Office warnings show high winds will impact the whole country this weekend, with the prospect of some areas also being affected by heavy rain and snow, so I'm urging people to plan ahead if they are travelling over the Easter period.

'Motorists should check their planned routes before setting off.'

Police in the country have also urged HGV and bus drivers to use 'extreme caution' when Storm Dave hits at the weekend.

And it's not only the weather causing chaos for travellers, as those using the railway face havoc over the bank holiday, with thousands of journeys set to be disrupted as Network Rail carries out more than 270 upgrade projects across Britain.

Among them is Britain's busiest railway line from London Euston to Milton Keynes, which has been shut down for six days, starting Good Friday for upgrade works, meaning no intercity services will run between the locations.

Meanwhile, Network Rail Scotland said the worst affected lines would be on the Ayrshire coast, the East Coast Main Line and in the north-east.

UK holidaymakers jetting off to EU countries have also been warned to expect delays 'regularly reaching' up to two hours as countries ramp up the deployment of a new border system.

The EU's Entry Exit System involves people from third-party countries, such as the UK, having their fingerprints registered and a photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 European countries, mainly in the EU.

Trade body Airports Council International said the latest data collected from airports across Europe shows a 'continued deterioration in waiting times at border crossing points'.

Delays are 'regularly reaching up to two hours at peak traffic times, with some airports reporting even longer queues', it said, as EasyJet anticipates its busiest Easter yet with up to 16,000 flights departing from the UK over the two weeks.

It comes as the aviation industry has been left reeling as the war in Iran dries up jet fuel supplies with Tehran continuing to block vital tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, sending flight prices soaring.

Millions of Brits have taken to the roads heading to their Easter holidays as Storm Dave raises threats of winds up to 90mph in parts of the UK (Pictured: motorists in Dover, Kent on April 3)

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Speaking to Sky News, Michael O'Leary said that while his budget airline Ryanair was 'reasonably well-hedged' on 80 per cent of jet fuel, passengers could be hit with disruption from 'early May'.

'Fuel suppliers are constantly looking at the market. We don't expect any disruption until early May,' O'Leary said.

'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.'

Revealing he was paying $150 a barrel for around 20 per cent of his fuel, he insisted the more 'immediate concern' was if there would be enough jet fuel to keep planes flying.

He said the travel industry was under the heel of the war in the Middle East as Donald Trump dramatically washed his hands of the crisis and told the UK to 'go get your own oil'.

But it isn't only jet setters suffering, as motorists have also been hit at the fuel pumps with the cost of Brent crude oil rising to around $109 per barrel following the US President's first primetime speech since the beginning of the war on February 28.

Around 20 per cent of the global oil trade, which is the raw ingredient for both petrol and diesel, has been brought to a screeching halt by the war.

And as Iran continues to have a chokehold on the strategic water passage, the average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts has risen by 29 per cent to 184.2p, since the war started, according to the RAC.

Average petrol prices have reached 153.7p per litre, a rise of 16 per cent over the same period.

Meanwhile, motorists have been advised by AA to reduce their speed by 20 per cent as it 'improves fuel efficiency' while continuing to keep 'up with the flow of traffic'. They also urged drivers to avoid 'continuous harsh braking'.

Journey numbers are also anticipated to remain high across the weekend, with Easter Sunday and Easter Monday both seeing around 18.9million trips.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed decrees enacting National Security and Defense Council decisions to impose sanctions on Russian entities that support the enemys military-industrial complex, facilitate sanctions evasion, conduct illegal business activity in temporarily occupied territories, and took part in the construction of the Kerch Bridge.

"The sanctions package targeting the military-industrial complex includes 26 individuals and 31 legal entities. Among them are companies producing underwater, surface and aerial uncrewed robotic systems and software for them. The list also includes companies that manufacture and service various types of weapons: electronic warfare systems, air defense weapon systems, armored vehicles, submarines, ships, auxiliary fleet vessels, port equipment and parts for them," the presidential press service said.

In addition, sanctions were imposed on enterprises in the aircraft manufacturing sector  producers and repairers of parts for Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-171, Mi-172 and Mi-14 family helicopters.

Another sanctions decision applies to seven individuals and 11 legal entities. These are companies and their executives who help evade sanctions. Among them are manufacturers of components for Kh-101, Kh-59M2/M2A and Iskander-K missiles. The list also includes companies illegally conducting business in temporarily occupied territories and those involved in the construction of the Crimea Bridge.

It is noted that Ukraine will provide partners with all necessary information to synchronize sanctions in international jurisdictions.

"These sanctions strike at the core of Russias military-industrial complex, from arms manufacturers and critical component producers to the networks that enable sanctions evasion. We are consistently closing these links, including activities in the temporarily occupied territories. The pressure will only intensify  both on our part and together with our partners," presidential adviser and sanctions policy commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk said.
Iranian nomads have joined the hunt for a missing US pilot after two aircraft were downed on Friday.

The US is in a race against time to save the missing fighter jet pilot whose aircraft was shot down by Iranian air defences in a chaotic day of fighting - after a second American aircraft was also downed.

The joint incidents led two pilots to eject into enemy territory, and the F-15E pilot remains unaccounted for after US forces successfully saved the A-10 pilot in a daring rescue mission.

The whereabouts of the remaining US pilot was still unknown on Saturday, while Iranian media broadcast images of local militias engaged in a search operation.

Iranians have been offered a $60,000 bounty for his capture, while US President Donald Trump declined to comment on what he would do if the missing airman were harmed.

Footage on social media showed Iran's Bakhtiari tribes in Khuzestan headed into the mountains, rifles in hand, to search for the missing American F-15 jet pilot.

It is the first time US aircraft have been downed in the conflict, and came just two days after 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 war, now entering its sixth week, is destabilising economies around the world as Iran responds to the US 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.

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Follow along for our live updates on the Middle East conflict.
A teaching union has warned there is a 'masculinity crisis' brewing in schools, as almost a quarter of female teachers reported facing misogyny from pupils.

That figure rose for the fourth year in a row to 23.4 per cent, according to a survey by the teachers' union NASUWT.

It marked a rise from 22.2 per cent last year, itself an increase from 17.4 per cent in 2023.

The share of female teachers reporting misogyny from pupils has now risen for four years in a row.

One teacher told the union a student made naked images of her and others using artificial intelligence (AI), while others reported being called misogynistic names regularly and being meowed at by male students.

Matt Wrack, NASUWT's general secretary, said teachers needed mandatory training to help them identify, challenge and safely de-escalate behaviour rooted in online radicalisation, sexism and hate.

He said: 'We have a masculinity crisis brewing in our schools.

'Teachers desperately need increased support to deal with this new frontier of behaviour management - it affects the wellbeing of everyone in the classroom.

Female teachers experiencing misogyny from pupils has risen for the fourth year in a row

'This generation of teachers faces an unprecedented task that requires urgent action from policymakers.'

More than one in five of more than 5,000 teachers surveyed by NASUWT said they experienced sexist, racist or homophobic language from a pupil in the last year.

And it was reported this week that more than half of teachers said their pupils were being influenced by racist and misogynistic extreme social media content.

A survey of 10,578 teachers by the National Education Union (NEU) found 52 per cent had seen 'racist' behaviour from children, while 56 per cent had seen 'misogyny'.

The union said it was likely the attitudes had come from online influencers and extreme internet forums.

In the NASUWT survey many female teachers said pupils used misogynistic language during attempts to tackle behavioural concerns and some said boys did not listen to them because they were female, according to the union.

Other teachers reported being called a 'f****** slag' by pupils, having sexual noises and gestures made towards them and being asked if they were on their period.

One teacher said she faced misogyny on a daily basis, including abusive language.

'Have had boys joke about raping girls in front of me and laughed about it when challenged,' the teacher said.

'Parents have told me if I can't handle teenage boys then I need to "work in a f****** nursery".'

Mr Wrack said: 'If female teachers are reporting that they cannot contain gender-based aggression in their classrooms - and that is exactly what they are telling NASUWT - then we have a ticking time bomb on our hands.

'These pupils are the same boys and young men who will go on to be husbands, fathers, and colleagues in the workplace.

'They may eventually develop influence in the public sphere.

'We must help them and their victims - including teachers - before it is too late.'

He said social media and artificial intelligence companies should be held responsible for misinformation spreading on their platforms and be punished if they do not.

One in four female teachers surveyed by NASUWT reported misogyny from pupils, with experiences of being verbally insulted and having inappropriate AI images of themselves generated

Mr Wrack added: 'Our young people are being exploited to feed tech billionaires' endless appetites for profit and power, and our education system is under attack as a result.'

It comes as the Government considers measures to limit under-16s' social media use as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer promised to 'fight' social media firms over addictive content.

Teachers in the NEU have also warned that pupils are being influenced by racist and misogynistic extreme social media content.

Anna Edmundson, director of policy and social change at the NSPCC, said it is 'disheartening to hear from teachers that misogyny is becoming more commonplace in schools'.

She added boys said 'they don't want to express these views but feel pressure from peers to do so and that they need guidance and help from safe adults at home, in the community and in their school'.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: 'Misogynistic views are not innate, they are learned and we are committed to using every possible tool to achieve our mission of halving violence against women and girls.

The department said it was 'providing resources to support teachers to recognise the signs of incel ideologies so we can intervene effectively'.

In February teachers at a Rochdale school went on strike because of 'violent and abusive' pupils after staff were 'locked in rooms' and had 'tables thrown at them'.

NASUWT members at St Cuthbert's RC High School in Rochdale and Lily Lane Primary School in Manchester walked out on February 24 over claims of 'untenable levels' of violence.

Staff at the high school reported 'extremely volatile' behaviour from pupils, with one teacher adding violence had reached 'unprecedented' levels.
British soldiers have given away their locations inside one of the UK's most security sensitive nuclear bases by posting their runs on Strava.

More than 500 members of the British Armed Forces publicly tracked their runs on the fitness app, geographically pinpointing several military sites.

Staff were tracked by the i paper to the military nerve centre in Northwood, while 110 people were linked to the naval base HM Clyde in Faslane, home to of the UKs nuclear deterrent, since the start of the year.

This has raised concerns that hostile actors could gather intelligence about these sensitive sites and harvest personal details of staff and their relatives, which could be used for blackmailing purposes.

This issue comes amid repeated sightings of drones, proxies and spies operating around the UK bases.

Last month an Iranian man and Romanian woman were charged after allegedly attempting to enter HMNB Clyde in Scotland, known as Faslane, home to the Royal Navys Submarine Service and Britains nuclear deterrent Trident.

The i paper reported one route logged on Strava within the sites restricted area disclosed details that could help identify the specific nuclear submarine in which the user was assigned.

Another official at the same base posted photos of warships entering the Scottish port on their Strava account.

British soldiers have given away their locations inside one of Britains most security sensitive nuclear bases by posting their runs on Strava

More than 500 members of the British Armed Forces publicly tracked their runs on the fitness app, geographically pinpointing several military sites

Personnel stationed at overseas bases, including RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, were also identifiable through the app.

Both bases, which have played a role in the USs military campaign against Iran, have been targeted in retaliatory attacks.

Since January 519 officers, contractors, staff and relatives logged their workouts across some of Britain's most sensitive military bases.

The user's home address, identity of relatives and any linked social media accounts were identifiable with the use of the information on the app.

This is not the first time sensitive information has been exposed through the widely used fitness app.

In 2018 a Strava heatmap of GPS data revealed activity in Faslane, as well as locations including a US Special Operations base in the Sahel region of Africa, a Patriot missile system in Yemen and drone on an airbase in Dijbouti.

Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty said the recent lapse in security by the British Armed Forces is beggars belief.

The former army officer and MP for Huntington wrote on X: I stopped using Strava when I became an MP and I locked down my profile for that. The app has numerous features to enable you to keep your data private.

Personnel stationed at overseas bases, including RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, were also identifiable through the app

Nuclear-powered attack submarine HMS Ambush pictured being trialled from the port of Faslane in Scotland

It is beggars belief that our armed forces dont have a grip of this given the current, and very real, threat posted by sub-threshold activity from our adversaries.

The French military has faced a similar issue, named StravaLeaks, after a soldier revealed the position of an offshore aircraft carrier last month, as reported by Le Monde.

The crew member logged a 4.3-mile workout lasting around 35 minutes as he ran laps aboard the Charles du Gaulle while it sailed towards the eastern Mediterranean - effectively pinpointing the vessels exact location.

Satellite imagery taken shortly afterwards is said to show the distinctive outline of the 262-metre-long nuclear-powered warship in the same area.

The scandal deepened after the locations and movements of 18,599 French personnel were shared across 100 military baes across the world.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: We take the security of our personnel very seriously and keep guidance for them under constant review.

The use of fitness apps such as Strava do not present an operational threat, with the location of the bases in the public domain, the department suggested.
A private jet crashed into a restaurant in Brazil on Friday, killing all four people on board.

The plane, a Piper JetProp DLX, had taken off from the Criciuma Diomicio Freitas Airport in Capao da Canoa, southeastern Brazil at around 10.40am on Friday.

But the six-seater jet clipped a pole at the end of the runway and crashed shortly after.

CCTV images showed the plane crashing into the restaurant with its nose pointing upwards, before exploding into flames.

Pilot Nelio Pessanham and his partner Renan Saes died in the crash.

Two more passengers - Deborah Belanda Ortolani and Luis Antonio Ortolani, who worked as event management executives - were also killed.

The fire department said all four died at the scene and there were no other casualties.

In the footage a person appeared to be near the impact site but ran away as the plane crashed.

The plane could be seen coming down on CCTV footage from near the impact site

Its nose was angled upwards as it fell towards the ground and headed for the restaurant

On impact there was an explosion of flames and thick black smoke which rose into the air

Images posted on X showed the restaurant - which was closed at the time of the crash - on fire

The burnt out remains of the restaurant were attended by emergency services but all four passengers in the jet were killed

The restaurant hit by the plane was closed at the time.

A spokesman said: 'The accident happened around 10:40 AM on Avenida Valdomiro Candido dos Reis, a residential area of the city.

'Traffic was blocked in the surrounding area. The fire was brought under control.

'In addition to the Fire Department and Military Police, teams from the city hall and CEEE electricity company provided support at the scene.'

It comes as at least three people were killed earlier this week in the central Mexican state of Puebla when a small aircraft crashed.

The plane crashed on Thursday within minutes of taking off - three people died at the scene while a fourth was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
A pair of Chinese-American siblings accused of trying to bomb a US Air Force base were born in the United States to parents living in the country illegally.

Alen and Ann Mary Zheng's parents Qiu Qin Zou and Jia Zhang Zheng are failed asylum seekers who have been living in the US illegally since 1998, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said.

The pair first entered the US from China in 1993, but their attempt to claim asylum was turned down.

They were arrested in Tampa, Florida, on March 18, eight days after their children allegedly tried to bomb MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

Son Alen, 20, is accused of planting the device and is believed to have fled to China.

His sister Ann Mary Zheng, 27, is accused of being an accessory to her brother's crimes and of tampering with evidence.

Alen Zheng, 20, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly placing an explosive device outside MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa on March 10, before authorities believe he fled to China.

Ann Mary Zheng, 27, has been charged with evidence tampering and accessory in connection with a bomb plot targeting a Florida Air Force Base

The silbings' parents, pictured above, are accused of entering the US illegally in 1993

His sister, Ann Mary Zheng, 27, has been charged with evidence tampering and being an accessory to her brother's alleged crimes.

She was arrested on March 17 after returning to the United States from China via Detroit.

Ann Mary also fled after the alleged bomb plot, but was arrested on March 17 when she returned to the US. Authorities believe Alen is still in China.

The siblings' parents tried to reopen their asylum case multiple times while living in the United States, DHS officials told Fox News.

They did not say why their applications had been refused.

Alen and Ann Mary were born in the US and are legal citizens. However, their status may be threatened as the Trump administration lobbies to remove birthright citizenship.

The federal government has now pointed to the case as justification for its crusade against birthright.

Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement that the case underscores the 'severe national security threat' that illegal immigration and birthright poses to US citizens.

Ann Mary and her brother Alen Zheng, who has not been pictured, have been accused of planting a defective bomb at the MacDill Air Force Base. Authorities are pictured above after the threat on March 18

Ann Mary allegedly fled the country to China with her brother after placing the bomb. She is pictured above during her arrest after she returned to the US

President Trump is currently trying to end the rule which automatically grants children born in the US to illegal immigrant parents American citizenship.

'Automatically granting citizenship to children of illegal aliens born in the U.S. is based on a historically inaccurate interpretation of the Citizenship Clause and poses a major national security risk,' she argued.

'That reality became apparent last week when two US-born children of Chinese illegal aliens were indicted for planting a potentially deadly explosive device outside MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.'

It's unclear whether Qiu Qin and Jia Zhang have been living in Florida since entering the US. DHS said the couple is currently in ICE custody, but did not disclose the exact detention center.

Their daughter remains in jail until her trial, while their son is still on the run abroad. Assistant US Attorney Lauren Stoia argued there is a 'substantial risk' that she would flee if she were granted bail.

'She took all of these steps to get her brother to a place without an extradition treaty with the United States,' Stoia said. 'I think the question is, what is the defendant's freedom worth to her?'

Ann Mary was also accused in court of using ChatGPT to ask questions related to her brother's vehicle allegedly connected to the crime

Questions have been raised over why the bomb went undiscovered for six days. Tampa Police Department officers are pictured after the arrests above

Ann Mary appeared in court on Tuesday. Prosecutors revealed during the hearing that they believe she asked ChatGPT damning questions about how to obtain a Chinese visa the day after the alleged bombing plot, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Prosecutors said she also asked the bot to explain how to transfer ownership of properties in her brother's name, and Googled Chinese schools he could attend.

The day after they allegedly planted the bomb, prosecutors said Ann Mary asked ChatGPT: 'Is there a way to track a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350?'

According to her indictment, Ann Mary has been accused of 'corruptly' altering, destroying and mutilating her brother's 2010 black Mercedes-Benz GLK 350.

If convicted, Ann Mary faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. She has also been ordered to forfeit $5,000, according to the US Attorney's Office.

US Attorney Greg Kehoe added in a news conference last week that agents discovered bomb components when they searched the siblings' residence in Land O' Lakes.

Ann Mary is in custody following her arrest and appeared in court on Tuesday. She is pictured above with officials

They also found Alen's SUV, which had been cleaned and sold but still had traces of explosives inside, according to Kehoe.

MacDill Air Force Base serves as a critical military headquarters. The bomb was reported through a 911 call, but went undetected for six days until an airman made the chilling discovery.

The delay in its discovery has raised questions over the base's security, given the base's role in plans involving the war in Iran.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Ann Mary's representation for comment.
A man has been charged with murder after the body of a missing Melbourne mother was found near a major freeway.

Eva Lasrini, 53, was reported missing to police on Thursday after she failed to board a scheduled flight to Bali to visit her daughter.

The Dandenong woman was last seen around noon on Wednesday.

Her phone was later switched off and Ms Lasrini did not respond to calls or messages from her family, which was out of character.

Police deemed the circumstances of her disappearance as suspicious and launched an investigation.

Following inquiries, Missing Person Squad officers arrested a 67-year-old man at Melbourne Airport on Friday afternoon shortly before he boarded an international flight.

Detectives found a woman's body near the intersection of Little River Road and the Princes Freeway at Little River, south-west of Melbourne, on Saturday afternoon.

The body is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be of Ms Lasrini.

Eva Lasrini was reported missing to police after she failed to board a scheduled flight to Bali to visit her daughter

Ms Lasrini's body was found 80km from her Dandenong home

A man was charged with murder after Ms Lasrini's body was found near the intersection of Little River Road and the Princes Freeway (pictured) in Little River

Major crime officers spent much of the night examining the scene.

A Patterson Lakes man, 67, was later charged with one count of murder.

He was remanded in custody to appear in court on Sunday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been accused of admitting that former President Joe Biden suffered a severe cognitive decline while in office.

On Thursday, the liberal's press office took to X to post photos of prominent Democratic figures, including Biden, Barack Obama, and Kamala Harris.

Alongside the photo of Biden, it read: 'RT [retweet] if you miss having a President with empathy.'

Alongside the photo of Obama, it read: 'RT if you miss having a President with a functioning brain.'

X users were quick to wonder if the striking contrast was deliberate, and if it hinted that Newsom, who was a close confidante to Biden, was admitting the 83-year-old did not have the capacity of Obama.

'The implication here is so funny I can't even think of a joke,' one wrote.

'They knew what they were doing. Lmao,' another wrote.

Another posted a reply in the same style as the press team did with a photo of Newsom.

Gavin Newsom is receiving heat after his press office posted photos of prominent Democrats and giving them superlatives

His press office said Barack Obama has a 'functioning brain,' while Joe Biden had 'empathy'

The caption read: 'If you want someone that has neither and supports fraud.'

A GOP account replied with a screenshot of an earlier tweet from Newsom's press office showing Biden on a bike with the caption: 'Happy birthday, President @JoeBiden! We miss having a president who has physical stamina - and a functioning brain.'

Newsom's office replied: 'Yes. Thank you for reposting some of our best tweets?'

The Daily Mail has contacted Newsom's office for comment.

It is unclear if Newsom meant the implication. He also posted Harris, writing: 'RT if you miss having a Vice President who was respected around the world.'

He also called former President George W. Bush the 'smartest Republican President of the new millennium,' seemingly taking a swipe at conservative President Donald Trump.

There was plenty of chatter during Biden's presidency about his cognitive health as he was often seen tripping up the steps of Air Force One and suffering multiple senior moments on stage.

Infamously, Biden repeatedly lost his train of thought during a June 2024 debate with Donald Trump, with that shocking televised appearance ultimately ending his reelection campaign.

Rumors flew even more after Biden's doctor refused to run a cognitive test on him, an October 2025 Congressional report found. Biden was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in May 2025 and continues to receive treatment.

Many were quick to wonder if Newsom was confirming that Biden was experiencing cognitive decline - a constant question during his presidency

During the 2024 election cycle, Trump demanded Biden undergo a test.

The Republican has claimed to have no cognitive decline, even saying this year that he was the 'only president that ever took a cognitive test.'

'I took it three times. Its actually a very hard test for a lot of people. It wasnt hard for me,' he said.

Trump had taken the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which is a mild cognitive test that takes 10 to 15 minutes.

In more recent months, Trump has drawn many questions regarding the bruising on his hand and the rash on his neck.

Last month, the skin behind his right ear appeared scabbed and flaking and visible to cameras as he attended a White House veterans event.

His doctor said it was a 'preventative skin treatment' and the redness would last a few weeks.

The President, 79, has come under increasing scrutiny after he revealed last year that he easily bruises and bleeds, with photos often showing a blob of makeup covering the back of his hands.

Newsom's office also posted about Kamala Harris and George W. Bush

Biden's health was questioned after he was seen tripping up stairs and appearing confused on stage throughout his presidency

Newsom and Biden are close confidantes and have attended several things together

President Donald Trump's health has also been questioned, as he appears to have bruising on his hand often

Trump attributes bruising and cuts to a high aspirin dose and the relentless handshaking that comes with the job.

He was diagnosed last summer with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition caused by damaged leg veins that impairs blood flow back to the heart and can produce swelling in the legs and ankles.

Trump has also faced questions about his energy levels after he was spotted with his eyes closed during meetings.

'They're boring as hell,' Trump told New York magazine in January.

'I'm going around a room, and I've got 28 guys  the last one was three and a half hours,' Trump said of his cabinet meetings.

'I have to sit back and listen, and I move my hand so that people will know I'm listening. I'm hearing every word, and I can't wait to get out.'

Some aides say they have to raise their voices in meetings, citing his declining hearing.
The under-fire sheriff leading the probe into Nancy Guthrie's abduction once tried to bring a loaded gun through an airport security checkpoint - and received special treatment when he was caught, it is claimed.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos' brush with Transport Security Administration (TSA) officials was allegedly spotted by Arizona conservative Cory Stephens at Tucson Airport in November 2024.

Stephens, president of the Conservative Coalition of America, says Nanos, who is a Democrat, avoided the usual fine of up to $17,000 or even an arrest for failing to declare a firearm before approaching the security checkpoint.

'If a private citizen had encountered that at the airport, the consequences would have been greater,' Stephens told Fox News Digital.

'As a law enforcement officer, he should know the TSA rules, how to declare a weapon, secure it and follow the same rules as everyone else,' she added.

While protocol requires TSA to verify with the individuals agency, active-duty personnel are typically allowed to fly with their weapons.

'We as citizens want answers,' Stephens said. 'The safety of our community is at stake.'

Nanos has been accused of botching the hunt for 84-year-old Nancy, the mother of NBC Today star Savannah, who was taken from her home in Tucson on February 1.

Cory Stephens, president of the Conservative Coalition of America, accused Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos of receiving special treatment after he brought a loaded gun through TSA

Nanos is facing criticism over claims he mishandled the search into Savannah Guthrie's missing 84-year-old mother, Nancy

On November 6, 2024, TSA discovered that Nanos' carry-on bag held a gun with five live rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber

Stephens' claims appeared to be backed by an incident report obtained by Fox News, which showed a TSA X-ray detected the weapon in the sheriff's bag.

On November 6, 2024, while clearing security in Lane 1 at Tucson International Airport's B concourse before a flight, TSA technician Ricardo Chavarria spotted a firearm in Nanos' carry-on and called over an officer, according to the report.

The responding officer, Derek Tyra, stepped aside because of a 'conflict of interest' and handed the case off to another officer.

Nanos was moved to a private screening room and asked to reveal the location of his gun, which he said was stashed in a large zippered pocket.

The officer, identified in the report as Sgt. Smith, discovered five live rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber before rendering the firearm safe.

'The firearm was in a hard plastic holster,' Smith wrote. 'The firearm was not artfully or purposely concealed.'

Nanos, a man with no active warrants, was read his Miranda rights prior to the officer notifying his superiors, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI about the 'Glock.'

The sheriff was then escorted off the concourse, placed the gun back in his car and was rebooked on a later flight after missing his original departure, according to the document.

Stephens claimed that Nanos avoided penalties faced by ordinary citizens and reported the incident days later

The incident unfolded while Nanos went through security in Lane 1 at Tucson International Airport's B concourse

According to an incident report obtained by Fox News, Nanos was escorted off the concourse to store the gun in his car before being rebooked on a later flight

Though the situation appeared resolved, retired FBI agent James Gagliano told Fox News that he found the incident surprising, as standard procedure exists for law enforcement personnel to fly with a weapon legally.

'You declare yourself as a law enforcement officer ahead of time,' he told the outlet.

This latest revelation is the newest allegation to surface against Nanos amid the stalled, high-profile search for the NBC Today show hosts mother.

Two months on from the abduction at Nancy's $1m Catalina Hills home, no-one has been arrested or named as a suspect.

'We have information that we need as an electorate to know who were voting into office,' Stephens told Fox. 'We need all the information that we could possibly have to put the right people into office.'

Just last month, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to require the sheriff to submit a sworn statement in response to new concerns about his past, according to public records.

The move is part of an effort that could result in Nanos being removed from office, the Arizona Daily Star reported.

Citing a report by The Arizona Republic that found Nanos misrepresented his previous work experience, Pima County Supervisor Matt Heinz requested a discussion of his history at the meeting.

The airport officer notified Nanos' superiors, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI about the discovery

Authorities have yet to name any suspects or make an arrest two months after Nancy was abducted from her $1 million Tucson home

The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to require Nanos to submit a sworn statement in response to concerns about his past

While the sheriff's resume claimed he served at the El Paso Police Department until 1984, newspaper records show he actually left in 1982 after facing a series of suspensions.

The outlet also found that in a December 2025 deposition, Nanos testified he had never been suspended at work, despite what the newly uncovered records revealed.

Nanos allegedly provided false reasons for leaving the El Paso Police Department when applying to Pima County, according to the sheriffs department labor union, the Pima County Deputys Organization.

'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.'

He is also accused of retaliating against a political rival who ran for sheriff at the same time by placing her 'on paid administrative leave for political gain.'

The Arizona law requiring Nanos to address the allegations states that if he does not comply, he could be 'removed from office by the board and the office declared vacant. The board may then fill the vacancy.'

The Pima County Sheriff's Office told KOLD that Nanos intends to comply with the request.
A billionaire art dealer must return an Amedeo Modigliani painting to the estate of a Jewish man who was robbed of it during the Nazi occupation of France.

The 1918 oil portrait, which depicts a chocolate merchant in a hat and tie, was once valued at around $25 million, according to The New York Times.

On Friday, New York Supreme Court Judge Joel M. Cohen said the work known as 'Seated Man With a Cane' originally belonged to Oscar Stettiner, an antiques dealer who had a shop in Paris.

He ordered billionaire David Nahmad, whose holding company now owns the painting, to return the art work.

'Oscar Stettiner owned or at a minimum had a superior right of possession of the painting prior to its unlawful seizure,' Cohen said.

Decades after the Nazis seized the painting and sold it to an unknown buyer, it emerged again at an auction in 1996.

Nahmad's firm International Art Center, bought the work at the auction and has kept it in Switzerland ever since.

The Nahmad family has been in the art business for generations and long resisted the effort by Stettiner's estate to recover the painting.

Stettiner himself had brought a legal claim to court in 1946 after World War II ended. A French court ruled in his favor and ordered the painting be returned to him, but it had already been sold to a man who no longer had it in his possession.

Pictured: 'Seated Man With a Cane', a 1918 work by Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani

Oscar Stettiner, a Jewish art dealer, owned the painting. It was confiscated from his Paris shop by the Nazis. His descendants won a court battle this week to get the work returned to his estate

Stettiner died in 1948, never having recovered the painting.

The lawsuit against Nahmad and his holding company was filed in 2015 by Stettiners grandson, Philippe Maestracci. Also involved in the suit was Mondex, a company that specializes in recovering stolen art.

'Our client, Mr. Maestracci, is overwhelmed with joy and the satisfaction that after so many years the quest of his grandfather has finally been fulfilled,' James Palmer, Mondex's founder, told The Times.

'We now look forward to Mr. Nahmad to abide by his promise to return the painting upon receiving the order of the court, which today he has now received,' Palmer added.

A lawyer for the Stettiner estate, Phillip Landrigan, accused Nahmad and his lawyers of dragging out litigation in hopes that 'the heir would be forced to give up'.

For years, the case was largely focused on whether Nahmad was even connected to International Art Center, the company that bought the painting 30 years ago. Eventually, Nahmad conceded he ran the company.

In interviews, Nahmad defended himself by saying he had loaned the painting out to several museums, including the Jewish Museum in Manhattan in 2004.

Billionaire David Nahmad (pictured with his son Joseph and wife Collette) bought the painting in 1996 from a Christie's art auction. Nahmad was ordered by the judge to hand it over

Modigliani spent his adulthood in Paris, where he painted portraits and nudes in a surreal style. He was also a sculptor

'If you had any doubt about looted art, would you really lend it to a Jewish museum?' Nahmad told The Times in 2016.

Even though the Stettiner family had been misled about where the painting was for 50 years, Judge Cohen said, the Nahmad family was not at fault for that. Nahmad bought the work through Christie's.

The judge said he found the evidence tying Stettiner to the painting were compelling. Records showed he lent the work for a 1930 exhibition in Venice.

'The evidence shows a straightforward and persuasive chain of ownership/right of possession flowing directly from Mr. Stettiner to Nazi seizure to a forced sale,' the judge said.

Modigliani, who painted the work Stettiner's family just recovered, was born in Northern Italy to a Sephardic Jewish family in 1884.

In 1906, he moved to Paris, where he began his career. He was a painter and a sculptor, becoming well known for his portraits and nudes that depicted people with surreal proportions.

His work was considered scandalous and controversial while he was alive but later saw great acclaim after his death in 1920. He died at age 35 of meningitis caused by a tuberculosis infection.

In 2015, one of his nude portraits, 'Nu couche', sold at a Christie's auction in New York City for $170.4 million, making it one of the most expensive painting ever sold.
A Muslim man argued he had First Amendment rights to call a Jewish family 'dirty people' at a Miami Beach park, prosecutors said.

Ahmad Zeeshan, 32, was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly approached a Jewish family at Stillwater Park and shouted anti-Semitic slurs at them, NBC Miami reported.

'Are you guys Jewish?' he allegedly asked, according to Local 10 News. After confirmation, he allegedly yelled: 'Get the f**k out of here, you f**king dirty people.'

Zeeshan then allegedly threatened to attack the father, an arrest report said.

The father allegedly pulled a gun out after feeling his and his children's safety was being threatened, the outlet reported. He allegedly asked Zeeshan to get away from them multiple times before pulling out the weapon, CBS reported.

A woman at the park allegedly asked the Jewish family to stand behind her as she was also disturbed by Zeeshan's behavior.

The father allegedly asked her to film the encounter and to call the police. Zeeshan also began to film, before he left the park in a car, according to Local 10 News.

Both men called police, with Zeeshan saying the Jewish father had threatened him with a gun, while the dad said the man had berated him with anti-Semitic slurs.

Ahmad Zeeshan, 32, was arrested on Thursday after berating a Jewish family in Stillwater Park in Miami Beach

While being arrested, he told police he had a First Amendment right to call the Jewish family 'dirty people' and that he 'does not like Jews'

While being arrested, the Muslim man told police he had a First Amendment right and that he 'does not like Jews,' Local 10 News reported.

'For what reason?' Zeeshan asked police as they put in him cuffs, bodycam footage showed.

Officers noted in their report that Zeeshan appeared to be suffering from a mental episode, NBC Miami reported.

The Muslim man allegedly told police he had stage four cancer and 'likely would not be alive in a few months,' Local 10 News reported.

The man was taken to Miami-Dade County Jail, where he remains after a judge issued a $5,000 bond.

'The alleged behavior is disgusting,' Judge Antonio Arzola said during the hearing.

Zeeshan was charged with assault motivated by prejudice. He has no prior criminal history.

Zeeshan was arrested and charged with assault motivated by prejudice

The Jewish father pulled a gun on Zeeshan at the park after asking him to back up. The Jewish father was not arrested

The Jewish father, whose children are five and seven, is not facing any charges.

Christopher Bess, a Miami Beach Police spokesperson, said: 'The moment you threaten to physically attack someone, the moment you convey anti-Semitic slurs in front of kids and charge someone, you're breaking the law, and we made an arrest.'
Officers of the SBUs Main Directorate in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, together with comrades from the first Separate Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraines Unmanned Systems Forces, have struck Alchevsk iron and steel works for the second time in a month  one of the key industrial facilities used by the occupiers to support their military production.

The plants products are supplied to Russias Uralvagonzavod, where military equipment for the Russian army is manufactured, including T-90M Proryv tanks and Msta-S howitzers.

According to the SBU on Telegram on Saturday, after identifying the location of the plants critical production facilities, drone strikes were carried out using FP-2 drones made by Fire Point.

As a result of the strike, blast furnaces, key production workshops, distillation columns, gas pipelines and electrical substations supporting the plants operations were damaged. Due to the damage inflicted, the plant has suspended operations.
Police have made a new arrest over an 'arson attack' in Golders Green that saw four Jewish community ambulances set alight.

The man was arrested at Westminster Magistrates Court this morning while attending the hearing of three suspects on trial for the incident, the Met Police have said.

Police officers took him into custody for arson with intent to endanger life as officers suspected he was involved in the attack in the early hours of March 23.

Emma Harraway, prosecuting, announced the arrest during the hearing earlier today.

It comes after two men and one youth appeared at court today facing charges in relation to the incident outside a synagogue in north-west London last week.

Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, both British nationals from Leyton, and a 17-year-old boy of dual British-Pakistani nationality, from Walthamstow, were arrested at different locations in east London on Wednesday.

Iqbal and Khan, who is a college student, were remanded in custody after being charged on Friday with arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also arrested and charged with the same offence.

Iqbal and Khan appeared at court wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit and spoke only to confirm their name, date of birth and address.

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

Hamza Iqbal (left) and Rehan Khan (right) appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today charged with arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered

As Iqbal was taken to the cells, a member of the public gallery said: 'Take care son, yeah.'

The 17-year-old boy was remanded into youth detention accommodation after appearing in court.

The accused, who were arrested as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation, did not enter pleas.

'There is significant evidence that this was a premeditated and targeted attack against the Jewish community,' Ms Harraway told the court.

The motivation behind the alleged attack, which 'specifically targeted' the ambulances, is not yet known, the court heard.

The incident in north-west London saw vehicles set alight in the early hours of last Monday outside a synagogue in a suspected anti-Semitic hate crime, resulting in 1million worth of damage, Westminster Magistrates Court heard.

The firebombing caused gas canisters in the ambulances, from the volunteer-led service Hatzola, to explode.

Two men aged 45 and 47 were arrested in connection with the incident and have since been released on bail until late April.

The two British nationals were held by counter terrorism detectives at addresses in north-west London and central London, on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The incident was not 'at this stage' declared as terrorism, police said earlier this week, however, due to 'the circumstances of the incident', counter terror detectives have been leading the probe

Pictured: Three hooded suspects approach the vehicles before they are set alight

It caused gas canisters stored in the vehicles (pictured, in the aftermath) to explode

The three defendants are set to appear at the Old Bailey on April 24.

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.'

She had 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.

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

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.

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.'
Former RAF pilot John Peters who was captured during the Gulf War in 1991 after his plane was shot down says it is a game of cat and mouse as the Iranians hunt for the missing US airman after downing a US jet.

Speaking about his own ordeal in detail as the US bid to find their airman before Iran do, Mr Peters, who was held alongside fellow airman John Nichol for seven weeks during the first Gulf War during which time both men were tortured and paraded on Iraqi television, said the transition was shocking when they were forced to eject from their plane and a position of power in the air.

You land in enemy territory. You have just gone through an extreme event where youve been shot out of the sky and you have just ejected.

I had ejected at 320 feet so I was only on my parachute for ten seconds. You are then on the ground. We had gone from a position of power in the air  involved in this huge air power - like this poor American crew would have done - to literally just John and I being two little pink bodies in the desert.

The transition is just shocking. The first thing we did was to giggle which was really pathetic actually thinking what the hell do we do now?.

Describing the dramatic moment their plane was hit and they were engulfed in an orange doughnut of flames and his thoughts in the cockpit as they prepared to eject, he said: It is defined by the moment  when we got hit by the missile, the aircraft rotated a couple of times and we were only 50-60 feet above the ground doing about 500 or 600 knots at the time and then you have to deal with the anti-aircraft guns.

Basically, it is a trained response and you are trying to solve problems but I couldnt see the back of the aircraft.

'It was completely orange flame and was about a 15 feet doughnut around my plane  I couldnt see the aircrafts right hand wing - then you click into a trained response and I know this sounds boring but this is why we are trained so much so you realise that you now have to eject because this aircraft is going to disintegrate around us so you then go through the checks to eject and that is when you eject.

Former RAF pilot John Peters (pictured) was captured during the Gulf War in 1991 after his plane was shot down

Peters (pictured) recalled today how he and his airman John Nichol were held for seven weeks, during which time both men were tortured and paraded on Iraqi TV

That is the first time you will have done it because you never eject in practice but you have complete faith that you pull that handle and you will be out of the aircraft and that is how it is.

Recalling the initial shock on the ground they experienced and what the US crew would have gone through when their plane was shot down, he said: You then literally because of your training put the next cassette in as it were and think we now need to evade and that is exactly what that American crew will be doing now.

Speaking on Sky News, Mr Peters suggested what would now be going through the minds of the remaining US airman still in Iran following the safe retrieval of his or her colleague.

Much of it will the training and I wont go into what we were taught but the sophistication will have increased but it will have increased on both sides so the stakes are the same really and it is a game of cat and mouse.

'The US has got to find their colleague and they will have combat search and rescue squadrons who will do that and plan how to get that person out as - as you can imagine - the Iranians will be saturating the area as best they can because this is now a political game because that gives them huge leverage.'

Describing his subsequent dramatic capture in 1991 when he narrowly avoided being shot in a hail of gunfire, Mr Peters said: 'I was on the ground and a bit dazed and John landed about 100 metres away and wandered across, picked up the parachute and said "this will be the Iraqi desert then".

Thats why we giggled. It was beyond pathetic actually but thats when you click in and we started to make our plans of what we going to do.

'We were on the ground for about two hours when about 20 Iraqi soldiers found us and they are just spread out in front of you with about 20 Kalashnikov machine guns and we have two little pistols.

Pictured: former RAF pilot John Nichols, who shot down alongside Peters in 1991

Pictured: a photo which emerged on Friday of an ejection seat following the downing of a US fighter jet. The whereabouts or status of the crew currently remains unknown

Detailing how they then opened fire, he said: We were lying in the sand with nothing to hide behind and the very first bullet landed just inches from my head and then that was followed up by hundreds of bullets as we were then basically buried in the sand by machine gun fire and eventually they got to us and we were trying to give ourselves up but they were scared of us as well  and they beat us up.

Asked about the chances of the US finding their downed airman, the former RAF pilot said it was now a game of probability and cat and mouse and all the pressure was now on the individual, and if he was captured it was playing with fate for any prisoner of war.

But praising the USs capabilities at potentially finding the missing airman, he said: The Americans are unbelievably good at combat search and rescue and have huge resources behind it because a downed air crew member gives political leverage but for the Iranians  its their land and they know their land  that is a very contained moment in a very constricted place however big the country is.

You are going from a world event down to an individual event and that is a pressure that that individual has now.

Talking about how he became a household name when he was released and returned to the UK, he gave a stark warning about the impact of war and even called himself a moral obscenity.

He explained: I reinforce every worst stereotype of war. I came back and was feted and I had friends who died in war and from my perspective no one ever talks about the minimum 100,000 Iraqis who died in war.

'War is not to be entered lightly and individuals suffer for it and countries suffer for it.'

He added: I am very aware because back in the day we didnt have social media so it was the first live televised war so I cant really escape this image, and here I am talking 35 years later about an event in my life and I am still asked to go on television.

Surprisingly, Mr Peters said he had not suffered long-lasting effects from his traumatic ordeal, revealing: I have not lost one wink of sleep from my prisoner of war experience.

And he added: My only thought at the moment is for that current aircrew member because they will be very aware of what they need to do and will put their training to good use and hopefully will be extracted and I am also thinking about their family.

Recalling his own familys experience when he was captured, he said: For me, I had Helen, my wife, and our two children  at the time two and my daughter was six weeks old when I went to war because you are that age when you are aircrew.

My thoughts are now with the individual and the squadron members because it certainly affects your friends within the air force and their families. As a prisoner of war you are then just playing with fate.
A teenage boy has been rushed to hospital after he was stabbed in Sydneys south-west.

Emergency services were called to Argyle Street in Camden about 8.10pm on Saturday following reports of a stabbing.

A 16-year-old boy was treated at the scene by paramedics for a stab wound to his chest.

He was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition.

Detectives launched an investigation into the incident and spent much of the night at the scene.

The exact location of where the boy was injured is yet to be determined.

No arrests or charges have been made at this stage.

Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact Camden police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A New Zealand-born Corgi has won the fifth edition of a race originally held to celebrate the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Since 2022 corgis, a breed beloved by Queen Elizabeth II, have raced in a 70-metre dash held in Musselburgh, Scotland.

This year Islay - owned by Carolyne Ricardo - took home the fifth 'Corgi Derby' trophy after beating off the competition of 14 others.

More than 50 dogs had entered so a ballot was held to decide the participants, which included former champions Georgie Rumbles and Rodney, winners in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Ever-present contenders Toffee and Pippin maintained their record of having competed in every race so far.

Islay also beat last year's winner Juno, whose training included chasing seagulls near Portobello Beach, according to the race organisers.

Other Flat racing on the day included the Scottish Spring Cup, the Queen's Cup and the introduction of the new Goliath Cup, formerly the Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham.

Aisling Johnson, head of marketing at Musselburgh Racecourse, said the Corgi Derby had become 'something of a runaway hit' which began as 'a bit of fun' but had 'grown into a real highlight' of the weekend.

On your barks!

Corgis raced in the fifth Derby held at Musselburgh Racecourse, originally to mark the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022

The corgis posed with their owners before the race began, each wearing a covering marked with a number

Some 15 corgis took part but around 50 applied, so a ballot was held to decide the final lineup

The dogs paraded with their owners in the paddock before the race began

Islay, originally from New Zealand, paraded with owner Carolyne Ricardo, who sported a 'Run fast, Nap hard' t-shirt

The race was hard-fought, with the corgis battling to reach the finish line

The field of 15 dogs were watched closly by their owners from the start line

Islay crossed the finish line before the rest to pick up her first Corgi Derby title

Posing with her trophy, Islay was celebrated at Musselburgh Racecourse

Islay's owner joined her as they picked up the trophy and a hamper of prizes

The victorious corgi looked triumphant as she attended the prize-giving

The Derby's programme detailed the dogs in the field for spectators

Islay was paraded for the media after her win, even getting the chance to speak into an Edinburgh Reporter microphone
Two young children were left orphaned after their parents' car crossed the center line on a major highway and crashed into an empty grain truck.

Harry Spruill, 42, and his wife, Whitney Spruill, 37, were traveling down Highway 32 in North Carolina with their infant when their Ford passenger car collided with an empty grain truck heading in the opposite direction, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

The devastating crash occurred just before noon on April 1. Authorities said the couple's child was taken to a hospital in Greenville with non-life-threatening injuries.

However, the baby's parents were tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck was not injured.

The couple's family said they left behind their two children: the baby in the vehicle, Benjamin, and a kindergartener named Rosie.

It's unclear what transpired before the accident and why the family's car crossed the center line. The Daily Mail has reached out to the NCHP for more information.

'In a single moment, this familys entire world was turned upside down,' a family friend wrote in the description of an online fundraiser.

'No family should ever have to go through something like this, especially not two children who now have to grow up without their mom and dad.'

Two young children, a kindergartener named Rosie and a baby named Benjamin, pictured above, have been left orphaned after their parents were killed in a car crash on April 1

Whitney Spruill, 37 (left), and Harry Spruill, 42 (right), died after their vehicle slammed into an empty grain truck on a North Carolina highway. The two are pictured above with their daughter in a social media post shared on May 11, 2025

Harry and Whitney were remembered by family members as loving parents to their two young children. The family is pictured together in a social media post shared on August 5, 2025

The family said the two young children will now be in the care of Whitney's brother, Adam Swain.

Swain shared a tribute to his sister and brother-in-law online, adding it was 'hard to put into words just how devastating' the tragedy was for their family.

'My sister, Whitney Swain Spruill, was a pure innocent soul who loved so deeply. She loved Jesus with all her heart and that love was apparent to everyone who was lucky enough to know her,' he wrote.

'Harry was a good man who worked hard for his family and Lord knows he loved my sister and was so good to her.'

Harry and Whitney lived in North Carolina with their two children. Whitney's brother said in a tribute post that faith was important to them. The couple is pictured above in a social media post

A family friend has set up a GoFundMe to help Whitney's brother with funeral costs and childcare expenses. The couple are pictured above with their daughter

Swain added that the couple were great parents, and he vowed to do his best to care for the children after their deaths.

Whitney's last post on her Facebook account was a picture of her newborn baby in November.

Harry shared a heartwarming post on social media last May, wishing his wife a happy Mother's Day and praising her as an 'amazing' mom to their daughter, Rosie.

A family friend has set up a GoFundMe for the Swains to help with funeral costs and additional expenses that come with raising two children.
A nine-year-old boy died in an ATV accident while riding up a 'modest' hill on a Utah mountain with his father.

Kolton 'Kolt' Rawlinson and his father, Hyrum, were traversing up an 'average' hill on West Mountain in Utah on Sunday, when their ATV crashed and rolled.

The crash happened on a popular road where many in the community went out on ATV rides, his family told KSL. The beloved nine-year-old was wearing protective gear.

Rawlinson was left 'mortally injured' after the attack, the Utah County Sheriff's Office said.

The young boy was life-flighted to Primary Children's Hospital in Lehi, where he was pronounced dead, just a few months shy of his 10th birthday, his family said.

'We don't know how to move forward without him,' they said in a statement.

The Rawlinson family took comfort that his final moments were a 'father and son doing something they absolutely loved together.'

Rawlinson loved being outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing, and was constantly 'finding mud puddles, running bases, or getting into some type of trouble,' his obituary said.

Kolton 'Kolt' Rawlinson, nine, died on Sunday after he and his father, Hyram, got into an ATV crash on West Mountain in Utah

The family said his death was unbearable and they didn't know how to move on, but they took comfort in his final moments being him doing something he loved

'The outdoors was Kolts second favorite place, only beaten by being anywhere with his dad.'

His family remembered him as being a prankster, who was 'always laughing,' and that he had the ability to 'make anything more fun just by showing up,' they told KSL.

'Once you became infected with one of his giant smiles, you were instantly loved by him,' his obituary read.

'He was the sweetest, bravest, most hilarious kid - the kind of boy who could make you laugh until you cried and then turn around and melt your heart. He was a joy to be around, and the hole he leaves behind is immeasurable. He will be forever missed,' his obituary read.

Rawlinson was born on July 24, 2016, and he and his old sister Kennedie lived with their grandparents for the first six months of his life, his obituary said.

'Over the next nine years, day by day and year by year, Mom and Dad beat every battle and every demon to be the best parents to Kolt and Kennedie,' it read.

Rawlinson and his father were quite close, and the boy considered his dad his 'hero.'

And like most younger brothers, Rawlinson made sure to be a 'thorn in his sister's side,' his obituary said.

They were traversing an 'average' hill on a popular road for ATVs on the mountain, the family said

The family remembers the boy as loving the outdoors and being a prankster

Rawinson loved his sister, Kennedie, and his dogs, who he considered his 'babies'

'Yet, he loved her deeper than she knew possible.'

The boy also loved his dogs more than video games, the family said, and he 'wasn't shy about letting you know those were his babies.'

Rawinson was laid to rest on Saturday.
Two Cabinet members in the Trump administration are reportedly on thin ice after the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday.

President Donald Trump has considered replacing Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to two White House officials who spoke to The Washington Post.

Chavez-DeRemer, a former GOP congresswoman from Oregon, is facing accusations she had an affair with her bodyguard. She and the bodyguard, Brian Sloan, allegedly went to Las Vegas together.

DeRemer is married to Shawn DeRemer, who himself was banned from the Labor Department's building after he allegedly touched two staffers inappropriately.

DeRemer has denied the affair with Sloan, who resigned from his position two weeks ago.

However, she has also been accused of drinking in her office, taking her staff to a strip club and using taxpayer dollars to finance personal trips to her home state.

DeRemer has denied all allegations of impropriety and said she is cooperating with the Inspector General's investigation.

Lutnick is not at the center of any major scandal, but numerous White House aides are frustrated with his boisterous communication style and tendency to make loose, off-the-cuff remarks that at times contradict the administrations messaging, according to the Post.

After President Donald Trump's firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday, reports have emerged that two other Cabinet members could be next

Trump has discussed replacing Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who has been accused of having an affair with her former bodyguard. She denies this

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick could also be out of a job soon. White House aides are reportedly frustrated with his tendency to make loose, off-the-cuff remarks

The clearest example of Lutnick not sticking to the script was when he said in April 2025 that Trump's global tariff policies were 'not a negotiation'.

Hours after Lutnick's comments, Trump said the exact opposite: 'The tariffs give us great power to negotiate. They always have.'

As Trumps second term has progressed, he has used tariffs - and at times the mere threat of them - to extract trade concessions from other nations in exchange for carveouts.

Lutnick has also repeatedly suggested that the tariffs will being many jobs that were outsourced to other nations back to the United States quickly, despite experts consistently saying that process typically unfolds over many years.

The 64-year-old former Wall Street executive was also exposed for having closer ties to Jeffrey Epstein than he previously let on.

In late January, when the Department of Justice released millions of pages of documents from its investigative files on Epstein, it was revealed that Lutnick continued communication with the disgraced financier well after his 2008 conviction.

Lutnick was also forced to admit in front of Congress that he and his family had lunch with Epstein on his private Caribbean island, one of the main locations he sex trafficked underage girls.

Trump has not made any final personnel decisions, according to reporting from the Post and Politico.

Pictured: A group shot of Trump's Cabinet picks and other nominees two days before the inauguaration last January. De-Rener us seen bottom row, third from left, with Lutnick pictured to her immediate right

The White House has said Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is safe in her role for now

Kristi Noem, who served as the Homeland Security secretary for a little over a year, was the first major firing in Trump's second term

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was rumored to be on her way out as well, but Trump has publicly stood by her.

Gabbard has a history of criticizing 'regime-change wars' and ran for president as a Democrat in 2020 largely on a platform of non-interventionism.

She continues to brief Trump on intelligence, even as earlier this week he said Gabbard is 'a little bit different in her thought process than me' on the war in Iran.

A White House official told the Post that Gabbard is 'safe' in her role for the time being.

White House spokesperson David Ingle described Gabbard, Lutnick and Chavez-DeRemer as 'patriots' in a statement to the Daily Mail.

'DNI Gabbard, Secretary Lutnick, and Secretary Chavez-DeRemer are tirelessly implementing the Presidents agenda and achieving tremendous results for the American people. They continue to have the presidents full confidence,' Ingle said.

So far, Trump has been reluctant to make any major firings, in an effort to avoid his second term being labeled as chaotic as the first, which had one of the highest turnover rates in modern presidential history.

Among the major figures to lose their jobs in the first term were James Comey (FBI Director), Rex Tillerson (Secretary of State), Jeff Sessions (Attorney General) and John Bolton (National Security Advisor).

Anthony Scaramucci, who has gone on to become a harsh Trump critic, served as White House Communications Director for just 10 days in July 2017 before getting axed.

Kristi Noem, who served as the Homeland Security secretary for a little over a year, was the first major firing in Trump's second term.
Donald Trump has issued an ominous but misspelled threat to Iran over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

'Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!', the President wrote on his Truth Social website Saturday morning.

His post, which likely meant to use the homophone 'rain' in this context, came as tensions mount over the shipping channel, which is vital to the global oil trade.

Trump initially set the deadline to reopen the narrow waterway for late March. After Iran requested more time, he pushed it back to April 6 at 8pm ET.

If this deadline lapses, Trump has said he is willing to resume bombing Iran's energy infrastructure, which is illegal under the Geneva Convention.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham - a close Trump ally and notorious war hawk - said he backed the president's ultimatum.

'I just had a great conversation with @POTUS,' Graham wrote on X.

'I totally support his ultimatum to the Iranian regime to open up the Strait of Hormuz and to do a peace deal.

President Donald Trump issued his latest warning to Iran on Saturday morning, demanding they open the Strait of Hormuz

Pictured: An Indian ship moves through the Strait of Hormuz on April 1, 2026. Iran has set up a selective blockade, only allowing 'friendly' nations through

'A massive military operation awaits Iran if they choose poorly. This regime has been severely crippled through Operation.'

Trump's latest threat comes after he posted on Friday that if given more time, 'we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.'

Ever since the war in Iran broke out on February 28, the Strait has been a key point of contention since roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply is transported through it.

Iran has asserted control over the Strait, implementing a blockade against nations that support the American-Israeli war effort.

So far, access has been granted to ships from countries that Iran considers 'friendly', including China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan.

On Friday, a French ship became the first vessel from a Western nation to be allowed to pass through the Strait.

It came after French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Trump's saber-rattling in the Middle East and implored him to get serious about opening the Strait.

French authorities have not yet commented on the ship being allowed through, but the container vessel signaled its non-hostile status to Iran during its journey.

Trump's eagerness to get the Strait of Hormuz open comes as gasoline prices skyrocket in the United States and across the world.

According to AAA, the average gas price in the US is $4.10 per gallon, a 37 percent increase since before the war began, when it was just below $3 per gallon.

The majority of Americans feel the war in Iran has gone too far, according to a survey by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Other polls show even Republicans are increasingly souring on the latest campaign in the Middle East. Many GOP voters gave Trump a second term at least in part because of his repeated promises that he would not start new wars.

Trump gave an address to the nation on Wednesday, reiterating claims that the US has significantly degraded Iran's missile-launching capabilities.

Join the discussion What do you think are the real risks and rewards if Trump makes good on his threat to Iran?

The war in Iran began on February 28, which led to the almost immediate closure of the Strait of Hormuz (Pictured: Israeli strike on building in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 31, 2026)

Pictured: Moment the US-Israeli airstrike struck the B1 Bridge in Karaj, Iran

Shahid Beheshti University following a military strike carried out by the United States and Israel

'Their navy is gone. Their air force is gone. Their missiles are just about used up or beaten. Taken together, these actions will cripple Irans military, crush their ability to support terrorist proxies and deny them the ability to build a nuclear bomb,' Trump said.

Contrary to Trump's claims that Iran's arsenal had been severely set back, US intelligence sources told Reuters that two-thirds of Iran's missiles are intact.

And two days after Trump's speech, during which he said America's operational objectives were close to being met, a US fighter jet was shot down over Iran.

It was an F-15E fighter jet, which had two crew members onboard. They both ejected from the aircraft and one has been recovered alive. The other has not been found by search-and-rescue teams.

So far, 13 US military service members have been killed in the war and more than 300 have been wounded, according to US Central Command. No troops have been taken prisoner by Iran.

In Iran, Israeli and American airstrikes have killed more than 1,900 people, according to the country's deputy health minister.
German men of fighting age must ask the army for permission to leave the country for over three months under new rules.

A new military service scheme has been introduced by the German government, which means all men born after 2008 will have to undergo a medical exam and also answer questions about their fitness for service.

And the legislation also includes a clause where those between the ages of 17 and 45 will require a permit from the Bundeswehr, the country's military, to be able to depart from Germany for longer periods.

The new law aims to reduce the movements of men who are of fighting age in case a national crisis, such as war, erupts.

The new rule says: 'Male persons who have reached the age of 17 must obtain permission from the responsible career centre of the German armed forces if they wish to leave the Federal Republic of Germany for more than three months.'

It comes as Germany is quickly rearming and remobilising as they plan to grow its armed forces amid the possible breakdown of NATO, as well as growing threats of war with Russia.

Meanwhile, Germany's leader Friedrich Merz's overarching goal for the country it to become a major security power within Europe with the help of what he hopes will eventually be 'the strongest conventional army in Europe'.

Germany also promised to spend 3.5 per cent of the country's GDP, 153billion (133billion), by 2029 on defence as part of its aim to meet NATO's five per cent target.

German men of fighting age must ask the army for permission to leave the country for over three months under new rules (Pictured: The German military also known as the Bundeswehr)

Military service is not mandatory in Germany; however, the new law allows German politicians to conscript those between the ages of 17 and 45 later down the line if they do not meet recruitment targets.

Their law previously had a similar clause regarding exit permits for extended periods of time abroad.

At the time, the legislation said those of fighting age would only be required in the midst of a security emergency, such as war.

However, reforms on military service in January now mean men aged between 17 and 45 must tell the Bundeswehr about extended holidays or working overseas.

However, what would happen if a citizen left without obtaining a permit and how the rules will be applied are not currently known.

There was also speculation that the law was passed by mistake due to risks of the new rule placing a huge bureaucratic burden on the German military.

The German defence ministry has explained it was 'currently developing more specific regulations for granting exceptions to the approval requirement in order to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy'.

A Bundeswehr spokesperson said: 'The background and guiding principle of this regulation is to ensure a reliable and informative military register for when needed ... in case of emergency, we need to know who might be staying abroad for an extended period.
Barclays is plotting a revival of high street banking as it is set to open new branches and bring back the 'bank manager' role.

Vim Maru, chief executive of Barclays UK, said the bank wanted to spread its 'footprint' through a branch expansion - and does not want customers to get 'stuck in some chatbot' when seeking help with their banking.

The change in direction comes as online app-based accounts, including Revolut and Monzo, continue to imprint on the current-account market.

Since 2018 more than 800 Barclays branches have been axed - leaving 206 still open around the UK, according to the company's latest annual report.

Mr Maru joined Barclays in 2023 and took over UK operations of the bank in 2024, with the halt on branch closures being one of his 'early decisions' in order to prioritise personal banking.

The banker, who previously worked at Lloyds Banking Group and Santander, told The Times: 'What we're trying to do is something that allows us to differentiate in front of our customers.

'Of course we're going to be great in digital - but we're going to be there for you when you need some help and support.

'You're not going to be stuck in some chatbot trying to get out of the loop and trying to speak to someone.'

Since 2018 more than 800 Barclays branches have been axed - leaving 206 still open around the UK, according to the company's latest annual report

The chief executive noted 'physical presence' is still 'valued' by customers, as he dismissed claims the branches were closed too quickly.

He added: 'The branch manager or bank manager is back. Most customers come in and they want to talk to the bank manager from time to time.'

Mr Maru at the head of the effort by CS Venkatakrishnan, who is the Barclays chief executive, to have invested 30billion more in the UK from 2024 to this year.

This includes investment in AI to quicken the work and 'maximise our colleages' time talking to customers'.

Banks and building societies have closed 6,214 branches since January 2015, at a rate of around 53 each month, according to consumer champion Which?

Lloyds Banking Group announced its plans to close 136 high street branches in January last year.

It will shut 61 Lloyds, 61 Halifax and 14 Bank of Scotland sites between May this year and March 2026.

Lloyds blamed the decision to shut the branches on customers shifting away from banking in person to mobiles.

Vim Maru, chief executive of Barclays UK, said the bank wanted to spread its 'footprint' through a branch expansion - and does not want customers to get 'stuck in some chatbot' when seeking help with their banking

Mr Maru said in a statement: 'Even in the digital world, many customers still value physical presence and the ability to talk to our colleagues when they need support.

'In response to changes to where people work, live and shop over the last few years, we have relocated some of our branches and extended branch opening hours, adding 33,500 hours of in-branch availability per year.

'We are now looking to enhance and invest in our branch footprint alongside our contract centres and app as we continue to meet the changing preferences of our customers.'
Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights (ombudsman) Dmytro Lubinets has released the findings of a monitoring visit to Uzhgorod District Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support where unlawful detention, unsanitary conditions and the ignoring of illnesses were documented.

Writing on Telegram on Saturday, the ombudsman said the visit to Uzhgorod District Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support confirmed that "today the system of mobilization measures has built its own model of permissiveness: Center of Recruitment and Social Support premises have effectively turned into places of detention without any legal grounds."

According to him, despite obstruction by officials in Uzhgorod, it was possible to document "egregious violations." "People were held here for weeks  detention periods of 21, 24, 30 and even 50 days were recorded. One video shows a veteran presenting his combat veteran certificate, but even that status was not grounds for his release. Documents and phones were taken from people without proper paperwork, depriving them of the right to defense. The living conditions degrade human dignity: for 40-60 people there were only three mugs and eight metal plates, so people were forced to eat in turns from the same dishes without any sanitation, and there was no evidence that food provision had been organized. There was complete unsanitary overcrowding  one toilet and one shower for that number of people, and no bed linen," Lubinets said.

He also said there were cases of obvious illnesses being ignored. Only after the intervention of an ombudsmans representative was a man with an apparent physical disability  who had been asking for help for several days  hospitalized in a life-threatening condition. "After that, it is not surprising that we receive reports of sudden deaths in Center of Recruitment and Social Support premises," Lubinets said.

He said unless radical changes are introduced into the mobilization system in the near future, and unless Center of Recruitment and Social Support staff face strict legal liability for unlawful actions, the situation will only worsen. "We will continue to see conflicts between citizens and Center of Recruitment and Social Support staff, because defense capability cannot be built on gross violations of the Constitution," Lubinets said.

Following the visit, the ombudsman filed a statement on the commission of criminal offenses under Articles 146, 127, 344 and 426-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The Royal Navy is in talks to send an aircraft carrier to US Independence Day celebrations in New York - even after Donald Trump dismissed Britain's warships as 'toys compared to what we have'.

Labour is considering sending the 65,000-ton HMS Prince of Wales to join the event on July 4, which will mark 250 years since America defeated Britain in 1776.

The move comes despite Trump repeatedly insulting the prized naval vessel, along with the 3.2billion HMS Queen Elizabeth, branding them as 'old and broken down'.

Tensions between the US President and Sir Keir Starmer have increased in recent weeks over the UK's refusal to join the conflict he launched in the Middle East.

Now, the prospect of a Royal Navy presence at the Independence Day celebrations in New York has sparked anger in some military circles.

'This just feels humiliating,' one source told The Telegraph.

'Why should we send the carrier to join an event marking the defeat of Britain, for a president who has called us cowards and mocked our ships?'

It is understood that Downing Street is yet to make a final decision on whether the 920ft-long HMS Prince of Wales will make the journey across the Atlantic in July.

Labour could send the 65,000-ton HMS Prince of Wales (pictured) to join the event on July 4, which marks the moment America defeated Britain in 1776

Donald Trump has repeatedly insulted Britain's prized naval vessels

The ship is already down to take part in the NATO exercise in the Arctic circle and surrounding areas in the coming weeks.

A Navy source said: 'No final decision has been made. All these conversations are still taking place.

'But it will be up to the secretary of state to make the decision on what the ship may or may not do.'

Sir Keir previously accused Trump of badmouthing him and Britain's naval capabilities in public in an attempt to drag the UK into the war against Iran.

The US President has decried Sir Keir as 'no Churchill' who made 'a big mistake' in not rushing to support the US-Israeli onslaught.

The rift has left the transatlantic 'special relationship' at its lowest ebb in decades.

Asked whether Trump's repeated attacks had made him bristle, the Prime Minister told Sky News' Electoral Dysfunction podcast: 'I think I understand what's happening, it's to put pressure on me in different ways.

'But, that pressure isn't going to make me waver. It's not going to make me abandon my principles or values, and that's just the way I am.

'That is not new. That isn't because of President Trump. I've got core values and principles I've held all my life, and they're irreducible.'

Trump took aim at the UK's aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, at a White House Cabinet meeting at the end of last month.

He said: 'Now they all want to help. When they're annihilated, the other side is annihilated, they said, '"we'd love to send ships"'

'We had the UK say that '"we'll send"'  this is three weeks ago  '"we'll send our aircraft carriers"', which aren't the best aircraft carriers, by the way.

'They're toys compared to what we have.'

Despite Trump's insults, King Charles is still planning to travel to the US next month for his first state visit to the country.

His trip will come ahead of America's 250th anniversary and follows Trump's historic second state visit to Britain in September last year.

There had been calls for the King to postpone his trip across the Atlantic while the US is engaged in a war with Iran.

Mr Trump denied that tensions with Britain over the Middle East conflict would affect the King's visit.

Answering media questions at a Cabinet meeting, the US President said: 'He's going to be here very soon, as you know, we're going have a state dinner.

'It's going be great,' he added. 'He's a friend of mine.'

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: 'We do not comment on speculation regarding operational deployments.'
A female babysitter was hit with a lengthy prison sentence after she sexually assaulted a child in her care and discussed committing the vile crime online.

Kelly Rae Smith, 45, was sentenced to 52 years in prison on Wednesday by an Arizona superior court judge after pleading guilty to sexual assault of a minor and bestiality, according to the Yavapai County Superior Court docket.

The investigation into Smith's disturbing crimes began in April of 2024. Police received a tip at the time that she had been posting online about molesting children whom she babysat.

Throughout the investigation, authorities obtained child sexual abuse videos and found Smith's posts in chat rooms discussing fantasies involving sex crimes against minors.

Prosecutors also said they found a video of Smith engaging in sex acts with a service dog belonging to a family member.

Smith was arrested in Prescott, a city outside of Sedona, in May of 2025, after a year-long criminal pursuit.

She was sentenced to over five decades behind bars by Superior Court Judge Krista Carman on four counts of sexual assault against a child, three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child and one count of bestiality.

If she outlives the sentence, Smith will be placed on probation and have to register as a sex offender.

Kelly Rae Smith, 45, pictured above in a booking photo, was sentenced to 52 years in prison for sexual assault of a minor and bestiality

Smith has been barred from early release and will have to serve the entirety of her prison sentence behind bars.

She received 10 months of credit for the time she spent in jail between her arrest and sentencing hearing.

Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane said in a press release to local media that the case was 'shocking' and served as an example for why Arizona should impose the death penalty on sexual assault convictions against minors.

'I hope this case motivates the Arizona Legislature to allow juries to impose the death penalty in cases where an adult sexually assaults a child,' he said.

'Doing so would allow appropriate punishment for anyone who chooses to rape a child and will deter others from committing these heinous crimes.'

Arizona is one of 27 states that impose capital punishment, but only for first-degree murder convictions.

Some states, including Alabama, Florida and Oklahoma, have passed legislation to authorize the death penalty for sexual assault or rape of a child.

Capital punishment has not been authorized as a punishment for the rape of a child on the federal level.

The Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that imposing the death penalty for rape or sexual assault when the child does not die was unconstitutional.

However, Representative Nancy Mace introduced legislation last month titled the Death Penalty for Child Rapists Act to expand capital punishment for federal child sex crime convictions.
Charity watchdogs are poised to probe the Scottish Youth Parliament after three young men abused by SNP sex predator Jordan Linden complained about child safety concerns there.

The victims first came into contact with Linden through their involvement with the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), which is a registered charity.

They have hit out at the organisations failure to tackle his offending after complaints were raised with it a decade ago. In a letter to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), they have demanded a full, root-and-branch review of what they believe are serious child safeguarding failures.

Linden, 30, former leader of North Lanarkshire Council, was convicted last month of ten offences, including five sexual assaults, against young men and boys, committed between 2011 and 2021.

The men, who bravely provided evidence in court to snare Linden, outline how during their time with the SYP he was able to sexually assault them and send inappropriate images he had taken of himself.

They say that Lindens sustained abuse while chairman of the organisation was a fundamental failure of governance and safeguarding.

They speak emotionally about how they, rather than their abuser, were subjected to a sham investigation by the organisation when they complained about him.

They also say that, despite Lindens conviction, the SYP has failed to respond accordingly, reach out in any meaningful way to victims, or made any visible change to how it operates.

Jordan Linden, former SNP council leader, was convicted of 10 sex offences last month

The mens complaint has been backed by North Lanarkshire Council Labour group leader Jim Logue, who brought forward a successful motion last week to suspend the authoritys involvement with the SYP.

He said: I commend the bravery of these victims in continuing to fight for accountability in what has been one of the most shocking cases of institutional failure to protect children and young people.

Their complaint provides further evidence that the SYP is more focused on protecting the guilty and shaming the innocent.

In their letter to the OSCR, the victims write: There appears to be no acknowledgement from the [SYP], or from those who have led it, that the situation could and should have been handled better. We find this troubling and believe it speaks to a wider culture within the SYP that is resistant to scrutiny and accountability.

The men argue that the SYP, which is supposed to nurture young people and encourage them to advocate on youth issues, is still a risk to youngsters given the wide age range of its membership, and argue that it should be lowered to a maximum age of 18.

They say: Members can remain involved in the SYP until the age of 27, interacting with children as young as 14. This is not hypothetical, several members have stayed until that age. We do not believe this is appropriate.

Linden abused youngsters while he was chairman of the Scottish Youth Parliament

One victim sent sexual images and messages by Linden when he was just 15 previously told The Scottish Mail on Sunday about his experiences there. He recounted underage drinking, sex and wild parties taking place during gatherings of the SYPs 130-odd members, which occurred several times a year and were supposed to be supervised by adults.

The mens complaint says: Members were accommodated in hotels during in-person events which is how Jordan Linden was able to abuse some of us. Beyond Lindens conduct, we witnessed behaviour that, as adults, we now recognise as deeply inappropriate.

This included underage drinking facilitated by adult MSYPs, drug use, sexual activity between members, people sharing rooms and beds despite being allocated separate accommodation, and members leaving the venue, unsupervised, late at night.

They said that complaints made to the SYP are handled completely inappropriately and teenage board members are expected to make decisions about serious complaints, including allegations of sexual harassment without the experience or support to do so appropriately.

They add: There are no adequate whistleblowing routes. The organisation is effectively self-policing, which we would suggest raises direct questions under charity law.

The complaint has also been sent to the Scottish and UK Governments, which provide funding to the SYP, as well as the childrens charity NSPCC, which also gave the organisation almost 30,000 last year.

Following the Linden verdict, the SYP said its child protection policies fully complied with national guidelines and legislation.

OSCR was contacted for comment.
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell was personally told about sexual misconduct complaints against predator Jordan Linden a decade ago, it has been claimed.

Amy Lee Fraioli, who was chairwoman of the Scottish Youth Parliament in 2017, said Mr Murrell was informed of the allegations while they were being probed in 2016.

The revelations come as the SNP continues to face questions over why the party ignored multiple warnings over Lindens conduct and chose instead to promote him to North Lanarkshire Council leader.

Opposition politicians said Ms Fraiolis account casts doubt on First Minister John Swinneys claims not to have known anything about Lindens conduct, despite Mr Swinneys seniority within the SNP and allegiance with Mr Murrell and his wife Nicola Sturgeon at the time.

Scottish Conservative MSP Meghan Gallacher said: Those at the very top of the SNP were informed of their former rising stars predatory behaviour a decade ago and yet they spent years stonewalling complaints and gaslighting his victims.

Ms Fraioli was a teenage member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) board in 2016 and became chairwoman in 2017.

During that time the organisation received a number of complaints about young SYP members being sent sexual images from Linden.

Instead of alerting police, the organisation, under the leadership of then chief executive Ben McKendrick, 47, chose to bring in a private law firm to investigate the complainants.

Peter Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon's ex-husband and former SNP chief executive, is said to have been personally told by the SYP about Linden's conduct a decade ago

Linden speaking at the SNP conference in 2019 a month after attacking two party members

However, the firm found no evidence of crimes and Linden later used this probe to say he had been cleared of wrongdoing.

Ms Fraioli, 27, said: At the time we were based on the ground floor of Gordon Lamb house in Edinburgh, and the SNP were the floor above. At that point Jordan worked for the MSP Richard Lyle. He was also a member of the SNP and [SNP youth wing] Young Scots for Independence.

As a board, we had a conversation and Ben McKendrick decided that he had to go upstairs and speak to Peter Murrell and tell him that we were going to conduct this investigation into Jordan and the complaints. That took place.

He went up and he spoke to Peter Murrell, he informed him of the investigation and the fact that it was taking place at that time in 2016.

Ben put it to us that that was something he wanted to do and he reported back to us on the fact that he had done it. So the SNP were aware even then that there were allegations against Jordan.

In 2017, Linden became an elected councillor, representing Uddingston and Bellshill at North Lanarkshire Council. He continued working for Mr Lyle until 2021 and also interned for MP Marion Fellows. In May 2022 he became North Lanarkshire leader.

Ms Gallacher added: This revelation underlines the length and scale of the SNPs betrayal of Lindens victims.

It also casts further doubt on John Swinneys protestation that he knew nothing about the Linden scandal until it entered the public domain several years later.

If Swinney thinks belatedly sacking an SNP candidate who defended Linden will make this go away, hes wrong. He and his party still have serious questions to answer.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: If it is the case that Peter Murrell knew about these complaints, it confirms that Lindens behaviour has been known about at the most senior level of the SNP for a decade, yet it took the brave reporting of journalists to expose this vile predator.

Swinney has been at the heart of this SNP government for 19 years. It seems inconceivable that he simply had no idea about what was going on within the party that has been his entire life.

He must make a televised statement setting out exactly what he knew and when.

It is not good enough to hide behind process and kick the can down the road by waiting on an independent review into the SNPs complaints process.

A spokesman for the SNP did not directly address Ms Fraiolis claims yesterday.

But he said: We have undertaken a comprehensive review of our complaints procedures since 2016, but in light of this case the party leader, John Swinney, has instructed that an independent review of these procedures be conducted.

This will ensure that people are protected and our complaints procedures are as robust as they can be.

More generally, the SNP welcomes the verdict against Mr Linden and commends the bravery of the individuals who came forward and shared their experiences with the police.
The fact he owns a sprawling Scottish estate would be enough justification to refer to him as a laird.

But it appears Hollywood star Ewan McGregor has fully embraced rural life as a new video shows him decked out in attire befitting a country gent.

The video, shot for National Geographic, features the actor being interviewed about his environmental concerns against a backdrop of trees and fields. In it, he is seen wearing a thick-knit wool jumper, a grey flat cap and a long grey woollen coat.

The clip, which is being promoted on social media, sees the star rave about the new documentary film Ocean With David Attenborough.

Filmed as he stands in the grounds of an estate in Dunkeld, Perthshire, McGregor says: It blew my mind the damage thats being done to the floor of the ocean  especially around Scotland.

Terrible, terrible damage done with these trawler nets. If it was happening on the land wed be up in arms  wed never let it happen.

Ewan McGregor, 55, sporting a wool jumper, woollen coat and flat cap

The Trainspotting star looking sharp on the red carpet in Hollywood

McGregor, 55, also said he feels the film showed that if you leave a large part of the ocean alone for five years, it recovers from any damage caused by fishing.

However, he added: If we keep going the way we are going at the moment were f*****, you know.

McGregors comments come after Sir David Attenborough faced a backlash from fishing groups in Scotland over Ocean.

Last year, the Scottish Fishermens Federation claimed the film had been carefully crafted to damage the industry.

McGregor may feel more inclined to get involved in Scotlands environment issues since returning from the States three years ago.

The actor and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, bought an 18th-century mansion and 18 acres of land in Perthshire  just half an hour from where he grew up  in 2023 for a cool 2.35 million.
John Swinney knew two patients were being treated for fungal infections on a cancer ward contaminated by mould and water - but still told the public that Scotlands 1billion superhospital was safe.

Mr Swinney and his Health Secretary Neil Gray also kept the two infections - and two other suspected cases - secret as a political storm erupted over conditions on Ward 4B at the scandal-hit Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH.)

Politicians branded Mr Swinney and Mr Grays actions a staggering cover-up and more secrecy and lies from SNP ministers.

New documents obtained by the Scottish Mail on Sunday reveal the First Minister and Mr Gray were told about two confirmed cases of hospital-acquired fungal infections on ward 4B at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) on February 26.

At the time NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) bosses were closing rooms on the ward, which deals with bone marrow transplant patients, due to reports of water leaks and concerns about mould.

Less than a week later, on March 4, while being questioned about the room closures, neither Mr Swinney nor Mr Gray mentioned infections. Instead both ministers insisted the hospital was safe.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said our revelations were staggering and said: It is absolutely outrageous that SNP ministers have continued to lie to journalists and MSPs about this.

Documents obtained under Freedom of Information show reveal two patients were confirmed as having hospital-acquired fungus infections while being treated in ward 4B, and two others had possible infections.

The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) has been at the centre of an inquiry

The two confirmed cases were infections from fungi Exophiala dermatitidis and Mucor velutunosus.

One email, sent from the Scottish Government to NHSGGC chiefs on February 26 refers to a healthcare infection alert (HIIAT) and states: The First Minister and Cabinet Secretary are urgently requesting some further information on the Amber HIIAT reported to us today.

The email confirms the incident was related to water ingress and cases of fungal infection in ward 4B in the QEUH and states: Since February 1, 2026, there have been 2 microbiologically confirmed cases of fungal infection and two possible cases.

A briefing sent to Mr Gray on March 2 gives details of the infections and states that swabs taken in one room, which had black marks on the ceiling, had been negative but they would continue to swab and take air samples.

During First Ministers questions on March 5, Mr Swinney was asked about ward 4B. He told parliamentarians: It is important that I put that on the record that, fundamentally, the clinical consensus is that the wards in question are safe.

Mr Gray confirmed to parliament on March 12 that mould had been grown from swabs taken on the ward but again did not mention patients infections.

He told MSPs: Regarding media interest in potential mould and water ingress, Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland notified the Scottish Government of an incident of water ingress in ward 4B in the Queen Elizabeth university hospital on 26 February 2026. Ministers were made aware of that late in the afternoon on the same day.

NHS bosses also failed to mention patient infections when quizzed by journalists. On March 7 our reporter asked the health board why they had issued a healthcare infection alert - known as a HIIAT - and whether any patients were infected. We received no response.

First Minister John Swinney has been accused of covering up patient infections at the QEUH

Maureen Dyness husband Tony, 63, had lymphoma and was being treated on ward 4B. He died in 2021 after contracting two infections.

She said: Since Tonys death, the government and health board has told us time and again that the hospital is safe. Now we learn that patients are still getting these unusual fungal infections, in the same ward Tony was in, at the same time they are investigating problems with water and mould. History is repeating itself.

On top of this, we are having to learn through the media about these issues. Not once was there mention of patients being infected during all of this when the NHS and Scottish Government were questioned about it. So much for culture change and transparency.

I plead with the government and NHSGGC to take action now before more families suffer like mine has. This has to stop.

Ms Baillie said: After years of cover-up from SNP ministers about the QEUH, and the damage that has brought with it, anyone would think this government would have learned its lessons.

However, it appears that the SNP are continuing to take the same approach as they have for years  covering up serious issues and refusing to disclose crucial information to the public, even when asked directly about safety concerns.

Both NHSGGC and John Swinney insisted that the hospital was safe for patients, yet it appears that this was simply not the case. It is absolutely outrageous that SNP ministers have continued to lie to journalists and MSPs about this.

We urgently need straight answers from John Swinney and Neil Gray. We cannot afford more spin and deceit from this rotten SNP government.

Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: This is damning evidence of yet more secrecy and cover-up from SNP ministers.

Maureen Dynes and her husband Tony, who died at the QEUH in 2021

They were fully aware more patients at this hospital had acquired infections and were clearly at risk but the public and Parliament were shamefully kept in the dark.

Whistleblowers are still telling us that this hospital is still unsafe for patients. John Swinney and Neil Gray cannot continue to hide behind an independent inquiry.

They must tell Scots the truth about what has gone badly wrong at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

NHSGGC did not explain why it had ignored our questions about patient infections but a spokeswoman claimed a statement on the boards website highlighted an Incident Management Team was established following the identification of an infection in a very small number of patients.

She said NHSGGC do not provide information on individual patients or small groups of patients when numbers are below five...to ensure patient information is kept confidential.

In the public statement we have explained key facts about the safety of Ward 4B and do not accept any suggestion there has been an attempt to minimise its seriousness.

The Scottish Government says it has been fully transparent and proactive in updating Parliament.

Ministers announced on February 3 that NHS GGC would establish a Safety and Public Confidence Oversight Group, to strengthen assurance and public confidence in the safety of the QEUH.

The Group reports regularly to the Scottish Government. The First Minster informed Parliament on March 5  the same day the Government was made aware - that the HIIAT had been upgraded to red and that this was not because of any increased risk of harm to patients.

The Health Secretary updated Parliament about mould growth on March 12 and was clear he expected NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to continue to focus on and resolve the issues.

To protect patient confidentiality given the risk of patients being identified, it would not be appropriate for Ministers to comment on individual cases.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: As Ministers have previously stated, they are deeply sorry for the issues patients have experienced at the QEUH and all that families have gone through.

The Scottish Government is in close contact with NHS GGC in relation to Ward 4B and receives regular updates to maintain an accurate picture of any ongoing developments.
The niece and grand-niece of a notorious late Iranian general have been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles and had their green cards revoked.

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, 47, and her daughter Sarinasadat Hosseiny, 25, were detained by ICE on Friday while living in the City of Angels.

Afshar had celebrated the deaths of US soldiers during President Donald Trump's ongoing war with Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

Rubio added that the permanent resident status that allowed them to live indefinitely in the United States was revoked and that they will be deported at the first available opportunity.

He wrote: 'Until recently, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were green card holders living lavishly in the United States.

'Afshar is the niece of deceased Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani. She is also an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the "Great Satan."

'This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter's legal status and they are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States.

'The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.'

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, pictured, and her daughter have both been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in LA and had their green cards revoked

Afshar is pictured in riding in a blue Hummer. She and her daughter lived in Los Angeles before their arrest

Afshar's daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny, was originally let into the country under a student visa in 2015

Both women are related to Iranian general Qasem Soleimani (pictured), who was killed by a US drone strike at Baghdad Airport in January 2020

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the two women's arrest and impending removal from the United States on his X account on Saturday

Afshar is the niece of Qasem Soleimani.

He was one of Iran's most powerful military figures and was the commander of the Quds force when he was killed by a US Reaper drone strike ordered by President Trump at Baghdad Airport in January 2020.

A press release issued by the State Department further accused Afshar of 'promoting Iranian regime propaganda'.

It said she had 'praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced America as the "Great Satan" and voiced her unflinching support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated terrorist organization.'

The Department of Homeland Security told Fox News that Afshar entered the US in June 2015 on a tourist visa. Hosseiny came with her mother but on a student visa. In 2019, a judge then granted both women asylum and in 2021, they became green card holders.

DHS further stated that in a July 2025 naturalization application, Afshar disclosed that she had traveled to Iran at least four times since being issued her green card, which made her asylum claims 'fraudulent', DHS said.

'It is a privilege to be granted green card to live in the United States of America. If we have reason to believe a green card holder poses a threat to the U.S., the green card will be revoked,' DHS said in a statement.

Notably, DHS has not accused Hosseiny of asylum fraud or making statements against the United States. The Daily Mail approached the agency for further comment.

Rubio said the State Department had been alerted to Afshar's antics by her posts about Iran and the United States on her since-deleted Instagram account.

Join the discussion Should those who openly support hostile regimes keep the right to live in the United States?

Afhsar's home in Tujunga, Los Angeles, is pictured. She bought the property for $505,000 in 2021 and it is now worth $740,000

Afshar also faced a far less severe penalty for her ranting and raving than Iranians who attack their government, with tens of thousands of protesters murdered at the orders of the Ayatollah in recent years.

Public records list Afshar as living at a $740,000 home in the Tujunga neighborhood of Los Angeles.

She bought the house for $505,000 in September 2021 with a $365,000 mortgage.

The modest property has two bedrooms and two baths but it smartly decorated inside.

It sits on a hill that affords it a stunning view across the Crescenta Valley and Verdugo Mountains.

In one video posted online, Afshar was filmed speaking in Farsi with the distinctive wall-mounted plate decorations in her living room visible in the background.

Afshar's anti-American rhetoric stepped up in recent weeks, after President Trump began bombing Iran on February 28.

The country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among those killed in the US-Israel bombardment which has triggered international chaos.

Trump has said he will resume bombing within 48 hours if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply passes through.
Trump is preparing to unleash 'overwhelming military force' against Iran if it fails to meet a deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key ally has warned.

Lindsey Graham said he is 'completely convinced' the US president would take decisive action if Tehran continues to block the vital oil shipping route and refuses a diplomatic deal.

In a post on X after speaking directly with Donald Trump, the Republican senator said a 'massive military operation' was on the table unless Iran 'chooses wisely'.

He backed Trump's ultimatum to the Iranian regime to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to what he described as a peace deal, warning the consequences of defiance would be severe.

Graham claimed Iran had already been 'severely crippled' by what he called Operation Epic Fury, adding the regime's 'reign of terror' in the region should be brought to an end, preferably through diplomacy.

But he made clear Washington is prepared to act if talks fail, saying he had no doubt Trump 'means what he says' and would use overwhelming force if Iran continues to impede the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical chokepoints, with roughly a fifth of global oil supplies passing through it each day, meaning any escalation could send shockwaves through energy markets and beyond.

It comes after earlier today Trump issued an ominous but misspelled threat to Iran over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump is preparing to unleash 'overwhelming military force' against Iran if it fails to meet a deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key ally has warned

Pictured: Israeli strike on building in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 31, 2026

In a post on X after speaking directly with Donald Trump , the Republican senator said a 'massive military operation' was on the table unless Iran 'chooses wisely'

'Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!', the President wrote on his Truth Social website Saturday morning.

His post, which appeared to confuse 'reign' with 'rain', came as tensions mount over the vital shipping channel at the centre of the global oil trade.

Trump initially set a deadline to reopen the narrow waterway for late March, before extending it to April 6 at 8pm ET after Iran requested more time.

If the deadline lapses, Trump has said he is willing to resume bombing Iran's energy infrastructure.

The warning was echoed by Graham, a close Trump ally, who said he backed the president's ultimatum after speaking to him directly.

'I just had a great conversation with @POTUS,' Graham wrote on X.

'I totally support his ultimatum to the Iranian regime to open up the Strait of Hormuz and to do a peace deal.

'A massive military operation awaits Iran if they choose poorly. This regime has been severely crippled through Operation Epic Fury.'

Trump's latest threat comes after he posted on Friday that if given more time, 'we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.'

Graham has long been one of Washingtons most hawkish voices on Iran and has spent years pushing for tougher action against the regime.

The South Carolina senator has previously suggested that toppling Tehrans leadership could hand Trump a historic foreign policy moment, and has repeatedly urged a more aggressive US stance in the region.

Critics say his influence over the president, combined with his willingness to back military intervention, makes him one of the most hardline figures shaping US policy on Iran.

Graham, a former US Air Force reserve colonel and military lawyer, was openly hostile towards Tehran long before Trump entered politics, backing efforts in the 1990s to isolate the regime and curb its nuclear and missile ambitions.

Since the war in Iran broke out on February 28, the Strait has become a key point of contention, with around 20 percent of the world's oil supply transported through it.

Iran has asserted control over the route, implementing a blockade on nations that support the American-Israeli war effort.

So far, access has been granted to ships from countries Tehran considers 'friendly', including China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan.

On Friday, a French vessel became the first ship from a Western nation to be allowed to pass through the Strait after days of heightened tension.
Iran has shared more images of the wreckage of an American aircraft shot down by Tehrans air defenses, as the race to find one of two pilots on board intensifies.

An F-15E Strike Eagle was downed during a chaotic day of fighting on Friday, with Iranian state media later sharing footage that appeared to show a US A-10 Warthog being blown out of the sky just hours after the first strike.

The joint incidents forced two pilots to eject into enemy territory, and while US forces rescued the A-10 pilot in a daring mission, the F-15E pilot remains missing - marking the first time US aircraft have been shot down in the conflict.

On Saturday, the official X account for the Iranian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, released harrowing new images of the destroyed F-15E jet, accompanied by a taunting caption.

'The stealth fighter that now has no escape but to lie under the feet of aerospace warriors,' the embassy wrote.

'That same stealth giant, for which they wove legends for years, is today a pile of scrap metal fallen to the ground - this is the very technology they claimed was invisible and untouchable,' it added. 'But now it has been seen and brought down.'

Each of the three photos showed what was left of the jet: an unrecognizable mass of burnt debris strewn across a wide, empty stretch of land.

In another photo, four men were seen at the crash site stepping on what appeared to be a large blown-out part of the aircraft within the rubble.

Iran released new images showing the wreckage of a US F-15E Strike Eagle shot down by Tehrans air defenses on Friday

Four men are seen at the crash site stepping on what appears to be a large blown-out part of the jet within the rubble

The new images come as the US races to find the aircraft's missing pilot

One of the F-15E's two pilots was rescued shortly after the crash but the second is still unaccounted for. Neither have been identified.

The United States remains engaged in a time-sensitive search for the missing jet pilot, as Iranian nomads assist in the effort and state media broadcasts images of local militias taking part.

Footage circulating on social media appeared to show members of Irans Bakhtiari tribes in Khuzestan heading into the mountains, rifles in hand, to search for the American soldier.

Iranians have been offered a $60,000 bounty for the pilots 'head,' while President Donald Trump declined to comment on how he would respond if the airman were harmed.

Broadcasters urged locals near the crash site to seize the American, telling viewers, If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police you will receive a precious prize.

News channels also flashed messages on screen of shoot them if you see them and showed footage of villagers scouring a rocky hillside.

In a gloating online statement, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf taunted the US and Trump over his repeated claims of winning the war.

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?' Ghalibaf wrote.

The F15E, with a top speed of 1,650mph, was conducting a routine sortie over Tehran on Friday when it was struck by hostile fire and came down roughly 100 miles from the border with Iraq, near where the USUK Basra airbase is situated.

Wreckage from the downed US fighter posted by Iran. In a major propaganda boost for Iran, images of debris from the downed jet were flashed around the world

Pictured: The ejected seat from the US aircraft as published in Iranian media

The attacks came two days after Trump declared that the US has 'beaten and completely decimated Iran'

Its two-person crew consisted of a lead pilot seated to the front and an electronic warfare officer seated behind.

Within hours, images of the wreckage surfaced online, showing a blackened crater where the jet went down. The missing pilot may not have survived the crash, as only a single ACES II ejection seat was visible at the scene.

The F-15E is a non-stealth aircraft, making it easier to shoot down than an F-35 fifth-generation-fighter.

Trump was being closely briefed on the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) mission for the jet, which, if unsuccessful, could carry severe political consequences.

The twin attacks came just two days after Trump declared during a national address that the US has 'beaten and completely decimated Iran' and was 'going to finish the job, and we're going to finish it fast.'

Unconfirmed US intelligence reports have also challenged the president's suggestion that Irans attack capabilities have been decimated, with claims that its military still has half of its missile launchers and thousands of drones.

Other assessments, denied by the White House, have insisted Iran has thousands of missiles stored at underground sites.

Previously, three US fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during coalition operations, and Iranian missile and drone strikes later destroyed an American E3 AWACS surveillance aircraft on the ground in Saudi Arabia.

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf taunted Trump over his repeated claims of winning the war

The F15E, top speed of 1,650mph, was conducting a routine sortie over Tehran when it came down roughly 100 miles from the border with Iraq (pictured: similar F-15 fighter jet)

The conflict was launched just over six weeks ago (pictured: woman walks in debris after US-Israeli airstrike on the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran)

On Friday, White House officials were war-gaming the prospect of a US pilot being held hostage by the Iranians.

The scenario would be likely to turn more Americans against the war which President Trump launched alongside Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just over six weeks ago.

The conflict is destabilizing economies around the world, as Iran has responded to US and Israeli attacks by targeting energy infrastructure in the Gulf and tightening its grip on oil and natural gas shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly onefifth of global energy trade.
Two people have been arrested outside a RAF base used by the US military during protests against the Iran war.

More than one hundred people joined a peace encampment to create a blockade outside the main gate of Lakenheath airbase in Suffolk this afternoon.

The protest followed reports that a US fighter jet shot down over Iran on April 3 had taken off from the site.

Suffolk Police confirmed two people were arrested on suspicion of obstructing a public highway during the blockade on Saturday.

Lakenheath Alliance for Peace organiser Peter Lux said RAF bases needed to be held 'accountable' when letting US planes take off.

He said that between 116 and 118 US fighter bombers have been seen departing from the base in recent weeks by protesters.

'It's definitely an RAF base, it's sovereign territory, and so Britain is actually legally liable for what actually happens at that base,' Mr Lux said.

The protest followed reports that a US fighter jet shot down over Iran on April 3 had taken off from the site. Pictured: A protester is led away by police

More than one hundred people joined a peace encampment to create a blockade outside the main gate of Lakenheath airbase in Suffolk this afternoon

Between 116 and 118 US fighter bombers have been seen departing from the base in recent weeks by protesters. Pictured: A US fighter jet takes off for a training flight at Lakenheath

The blockade on Saturday is part of a six-day peace camp involving an around-the-clock vigil outside the gates of the base, ending on April 6.

The protesters presented a letter for the Lakenheath base commanders at the start of the demonstration.

It highlighted their concerns for a 'disregard for international law' from the RAF and their opposition to US Air Force use of British bases.

'I think we need the accountability of those bases, particularly with what's going on in Iran, which the British Government have said they're not happy about because of international law,' said Mr Lux.

Craig Raeside, a veteran who served 14 years in the Royal Engineers, was also at the Lakenheath blockade to show his support on Saturday.

He said: 'Veterans know. We are trained on Rules of Engagement, Geneva Convention and Genocide Convention.

'The US and Israel are and have been ignoring every article relating to civilian infrastructure, property and people.

The fences around the peace camp are covered with signs and banners during the demonstration today

The blockade on Saturday is part of a six-day peace camp involving an around-the-clock vigil outside the gates of the base, ending on April 6

'It's our duty to speak up. We do not need to wait for a court to tell us what our eyes can see.'

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: 'The US is our principal defence and security partner.

'We have given permission to the US to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations - in collective self-defence of our regional allies and to protect British lives.

'Any proposed US operation from a base in the UK or UK territory is considered on a case-by-case basis.'
The use of artificial intelligence in an investigation into the disappearance of an SS officer did not lead to the expected results

Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

Ive spent a few intense days hunting down an old Nazi. In a prime example of new-new journalism, I enlisted the help of AI, but I have to say things didnt go as planned: AI can really mess things up. It all stemmed from reading Revenge of Odessa, the posthumous sequel to Frederick Forsyths celebrated novel, and also from stumbling upon an old 2001 film on Netflix in which a rather clumsy fellow reinvents himself as a journalist.

The film is The Shipping News, based on the beautiful 1993 novel of the same title by Annie Proulx, which has lines that keep you thinking for a long time, such as one of the tragedies of real life is that there is no background music, the sky a net, its mesh clogged with glowing stars, or, more relevant to our discussion: Where are the reporters of yesteryear, the nail-biting, acerbic, alcoholic nighthawk bastards who truly knew how to write?

In the film, the shy and downtrodden Quoyle (played by Kevin Spacey) ends up in Killick-Claw, a small fishing village in Newfoundland, his familys ancestral home, and gets a job at a local newspaper, The Gammy Bird, where hes hired as a writer despite his only experience being as an inker at a New York daily. A seasoned veteran journalist, Billy Pretty (Gordon Pinsent), gives him invaluable professional advice for getting ahead. You have to find the center of your story, its beating heart, he tells him. He advises him to start by making up some headlines, short, impactful and dramatic. And he invites him to look at the horizon and say what he sees. Is the horizon filled with dark clouds? Quoyle suggests. An imminent storm threatens the town, Pretty corrects. But, Quoyle questions, what if no storm comes? Town safe from a deadly storm.

Kevin Spacey in 'The Shipping News.'

Our man learns quickly and triumphs with a story about Hitlers former yacht, which, acquired years after the war, supposedly ended up one day in the local port. The success of the story affords Quoyle the privilege of having his own column about ships, The Shipping News, a subject he actually knows nothing about, since hes even afraid of the sea: a superb metaphor for how far you can go in a newspaper.

Reflecting on the film, I thought about how I could return to the essence of my profession while simultaneously taking a qualitative leap in my craft. And then came Odessa. Reading the sequel about the Nazi organization led me to reread the original novel, published in Spanish in 1973. And an absence caught my attention: was it possible that Otto Skorzeny, the former Waffen-SS colonel who took refuge in Spain and has always been considered one of the key figures in the Nazi escape network, didnt appear in the plot? Skorzeny, Hitlers former commando chief and famous for his role in freeing Mussolini from his confinement on Gran Sasso, was even placed at the center of the Odessa (Organisation Der Ehemaligen SS-Angehorigen, or Organization of Former SS Members) web by Almudena Grandes in her novel Los pacientes del doctor Garcia (The Patients of Dr. Garcia). How did Forsyth overlook mentioning him in his novel, for which he conducted in-depth research that revealed the escape routes of the treacherous Nazis and cited Eichmann, Mengele, SS General Bruno Streckenbach, Bishop Hudal, or the novels central brown-shirt protagonist himself, the Austrian captain Eduard Roschmann, commandant of the Riga ghetto  a real-life figure (though his many crimes did not include plotting to devastate Israel with deadly rockets, as in Odessa)?

A scene from the screen adaptation of 'The Odessa File' (1974).

Its true that Forsyth made some inaccuracies in his novel, such as using SS General Richard Gluecks, who had actually died at the end of the war, as a key figure in the shadow Nazi organization. But Skorzenys absence, even though theres a scene in the novel set in Madrid, aroused suspicion in my sharp journalistic instincts, usually quite excited when it comes to hunting Nazis. Then I had a sudden inspiration. What if Skorzeny did appear in Forsyths original novel and had been omitted from the Spanish edition, published during the final years of the Franco regime?

Thanks to a thoughtful and kind reader, Evelio Montes, I learned that the translation contained glaring errors and what appear to be acts of censorship. For example  Ive checked  the Spanish version states that Peter Miller, the protagonist journalist, wakes up in bed next to his girlfriend, the beautiful stripper Sigi, positioned so that the womans back was pressing against the base of his stomach, while in the original, its her buttocks that are pressing against him, which, it must be said, is a different situation. And theres no trace of Forsyths emphatic line that follows, automatically he began to erect.

I have found other similar omissions, such as Sigi liking Peter to caress her crotch, her inner thigh, or the scene in which he starts kissing her breasts, to which she responds with a series of long mmmms (we already knew from The Day of the Jackal that Forsyth knew how to heat up his thrillers).

Ok, if were talking about Nazis, were talking about Nazis, but those omissions in the translation made me think that perhaps Skorzenys absence was a similar, premeditated omission. And thats where my recourse to AI comes in. I used Googles, which comes up by default when I search for something. I decided to try and asked, just to cut to the chase, Does Otto Skorzeny appear in Odessa? The AIs response, whoever it was, thrilled me. Yes, Otto Skorzeny appears and is a key figure in the novels plot [] he is described as the organizer of the network that facilitated the escape of Nazi war criminals from Germany to Spain (ratlines), after the defeat of the Third Reich. Since he doesnt appear in the Spanish edition, I deduced that someone had omitted Otto. In 1973, the imposing colonel was still alive (he died in 1975) and in Madrid, on very good terms with the regime (and even with my father). Was someone pressuring to have him removed from the novel in Spain? Perhaps he himself? Odessa itself? Was the Spanish version of Forsyths book hiding Skorzeny the way the Odessa of the plot protected Roschmann? Theres a topic! Finally, some news!

Former SS member Otto Skorzeny, in his retirement in Madrid. Express (Getty Images)

I could already picture myself with a Pulitzer Prize  shared with the AI, my partner, less material than Sigi, mind you, and without a butt  for uncovering the literary cover-up of a Nazi. I visualized the headline: The Spanish edition of Odessa omitted Otto Skorzeny, by J. A. and his AI. Billy Pretty would be proud.

Enthusiasm is dangerous in investigative journalism, and my next step, to confirm my suspicions, was to get an English copy of Odessa and meticulously check my (our) exclusive. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Skorzeny doesnt appear in the original novel either. I went back to the AI to ask for an explanation, but when I repeated the question and asked it to specify which chapter and pages the Nazi appears in, it replied nonchalantly that it cant be specified due to the multiple editions, and added: Hes usually mentioned in the first chapters when the background of Odessa, the figure of Simon Wiesenthal, and the postwar context are explained. Liar! Psychopath! I yelled at the screen, much to the surprise of my colleagues in the newsroom. The AI didnt even flinch. I thought about deactivating it slowly, cruelly, like astronaut Dave Bowman does with HAL 9000, and I imagined that instead of singing Daisy Bell, it would be singing SS marschiert in Feindesland. Clearly it was all a Nazi cover-up operation in the cloud. But I couldnt prove it.

Finally, as a last test, I typed in my name, and the AIs response was to mention my bullfighting reports (!), focused on the passion, romance, and drama of the spectacle. Well, what a joke of an AI!

My next investigation will be about Mengele and The Boys from Brazil, but Im going to do it alone.

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A rising star in the Democratic Party vehemently denied shocking allegations of drug use and inappropriate behavior with women, just a day before he was elected to the state senate.

Jonah Garson, 39, found himself at the center of a media firestorm last week when explosive reports levied allegations of misconduct against him.

Despite the allegations, Garson was elected on Saturday to represent North Carolina's Senate District 23 by a special committee following his predecessor's resignation.

Local CBS affiliate, WNCN, reported on Friday that multiple anonymous sources recalled instances where Garson was acting bizarrely or appeared visibly intoxicated.

One young female Democrat, who did not share her identity out of fear of retaliation, told the outlet that Garson seemed intoxicated at a fundraising event in 2024 and spilled a glass of wine on her.

After her experience with the aspiring politician, she told WNCN that she avoids Garson at events.

Another leader in the party said Garson had a reputation of being 'handsy' and 'touchy' around women, alleging that he had been inappropriate with a female subordinate.

Garson denied all the allegations against him and said they were a part of a smear campaign to damage his chances the day before his election.

Jonah Garson, pictured above in a social media post on October 31, 2021, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate on Saturday

Garson, pictured above in a social media post shared on June 3, 2023, was accused of being 'handsy' with women and exhibiting inappropriate behavior

Garson, pictured above at a rally last month, denied the allegations against him and said it was a part of a smear campaign against him

'These anonymous allegations, raised the day before this appointment vote, are false and ugly, and are intended to defame for the benefit of political opponents,' Garson said in a statement to the Daily Mail.

'Its politics at its very worst. Its why good people are turned off by this stuff. I am proud of my reputation and my relationships in every corner of this district and state, and look forward to the work ahead as the next State Senator for District 23.'

Garson also told WNCN that everyone who has worked with him can attest that the allegations are false and that he's proud of his reputation as a colleague.

He added that the allegations cited in the WNCN report were anonymously sent to every member of the state executive committee and to journalists across the state to smear him.

IndyWeek, an independent magazine based in North Carolina, reported that the anonymous email also alleged that Garson used cocaine at party events and was kicked out of a Chapel Hill bar in 2024.

Garson told the publication that he has never used cocaine and was kicked out of the bar after confronting a bartender who served an underage patron.

The allegations have generated mixed reactions from state officials. Paula Shelton, the former President of the Democratic Women of North Carolina, vouched for Garson and said she had never witnessed him act inappropriately.

Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party Anderson Clayton also praised Garson's victory on X, writing in a post: 'Congratulations @JoshGarsonNC, our new State Senator from SD-23!

Garson won the special election on Saturday and will serve the remainder of his predecessor's term. He's pictured above with friends in a social media post last September

The allegations against Garson received mixed reactions, with some state officials condemning his campaign, while others stood by him. He's pictured above in a social media post last July

'Senator Garson will succeed @GraigMeyer who announced his resignation last month. Im grateful to the senatorial committee members from Orange, Person, and Caswell counties who played a role in this process.'

However, State Senator Sophia Chitlik told WNCN: 'Were either a party who believes women, or were not. I believe these women.'

Chitlik also told IndyWeek that she had concerns about nominating Garson. 'We cannot afford to be distracted in any way, so we need someone out of the gate who can step up on Day 1,' she said.

A majority of the replacement committee still voted in his favor during a remote meeting on Saturday, Chapelboro reported.

He competed against current state House Representative Aleen Buansi for the position. Buansi earned 65 votes, while Garson had 636.

An anonymous source told local news that Garson was intoxicated and spilled wine on her at a fundraising event in 2024. Garson is pictured above at an event in 2024

An anonymous email alleged that Garson was kicked out of a bar and had used drug. He strongly denied the allegation and is pictured above in a social media profile picture

Garson announced his campaign after state Senator Graig Meyer resigned to take a job with the North Carolina Justice Center.

He will serve throughout the remainder of Meyer's term and will replace him on the ballot in November.

Garson has an extensive resume in North Carolina politics. He served as the Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party and was a member of the Orange County Planning Board.

Garson earned his law degree from Columbia University and worked at a law firm based in Chapel Hill.
A Labour MP who was suspended from the party after claiming that Sir Keir Starmer's former aide Morgan McSweeney lied about his phone being stolen has publicly accused No 10 of trying to smear him by questioning his mental health.

Karl Turner, the MP for Kingston upon Hull East, who has campaigned against plans to limit jury trials, told The Mail on Sunday he had made it clear to the Prime Minister that 'being principled did not make me mentally ill'.

Mr Turner lost the whip after mocking Mr McSweeney's insistence that his mobile phone was stolen last October, at a time when MPs were pushing for the disclosure of correspondence that could explain why Peter Mandelson was appointed the UK's ambassador to the US despite his connections with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Mr Turner's description of the former Downing Street chief of staff as 'McSwindle' appeared to be the tipping point for No 10 following weeks of criticism.

Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds said he was suspending the whip 'following his recent conduct'.

Now Mr Turner has revealed that prior to his suspension he sent a solicitor's letter to Mr Reynolds, copied to Sir Keir and members of the Cabinet, in which he claimed that senior Government figures had questioned his mental stability and linked it to his rebellion over juries.

The letter said Mr Turner 'was not and is not mentally ill... challenging the Government both rationally and thoughtfully with integrity was not as a result of failing mental health, but out of doing what he thought was right'.

Sir Keir acknowledged receipt of the letter, while Cabinet ministers, including Rachel Reeves, expressed sympathy in response.

Karl Turner (pictured), the MP for Kingston upon Hull East, told The Mail on Sunday he had made it clear to the Prime Minister that 'being principled [does] not make me mentally ill'

Mr Turner lost the whip after mocking Sir Keir Starmer's former aide, Morgan McSweeney (pictured, outside Downing Street in March last year), for insisting his phone was stolen last October, when MPs were pushing for disclosure of correspondence about Peter Mandelson

Labour's Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds (pictured) said he was suspending the whip 'following his recent conduct'

Mr Turner described 'all sorts of shenanigans going on behind the scenes' after he first stated his opposition to the jury reforms.

He said: 'MPs would come up to me and say, "Are you OK?" It was being put about that I was unwell mentally and that is why I was opposing the reforms.

'Whips do things which are not very pleasant. I met Jonny Reynolds in December, well before the juries debate in January.

'Reynolds intimated to me that I might be unwell at that point. I exploded at him. It was a very loud discussion.'

Mr Turner said he had a psychotic episode in 2019 and had gone through a 'difficult period' last year after briefly separating from his wife, but opposed scrapping juries because it was wrong, not because he was unwell.

He said he clashed with David Lammy after he suggested the Justice Secretary had not done the necessary work to find alternatives to jury trials.

'David told me, "I'm not putting up with this, particularly not as a black man."'

A No 10 spokesman said that there were no grounds for Mr Turner's belief that the party had tried to smear him.
The brother of a woman murdered by her husband has slammed Tusla for only allowing him to see his nephews four times a year.

David French told the Irish Mail on Sunday this week that his sister Valerie would be appalled if she knew how her family was being treated by the State.

He is now looking into becoming a court appointed guardian, but fully expects the State agency to be against that.

Valerie French, a 41-year-old occupational therapist with Mayo Mental Health Services, died after she was stabbed, beaten and strangled by her husband in June 2019.

James Kilroy, 52, was found the following morning wandering naked in a nearby field. His wifes body was found that afternoon in a camper van beside their home, about 6km outside Westport.

The couples three young children were found in their home, hungry and alone.

Mr French told the MoS this week that since his sisters death, Tusla  the Child and Family Agency  has spent thousands fighting me in court.

He told how two facts  that Kilroy was the childrens father and that he murdered their mother  seem to be on two different universes and one doesnt affect the other.

Mr French explained: At the end of last year, well after the verdict, I had a disagreement with Tusla.

I asked them to stop calling him Daddy James in front of me.

I asked that we call him Mr Kilroy.

At this point, Mr French felt that Tusla was on Mr Kilroys side despite the guilty verdict.

Valerie outside her Westport home next to a bird mural she painted for her boys

In their view this is a daddy and his children and the mother is missing and how she is missing is not their concern.

In my view, their concern is getting the father and children back together and representing his rights.

Mr French said Tusla had initially told the boys what the killer wanted them to be told.

He says he has a huge problem with the narrative.

Mummy and daddy had a fight. Daddy is sick, daddy is in hospital. None of this was true. Kilroy was in prison, not sick. And it was an ambush with a weapon not a fight.

The three small boys were in the house the night their mother was murdered.

Ms French had fed them, put them to bed and gone out for groceries leaving them at home with Kilroy.

When gardai arrived the following day, the children were in the house alone. Recounting the scene during Kilroys murder trial, a garda broke down in tears.

The eldest had put on his school uniform and had found a banana that he split in three for him and his brothers.

James Kilroy stabbed, beaten and strangled his wife Valerie, the mother of his three boys, outside the family home near Westport, Co. Mayo in June 2019

He had gone to look for his mother and found her wallet on top of the shopping, where she had been killed.

He brought the wallet in thinking that it shouldnt be outside and he gave it to the guards.

This was three in the afternoon. They were on their own from when Valerie was killed at 11pm that night till 3pm the following day.

One was lying on the floor and guards thought, Christ, hes dead.

They were absolutely starving. It was massive neglect.

But according to Mr French all of this disturbing detail is overlooked by Tusla: The world is very simple from a Tusla point of view. It is to forget about the murder, forget about the murder completely.

All the humanising of the killer by Tusla is misplaced. They have not seen that [the children being left alone] as neglect, and they have not taken what happened in [the criminal] court on board.

It was a very weird situation. And the facts of the case and the murder might as well have happened on Mars as far Tusla was concerned.

Mr French said the system doesnt take into account that there are benefits of homicide.

You have a father and his children and then us who are uncles and aunts who have no legal rights so Tusla can safely ignore us.

I was literally carrying my sisters coffin and Tusla was making other arrangements for the children.

And they didnt tell us about it. You are not in the court and are completely in the dark. In a lot of ways the system works with the killer and it doesnt take into account the benefits of homicide.

The killer was effective in killing off Valeries guardianship and her ownership of the house.

Kilroy using Tusla resources is continuing the domestic abuse.

Valerie is gone, but he is continuing it [the abuse] on the children and our family by keeping them away from us.

They [Tusla] are being weaponised to do this and they dont seem to know it.

In recent years, the French family has campaigned hard for Valeries Law, which would remove guardianship from people who do what Kilroy did.

Keys of tragic Valerie's home were given BACK to the evil brute who brutally murdered her The keys of Valerie Frenchs home were given back to the man who murdered her after Garda forensics completed their work. More than 10 years after the High Court recommended a new law to stop killers from benefiting from their crime, James Kilroy will be able to move back into the home he jointly owned with the wife he killed, following his release from prison. This is in spite of the Criminal Court hearing that Ms French had been the main breadwinner for her family. The law in Ireland stops people from inheriting assets from someone they have killed, but it does not prevent them from inheriting joint assets, such as co-owned property. The body of Valerie French being removed from the family home near Westport In 2015, the High Court found that Eamon Lillis was entitled to half of the house he jointly owned with the wife he killed, Celine Cawley, as well as other assets, with the other half to be held in trust for the couples daughter. The court also recommended that the law be reviewed. Speaking to the Irish Mail on Sunday this week, Valeries brother David French said: The keys of the house went back to Kilroy. 'He has not inherited the house, because he owned it jointly with Valerie, so he still owns 100 per cent of the house. Mr French, who is the executor of his sisters estate, said Kilroy has not told him if he intends to give 50 per cent of the house to his three children. In the Celine Cawley case, Judge Mary Laffoy gave 50 per cent to the killer and 50 per cent to hold in trust for Georgia [the daughter of Celine Cawley and Eamon Lillis]. At the time, the judge said there needs to be legislation and that was 10 years ago. There have been several attempts but they fail on constitutional grounds. Kilroy has not said whether he accepts the Laffoy decision. 'He fought me in the High Court twice last year on me being the executor of the estate, Mr French said. Mr French added that he has a backup plan to secure half the house for the boys. My backup plan is a personal injury claim to say fine, keep the house, Ill just take it off you another way for the boys.

Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan has received Cabinet approval for legislation that would remove the parental rights of people convicted of murdering their childrens other parent.

However it was reported last month Tusla has objected, raising concern that childrens best interests are served by maintaining contact with their birth parent.

Its [the system] like a car crash where multiple things have gone wrong, the in-camera rule is a massive part of it.

The dynamics and incentives of the people involved are not aligned and that makes it a mess.

Breaking down, Mr French told how one of the children asked why he doesnt visit them very much.

My family is trying to be involved in our nephews lives and Tusla is actively blocking this.

They have put in place a very restrictive access schedule to the nephews.

My thinking is that the Tusla staff lack domestic violence awareness, cannot perceive coercive control and are then being used by the killer to inflict further harm.'

Tusla have given the French family  which includes Mr French, his sisters and their children  a written access schedule that makes it clear that the whole family have a total of four visits with the children between them.

I asked Tusla have they shown the access schedule to the boys because one of the boys said, Uncle Davy, you dont visit us very much.

They come down to me for two weeks during the summer. In 2024 Tusla cancelled that holiday and allowed us to see them for one day.

The boys missed their holiday and they will think uncle David and the family dont want us and it is totally the opposite.

Mr French said his sister would be in tears if she were here today.

She was in occupational therapy. She worked in mental health, she worked with kids and old people.

She had been in that space for a while and she would be absolutely appalled. She didnt have a will and hadnt envisaged this kind of a situation.

I thought Tusla were a force for good. When they rocked up I thought thank God, the kids will be safe. You trust Tusla and the bad guy is the obvious one

We were trying to deal with the funeral, the guards, the murder charge in court, the media and our elderly mother.

'Looking back, what I should have done was grabbed the kids.

Mr French said that while he wants guardianship of the boys that seems so far away.

Kilroy removed the other guardian by murdering her. The boys should have a court-appointed guardian to replace her and represent their interests.

On average there are seven cases per year in Ireland of children that are bereaved by domestic homicide.

Thats what the research says. So Tusla needs to have a policy and a playbook. There must be a case on their books at this minute that is the same as us.

Commenting, a Department of Justice spokesperson last night told the MOS that they were working to address succession in the context of familicide.

They said an independent 2023 study on Familicide & Domestic and Family Violence Death Reviews which they had commissioned made several recommendations in relation to amendments to the Succession Act 1965.

They added: All of the Studys consultation groups are in agreement that no person should be able to benefit from his or her wrongful conduct and that the Succession Act in its current form does not address the far-reaching legal consequences of domestic homicide and familicide, particularly with regards to joint tenancies.

The department remains committed to ensuring as far as possible within constitutional parameters that the principle that a person may not benefit from his or her unlawful act is not undermined or displaced by a rule of land law such as the right of survivorship in the case of a joint tenancy.

Work is underway in the department to address succession in the context of familicide.

As regards guardianship in the context of familicide, on 1 April 2025, Minister OCallaghan secured Government approval for the referral of the Scheme of the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025 to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for pre-legislative scrutiny.

The Committee published its report and made 30 recommendations. The Bill was then referred for drafting by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. Drafting is at an advanced stage.

The legislation, when enacted, will require the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, to apply to court within six months of the conviction of a parent or guardian of a child for murder or manslaughter of another parent or guardian of the child.

On this application the court will make an order removing or confirming the convicted parent or guardian or restricting their guardianship rights.

Responding, a Tusla spokesperson told the MoS: We are acutely aware that cases involving the removal of a child from a parents care are deeply distressing for everyone involved, particularly for mothers and families at an already vulnerable time in their lives.

'We recognise the profound emotional impact such situations can have, and we approach all our work with children and parents with care, sensitivity, and seriousness.

Tusla does not comment on individual cases, as doing so would risk compromising the privacy and rights of the children and families we work with.

Families engaging with public services are entitled to expect that highly personal and sensitive information is treated confidentially, and this principle is especially important in matters concerning child protection and welfare.

The Child Law Project undertakes important work in bringing transparency and insight into care proceedings, and its reports contribute to reflection, learning and improvement across the child protection and welfare system.

The recent publication highlights that child protection cases are often complex, involving competing professional opinions and difficult judgements made in circumstances where the welfare and safety of a vulnerable child must remain always at the centre of decision making, as we endeavour to provide appropriate and effective supports and interventions.

Tuslas overarching objective is always to support children to remain safely within their families wherever possible.

Decisions to seek court orders are never taken lightly and follow an extensive process involving many steps that may include screening, preliminary enquiry, initial assessment, safety planning, and the provision of a range of family support services.

'Seeking a care order is pursued only as a last resort, where it is considered necessary and where other options do not sufficiently mitigate the risks identified.

Where a child does come into care, Tusla continues to work with their parents and support networks, with a strong focus on maintaining relationships and, where safe and appropriate, supporting family reunification.

'Extended family placements are always explored before taking a child into the care of the State is considered.
New York City's left-wing Mayor Zohran Mamdani has blamed the shooting death of a seven-month-old baby on guns.

Mamdani, 34, didn't mention the two criminals responsible for the death of Kaori Patterson-Moore, who was shot in her stroller in Brooklyn, when he talked at a press conference on Wednesday.

'We cannot accept it as normal in our city. We cannot grow numb to this pain,' he said. 'Today is a devastating reminder of just how much more work there is to be done to combat gun violence across the city.

'Too many children have never grown up into becoming adults. Too many parents whove had to bury those they love most.'

Since her death, Amuri Greene, 21, and Matthew Rodriguez, 18, have been arrested in connection to Patterson-Moore's murder.

Greene was charged with three counts of murder on Friday. Rodriguez was taken into custody in Pennsylvania on Friday evening. His charges are pending.

Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, who represents Queens, slammed the mayor for focusing on the wrong thing.

'Literally anything but blaming the criminals who our system releases onto our streets repeatedly, over and over again, with no consequences,' she wrote on X.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, 34, blamed gun violence for the death of Kaori Patterson-Moore, seven months, on Wednesday

He made no mention of Patterson-Moore's killers when he condemned the tragedy

'Absolute disgrace.'

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 parents had been taking their kids to buy baby supplies when the shooting happened around 1.20pm.

They had originally thought someone had set off fireworks, which had caused her son to hop out of the stroller.

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 Woodhull Hospital seven blocks away, 'all while her blood [ran] on his hands,' the mother said on social media.

While at the hospital, it was discovered that little Kaizen had also suffered from a bullet graze. The bullet had hit his back after passing through his sister. It left a lump on his back.

Police sources told The Post that the stray bullet may have been intended for the girl'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 Patterson-Moore's mother.

Amuri Greene, 21, the alleged shooter, has been charged with three counts of murder. Matthew Rodriguez, 18, was apprehended on Friday night in Pennsylvania. His charges are pending

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

Police sources told the New York Post that the girl's father, Jamari Patterson, may have been the intended target. Patterson carried his daughter to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead

The family had been out shopping for baby supplies when the shooting occured around 1.20pm

Patterson, an aspiring rapper, allegedly had complications with a crew from a rival housing project over social media, sources told The Post.

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 mother-of-two now wants a remedy for her daughter's death.

'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.'
When Pippa Middleton and James Matthews paid 15 million for a 32-room red-brick Georgian mansion set in 145 acres of Berkshire countryside, they surely thought they had found the perfect sanctuary to raise their young family in privacy.

But the Princess of Wales's younger sister and her hedge-fund tycoon husband now find themselves in a battle with furious locals, after they barred dog walkers and ramblers from going through their grounds.

The couple will now have to persuade a government-appointed planning inspector next month that they are within their rights to withdraw long-standing access to the track.

Grade I-listed Barton Court, which sits on the River Kennet near the village of Kintbury, was previously owned by the late retail tycoon Sir Terence Conran, who allowed locals to use Mill Lane, which winds through the estate.

But when the couple arrived in 2022 with their three children - Arthur, seven, Grace, five, and Rose, three - they wasted little time in closing off the lane with an electric gate.

Signs warning 'Private: No Public Access' and 'No Trespassing' appeared around the perimeter.

Thirty-five residents, backed by The Ramblers Association, applied to West Berkshire Council to have Mill Lane declared a public right of way.

The council sided with the villagers, but Mr Matthews, through his land agent, then objected.

Pippa Middleton (pictured) and husband James Matthews have found themselves in a battle with furious locals, after they barred ramblers from going through their grounds

The couple will now have to persuade a government-appointed planning inspector next month that they are within their rights to withdraw long-standing access to the track (pictured)

Next month a planning inspector will hear representations from both sides before making a legally binding ruling.

Eugene Futcher, chairman of West Berkshire Ramblers, told The Mail on Sunday: 'People have used it for a very long time - certainly since the 19605.

'Taking it away will be inconvenient, especially when walking is so important to mental health. It will force people on to the main road, which is very dangerous.

'There is no footpath or verge.

'The paths were never closed under Conran - he actively encouraged people to use them.'

Rob Brown, 68, a Kintbury resident since 1985, said: 1 don't think they give a damn about what anyone in the village thinks.

'They're not very popular in the area. They think they're a bit better than everyone else. They re not even the proper Royal Family

'Closing the path is a nuisance. Conran was better for the area.'

Peter Clegg, 68, said: I don't know who they think they are. They think they can decide who can walk where and when.

'It's not on. It's not like people are trampling on arable fields. People have been walking there for a long time. It shows a lack of respect.'

A resident of 20 years added: 'I understand their need for privacy, but you can't move into a village and demand that people change their ways.'

The footpath dispute is not the only source of friction since the couple arrived in Kintbury.

Plans to renovate the mansion stalled after archaeologists warned that work could disturb prehistoric remains on the site.

And last year a party to mark Mr Matthews' 50th birthday drew complaints over late-night music.

Mr Matthews was approached for comment.
Kemi Badenoch has managed to overhaul Nigel Farage's poll lead  leaving the Tories, Reform and the Greens all neck-and-neck in first place for the first time.

The poll, which was conducted by former Conservative deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft, puts the three parties on 21 per cent each, with Labour languishing in fourth place on 17 per cent.

The findings will cheer Ms Badenoch, who has faced mutterings about her future as Tory leader, while rattling nerves within Mr Farage's own ranks over his seeming loss of momentum ahead of next month's local elections.

It is the first time in nearly a year that Reform has not been in the lead.

On Saturday night, polling guru Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, said the three-way tie indicated that the UK was in 'uncharted territory' in terms of the complexity of voting patterns and the likelihood of no single party being able to command a majority at the next general election.

It is also likely to increase calls for the Tories and Reform to 'unite the Right' by forming a pre-election alliance.

If Sir Keir Starmer's Labour, Zack Polanski's Greens and Sir Ed Davey's Liberal Democrats joined forces in a 'coalition of chaos', while the Right remained split, the Leftist alliance would theoretically be able to command 47 per cent of the vote and form a government.

Despite Labour's lowly ranking, one party source had a bullish take on the poll this weekend, telling this newspaper: 'We are just four points off the lead.'

The poll (pictured), which was conducted by former Conservative deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft, puts the three parties on 21 per cent each  an unprecedented three-way tie

The findings will cheer Ms Badenoch (pictured on the local election campaign trail this week), who has faced mutterings about her future as Tory leader

Lord Ashcroft's way of measuring party support is different from that of most pollsters.

Instead of asking voters what they would do in a hypothetical election tomorrow, he asks them how likely they would be to back each party at the next election  whenever it comes.

His method correctly pointed to the Leave vote in the 2016 Brexit referendum at a time when many other pollsters were anticipating a victory for Remain.

The drop in support for Reform has also been echoed by other polls. The party has gone from highs of 35 per cent in September to an average of 26 per cent now.

Senior Tory figures mock former Tories, such as Robert Jenrick and Nadhim Zahawi, who have defected to Reform, as having left too soon for a 'one-man band'.

Last week, Mr Farage sacked his new housing spokesman, Simon Dudley, who defected from the Tories in February, after Mr Dudley said that the 2017 Grenfell fire, which killed 72 people, was a 'tragedy' but 'everyone dies in the end'.

Mr Farage's support base on the Right is also being threatened by his arch-critic, ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe, who has established a party called Restore Britain.

Mr Lowe says that Restore is already Britain's fourth-largest party, with 123,000 members, surpassing the Tories on 113,000.

And it will rattle nerves within Mr Farage's own ranks over his seeming loss of momentum ahead of next month's local elections. Pictured: Mr Farage at a Reform UK press conference this week

If Sir Keir Starmer's Labour, Zack Polanski's Greens and Sir Ed Davey's Liberal Democrats joined forces in a 'coalition of chaos', while the Right remained split, the Leftist alliance would theoretically be able to command 47 per cent of the vote and form a government. Pictured: Mr Polanski at a trade union conference this week

For her part, Ms Badenoch said on Friday that she would remain as Conservative leader regardless of the results of the local elections next month.

She said: 'It is absurd [to suggest I would be replaced]. I am going to fight on.

'I don't know of any party leader who has decided that, following a local election result, they would throw in the towel.

'What kind of person would I be if I just gave up? It's hardly what voters want, either. We had many leadership contests before I came in, and fat lot of good it did us.'

Other questions in Lord Ashcroft's poll reveal the public's disquiet about America's war on Iran.

Just 11 per cent of voters think the UK should be taking a more active role in the conflict, with 45 per cent saying we should not.

Two-thirds do not think Donald Trump has 'a plan' for the war; 23 per cent do.

There is also some consolation for Sir Keir in that only 13 per cent of voters think his former deputy, Angela Rayner, would make a better PM than him.

It also finds his rival on the left, Mr Polanski, has been partially damaged by his past claim to be able to increase the size of women's breasts through hypnosis.

Only one per cent say that the boast makes them feel 'more favourable' towards him, compared with 33 per cent who say it makes them feel less favourable.
Iran warned Donald Trump the 'entire region will become hell' if the US escalates the conflict as the frantic search continued for an American airman missing behind enemy lines.

Tehran hit back after the president threatened to destroy the country's vital infrastructure if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

'Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out. 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!' Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Iran's central military command rejected the threat, with General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi calling it a 'helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action'.

In a statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, he warned the 'gates of hell will open' for the US if tensions escalate, echoing Trump's language.

The threats came as searches continued for a US airman missing after Iran shot down an F-15 warplane.

America is urgently trying to trace the airman, who ejected from the jet and landed behind enemy lines. Iran has placed a 50,000 bounty on his head.

The U.S. and Israel have stepped up pressure on Tehran to reopen the strategic waterway or face strikes on its energy infrastructure, while Iranian and US forces searched for a missing American crew member from one of two downed warplanes.

Trump, who has sent mixed messages since the conflict began with a joint US-Israeli bombardment of Iran on February 28, said his latest deadline for a deal to end the war was fast approaching.

His messaging has veered between hinting at diplomatic progress and threatening to bomb the Islamic Republic 'back to the Stone Ages'.

In an apparent move to heap further pressure on Tehran, a senior Israeli defense official said Israel was preparing to attack Iranian energy facilities, and was awaiting the green light from the U.S.

Rescue workers battle flames engulfing vehicles at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon

Iran warned Donald Trump the 'entire region will become hell' if the U.S. escalates the conflict, hitting back after he threatened to unleash 'all hell' over the Strait of Hormuz

Responding to the ultimatum, a spokesman for Iran's central Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters said any further escalation would turn the entire region into 'hell' for its enemies, state media reported

The timeframe for such attacks would be within the next week, the official said. Trump has previously threatened to hit Iranian power plants if his demands were not met.

Washington faced heightened stakes as the conflict entered its sixth week, with the prospect of a U.S. service member alive and on the run in Iran, slim chances for peace talks and polls showing low public support for the war.

With Iran's leadership defiant since the start of the conflict, its foreign minister left the door open in principle for peace talks with the U.S. via mediation from Pakistan, but gave no sign of Tehran's willingness to bow to Trump's demands.

'We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us,' Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X.

The war has killed thousands, sparked an energy crisis and threatened lasting damage to the world economy. Iran has virtually shut the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.

Iran has rained drones and missiles down on Israel, and also taken aim at Gulf countries allied to the U.S., which have so far held back from joining the war directly for fear of further escalation.

Trump's threat, which included a misspelling in his Truth Social post, came as tensions mount over the vital shipping route, a key artery for the global oil trade.

He initially set a deadline for late March before extending it to April 6 at 8pm ET after Iran requested more time.

If the deadline lapses, he has said he is willing to resume bombing Iran's energy infrastructure.

Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally and long-time Iran hawk, said he backed the ultimatum after what he described as a conversation with the president.

'A massive military operation awaits Iran if they choose poorly,' he said.

Trump's latest threat comes after he posted on Friday that if given more time, 'we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.'

Ever since the war in Iran broke out on February 28, the Strait has been a key point of contention since roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply is transported through it.

Iran has asserted control over the Strait, implementing a blockade against nations that support the American-Israeli war effort.

So far, access has been granted to ships from countries that Iran considers 'friendly', including China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan.

On Friday, a French ship became the first vessel from a Western nation to be allowed to pass through the Strait.

Join the discussion How should the US respond if Iran refuses to open the Strait of Hormuz amidst rising global tensions?

President Donald Trump issued his latest warning to Iran on Saturday morning, demanding they open the Strait of Hormuz

Pictured: An Indian ship moves through the Strait of Hormuz on April 1, 2026. Iran has set up a selective blockade, only allowing 'friendly' nations through

It came after French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Trump's saber-rattling in the Middle East and implored him to get serious about opening the Strait.

French authorities have not yet commented on the ship being allowed through, but the container vessel signaled its non-hostile status to Iran during its journey.

Trump's eagerness to get the Strait of Hormuz open comes as gasoline prices skyrocket in the United States and across the world.

According to AAA, the average gas price in the US is $4.10 per gallon, a 37 percent increase since before the war began, when it was just below $3 per gallon.

The majority of Americans feel the war in Iran has gone too far, according to a survey by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Other polls show even Republicans are increasingly souring on the latest campaign in the Middle East. Many GOP voters gave Trump a second term at least in part because of his repeated promises that he would not start new wars.

Trump gave an address to the nation on Wednesday, reiterating claims that the US has significantly degraded Iran's missile-launching capabilities.

'Their navy is gone. Their air force is gone. Their missiles are just about used up or beaten. Taken together, these actions will cripple Iran's military, crush their ability to support terrorist proxies and deny them the ability to build a nuclear bomb,' Trump said.

Contrary to Trump's claims that Iran's arsenal had been severely set back, US intelligence sources told Reuters that two-thirds of Iran's missiles are intact.

And two days after Trump's speech, during which he said America's operational objectives were close to being met, a US fighter jet was shot down over Iran.

It was an F-15E fighter jet, which had two crew members onboard. They both ejected from the aircraft and one has been recovered alive. The other has not been found by search-and-rescue teams.

So far, 13 US military service members have been killed in the war and more than 300 have been wounded, according to US Central Command. No troops have been taken prisoner by Iran.

In Iran, Israeli and American airstrikes have killed more than 1,900 people, according to the country's deputy health minister.
Labour should lift its ban on drilling in the North Sea immediately to stop households being hammered by the cost of the Iran crisis, voters have said.

The findings  that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband should ditch Net Zero dogma and release the 165billion worth of oil and gas beneath British waters  come amid a growing Cabinet split on the issue and mounting pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to scrap planned petrol tax hikes in the autumn.

Since Iran began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli attacks, global energy prices have soared, with the cost of a litre of diesel in the UK heading towards the 2 mark.

Research conducted by former Conservative deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft has found that half of all voters think Mr Miliband should 'drill, baby, drill'  in the words of Donald Trump, who was elected in the US on a promise to ramp up gas and oil production.

The poll, shared with The Mail on Sunday, also shows an unprecedented three-way split between the Tories, Reform and the Greens, who are all on 21 per cent, with Labour trailing in fourth place on 17 per cent.

It is the first time in nearly a year that Reform UK has not led in a survey and will add to mounting anxiety within the party over Nigel Farage's apparent loss of momentum ahead of next month's local elections.

Research conducted by former Conservative deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft has found that half of all voters think Mr Miliband should 'drill, baby, drill'. Pictured: Mr Miliband on a visit to the Port of Holyhead, North Wales in 2024

Since Iran began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, following US and Israeli attacks, global energy prices have soared. Pictured: File photo of an offshore oil and gas platform

The findings  that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband should ditch Net Zero dogma and release the 165billion worth of oil and gas beneath British waters  come amid a growing Cabinet split on the issue. Pictured: Mr Miliband on BBC current affairs programme Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg last month

With no end in sight to the Iran war:

The desperate hunt for an American airman downed in Iran intensified on Saturday night as US special forces raced against armed nomads to find the missing crewman in the south of the country;

President Trump issued a blistering warning to Iran to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, warning on social media: 'Time is running out  48 hours before all hell will reign [sic] down on them. Glory be to God!'

An elite team of Royal Navy divers are on standby to deploy to the Strait of Hormuz to help defuse Iranian sea mines blocking shipping lanes;

Former RAF pilot John Peters  who was shot down and captured in Iraq in 1991  warned the downed airman would be involved in a desperate bid to evade capture.

A fifth of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz and its closure has put intense pressure on the global economy.

Britain's North Sea oil reserves were central to Margaret Thatcher's administration in the 1980s, with the 70billion in revenues helping to fund industrial restructuring and tax cuts.

Mr Miliband has stuck to his Net Zero-driven opposition to new fossil fuel extraction, insisting that approving new drilling licences would not lower bills for UK consumers.

Last week, he said that 'people who say new exploration licences will somehow create huge amounts of energy for us' were 'just wrong'.

Ms Reeves, by contrast, has said she is 'very happy' to back exploration at the Rosebank oilfield and Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea.

Join the discussion How should Britain balance energy costs, climate goals, and national security in todays crisis?

Mr Miliband (pictured, on a visit to the London Power Tunnels last month) has stuck to his Net Zero-driven opposition to new fossil fuel extraction

But the Tories and Reform have called for the Energy Secretary to reverse his 'ideological' opposition to accessing the three billion barrels of oil and gas, which are worth about 165billion. Pictured: The Well-Safe Protector oil rig in Aberdeen

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch (pictured, on a visit to a chemical company in Teesside on the local election campaign trail this week) has called the failure to tap North Sea oil and gas 'economic insanity'

On Saturday night, Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice (pictured, at a Reform UK press conference last month) told this newspaper: 'This poll proves that the British people have far more common sense than the political class'

The Tories and Reform have called for the Energy Secretary to reverse his 'ideological' opposition to accessing the three billion barrels of oil and gas, which are worth about 165billion, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch describing the failure as 'economic insanity'.

On Saturday night, Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice told this newspaper: 'This poll proves that the British people have far more common sense than the political class.

'We've got hundreds of billions of pounds worth of energy treasure sitting under our feet.

'It's our patriotic duty to maximise British gas production, create jobs, boost growth, and achieve true energy independence.

'Labour and the Tories have failed on this for years. Reform will lift the restrictions on day one, get drilling and deliver lower bills for everyone.'

That view has been echoed by President Trump, who has described the North Sea as a 'treasure chest' for the UK and urged Sir Keir Starmer to take advantage of it.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, the SNP, Tony Blair's think tank and the Labour-supporting GMB Union have also expressed their support.

The average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts is up 30 per cent since the start of the war to 185.2p and could breach 2 within weeks, experts have warned.

Meanwhile, petrol prices have risen 16 per cent to an average of 154.5p per litre over the same period.

That view has been echoed by US President Donald Trump (pictured during a televised address on the war in the Middle East this week), who has described the North Sea as a 'treasure chest' for the UK and urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to take advantage of it

The average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts is up 30 per cent since the start of the war to 185.2p and could breach 2 within weeks, experts have warned. Pictured: File photo of a petrol and diesel price sign at a station in London this week

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured in the House of Commons last month) is planning to end the current 5p a litre fuel duty relief in September

Ms Reeves, who is raking in more than 100million in extra VAT receipts each month, is planning to end the current 5p a litre fuel duty relief in September, a move which will add, on average, another 3 to the cost of filling a tank.

In response a government spokesperson told the Mail on Sunday,

'Issuing new licences to explore new fields cannot give us energy security and will not take a penny off bills.

'Regardless of where it comes from, oil and gas is sold on international markets, which set the price for British billpayers  making us a price taker.

'The only way to truly protect ourselves from these price spikes is to get off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets.'

Governments around the world have been lowering fuel taxes to ease the burden on households from soaring petrol and diesel prices.

Anthony Albanese, the Australian Prime Minister, has already halved fuel duty.

Writing in this week's Mail on Sunday, Lord Ashcroft says: 'Having seen how precarious our supplies from the Middle East can be, more think the Government should end its absurd ban on new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea than keep it.

'For worried families, household bills and security of supply tend to win out over Net Zero targets.'
Clergy at Dublins landmark Westland Row church have instructed lawyers after an order from the City Council has banned them from displaying service times on their railings.

The councils action has been slammed by Dublin City Councillor Mannix Flynn, who told the Mail: Theyre not advertising half-price Victorias Secret.

He said, This is a dwindling flock that is trying to tell people that this church is open.

Priests at St Andrews Westland Row Church say that it has been standard practice to hang notices of Masses and church events on the railings since the middle of the 19th century.

But a sign posted this week informing parishioners of Easter Mass times  including a special performance by celebrated soprano Celine Byrne  also stated that such notices were considered breaches of planning laws, according to recent communication from Dublin City Council (DCC).

The notice asked Mass-goers to share the information on social media, as the church would soon be forced to take it down.

The parish has now confirmed that it has approached its solicitors about finding a compromise with DCC.

Sign that was put up by St Andrew's Parish Westland Row on their protected railings at the front of the Church which was completed in 1837, just a decade after Catholic Emancipation

Fr Alan Hilliard, who is parish administrator, told the Mail: The Parish of Saint Andrews Westland Row are respectful of the work of Dublin City Council.

But he continued: The matter of fixing notices for Church services and other events to the front railings is a practice that has been in place for a long number of years.

It was a bit of a shock to be served notice that we are in breach of planning regulations when we fixed posters to these railings last month.

The Dublin-based priest confirmed: We have asked our solicitors to liaise with the Council to ascertain a way forward and for that reason we refrain from [further] comment.

The sign posted on the railings this week said: We have been informed by Dublin City Council that notices such as this, that have been in place since the beginning of the mid-19th century, are in breach of our planning laws and have to be removed.

The sign continued that the church had been left with greatly reduced means to inform parishioners of their Easter Mass times, before outlining those times, which included an Easter Vigil last night televised by RTE.

The signs final line goes on to add: Please assist us by sharing this information on social media as we will have to remove these notices when we are served notice by DCC.

Fr Hilliard told the Mail: Many local people get their information from our notices, as do visitors to our city and the many tourists who come through our doors.

We await an amicable solution and direction based on the legislation that has been put in place, and advice on the various subtleties and exemptions existing within the legal framework.

We appreciate the support and the wisdom received from various public representatives.

Fr Alan Hilliard, who is parish administrator of St. Andrew's Parish Church, Westland Row says they have engaged lawyers to discuss with Dublin City Council the notices the parish use to advertise their mass times for the best part of the past two centuries

Local councillor Mannix Flynn told the Mail: This is where the city council gets a little bit ridiculous.

The independent councillor said the church technically has to apply for planning permission to erect signs, but the council never told them.

What the priest has received is a warning notice. The railings are a protected structure.

But if you go around to the National Gallery of Ireland or Collins Barracks [both also protected], youll see signs plastered all over the place and theres no issue in relation to it, because its seen as cultural.

The South East Inner City councillor continued: The [DCC] staff are just exercising their duty, that if someone puts an advertisement up, or a notice on a building, they are obliged to inform the council.

But reason needs to prevail here. This is a place of worship. These are non-commercial events listed.

The veteran public representative called St Andrews a revered church, where many a dignitary and officer of the State has gone to Mass and ultimately has been buried there.

Its a well-known, wonderful, beautiful church. Its not an appropriate way to approach this particular issue.

DCC was contacted for comment , but no response has been received.

Celebrated soprano Celine Byrne who is scheduled to perform at St Andrew's as part of the Easter celebrations

Construction on St Andrews church began in 1832, three years after Catholic emancipation in Ireland, and was completed in 1837.

The decision to build it was strongly backed by Daniel OConnell, who was one of its most eminent parishioners.

The parish of St Andrews Westland Row includes public institutions like the aforementioned National Gallery, The Houses of the Oireachtas, The Mansion House and Trinity College.

The church stands next to Pearse Station, which was first built around the same time.

Westland Row is famous as the birthplace of Oscar Wilde.
The science is mind-blowing, the implications for space travel quite unfathomable.

But when the four Artemis Il astronauts transit the dark side of the Moon tomorrow, it will also be a mind-blowing personal journey as they become the first humans to gaze directly into the depths of its most mysterious feature.

Appearing like a giant bullseye, the Mare Orientale - or Eastern Sea - will loom before them as a 200-mile-wide crater, formed 3.7billion years ago by an asteroid smashing into the surface at nine miles a second.

It will surely be a life-changing moment for Commander Reid Wiseman, 50, mission specialists Christina Koch, 47, and Jeremy Hansen, 50, and pilot Victor Glover, 49.

All contact with mission control will have been blocked by the Moon, leaving the crew alone to marvel at the sheer power of space.

The destructive impact of that asteroid is beyond comprehension, three times the size of the one thought to have wiped out dinosaurs here.

Surrounding the crater are mountain ranges, bullseye rings formed by a cloud of debris caused by the impact.

Apollo astronauts saw it half a century ago, but from a far lower altitude than Artemis I's 4,000-6,000 miles, and never in sunlight. That meant the best images, by Apollo 17's Ronald Evans, were dingy and black and white.

The Artemis II crew (pictured from left) Canadian astronaut and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, Commander Reid Wiseman, mission specialist Christina Koch and pilot Victor Glover

The Mare Orientale will loom before the astronauts as a 200-mile-wide crater, formed 3.7billion years ago by an asteroid smashing into the surface at nine miles a second

Artemis Il will have no such problem: they and the Sun will be directly overhead.

While it has been photographed by satellites, taking images from Earth is hampered by the 'tidal locking' phenomenon - the reason the Moon has a dark side.

Only rarely does 'libration,' a wobbling of its axis, reveal the Orientale as a shadowy smear.

Tidal locking ensures the Moon takes exactly as long to spin full circle as it does to complete its monthly orbit of Earth - as NASA puts it: 'Like a dancer circling, but always facing, its partner.'

This is the result of Earth's gravitational pull for billions of years, causing the Moon to slow its spin until precisely synchronised with the length of its orbit.

For all the sights Artemis I will encounter tomorrow - for good measure, a 'Kreutz sungrazer' comet will pass close to the sun's surface - the crew knows this mission is of huge scientific significance.

They will closely study a surface pock-marked by craters formed by a bombardment of asteroids.

One theory is that one such asteroid hit Earth, distributing the seeds of life.

Christina Koch describes the Moon as a 'witness' to all that's happened to Earth.

She said: 'We can learn more about solar system formation, about how planets form... about the likelihood of life out there, starting with studying the Moon.'
Israeli police used horses to break up an anti-war protest in downtown Tel Aviv on Saturday night.

Mounted officers dispersed hundreds of demonstrators and arrested at least 17 after declaring the gathering 'unlawful'.

Dramatic images showed horses being ridden into crowds carrying anti-war banners and chanting slogans against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Several hundred people gathered at Habima Square calling for an end to the war, with sirens sounding during the protest warning of incoming missiles from Iran and Yemen.

Israeli wartime restrictions currently limit gatherings in public areas to 150 people.

But in response to an appeal, supreme court justices on Saturday evening issued an interim ruling saying at least 600 people would be allowed to gather at Habima Square and 150 at each of several other locations across the country.

At around 8 p.m., police declared the demonstration unlawful, claiming there were 'hundreds more than the court ordered' at the protest.

Last week, officers arrested over 20 people during protests against the war with Iran, as they forcibly dispersed protests in several major cities, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Beersheba.

Since February 28, the United States and Israel have conducted joint strikes against Iran, prompting the Islamic Republic to retaliate with daily missile barrages targeting Israel and several neighbouring countries across the region.

Israeli police used horses to break up an anti-war protest in downtown Tel Aviv on Saturday night

Mounted officers dispersed hundreds of demonstrators and arrested at least 17 after declaring the gathering 'unlawful'

Dramatic images showed horses being ridden into crowds carrying anti-war banners and chanting slogans against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Several hundred people gathered at Habima Square calling for an end to the war, with sirens sounding during the protest warning of incoming missiles from Iran and Yemen. Pictured: Police arrest a protestor

Earlier, Iran warned Donald Trump the 'entire region will become hell' if the US escalates the conflict, hitting back after he threatened to destroy the country's vital infrastructure if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

'Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out. 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!' Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Iran's central military command rejected the threat, with General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi calling it a 'helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action'.

In a statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, he warned the 'gates of hell will open' for the US if tensions escalate, echoing Trump's language.

The U.S. and Israel have since stepped up pressure on Tehran to reopen the strategic waterway or face strikes on its energy infrastructure, while Iranian and US forces searched for a missing American crew member from one of two downed warplanes.

Trump, who has sent mixed messages since the conflict began with a joint US-Israeli bombardment of Iran on February 28, said his latest deadline for a deal to end the war was fast approaching.

Flames and black smoke rise during an explosion caused by an Israeli warplane bombing the upper floor of a building in the Dahieh area in the south of Beirut, Lebanon on March 31

At around 8 p.m., police declared the demonstration unlawful, claiming there were 'hundreds more than the court ordered' at the protest

Israeli police arrest a demonstrator at HaBima Square in Tel Aviv on April 4, 2026

Israeli activists take part in a protest at HaBima Square in Tel Aviv on April 4, 2026

His messaging has veered between hinting at diplomatic progress and threatening to bomb the Islamic Republic 'back to the Stone Ages'.

In an apparent move to heap further pressure on Tehran, a senior Israeli defense official said Israel was preparing to attack Iranian energy facilities, and was awaiting the green light from the U.S.

With Iran's leadership defiant since the start of the conflict, its foreign minister left the door open in principle for peace talks with the U.S. via mediation from Pakistan, but gave no sign of Tehran's willingness to bow to Trump's demands.

'We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us,' Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X.

The war has killed thousands, sparked an energy crisis and threatened lasting damage to the world economy. Iran has virtually shut the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.

Iran has rained drones and missiles down on Israel, and also taken aim at Gulf countries allied to the U.S., which have so far held back from joining the war directly for fear of further escalation.

Trump's threat, which included a misspelling in his Truth Social post, came as tensions mount over the vital shipping route, a key artery for the global oil trade.

He initially set a deadline for late March before extending it to April 6 at 8pm ET after Iran requested more time.

If the deadline lapses, he has said he is willing to resume bombing Iran's energy infrastructure.
More than 20 people have been rushed to hospital after a driver slammed into a crowd during a Buddhist parade in Louisiana.

The incident unfolded around 2:40pm Saturday during the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival in New Iberia.

The Acadian Ambulance service said on X that at least four victims were in critical condition, and two patients were taken to hospital via helicopter.

The number of victims is not yet clear, with first responders telling KADN that the total is more than 20 people.

Footage from the aftermath of the crash showed dozens of people laying on the floor injured as emergency workers raced to their side.

A blue muscle car appearing to have been the one that plowed into the crowd was seen in a ditch, and KADN described the perpetrator as an 'alleged drunk driver'.

The Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office said it had the driver in custody, and based on its preliminary investigation the crash did not appear to be an intentional act.

The Louisiana Lao New Year Festival is a Buddhist celebration which honors the Lao culture.

Police work the scene after several people were injured when a vehicle struck revelers at a parade celebrating the Lao New Year on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in Broussard, La. (WBRZ via AP)

More than 20 people have been raced to hospital after a driver slammed into a crowd during a the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival in New Iberia around 2:40pm Saturday

Footage from the aftermath of the crash showed dozens of people laying on the floor injured as emergency workers raced to their side

The Buddhist parade in the Louisiana town of New Iberia honors the Lao culture. It is seen in a video shared earlier Saturday before the car hit the crowd

The festival's organizers said in a statement that they were 'profoundly saddened' by the crash, and said it would be cancelling the rest of Saturday's festivities.

'We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds,' the festival said.

'We are awaiting additional details from authorities as they become available.'

'All security resources have been redirected to the scene, and we currently do not have security personnel available due to the circumstances.

'In the interest of public safety, tonights festival music programs will be canceled (no live concerts, no alcohol sales).

'We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time.'
When Prince William recently declared his commitment to the Church of England and spoke of his 'quiet faith', it may have been something of a sting for the former archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

Sarah Mullally was last month installed as the 106th spiritual head of the Church of England, with William and the Princess of Wales attending her enthronement ceremony.

But according to royal experts, the Prince of Wales, 43, was disengaged from the Church during her predecessor's tenure, due to his close relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Speaking on Times Radio, Roya Nikkhah, said: 'Justin and his team, for many years at Lambeth Palace, did try very hard to get meetings with William and there was just a wall of silence that came down.'

She added: 'William is someone who does hold a grudge, he does choose sides. If someone picks the other side, he remembers that.'

Harry and Meghan, Nikkhah explained, went to Welby for guidance and confided in him - and in their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview the Duchess claimed that he married them in private a few days prior to their 2018 wedding.

And according to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, Welby isn't the only one to feel the chill after displeasing the heir to the throne.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: 'William is our future king. Thank goodness he has a ruthless streak, as this is needed in today's world, especially with the monarchy among its most closely watched institutions.

'He is clearly an excellent judge of character and has deservedly won praise for his diplomatic skills.

Your browser does not support iframes.

'An example of his perspicacity has been the way he handled contacts with Lambeth Palace during the tenure of Justin Welby as archbishop of Canterbury.

'Welby became close to Harry and Meghan during the run-up to their marriage in 2018. However, Meghan claimed on Oprah that he had married them first in a secret ceremony in their "backyard".

'He chose an interview with the Italian paper La Repubblica to deny this, considering it less explosive than a British one.

'Welby had to resign after failing to report the appalling John Smyth, the Church's most prolific abuser, to the police.

'His bizarre resignation speech in the House of Lords was condemned as "frivolous" and "disgusting", and he had to apologise.'

Mr Fitzwilliams added: 'William was absolutely right to keep him at arm's length, ensuring his contacts are with his successor, Sarah Mullally, who may one day crown him. William's "quiet faith" will resonate with contemporary Britain.'

After working closely with Meghan and Harry, journalist Tom Bradby suffered a similar fate, explained the royal expert.

William once appeared close to the former royal correspondent and political editor for ITV, granting him the first interview alongside Kate following the couple's engagement in 2010.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Prince William at Westminster Cathedral after the state funeral for the Duchess of Kent

Tensions flared, however, after Bradby interviewed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for ITV coverage of their tour of southern Africa in 2019.

Mr Fitzwilliams explained: 'The journalist Tom Bradby was once a close friend of William's.

'However, in his documentary made during Harry and Meghan's tour of South Africa, where they represented the Queen, he chronicled their first publicly expressed dissatisfaction with royal life, which went viral, telling the world the brothers were on "different paths".'

The journalist also interviewed Harry about his memoir, Spare.

'Bradby, who had been given an exclusive interview by William and Catherine when they were engaged and attended their wedding, was regarded by William as having betrayed him. He has reportedly cut off all contact for obvious reasons.'

It's not just the public that William has cut off, but also family members, including Meghan and Harry, his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, plus Andrew's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson and their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Mr Fitzwilliams explained: 'He and Catherine have not seen Harry and Meghan since Queen Elizabeth's Funeral.

'The brothers are not thought to have spoken since then. The rift resulted from the way they trashed the Monarchy for personal gain after they stepped down as senior working royals.

'This was appalling and he rightly has not forgotten or forgiven what was both damaging and outrageous.'

The royal expert added that Andrew has received similar treatment: 'William was reportedly pushing for Andrew's titles to be stripped earlier. He has been taking a strong line all along, especially given Andrew's insensitive and bovine attitudes.

'At the Duchess of Kent's funeral, his disgust at his uncle's behaviour was visible,' Mr Fitzwilliams added.

Gathering on the steps of Westminster Cathedral after the Requiem Mass service on September 16, the former prince appeared to be visibly shunned by his relatives as he stood there grinning alongside his ex-wife, Sarah.

The disgraced royal's joyful appearance seemed to embarrass William, who warned his uncle that his laughter at such a solemn occasion was 'not a good look', a source previously claimed, before appearing to shut down any further chat with Andrew.

Footage of the frosty exchange showed William looking deeply uncomfortable - and revealed publicly for the first time the Prince's true feelings towards Andrew, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday in February.

But it wasn't only William who made his feelings known. Kate also displayed a chilly attitude towards the former Duchess of York following the private memorial service, according to body language expert Judi James.

In an exchange captured as the royals stood outside the cathedral, the Princess appeared to deliberately ignore Fergie by refusing to engage in any conversation, while also turning her head as she walked past.

Mr Fitzwilliams continued: '[William] has never been close to Beatrice and Eugenie, Andrew and Sarah's daughters. He is only too aware that their brand is toxic and that it urgently needs to be totally separated from the Royal Family.

'This may well, when he ascends the throne, extend to preventing them from using their titles.'

In November 2025, William was said to be urging his cousins to allow an 'ethics' check on their finances, while the King, determined to protect his nieces from being tarnished by their father's misdemeanours, offered the services of one of his senior advisers.

Yet formal offers of help  and scrutiny  are said to have been politely declined by the sisters.

Then came the recent tranche of the Jeffrey Epstein files, raising serious questions about how much the York daughters knew of their parents' corrupt dealings with the paedophile financier.

One email sent by Epstein in 2015 - after he was convicted for soliciting sex from girls as young as 14 - boasted to a friend that Beatrice 'liked' him.

It also emerged that Beatrice helped advise her mother on how to placate Epstein after Fergie called him a paedophile while apologising for accepting a 15,000 bailout from the convicted sex offender in a 2011 interview.

She also played a key role in facilitating her father's 2019 Newsnight interview, and Beatrice and Eugenie must now face the possibility that the drip-feed of Epstein revelations could see them ousted from royal life as well.

The future king now must evaluate his relationship with Beatrice and Eugenie, and assess whether they have a future within the Firm - a decision no doubt fuelled by the pre-existing tension in his relationship with the York sisters.
When Princess Beatrice wed Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi it was said that she was marrying into one of the most eminent aristocratic families in Italy  and that her new husband stood to inherit a title, a fortune and a historic palazzo.

Much was made of his Italian heritage. His father was a fabulously wealthy Count, the family seat was the opulent 18th-century neo-classical Villa Mapelli Mozzi in Lombardy  and it would all one day come to Edo.

However, as the couple approach the sixth anniversary of their Windsor wedding  with rumours swirling that their relationship is no longer as harmonious as it once was  a rather different picture of Edos wealth and status has emerged.

The Daily Mail can reveal the Mapelli Mozzi familys ancestral home, a once-fabulous but now crumbling edifice, needs so much work that its considered practically unsellable. Given its condition, even if a buyer could be found it would struggle to fetch much more than 2.5million  small beer for a palace.

In any case, as we can reveal, a sale wouldnt benefit Edo financially  his side of the family are a junior branch of the Mapelli Mozzi line and as such have no legal claim over it.

Indeed, far from having bottomless pockets as a member of Italys aristocracy, Edos three-times-married father, Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, is living in a small property in the South of France and eking out a modest income derived from renting out small holiday lets.

Mr Mapelli Mozzi senior is not a Count either. The title is only vestigial, with no legal status since Italy became a republic in 1946. And even if it were recognised again, cousins would have greater claim to its use.

Certainly, 42-year-old Edo, who was born in London and went to public school Radley College before graduating from Edinburgh University, is not awash with funds in the style of a scion of the Euro super wealthy.

The Mapelli Mozzi familys ancestral home, a once fabulous but now crumbling edifice, needs so much work that its considered practically unsellable

It's estimated a sale of the home would only bring in around 2.5million

Edo and Beatrice purchased a six-bedroom 3.5million house in the Cotswolds in June 2021, a year after they married

Edos father is the three-times-married Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi who lives in a small property in the South of France and eking out a modest income derived from renting out holiday lets

When he bought his comfortable Cotswolds family house with Beatrice he did not pay cash, but took out a mortgage just like anyone else, the Daily Mail has learned.

Edo and Beatrice purchased the six-bedroom 3.5million house in June 2021, a year after they married, with a mortgage from a private bank, according to publicly available Land Registry records.

Inevitably, it means the pair have a significant financial commitment and now there are fears that Mozzis stock as a property developer, which had been buoyed by his marriage into the Royal Family, could slump thanks to the close association of his in-laws with the sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein. Small wonder, then, that there are reports of gathering storm clouds around the once supposedly fairy tale marriage between the Count and his Princess.

Concerns about a rift  denied by the couple  were revealed by the Mail on Sunday last month.

Eyebrows were raised when Edo flew to Palm Beach in Florida for a design conference in February, just days after the former Prince Andrew was dramatically whisked away from Royal Lodge under the cover of darkness. Photos posted by Edo showed him looking relaxed in a pastel pink suit and loafers. But while Edo was enjoying the sunshine 4,500 miles away, Beatrice was left alone to cope with the one of the most critical moments in the agonisingly drawn out fall of the House of York.

None of this seemed to trouble Edos father when we spoke to him this week, however.

Far from a palace, Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi lives in a 250,000 home in a sleepy hamlet near Draguignan in Provence, southern France.

I have plenty of opinions, but I am not going to talk about them, Mr Mozzi, 74, said. Its not my affair, you should go and talk to my son about it.

Locals told us that Alessandro and his Spanish partner Marie Helene Viegas, 64, had lived in the village for several years. One said: They run a holiday letting company from their home. We see them out and about walking their dogs. Everyone knows his son is married to a member of the Royal Family and lives in London. Hes mentioned it, but we have never seen them here.

The latest publicly available accounts for Mr Mozzi Snrs company, Hidden Secret Villas, show it making a loss of 19,000  hardly the stuff of playboy millionaires.

Edo is one of two children Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi had with his English wife Nikki Burrows. His only full sibling is older sister Natalia, 44, whose husband Tod Yeomans works with Edo on his property projects.

Count Mapelli Mozzi and Nikki split when their children were young and after a brief relationship with Sarah Hunt  the widow of F1 racing legend James Hunt he moved to France. There he married twice more before settling down with his current partner nine years ago. As for the future of Villa Mapelli Mozzi, the Daily Mail has spoken to Alessandros cousin Dario Mapelli Mozzi, 75, who along with a sister and another cousin, is the current joint owner.

Dario Mapelli Mozzi said: It would be impossible for Edo or his sister to inherit the villa, they have no share in it and there are other more legitimate heirs.

I know who Edo is but Ive never met him.

The Mapelli Mozzi name came from the union of two clans in the 19th century  when Edos great-great-great-great grandfather Gerolamo Mapelli married Angela Mozzi  and antecedents can be traced back as far as 985AD.

Edos three times married father, Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, is living in a small property in the South of France. Pictured in front of the Mapelli Mozzi ancestral home

Eyebrows were raised when Edo flew to Palm Beach in Florida for a design conference in February, just days after the former prince Andrew was dramatically whisked away from Royal Lodge under the cover of darkness

They were given hereditary titles in 1913 by King Victor Emmanuel III but these were abolished along with the monarchy after World War II. Italian land registry records would seem to confirm that neither Alessandro nor Edo have a share of the palazzo  which is partially in ruins  apart from claim to a small orchard.

Dario Mapelli Mozzi also revealed that the family had tried and failed to sell the decaying building two years ago. The villa had been put up for sale with a price of 3million, but a deal fell through after internal family squabbles. A subsequent proposal to turn it into a care home also failed to materialise.

A property expert in Bergamo who had been involved in the bid to sell it said: Its a beautiful building and some of the frescoes are wonderful but the place needs a lot of work  the plaster is falling away and the roof also needs a lot of attention.

Its now mainly used as a backdrop for weddings and parties. It would be hard to find anyone to buy it.

They added: I did read that a member of the family married into the British Royal Family and is a property developer  maybe he could buy it and turn it back into the magnificent place it once was.

The allusion to Edos property career relates to his company, Banda, which received a huge boost following his 2020 marriage to Beatrice.

That wedding took place just two years after Edo had separated from Chinese-American architect Dara Huang, the daughter of a Nasa scientist.

He was briefly engaged to Huang with whom he has a son, Wolfie, whose full name is Christopher.

When they first got together, Edo wasnt nearly so successful, said a former associate. Being adjacent to royalty was transformative. Prior to that, the company Edo started aged 23 had enjoyed only moderate success.

Banda was initially a niche concern specialising in locating and developing upmarket homes for the rich, mainly in and around London, with annual profits in just the tens of thousands and two subsidiaries both reporting losses.

Yet his new life as a member of the Royal Family coincided with spectacular growth.

Today, Banda calls itself a multi-disciplinary property practice, covering property search and acquisition, development, project management, architecture and interior design all over the world and employs some 60 members of staff, more than three times the figure six years ago.

As for relations between Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and his son, as the comment from Mr Mozzis neighbour about never having seen Edo suggests, they are not thought to be close.

The small house where Edoardos father Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi lives in Provence, France

Speaking at the time of the wedding, Alessandro  who skied for Great Britain in the 1972 Winter Olympics  said he had yet to meet Beatrice but would do so at the ceremony, only for Covid restrictions to mean he could not attend.

It is unclear if they have subsequently been introduced, or whether Alessandro has met the couples two daughters, Sienna Elizabeth, four, and Athena Elizabeth Rose, one.

Edo has never spoken publicly of his father but instead heaped praise on his stepfather, Nikkis second husband the late Christopher Shale, who died aged just 56 in unusual circumstances  at Glastonbury Festival in 2011 while in a portable lavatory.

In fact, Sarah Ferguson had worked for Mr Shale as a secretary before her marriage, remaining friends, and so Beatrice had known Edo for much of their childhoods. Mr Shale, a close friend of former PM David Cameron, who paid a glowing tribute to him when he died, evidently also thought of Edo like his own son.

He acknowledged this in his will: Edo inherited from his stepfather, although it was a sum in the region of 650,000 rather than millions.

Edo was also left his stepfathers emerald cufflinks, half his collections of watches and Hermes ties, a 12-bore shotgun, ivory hairbrushes, a gold Dupont lighter and a marble chessboard.

In what may have been a dig at Alessandro, Edo said at the time: He [Chris Shale] was a father to me, the only father I have ever known, and a father to all three of us [Nikki and Christopher also had a son together], the best father we could ever have.

There are several other subsequent social media tributes to his stepfather, but none to his natural father.

One for Chris Shale from Fathers Day 2015 says: Happy Fathers Day  we miss you every day. I aspire to be half the man you were. While another touching tribute on the 10th anniversary of his death reads: Not a day goes by without me thinking of you and leaning on all the lessons you taught me.

Finally, on the question of Edos Italianness or otherwise, we return to his cousin Dario Mapelli Mozzi at the stately home in Lombardy that Edo was supposedly one day to inherit.

There was talk of Edo coming to stay a few years ago when he was on holiday in Tuscany, but he never arrived, Mr Mapelli Mozzi told us.

He has certainly never been here to see the house. I dont think he can even speak Italian.
Home prices are now falling in roughly a third of US housing markets, according to new data that suggests the long-running housing boom may be running out of steam.

Based on Fast Company's analysis of the Zillow Home Value Index, US house price growth has slowed sharply over the past year.

Prices rose by just 0.4 percent between January 2025 and January 2026, down from 2.1 percent growth a year earlier.

While the market briefly dipped into negative territory in mid-2025, it has since stabilized, suggesting the most intense phase of the slowdown may be over.

At the same time, a growing share of local housing markets has tipped into decline.

In early 2025, only around 10 percent of the 300 largest metro areas were recording year-on-year falls.

That figure climbed rapidly through the first half of the year, peaking at 36 percent by June and July 2025, before levelling off.

By early 2026, around 99 markets - roughly one-third - were still seeing prices fall, indicating that while the downturn has spread, it is no longer accelerating.

The weakest-performing locations follow a clear pattern, concentrated in pandemic boom regions such as Florida, Texas and parts of the Mountain West.

Topping the list is Punta Gorda, Florida, where prices fell by 11.23 percent between February 2025 and February 2026

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Topping the list is Punta Gorda, Florida, where prices fell by 11.23 percent between February 2025 and February 2026.

Now, prices have further decreased by 12.4 percent and the average house price there sits at $332,468.

Cape Coral (-8.57 percent) and North Port (-6.89 percent) also rank among the steepest declines, alongside Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina in Hawaii (-6.11 percent).

These areas saw rapid price growth during the pandemic and are now correcting as demand cools and inventory rises.

A second tier of markets - including Asheville, NC, Stockton, CA, and Tampa, FL - has seen more moderate declines of around 4 percent, reflecting a more gradual rebalancing between buyers and sellers.

Increased housing supply and persistently high mortgage rates are forcing sellers in these areas to cut prices to secure deals.

Further down the rankings, markets such as Daytona Beach and Homosassa Springs in Florida, as well as Denver, Colorado, are posting smaller declines of around 3 percent.

The markets seeing the smallest year-over-year price declines are scattered across the country, with reductions barely registering in some areas.

At the low end, Eugene-Springfield, Oregon saw virtually no change (0.01 percent), followed by Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL(0.07 percent) and Urban Honolulu, HI (0.10 percent).

Cape Coral (-8.57 percent) also ranks among the steepest declines

Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina in Hawaii has suffered declining house prices with a 6.11 percent fall

Other resilient markets include Tallahassee, FL (0.19 percent), Memphis, TN-MS-AR (0.18 percent), and Flagstaff, AZ (0.29 percent).

In California, Bakersfield saw a modest drop of 0.48 percent, while Reno, NV and Shreveport-Bossier City, LA each fell just under half a percent.

Overall, these smaller declines highlight pockets of stability amid the broader cooling trend across the US housing market.

The data shows that many cities in the Northeast and Midwest also remain relatively resilient, largely due to tighter housing supply, which continues to support prices despite weaker demand.

The overall picture is of a 'split' housing market.

National price growth has slowed to near flat, but local conditions vary widely.

For buyers and investors, the key takeaway is that the US is no longer a single, unified housing market, but a patchwork of regional trends shaped by supply, demand and the scale of pandemic-era price surges.
A gorgeous Maine island offering the ultimate in privacy and a rustic cabin has hit the market for a surprisingly affordable price.

Realtor and owner, Britani Holloway, purchased Little Dochet Island off the coast of Robbinston, Maine, roughly three years ago with her business partner.

The less than two-acre island was a paradisal place that offered seclusion, a relaxing pace away from the mass population, and the chance to own a private island.

So, the pair scooped it up. But three years later, they've found that they don't use it as much as they thought they would.

Now, the island, which lies close to the US-Canada border, has hit the market for $259,000, the listing said.

'It's really inexpensive,' Holloway told the Daily Mail. 'There's been a few other islands that have sold and we just wanted to be competitive with our price.

'I think it's a good price.'

For those willing to reside just a half-mile off the coast, the price of the private island is cheaper than the average home cost in the US, which sits at approximately $360,600, according to Zillow estimates.

Little Dochet Island, off the coast of Robbinston, Maine, has hit the market for $259,000

The island comes equipped with cell service and a small one-bedroom cabin that faces Canada

For Holloway, the ideal buyer is a lover of nature who will want to maintain the small island, which is covered in tall trees and has a granite stone beach, where the new homeowner may see seals popping up.

The island is only accessible by boat, canoe, or kayak, but once you reach the shores, the new homeowner will be surrounded by peace and quiet. Holloway described the island as perfect for 'people who just want to get away from everything.'

'People who are looking for a cabin that's a little bit out of the normal, or maybe people who love sailing,' she told the Daily Mail.

Holloway often brought her dogs with her to the island and allowed them to roam freely, with no worry that they would jump into water or get lost, she said.

And despite being so close to the Canadian border, the St. Croix River isn't crowded with the Coast Guard or other vessels.

'Once in a while, you'll see a boat,' Holloway said. 'It's not a high traffic river, so it's kind of nice.'

The island also comes equipped with a small one-bedroom cabin, which Holloway estimates to be between 75 and 100 years old.

'I think it's a good price,' owner and realtor Britani Holloway told the Daily Mail about the reasonable price tag

The cabin has been renovated with a new set of paint, new windows, and more

The island is less than two acres and sits in the St. Croix River, where there's barely any boat traffic

The island is only accessible by boat, kayak, or canoe as it sits a half-mile off the coastline

The cabin is situated on the northeastern side of the island with views of Canada.

It was recently updated to have new windows, a fresh coat of paint, and new siding.

Outside of the cabin and cell service, the island doesn't come equipped with any other amenities.
Nashville is loved by locals and tourists alike for its vibrant country music scene and lively downtown.

However, residents say that, beyond bustling, the Music City is becoming too crowded, and long-time locals are being pushed out of the trendy city.

A 2026 Vanderbilt poll revealed that more than half of Nashvillians believe their city is on the 'wrong track.'

Some locals are already thinking about moving out of the area, citing the rising cost of living and 'heavy traffic to and from downtown'.

'Unaffordability threatens the long-term fabric of the community,' Vanderbilt Poll co-director Josh Clinton said, 'and the numbers show that most residents are concerned about being able to afford a home in Nashville.'

The same report revealed 79 percent of residents think Nashville's population is growing too quickly, with outsiders flocking from other states to work and live in Tennessee's capital.

As home prices increase, some worry that the southern city does not have the infrastructure to keep up - or if it does, they worry the culture woven into the area will be cast aside.

'The data suggests that most residents want the city to focus on real, day-to-day problems in their neighborhoods rather than some of the larger projects and developments around the city that are more visible and therefore tend to attract the most attention,' Clinton said.

Nashville is loved by locals and tourists alike for its vibrant country music scene and lively downtown

Residents say that, beyond bustling, the Music City is becoming too crowded, and long-time locals are being pushed out of the trendy city

Nearly half of residents (48 percent) said recent changes to the city have made their daily lives worse, claiming the city can't keep up with the growing population and housing needs.

Of the current Nashville locals, a staggering 82 percent report they cannot afford to buy a house in Davidson County - where Nashville lies, while only 36 percent have plans to purchase a property in the area.

The current median listing price in the Nashville metro is $527,225. According to WKRN, the median price for a residential single-family home in the greater Nashville area was just $345,000 in 2020.

Although Tennessee has no income tax, Nashville property taxes have gone up 60 percent over the last five years, according to Fox 17. This makes it difficult for small businesses to find footing, or middle-class families to permanently put down roots.

The rising housing costs comes as a result of growing 'good' jobs in the area. The Daily Mail previously reported that the capital city has 'more than 900 companies with 550,000 employees working in the health care industry. HCA Healthcare and Change Healthcare are among the large companies based in the growing city.'

'There's demand for more local job creation,' John Geer, co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll said. 'This points to deeper issues of affordability and the need for Nashville's leadership to prioritize ways to ease the concerns of its residents.'

With many professional vying for limited housing options, prices for the remaining houses and rentals on the market increase.

But the solution isn't just to build apartment complexes. More than half of current Nashville residents think multifamily housing, like duplexes and apartments, should be allowed only in dense areas to better preserve the 'character' of less-populated areas.

Join the discussion How should Nashville balance growth and affordability without losing its unique local culture?

Of the current Nashville locals, a staggering 82 percent report they cannot afford to buy a house in Davidson County - where Nashville lies, while only 36 percent have plans to purchase a property in the area

Tennessee is one of the US states with the most newcomers, as residents flee more expensive coastal cities

'Faced with Nashville's rapid growth, residents are worried about being priced out of the city they call home,' Clinton said.

New data from Hireahelper suggests that residents are trading expensive coastal states like California for less expensive areas in the South.

California landed in the top five states were residents are leaving in droves, while Tennessee, with no state income tax on wages, became a hotspot. In 2025, the state had 43.6 newcomers for every 10,000 people already living there.

Nashville locals are feeling the influx.

'Nashvillians can't afford to live in Nashville,' one social media user wrote. 'Californians came during COVID and ran up the prices. The greater Nashville area is a little California now. Nashville isn't Nashville anymore!'

Many newcomers were lured to the area with low home prices during COVID, while others came recently due to new job opportunities. Compared to areas like New York City and San Francisco, Nashville also has a lower cost of living.
The Bible records that Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, which became the foundation of Christianity and remains fiercely debated to this day.

For centuries, scholars and skeptics have argued over whether the resurrection was a verifiable historical event or a matter of faith, weighing biblical eyewitness accounts against natural explanations such as hallucination, conspiracy or mistaken burial.

Now, a new study has tested long-standing theories that the resurrection never occurred, including claims of hallucinations, conspiracy and mistaken burial.

Its author, Pearl Bipin, an engineer with the National Institute of Technology in Goa, India, identified four central pieces of evidence used to challenge those theories: the empty tomb, reported appearances of Jesus after his death, the sudden transformation of his followers and the conversion of former skeptics.

The report claims historical analysis supports accounts of an empty tomb and reported appearances of Jesus after his death, arguing these events appear in multiple early sources and were recorded close to the time of the crucifixion.

Psychological explanations, such as hallucination or conspiracy theories, were also examined and described as insufficient to explain the full set of reported events.

Using philosophical reasoning and legal-style standards of evidence, including probability modeling, the report concluded that the resurrection remains the most coherent explanation for the available historical data and should be considered a serious historical possibility.

'Conversely, the resurrection hypothesis, when situated within a theistic philosophical framework supported by arguments from consciousness and modern verification of miracles, emerges not merely as a possibility, but as the most coherent and probable explanation for the rise of the Christian faith,' wrote Bipin.

The Bible records that Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, which became the foundation of Christianity and remains fiercely debated to this day

While critics cautioned that such conclusions remain deeply debated, the report has already sparked renewed interest in whether science and history can shed new light on one of Christianity's central claims.

The investigation began by attempting to establish what the authors describe as a 'secular foundation,' a set of facts about Jesus that come from sources outside the Bible.

Among the earliest of these is the Roman historian Tacitus, writing in the early second century, who recorded that a man known as Christus was executed during the reign of Emperor Tiberius under the authority of Pontius Pilate.

The study described this account as one of the strongest independent confirmations that Jesus existed and was put to death by Roman authorities.

The report also highlighted writings from Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, who mentioned Jesus while describing the execution of James, identified as his brother.

According to the study, these references, along with other ancient accounts, help form what the author calls a 'framework of certainty' that Jesus lived, was executed and inspired a movement that continued to spread after his death.

The report stated that these non-Christian sources are particularly significant because they were written decades after the crucifixion by authors who were not followers of Jesus, meaning their accounts are viewed by historians as independent confirmations rather than religious testimony.

Beyond historical texts, the study turned to forensic medicine to examine whether Jesus could have survived crucifixion, a theory sometimes referred to as the 'Swoon Theory.'

One of the most striking details cited in the investigation involved a description from the Gospel of John stating that a Roman soldier pierced Jesus' side, producing what was described as 'blood and water'

This suggested Jesus never truly died but merely lost consciousness and later revived, a claim Johnston says ignores medical evidence of his death and the impossibility of freeing himself from the tomb in such a weakened state.

Drawing on previous medical research into Roman execution practices, the study described crucifixion as a method designed to ensure death through trauma, blood loss and eventual suffocation.

Victims were often scourged beforehand, causing severe lacerations and shock, before being nailed to a cross in a position that gradually prevented breathing.

They were forced to push upward on pierced limbs to inhale, a process that became increasingly difficult as exhaustion set in, eventually leading to suffocation and cardiac failure.

This process would almost certainly have resulted in death, making survival extremely unlikely. There is only one written account of someone surviving.

One of the most striking details cited in the investigation involved a description from the Gospel of John stating that a Roman soldier pierced Jesus' side, producing what was described as 'blood and water.'

The report interpreted this as a possible sign of fluid buildup around the lungs and heart, a medical condition associated with traumatic injury and cardiac failure.

Bipin suggested this separation of fluid and blood is consistent with severe trauma and heart failure, supporting the argument that death had already occurred or was imminent at the time of the wound.

According to Bipin, such findings further supported the argument that Jesus did not merely faint or enter a temporary coma, but died as a result of the crucifixion.

'If Jesus had swooned and appeared to the disciples, he would have looked like a man half-dead, desperately in need of medical attention,' the study reads.

'As David Strauss, a German liberal Protestant theologian, noted in the 1800s, such a figure could not possibly have inspired the disciples to proclaim him the 'Prince of Life' and the conqueror of death. His survival would have elicited pity, not worship.'

The report shifted focus to what it calls the 'minimal facts' approach, a method used by some historians to identify events that are widely accepted by scholars regardless of religious belief.

Among those facts are claims that Jesus' tomb was found empty, that his followers reported seeing him alive after his death and that early believers were transformed from fearful individuals into outspoken advocates willing to risk persecution.

The traditional site of Jesus' tomb is located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem (PICTURED)

The study also highlighted the conversion of former skeptics, including individuals who initially doubted Jesus' claims.

The Gospels state that James, Jesus brother, was initially a skeptic, yet early Christian history and writings by the historian Josephus later described him as a leader of the Jerusalem church who died as a martyr.

Paul, once a zealous persecutor of Christians, also underwent a sudden conversion after claiming to encounter the risen Jesus, a transformation the report describes as historically significant because he had everything to lose by changing sides.

Bipin argued that these developments played a key role in the rapid spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

Christianity expanded quickly despite intense opposition, with early followers continuing to preach publicly even in regions where persecution and punishment were common.

The report also explored psychological explanations, such as hallucination theories, suggesting that grief or emotional stress caused followers to believe they had seen Jesus alive.

However, Bipin argued that hallucinations are typically individual experiences and do not occur simultaneously among large groups.

He pointed to accounts describing appearances to multiple people at once as evidence that psychological explanations alone may not fully account for the reported events.

Some accounts referenced in the report describe appearances to both individuals and groups, including gatherings of followers, which the author argued would be difficult to reconcile with purely psychological explanations.

Another major component of the investigation involves probability analysis using Bayesian reasoning, a statistical method that evaluates how likely a hypothesis is when compared with competing explanations.

When factors such as historical records, eyewitness accounts and the sudden rise of Christianity are considered together, the resurrection hypothesis is described as having strong explanatory power compared with alternative theories, according to the study.

Bipin said that this does not automatically prove a miracle occurred, but suggested that the resurrection remains a viable explanation for the available data.

The study explained that Bayesian reasoning allows researchers to weigh multiple lines of evidence together rather than evaluating each claim in isolation, strengthening the overall argument when several independent factors point to the same conclusion.

Bipin also referenced legal principles, including standards once used in courtroom settings to assess historical documents and eyewitness testimony.

Under these standards, Bipin claimed that the Gospel accounts could be considered credible if they demonstrate consistency, lack of a clear motive for deception and preservation across generations. They argue that early Christian texts appear to meet many of these criteria, though this remains a topic of ongoing debate among historians.

Despite its bold conclusions, the report acknowledged that the resurrection remains one of the most contested events in history.

Skeptics noted that many of the arguments presented rely heavily on interpretations of ancient texts rather than modern physical evidence. Others caution that historical reasoning alone cannot definitively confirm supernatural events, leaving the ultimate conclusion open to interpretation.
Wildlife explorer Steve Backshall came face to face with two of the UK's last resident killer whales off the coast of Cornwall, marking one of his 'greatest British wildlife moments'.

Backshall exclaims with glee as the orca harmoniously glide through the choppy waves off the Kernow coast more than 500 miles away from their home in Scotland.

The footage captures wind rustling against the microphone as the TV adventurer, who fashions a bright red coat and a life jacket, switches between the animals and his ecstatic commentary.

The male killer whales, named John Coe and Aquarius, were filmed by Backshall off Lizard Point in Cornwall - and was deemed by the explorer as one of his 'greatest British wildlife moments'.

Rejoicing on Wednesday, the wildlife star shouts from his boat: 'They're there. They're there. They're right in front of us. Unbelievable.'

Backshall continues: 'Orca in Cornish seas and not just any Orca but the two best known individuals in the Northern hemisphere.

'Just absolute rock stars, celebrities, icons of the Orca world and right here on our doorstep. Unreal.'

The explorer is a Cornish local and lives near Land's End with wife Olympic rower Helen Glover, and his son Logan, 8, and six-year-old twins Kit and Willow.

Wildlife explorer Steve Backshall came face to face with two of the UK's last resident killer whales off the the coast of Cornwall, marking one of his 'greatest British wildlife moments'

In the footage, Backshall says: 'Orca in Cornish seas and not just any Orca but the two best known individuals in the Northern hemisphere. Right here on our doorstep. Unreal.'

Joe Jones, who rushed to get a glimpse of the Orcas, believed the orca sighting was an 'April fool's'.

He recounted: 'I went to Lizard Point where they passed much closer and gave much better views. I have seen Fin, Minke and Humpback whales over the last few years around the Lizard.

'But this was by far the best and an absolute pleasure to have seen them.'

Backshall had been tipped off by a friend, filmmaker George Morris, who was making a documentary about the pair of brothers, who are in their sixties.

The orcas are believed to be the last two members of the West Coast Community, previously a 10-band pod.

The pod, which Backshall described as 'stalking our shores for a long time', was made up of 10 orcas in the 1990s and were frequently spotted around the UK and Ireland.

John Coe and Aquarius have been spotted regularly along the west coast of Scotland.

The brothers were last spotted off the west coast of Cornwall in May 2021, while a female nicknamed Lulu was found dead entangled by fishing lines in the Inner Hebrides in 2016.

The explorer is a Cornish local and lives near Land's End with wife Olympic rower Helen Glover, his son Logan, 8, and six-year-old twins Kit and Willow

Brothers John Coe and Aquarius have been spotted regularly along the west coast of Scotland

The pod reduced to four males and four females, distinguishable by their unusual sloping eye patch and larger size, and normally reside in the Hebrides.

Researchers, who have studied them for more than 50 years, believe the pod's demise can be linked to pollution, preventing the killer whales to produce in more than a quarter of a century.

They are now trying to uncover what happened to the missing orcas, who have not been spotted for more than nine years despite their close bond.

Tests revealed Lulu's body contained among the highest levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, ever recorded - despite the chemicals being banned in the 1970s.

This could cause the west coast community to be infertile due to the high concentration.

Lulu's body was found to contain 950mg/kg of PCBs, which is more than 100 times the 9mg/kg threshold known to cause harm to the health of marine mammals.

The pod's tenth original member, named Moon, was found dead on the Isle of Lewis in 2008.

Scotland's seas are also believed to be the home of a semi-resident group of orcas, who travel from Iceland each spring to raise their calves and to hunt. Killer whales can travel 100 miles a day.

They are known to hunt harbour porpoises while killer whales around Shetland and Orkney hunt seals.

A spokesman from the Cornwall Wildlife Trust said the sighting made for 'big wildlife news'.

They said: 'Orca were seen off the Lizard in Cornwall. Another rare sighting in our changing seas.'
Drag Race star Misua has died on Thursday morning aged 27.

The show's production company, World Of Wonder, released a statement on Food Friday to announce the devastating news that the performer, real name Jayson 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.

Heartbroken: Drag Race star Misua passed away in their sleep on Thursday morning aged just 27

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 the morning of April 2.

'She brought light, artistry, and joy to those around her, and will be deeply missed.

The statement continued: 'We have paused production to care for and support our cast and crew during this incredibly difficult 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.'

Official response: The show's production company, World Of Wonder, released a statement on Friday (April 3) to announce the news

Many shared their thoughts in the comments section on X, writing: 'R.I.P angel' and 'Condolences to her family and chosen family. I still wish to see her on the future episodes.'

Others said: 'RIP Queen!' and 'This is so sad. Rest in peace' while asking for 'you will still air her episode. She needs to be famous and memorable one last time.'

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.'

The cause of the performers death is so far unconfirmed.

Drag Race Philippines was aired in 2022. This was followed by a second series in 2023, and another in 2024.
In those moments when you're boarding a plane, you might hear a calming, inspirational, soothing soundtrack  or the catchy (if slightly annoying) Jess Glynne song loved and hated in equal measure by passengers on board Jet2 flights.

Either way, the music that accompanies your journey is sure to impact your experience on board.

Max De Lucia, 34, from London, is the co-founder of DLMDD, a music advertising agency responsible for the soundtracks  the 'sonic branding'  behind major airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Norwegian Airlines.

Max spoke to the Daily Mail about the secret world behind the music we hear on planes  and it's not as simple as a 30-second jingle might have you believe.

He says: 'We always say that an airline or an aircraft is a tin box in the sky until you fill it with all of the elements.'

For Max, an airline's sound is just as important as its visual logo. It's one of those things most passengers barely notice, but airlines think about very carefully.

The music that plays as you board a plane is often designed to shape the emotional experience of travel and, done well, can become just as recognisable as a logo or uniform.

Perhaps, the most famous example of music associated with airlines right now is the Jet2 mantra and theme tune.

Maestro Max: Max De Lucia the co-founder of DLMDD, a music advertising agency, told the Daily Mail about the ins and outs of 'sonic branding'

Perhaps the most famous example of music associated with airlines right now is the Jet2 mantra and theme tune

Max explains: 'Everyone's aware of it, it's become completely viral. And they've just rammed the Jess Glynne Hold My Hand track absolutely everywhere that they possibly can.

'Somebody asked me, is it terrible what they've done with that song? Well, if you're the marketing director of Jet2, you'll be doing a mic drop right about now.

'That's a great example of music and sound being used to make a brand famous.

'I know it probably drives some people mad, but that is the job, to get that brand known and talked about  and look, we're talking about it, aren't we?'

Max says a lot of the popularity and dramatic impact of sound  even 'annoying' music like Jet2's brand  has to do with a psychological phenomenon called the 'mere exposure' effect.

He explains: 'The best way of putting it is that if you listen to a song on the radio for the first time you've never heard before, you might not like it, you might feel apathetic towards it.

'Now, you'll hear that song the next day, potentially two, three times a day if it's on heavy rotation or the radio.

'By week three, you actually quite like that song, and know the words and hum along to it  whereas the first time you heard it, you didn't feel that much towards it at all.

'Maybe you even didn't like it the first time you heard it, but by the time you've heard it for the 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th time, actually there's something about it you do quite like.'

Essentially, it's a psychological phenomenon where people develop a preference for things over time  purely because they are familiar with them.

Max attributes the success of Jet2's mantra, 'nothing beats a Jet2 holiday', to this effect.

But it's not always as easy as you might think to curate the ideal soundtrack to flights.

Each airline has its own identity, Max explains. Jet2 is about 'being loud and proud', Max says.

These are exactly the sort of emotional states they conjure up in passengers through music.

In order to create such an effect, a long process is followed.

Max explains: 'First thing we'll do in practical terms is the brand will come and say, "we want to figure out how we sound". We run a discovery process for the brand, to figure out some musical references that anchor the brand's image.

'Then we find brilliant composers and music producers all over the world and build the right creative teams to respond to that brief.'

They then listen to the various options to find the perfect sound.

Max concludes: 'Probably no one ever thinks, when they sit down on that plane, that the music that's playing around them has gone through this immensely robust  and sometimes quite tedious  process of stress testing the hell out of it to make sure that it is the right, perfect music for that brand and that brand's experience.'

Max says: 'Brands all over the world come to us and say, "we know what we look like, but we want to be famous for how we sound".

Peaceful passengers: Each airline has its own sound, and Singapore Airlines aims to conjure up feelings of calm and gentleness

'We work with them to create identities in the world of music. Whenever anyone's going anywhere in the world or sits down on an aeroplane, they tend to be in quite an emotional state. They're going somewhere, and your experience with the world is hugely affected by your senses.'

And the statistics back up his argument  sound is around 800 per cent more powerful than visual stimulus, according to Max.

He adds: 'Airline music on board should be as ignorable as it is interesting. The idea is that if you're on board the plane, you can sip a glass of wine, read the newspaper, and it just sets that environment.

'But if your ear latches onto that piece of music, there's artistic depth to it. There's beauty in its design. It isn't just some nonsensical loop.'

For example, DLMDD created the sonic identity for Singapore Airlines, heard by around 40 million passengers a year.

The brief was to translate the airline's famous floral visual identity into sound.

To do so, the team actually built a custom instrument that converts colour frequencies into musical notes, which composers then used to write the airline's boarding and landing music, known as the 'Symphony of Flowers'  resulting in a piece of music that conjures up exactly the sort of peaceful emotions it wants to embrace.

The ways in which composers create certain moods is complex and technical.

Max says: 'Like an author of a literary work, a composer has their palette that they can use to work with.

'They've got all these levers they can pull.'

For instance, they avoid minor keys  music with a sadder feel  when composing airline music.

The rhythm and melody also need to provide a 'sense of going somewhere', he explains, and it can't be overly repetitive  it can't just keep going round and round. That would alienate and irritate passengers.

And it gets more poignant and technical if the airline is a flag-carrier.

He says: 'We might choose certain modes, scales, that take us more towards the Middle East or the USA, for instance.'

United Airlines, for instance, used Gershwin's famous masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue, for years, given its highly American, New-York style  making you feel as though you are well and truly in an American setting.

Nod to Norway: To capture the essence of a national carrier, Max and his team worked with composers to distill the feelings and emotions required

Similarly, when Max worked with Norwegian airlines, the aim was to 'capture the essence of Norway and their sound, and we recorded in a place called Trondheim, where it doesn't get dark'.

Recording with the Trondheim Orchestra, they 'just injected it with Norwegian musicians. All recorded in this amazing studio on the fjords of Trondheim, looking out over Norway. It does feel very Norwegian in its nature. It's very clean and future-facing, and beautiful'.

'Everybody wants their Netflix level of fame, Max explains, referring to the two-second sound everyone associates with the brand.

He finishes: 'For many of the carriers they are carrying not just the brand, but often the nationality as well.

'Getting to that level of ubiquity takes many, many years of commitment.'
Gliding through Heathrow Airport before sipping prosecco in a lounge, I couldnt be happier  and its not just because Im about to jet off to the Caribbean for my honeymoon.

Im also beaming because my new husband and I managed to bag our Virgin Atlantic flights to Saint Vincent for free, paying just 596 in taxes.

How did we do it? By building up more than 140,000 Virgin Points while splurging on our wedding over the space of a year.

And were far from alone. Nearly three quarters of consumers (74 per cent) have paid for part or all of a flight with loyalty points, according to Virgin Reds annual Points Index report.

If you want to do the same, heres exactly how I built up hundreds of thousands of points in just 12 months  and how you barely need to change anything about your spending to do it.

The first step is also the easiest: signing up for a Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card, which offers 0.75 points for every pound spent, plus a bonus 3,000 points on your first purchase.

With it being the year of wedding spending, my bill at the end of 12 months is a pretty eye-watering 105,000. But that alone earns me 81,750 points  already more than enough for return flights to New York for my birthday in November, and almost enough to fly Premium.

However, Im still more than 70,000 points short of those honeymoon flights.

Hayley Minn got her return flights to the Caribbean for free  after a year of wedding spending and weekly shops into points

As a regular Tesco shopper, I sign up to automatically exchange my Clubcard points into Virgin Points to help me reach my goal faster. All I have to do is join Virgin Flying Club online, get my account number, and link it to my Clubcard account.

Im immediately rewarded with my first 5,000 points. Over the course of the year, I spend 3,877 on groceries at Tesco, which bags me another 7,754 points without changing anything about how I shop.

Another easy win comes from sending a referral link to my friends WhatsApp group. Ten of them sign up, which earns me 10,000 points.

Buying Virgin Moneys annual multi-trip travel insurance adds another 3,500 points, while switching my energy provider to Octopus Energy gives me a further 5,000. At this point, the points are already starting to rack up surprisingly quickly.

Most of our wedding suppliers are small independent businesses, so theyre not part of the Virgin Shops Away or Virgin Red schemes. But whenever I buy something online, I make sure to go through these portals first so I earn points on every pound I spend.

Spending 90 on two bridesmaids dresses at Pretty Lavish earns me 540 points. I get a point for every pound when I spend 200 at ASOS on two bridesmen suits and ties. My 99 bridal shoes from Rainbow Club at John Lewis earn me another 99 points.

While my wedding dress is from What Alice Wore, who isn't on Virgin Red, the Whistles suit I wear to my civil wedding at Greenwich Town Hall earns me a whopping 4,244 points  although it is quite a big spend of 528.

After a trial run with my make-up artist, who uses Charlotte Tilbury products, I spend 136 at Sephora on foundation, lipstick, powder and setting spray  earning me 1,088 points in the process.

And its not just the obvious wedding purchases that help. Hiring a car from Avis to drive wedding bits back adds another 1,200 points.

Hayley (centre) bought her two bridesmaids dresses (pictured) at Pretty Lavish, earning her 540 points, and got 200 points for buying her bridesmen suits and ties (pictured) at ASOS

The suit Hayley wore to her civil wedding (pictured), from Whistles, earned her 4,224 points

Hayley earned 630 points through buying wedding stationery, including a welcome sign (pictured) from Papier

I also earn points on smaller, everyday wedding purchases that really add up. Buying gifts and matching pyjamas for the wedding party on Etsy brings in around 1,000 points based on a 500 spend. A 50 Waterstones order for books for the honeymoon adds 200 more. Even smaller items contribute  70 of Vivienne Westwood wedding jewellery for my husband earns 280 points, and 85 spent on wedding underwear at Ann Summers adds another 340.

With our wedding taking place at Hedsor House, in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, and most of our family and friends living in London, we make a block booking of 12 rooms at Burnham Beeches Hotel through Booking.com.

The exchange rate here is incredibly generous at eight points per pound, earning us 12,960 points from a 1,620 booking  one of the biggest boosts of the entire year.

We also buy some of our wedding stationery from Papier, spending 59.20 on a welcome board and 134 on thank-you cards for our 140 guests. After the wedding, I even buy a 2026 diary with our photos in it for 24. Altogether, that adds another 630 points.

Then theres the wedding album and photo canvases for our walls. Spending 400 at Photobox earns 1,600 points as a new customer  something I would have bought anyway.

As someone who spends quite a lot on hair and nails, Im pleasantly surprised when I realise I can earn points on beauty appointments too  especially in the run-up to the wedding.

I earn 790 points on 1,580 spent throughout the year on Treatwell, and another 1,429 points through the 1,429 I spend at Rush Greenwich on my hair. It suddenly makes all those pre-wedding appointments feel slightly more justified.

Another part of the system I wish Id discovered earlier is the Virgin Trains Ticketing app, which gives you three points for every pound spent.

Buying gifts and matching pyjamas (pictured) for the wedding party on Etsy brings in around 1,000 points based on a 500 spend

Hayley's 99 bridal shoes (pictured) from Rainbow Club at John Lewis earned her 99 points

Your browser does not support iframes.

Id always assumed it was only for Virgin trains, so I used Trainline for years. But once I switch, I earn 2,976 points on 992.50 worth of train tickets around the country in just one year.

Its still cheaper to use contactless for my daily London Underground commute, but if Id been using it earlier for longer journeys, I could have earned even more.

By the end of the year, Ive racked up 142,720 points, so have more than enough for the two Virgin Atlantic return flights from Heathrow to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which cost 124,000 points plus 596 in taxes, fees and carrier charges.

And the best part? I didnt change my spending habits at all. I simply made sure that every pound I was already spending worked harder  and turned one very expensive wedding year into a Caribbean honeymoon for (almost) nothing.
'WHERE ARE YOU?! cries the curly-haired little boy in front of me  my two-year-old son Theo  as fireworks crack and bloom above a lake, illuminating mountain peaks glazed with snow.

Hes not, however, enquiring about me. Hes keen to know the location of a certain platinum blonde in an ice-blue dress he met earlier: Queen Elsa.

Because were in Arendelle, or as close as you can get to the fictional kingdom from Disneys Frozen.

This is the opening of the World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris, the result of a multi-billion-euro expansion  and weve been lucky enough  along with French President Emmanuel Macron (no less), supermodel Naomi Campbell, Spice Girl Emma Bunton and TV presenter Holly Willoughby  to have a behind-the-scenes preview before the tourist hordes descend.

For the record, Im avowedly not a Disney adult, that particular breed of grown-up fan whose lives revolve, in part or whole, around the parks, the films, the mythology and more. But its hard not to be impressed with World of Frozen.

The fictional kingdom of Arendelle, from the Frozen films, comes alive at Disneyland Paris

Visitors can explore the Scandinavia-inspired village - and they might bump into their favourite characters

Theres a dollop of whimsical Scandi in the gabled rooftops and colourful Nordic-style waterfront buildings. The engineered mountain towers 118 ft high, looking unnervingly realistic, crowned with Elsas ice palace.

Even the water of the 7.5-acre Adventure Bay lake carries a strange blue-green sheen as though belonging in a fairy tale.

Kooky shop/sauna proprietor Oaken and Mossie, the pint-sized baby troll, cheerfully roam the village centre.

Several times a day the A Celebration in Arendelle show features characters such as Anna, Elsa and Kristoff, plus villagers, singing and dancing, while the loveable snowman Olaf comes to life in animatronic form.

You get closer to the stars inside the castle, enjoying one-on-one encounters with Anna and Elsa.

Frozen Ever After is a musical boat ride that glides through landscapes of fjords and ice, slowing at vignettes showing pivotal scenes from the first film.

Catchy songs such as Let It Go fill the air, while on all sides youre met with Disneys impressive Audio-Animatronics robotic figures.

Pivotal scenes from the first Frozen film play out in front of you on the Frozen Ever After ride

Ben and his two-year-old son Theo at beside the fountain in the recreated Arendelle

In short: its a blast. We ride it three times. Theo alternates between sitting silent and staring, and moments of unencumbered joy.

Loud oooohhhhs are forthcoming as he recognises his favourite characters, shouting hello as we pass  waving so much I'm worried his arm might drop off.

World of Frozen is not subtle, nor is it trying to be, but it works with remarkable efficiency. Combined with the setting  so carefully managed you lose sight of anything beyond Arendelle  it becomes something closer to theatre than theme park.

World of Frozen blends with striking coherence as an expansion of Disney Adventure World, which is the new name for Walt Disney Studios Park, more than two decades since it opened as an addition to the original Disneyland Park. Here, attractions take their cue from Toy Story, Ratatouille, Cars and the Marvel heroes.

But Disneyland Paris is not finished yet. Late last year, construction began in a large area dedicated to The Lion King, the first of its kind that promises to plunge visitors deep into the Pride Lands to follow Simbas adventures.

Kooky shop/sauna proprietor Oaken roams the village - perfect for photos with the family

The World of Frozen is part of the newly renamed Disney World of Adventure in France

Theres still plenty of charm in the other park  the jaunty Mad Hatters Tea Cups, the sea shanties of Pirates Of The Caribbean  but older rides such as Peter Pans Flight now feel distinctly dated.

But theres little stopping this tourism behemoth. Since opening, Disneyland Paris has contributed a staggering 120 billion (104 billion) to the French economy, accounting for 6.1 per cent of the countrys tourism revenue.

By the time we make our way home, Im humming Disney tunes that have, it turns out, been lodged somewhere in my mind since childhood. For parents, the experience may be exhausting, but to see the happiness in your childs eyes is entirely worth it.

Am I still perplexed about die-hard Disney adults? Yes. But if World of Frozen has taught me anything, when it comes to that feeling, I might just need to Let It Go
Russell Howard was left red faced as he made an X-rated innuendo on The Claudia Winkleman Show.

The comedian, 46, was joined on Claudia's sofa for the late night show on Friday by Rita Wilson, James McAvoy and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

During the show, Claudia often turns attention to people in the audience who have interesting stories to tell or are experts in a niche field.

And in the latest episode, Claudia spotlighted a couple in the audience who are planning to have their wedding reception at a water park.

As the pair revealed the plans for their nuptials, Russell was quick to jump in with an innuendo as the bride-to-be admitted she was undecided as to whether she would actually go down [the slide].

With a string of suggestive gestures and facial expressions, Russell hinted at how 'go down' could mean something else - sparking laughter from the audience.

Russell Howard was left red faced as he made an X-rated innuendo on The Claudia Winkleman Show on Friday

In the latest episode, Claudia spotlighted a couple in the audience who are planning to have their wedding reception at a water park (Pictured)

When asked by Claudia, the bride-to-be said: 'We're getting married in Nottingham. Yeah, a lovely Hall in Nottingham, and our reception is at a water park.'

Russell replied: 'Have you ever been to Aqualand in Benidorm? Like you don't even have to go on the rides to have fun. One of the best things is when you watch a big Northern man - sometimes the trunks arrive before the man.

'If your marriage has as many highs as that water park has given me, I'm sure you'll have a blessed marriage.'

'Are you wearing a bikini and a veil? Like what's the...' actress Rita asked, to which the bride-to-be replied: 'No it's TBC whether I'll actually [woo] go down there.'

'You've got to go down,' Russell began, before gesturing to going down a slide and making a face as he referenced an explicit sexual act.

As Russell said 'I wasn't... I meant...' the audience, and the bride and groom to be, burst into laughter - before the comedian appeared embarrassed by his comment.

Elsewhere in Friday's episode, James McAvoy described making his directorial debut as a 'nightmare he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy.'

The Scottish actor, 46, went behind the camera for the first time to direct California Schemin', which tells the true story of a rap duo from Dundee who pretended to be American in order to make it big in the music industry.

But while the film, which is due to be released on April 10, was a story close to the actor's heart, he found it difficult to bring it to life as a director.

He said: 'I knew I wanted to make films about people from low-income backgrounds, council estates or schemes as we call them in Scotland.

The comedian, 46, was joined on Claudia's sofa for the late night show on Friday by Rita Wilson, James McAvoy and Gugu Mbatha-Raw

As the pair revealed the plans for their nuptials, Russell was quick to jump in with an innuendo as the bride-to-be admitted she was undecided as to whether she would actually go down [the slide]

With a string of suggestive gestures and facial expressions, Russell hinted at how 'go down' could mean something else - sparking laughter from the audience

Elsewhere in Friday's episode, James McAvoy described making his directorial debut as a 'nightmare he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy'

'I wouldnt wish directing and acting on my worst enemy it was a nightmare.'

Elaborating on the challenges he faced, James, who is best known for his role in X Men, said it was difficult to focus on telling the cast what to do when the production faced issues like an absence of portaloos.

The Atonement actor added: 'You'd literally be sitting there trying to go "I need more love" or "I need more comedy" and somebody is whispering in your ear "We can't get the Portaloos for tomorrow".'

Reacting to James's brutally honest revelations about his first time in the director's seat, fellow guest Rita Wilson, 69, weighed in on whether or not she'd try her hand at directing.

The Sleepless In Seattle star said: 'I think I would direct if it was the right material

'What I am most interested in though is that this was a movie about rappers, and maybe my agents didnt get to you, but I do spit some flow, James.'

Later in the show, James admitted to Rita that he still gets nervous around famous people - putting on a 'working class voice'.

He said: 'I was like that with your husband [Tom Hanks] ... I have worked with him twice now when I was much younger.

'I don't know why but I do this thing sometimes when I get around famous people... and I go into this weird sort of put on working class [voice]... and I don't know why that happens!'
Patsy Kensit is reportedly preparing for a 'top secret' return to Emmerdale, 20 years after her character's dramatic exit.

The actress, 58, who played villain Sadie King on the ITV soap for two years until 2006, is said to be 'delighted' after being approached by bosses to reprise the role.

Sadie, who memorably arrived in the village via helicopter, was first introduced as the former wife of Jimmy King (Nick Miles).

She later embarked on a romance with Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) who eventually double crossed her and escaped with the 2M ransom after the pair kidnapped her former father-in-law Tom King (Kenneth Farrington).

A source said: This signing has been kept a top secret as bosses want Patsy's return to shock fans.

'She is apparently delighted to be get her teeth back into the meaty role.

Patsy Kensit is reportedly preparing for a 'top secret' return to Emmerdale , 20 years after her character's dramatic exit.

They went on to tell The Sun: 'Scriptwriters want to keep the show going with explosive plots and divisive characters.'

The Daily Mail have contacted ITV and Patsy's representatives for comment.

Following her Emmerdale exit Patsy went on to play Faye Morton in Holby City and later Emma Harding in EastEnders.

The news comes after the star admitted that her trauma isn't about 'having sons from two failed relationships' as she opened up on self-discovery.

Patsy, has two sons, James Kerr and Lennon Gallagher, from her marriages to musicians Jim Kerr and Liam Gallagher, respectively.

In a new interview, the actress, who appears on BBC's documentary Pilgrimage, opened up about how the series made her come face-to-face with her trauma.

The star, who has been married four times, told Country Living UK: 'I came into the pilgrimage with a lot of anger, which I had always attributed to failing in my marriages.

'I have a noisy mind, which is man's worst enemy.

The actress, 58, who played villain Sadie King on the ITV soap for two years until 2006, is said to be 'delighted' after being approached by bosses (pictured in the soap)

'All that time outdoors taught me how to quieten it, which allowed me to come to terms with the fact that the trauma I've been carrying was actually from childhood.

'My trauma isn't about having sons from two failed relationships; this is about my whole life.

'I can be quite hard on myself, but being able to recognise that helped me to not feel like a failure.'

Thrust into the spotlight at the age of four, when she appeared in a commercial for Birds Eye peas, Patsy has worked in the industry ever since but suffered a traumatic childhood.

Patsy spent the best part of it worrying her mother, Margie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was five years old, wouldnt be there. So much so, she lost count of the times she went to the hospital to say goodbye.

She previously recalled: 'It was horrible. I had that constant fear of her dying from the age of five until she passed on when I was 22. From the age of seven or eight, I was on a quest to work and make money so Id be able to pay to make her healthy. Id think, If I can make everything around us okay, it means shell be here".'

Meanwhile, Patsy's father Jimmy died from leukaemia when she was 17. He was an associate of the Kray twins, and spent her childhood in and out of prison.

He was jailed twice, once when she was six for 18 months, then again at the age of 11 for five years. On both occasions he was jailed for long firm fraud - where a fraudster sets up a bogus business, says he will pay for goods on account then disappears after the goods are delivered without paying.

Patsy only learned this when taking part in an episode of BBCs Who Do You Think You Are? At the time she believed he was an antiques dealer.
Walt Disney blamed himself for the untimely death of his mother, Flora, in 1938 and would snap at anyone who dared to ask about her - even 20 years after the tragic accident.

The iconic animator brought joy to millions with Mickey Mouse and built what would become a $186billion empire. But he was 'inconsolable' over Flora's passing at age 70 from carbon monoxide poisoning sparked by a faulty furnace.

Growing up, Walt had a strong bond with his beloved mother and would delight in playing practical jokes on her - handing her a fake severed thumb in a box, and pretending to be a woman while wearing her dresses.

Flora sold butter door-to-door, managed the family's bookkeeping, and designed and furnished the homes her husband, Elias, built for a living.

'There's nothing mysterious about drawing up plans for a house,' the Ohio-born matriarch was quoted saying in Bob Thomas's 1976 biography, Walt Disney an American Original.

'And a woman ought to know more about making it livable.'

Walt Disney blamed himself for the untimely death of his mother, Flora, in 1938 and would snap at anyone who dared to ask about her, even 20 years after the tragic accident

During the height of the Great Depression in the 1930s, Flora and Elias were struggling financially while managing apartment houses in Portland, Oregon. Elias was also suffering from a bad rupture while Flora had a succession of small strokes.

'We have been worried for some time for fear you and Dad have been attempting too much and jeopardizing your health,' Walt wrote to Flora in 1936.

'I think you should keep in mind that your health is worth far more than any money that might be derived by trying to do too much with your own hands. After all, money is no good to us if we do not have good health to enjoy it.'

The 22-time Oscar winner and his brother/cofounder, Roy, were soon basking in the groundbreaking success of making the United States' first-ever animated feature film: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It went on to become the highest-grossing movie of 1938 and amass $418million.

The Disney brothers convinced Flora and Elias to relocate to Los Angeles and bought them a brand new house in Toluca Lake as a present for their 50th wedding anniversary on New Year's Day 1938.

By September, Walt and Roy had paid $8,300 for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house. They furnished the 1936-built single family home at a cost of between $2,500 and $3,000.

'More important it has a good heating system,' Roy wrote Walt of the central gas heater with forced circulation.

However, the fancy furnace quickly began to malfunction, so the Disney brothers dispatched one of their studio workmen to repair it.

On the morning of November 26, tragedy struck. Flora collapsed on the bathroom floor, and Elias fainted in the hallway while searching for her. The lid on the furnace's air intake had slipped, recirculating toxic exhaust into the house all night long.

During the height of the Great Depression in the 1930s, Flora and husband Elias were struggling financially while managing several small apartment houses in Portland, Oregon. He was suffering from a bad rupture while she experienced a succession of small strokes

Walt and his brother/cofounder, Roy, convinced their parents to move to Los Angeles following the groundbreaking success of making the United States' first-ever animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, in 1937

The Disney brothers moved them into a rented apartment on Commonwealth Street before announcing they'd buy them a brand new house as a present for their 50th 'golden' wedding anniversary on New Year's Day of 1938

By September, Walt and Roy had paid $8,300 for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in LA's Toluca Lake neighborhood. They also furnished the 1936-built single family home at a cost of between $2,500 and $3,000

Quick-thinking housekeeper Alma Smith, who felt woozy herself, discovered the unconscious couple at 8am.

Smith called the police and they were all rushed by ambulance to Hollywood Hospital where Elias was revived but remained 'in serious condition.' Flora was pronounced dead on arrival from asphyxiation.

It was only two days after Elias and Flora had celebrated Thanksgiving dinner at Walt and his wife Lillian's Tudor-style home in Los Feliz.

Roy ordered a report on the leaky gas heater, which determined that the 'installation of the furnace showed either a complete lack of knowledge of the requirements of the furnace or a flagrant disregard of these conditions if they were known.'

On November 26, Flora and Elias collapsed from fumes through a faulty furnace and their housekeeper, Alma Smith, alerted authorities. Flora was pronounced dead on arrival to Hollywood Hospital from asphyxiation while Elias was in 'serious condition' and survived

Roy (right) ordered a report on the leaky gas heater, which determined that the 'installation of the furnace showed either a complete lack of knowledge of the requirements of the furnace or a flagrant disregard of these conditions if they were known'

Walt, the 22-time Oscar winner, was still sore on the topic in 1958 when one of his secretaries casually mentioned Flora's death and he sternly replied: 'I don't want that ever brought up in this office again' (pictured in 1955)

Following the tragedy, Walt produced countless movies centering on orphaned or motherless characters

Walt had all the best intentions buying the house, so his 'misery deepened' by the fact that it directly caused Flora's death. His guilt grew exponentially when he realized 'the culpability of his own workmen.'

After the funeral, the grieving Disney brothers - who felt 'personally responsible' - continued to regularly visit their mother's gravesite inside Forest Lawn Memorial Park's Sanctuary of Truth in Glendale.

Years later, when Walt's daughter Sharon asked him where her grandparents were buried, he lashed out, 'I don't want to talk about it' - according to Neal Gabler's 2006 biography, Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination.

In 1958, when one of his secretaries casually mentioned Flora's death, he sternly replied: 'I don't want that ever brought up in this office again.'

Following the tragedy, Walt produced countless movies centering on orphaned or motherless characters.

It could be seen in films including Pinocchio (1940), Bambi (1942), Cinderella (1950), Pollyanna (1960),The Sword in the Stone (1963) and The Jungle Book (1967).

The Walt Disney Family Museum declined to comment on this article.
For three decades he's been the face of fitness in the UK, dedicating his life to keeping the nation healthy.

And now, at the age of 73, Mr Motivator shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, and is more passionate than ever about helping others with their physical and mental health.

One driving force behind his passion is the grief of losing his beloved granddaughter.

In 2021, the fitness guru's world was rocked by the loss of Hadassah, who tragically passed away at the age of 12 after contracting meningitis.

Hadassah was living with her mother - Derrick's eldest daughter Caroline Evans Charles - in Antigua. She was one of four of Derrick's grandchildren.

'When you lose someone who's very young you feel kind of helpless,' Mr Motivator told The Daily Mail.

Mr Motivator has detailed the grief of losing his granddaughter, 12, to meningitis and how it changed his relationship with physical and mental health

In 2021, the fitness guru's world was rocked by the loss of Hadassah (pictured) who tragically passed away at the age of 12 after contracting meningitis

'As fathers or grandparents, you always feel that you're there. If your child calls out, you're there to wipe their nose, you're there to prop them up and lift them up,' he continued.

'And when I couldn't do anything to help I found myself in a space that I almost forgot all the messages that I've been giving people.

'When you're in that space, take time out, walk away from the problem, read a book, play some music, look through your photo album, I forgot all of it.

'And so the stress really hit me and there was a point at which I almost collapsed.

'I realised that what I was doing was I was being strong for everyone else. But I was forgetting that to take good care of other people, you have got to take good care of yourself.'

Mr Motivator revealed that he was bottling up his emotions and had to realise that it was healthy to cry and let things out.

'So, yeah, the mental side of fitness is so important for me now,' he explained.

The nation was just gripped by a meningitis outbreak, that has tragically seen the death of two students while a further 18 people were admitted to hospital.

Despite initial fears that the outbreak could spread beyond the south-east, no new cases have been recorded since March 20.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

Mr Motivator urged parents to be vigilant about their children's health, saying 'you have got to be observant and if you're unsure of any of those symptoms, go to the doctor immediately.

'Don't hesitate, because it's one of those things that can move really quickly through your system.'

He teamed up with SPAR to launch Fuel Your Spring - a new UKwide campaign encouraging people to embrace feelgood daily habits that boost wellbeing and support local communities

Mr Motivator also credits all his life experiences with helping him to become the man he is today.

He explained: 'The difference between school and life is, at school you're taught a lesson, and then given a test. But life tests you, which teaches you a lesson.

'And so everything I've had to deal with has been a wonderful lesson that I've learned.

Therefore, if I'm able to impart that lesson onto other people... that's why I do a lot of public speaking. I'm not taking it from a textbook. I've lived it, and that makes it personal.

'I can say I was homeless, I can say I was a one parent family, and I've been made redundant. I've had love, I've loved and lost and loved again.'

Mr Motivator drew on his experience with homelessness to launch his Bed Bank charity, which tackles child bed poverty and helps ensure every child has a safe, comfortable place to sleep.

He has also teamed up with SPAR to launch Fuel Your Spring - a new UKwide campaign encouraging people to embrace small, feelgood daily habits that boost wellbeing and support local communities.

The campaign follows new OnePoll research, commissioned by SPAR, revealing that 84 percent of people say a small daily walk boosts their mood, and 71 percent would be more likely to walk to local shops if they knew it improved their wellbeing.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr Motivator shared: 'My mantra has always been that movement is medicine, and the more we get people moving, the better life is.

'So when SPAR approached me I thought, let's sit down and talk about it some more.

'There was a natural synergy between what my messaging is and what they want to achieve, which is, let's encourage people, rather than actually jumping in your car and driving down to the great big shopping areas, walk to your local store.'

The Step To SPAR Challenge runs from March 20 until April 17. You can get involved and be in with the chance of winning prizes by walking to your local store and picking up your Step To SPAR card.

Show your card every time you walk to SPAR to collect stamps and unlock rewards.
It's the organisation that Aussie A-lister Hugh Jackman considers his 'church'.

But for critics of The School of Practical Philosophy, it is a quasi-religious 'sect' that has been described by some as cult-like.

The organisation was founded in 1938 by British politician Andrew MacLaren and his son Leon as the Henry George School of Economics.

Initially a study group that focused on the theories of American economist Henry George, its focus shifted when MacLaren junior inherited the organisation and changed the name to the School of Economic Science (SES) in 1942.

The group retained the name until 2019, when it changed to the School of Philosophy and Economic Science (SPES).

The organisation also operates under the name the School of Practical Philosophy in countries like the US and Australia.

It's the organisation that Aussie A-lister Hugh Jackman considers his 'church'. But for critics of The School of Practical Philosophy, it is a quasi-religious 'sect' that has been described by some as cult-like (Pictured: Hugh Jackman)

The organisation was founded in 1938 by British politician Andrew MacLaren (pictured) and his son Leon as the Henry George School of Economics

It is also known as the School of Philosophy for various international branches in Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.

It offers non-academic courses using insights from Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, including orthodox Hindu philosophy, Advaita Vedanta, as well as meditation and learning Sanskrit.

It has also founded several independent schools in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Jackman joined the organisation back in 1992, when he was 24, and has often spoken about the positive effect it had on his life.

Speaking to Oprah Winfrey in 2006, Hugh revealed that his son, Oscar, now 25, attended one of the independent schools operated by the group.

'Capitalism is a wonderful idea, but it isn't a cure-all. So this nondenominational group of people wanted to get together, find the truth, then apply it. Now the school is all over the world,' Jackman explained.

'The school accepts everyone. There's even a school for children. Our son, Oscar, attends.

'I always thought it would be fascinating to raise a child to understand the principles of divine order. That is a reason to have children.'

The organisation, now known as the School of Philosophy and Economic Science (SPES) also operates under the name the School of Practical Philosophy (SPP) in countries like the US and Australia. It is also known as the School of Philosophy for various international branches in Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. (Pictured SPP's New York headquarters)

Jackman joined the organisation back in 1992, when he was 24, and has often spoken about the positive effect it had on his life

'The school accepts everyone. There's even a school for children. Our son, Oscar, attends,' he told Oprah Winfrey in 2006

He added: 'The main thing Oscar learns is how to be of service to others. At lunch the kids all serve one another before they eat.'

In a 2022 chat with Interview magazine, Jackman said that the School of Practical Philosophy had helped in all aspects of his life, including acting.

'It's become a major part of my life. It gives me a great grounding and understanding of the world around us, and it's also been incredibly helpful to my acting,' he said.

'You start with working on yourself, then widening that work to helping others around you and the community at large.'

Jackman, who was raised Anglican, told Parade in 2009 that he found traditional religions too 'restrictive'.

'I just find the evangelical church too, well, restrictive. But the School of Practical Philosophy is non-confrontational,' he said.

'We believe there are many forms of Scripture. What is true is true and will never change, whether it's in the Bible or in Shakespeare. It's about oneness.

'Its basic philosophy is that if the Buddha and Krishna and Jesus were all at a dinner table together, they wouldn't be arguing. There is an essential truth. And we are limitless.'

Further, Hugh's involvement with the School Of Practical Philosophy was possibly a cornerstone of his 27-year marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness

Their wedding bands were inscribed with the Sanskrit phrase 'Om paramar mainamar', which translates to 'we dedicate our union to a greater source'

Despite Hugh's high praise, the organisation has not been without controversy, with critics and former members describing it as cult-like. Pictured: SPES London headquarters

In 1984, UK journalists Peter Hounam and Andrew Hogg published a book titled Secret Cult, in which they alleged the organisation aimed to exert psychological control over members, which they claimed led to mental breakdowns in some cases

Further, Jackman's involvement with the School Of Practical Philosophy was possibly a cornerstone of his 27-year marriage to Deborra-Lee Furness.

Their wedding bands were inscribed with the Sanskrit phrase 'Om paramar mainamar', which translates to 'we dedicate our union to a greater source.'

Despite Jackman's high praise, the organisation has not been without controversy, with critics and some former members describing it as cult-like.

In 1984, UK journalists Peter Hounam and Andrew Hogg published a book titled Secret Cult, in which they alleged the organisation aimed to exert psychological control over members, which they claimed led to mental breakdowns in some cases.

While the organisation effectively chose to ignore the allegations contained in the book and the Evening Standard articles that preceded it, the book contained a rebuttal from long-time SES member and then UK Liberal Party chair Roger Pincham.

Pincham strongly refuted the claims made by Hounam and Hogg, claiming their account was unbalanced and prejudiced, adding the journalists relied on a 'handful of disaffected students'.

Further, in 2005, a private enquiry into the organisation's independent London day schools  St James Primary and St Vedast senior boys and girls schools  found that pupils were criminally assaulted between 1975 and 1985.

The enquiry, was commissioned by the Independent Educational Association (IEA), the group that operates the schools founded by SES.

Further, in 2005, a private enquiry into the organisation's independent London day schools  St James Primary and St Vedast senior boys and girls schools  found that pupils were criminally assaulted between 1975 and 1985. Pictured: St James School for Senior Boys

Hugh isn't the only A-lister associated with the controversial organisation. Actress Emily Watson was brought up in the organisation and attended SES-run St James Independent Schools

James Townend QC, who chaired the investigation, concluded that male students in particular had been, 'criminally assaulted by being punched in the face or in the stomach,' or 'cuffed violently about the head'.

He added: 'Whatever the provocation, nothing could justify this mistreatment. It was clearly unreasonable and criminal.'

Following the report, the organisation issued a statement admitting that they accepted the findings, and expressed 'deep regret'.

The statement also pointed out Townend was struck by the 'real change in the ethos' and conduct of the senior schools'.

St Vedast was closed in 1985 following the revelations.

The BBC reported in 2020 that almost 1 million (AUD $1.9 million) in compensation was paid to 'dozens' of former students.

It was revealed that 45 former students who attended the schools between 1975 and 1992 had received payments of up to 30,000 (AUD$57,000) each.

All cases were settled out of court and without an admission of liability.

'There was extreme behaviour, cruelty and unpleasantness that was very damaging for some people,' she told the Guardian in 2023. 'I'm sure it's a very different place now, but [the SES] was a very young organisation that had no protection built in for the welfare of children'

In a statement, an IEA spokesperson apologies 'unreservedly to each of those who suffered mistreatment during that time.'

They added: 'The school today is an entirely different place, one in which the happiness and welfare of every child is paramount.'

Jackman isn't the only A-lister associated with the controversial organisation.

Actress Emily Watson was brought up in the organisation and attended SES-run St James Independent Schools.

Speaking about her experiences to the Guardian in 2023, Watson described an 'unpleasant' atmosphere.

'There was extreme behaviour, cruelty and unpleasantness that was very damaging for some people,' she said.

'I'm sure it's a very different place now, but [the SES] was a very young organisation that had no protection built in for the welfare of children.'

Watson added that her experiences with the school weren't all bad, with the actress admitting she was 'conflicted'.

Despite her concerns, Emily stayed with SES until she was expelled in 1996. The expulsion came after Emily filmed nude scenes for the Lars Von Trier film Breaking The Waves. 'If it hadn't been that it would have been something else. This was something that they very strongly disapproved of,' she said

'There are very beautiful things around it as well that you learn as you're growing up. I was quite conflicted,' she said.

'I think those organisations keep people close through fear. A lot of religions work in that way. It's a lot of unravelling to try and see the wood for the trees.'

Despite her concerns, Watson stayed with the organisation until she was expelled in 1996.

The expulsion came after she filmed nude scenes for the Lars Von Trier film Breaking The Waves.

Speaking about her expulsion to The Guardian, Watson said: 'If it hadn't been that it would have been something else. This was something that they very strongly disapproved of.

'I stood up for myself, and that was that. It was a tough moment in my life, but a defining moment and a very strengthening moment. You learn from these things.'

SEPS has not publicly commented on Watson's claims.
An influencer has revealed the moment she was 'locked out of her life' after her phone struggled to recognise her new face following a slew of cosmetic procedures.

Debora Peixoto, a model from Rio de Janeiro, told Daily Mail she recently had AU$2,007 worth of filler injected into her face.

However, she was left 'panicked' following the appointment because when she tried to call her partner to pick her up, her iPhone's Face ID couldn't recognise her.

'My face was so puffy the phone simply didn't recognise me,' explained the 33-year-old adult content creator.

'I tried from every angle and nothing. The phone just wouldn't recognise me. I was standing there thinking, even my iPhone doesn't know who I am anymore.'

Debora left the aesthetic clinic after receiving several treatments, including hyaluronic acid lip and cheek fillers, as well as 'facial harmonisation treatments'.

An influencer has revealed the moment she was 'locked out of her life' after her phone struggled to recognise her new face following a slew of cosmetic procedures

'I knew I would swell, but I didn't expect it to be that intense,' she said.

'When I tried to unlock my phone, it just didn't work. I thought maybe it was a glitch, so I kept trying again and again from different angles.

'At first I was confused, then I started to panic a little because I needed to call my boyfriend to come get me.

'I was standing outside the clinic thinking, "How am I locked out of my own life right now?"'

However, the repeated failed attempts triggered a temporary security lock on her mobile.

'At that moment I thought, that's it, I've got sausage lips. Even Face ID couldn't handle it,' she joked.

After being locked out of her phone for a short while, the device finally let her back in with a passcode and she was able to call her boyfriend.

'When he saw me, he laughed at first because it was so unexpected, but then he was like, "Wow, you really do look like a different person right now,"' she recalled.

Join the discussion What do you think pushes people to change their appearance so much, and is it ever truly worth it?

Debora Peixoto, a model from Rio de Janeiro, told Daily Mail she recently had AU$2,007 worth of filler injected into her face

'He couldn't believe the phone didn't recognise me, but when he looked at my face, he understood why,' she added.

Debora said her 'lips were extremely swollen' and her 'cheeks were also really puffy', adding that 'everything felt tight and unfamiliar'.

'I looked in the mirror and honestly didn't recognise myself for a moment,' she admitted.

The influencer said it took three days before the swelling in her face went down enough for her Face ID to recognise her again.

'I had to use my passcode for everything. It only started recognising me again once the swelling went down and my face went back closer to normal,' she said.

Despite the mishap, Debora doesn't regret anything, and while her 'focus is always on the final result' she accepted the healing process.

'We always think about the final result, but not about the process. The first few days can be quite extreme,' she said.

'I never thought something as simple as unlocking my phone would turn into a problem, but it really did.

'In the end, I can laugh about it, but in the moment it was stressful.'
Fleetwood Mac icon Lindsey Buckingham was spotted this Friday in his car, marking his first public sighting since he was attacked two days before by a woman who threw an unidentified substance on him in Los Angeles.

The 76-year-old musician, who is reportedly unhurt, looked somewhat bleary but was able to drive himself when he was glimpsed pulling out of his Brentwood home.

The shock assault came a little over a year after Buckingham was granted a permanent restraining order against a 54-year-old woman called Michelle Dick, who had begun plaguing his wife with calls in 2021 claiming to be his biological daughter.

Buckingham accused Dick of threatening 'to kill me and my family,' turning up at his house and at one point even making a fake 911 call that resulted in the police descending on his property while he slept and clapping him in handcuffs.

There has been no public indication from the authorities that Dick was the woman who set upon Buckingham this Wednesday, but the new culprit is being treated as a stalking suspect and is apparently known to him from prior incidents.

Meanwhile Dick's bizarre remarks to local media this Thursday, confessing she dropped by Buckingham's house 'last year' and confronted him as recently as last week, only sharpened the question mark over her head.

Now the Daily Mail unearths the years of torment Buckingham has endured at the hands of his stalker - and details of her past that never came to light until now.

Fleetwood Mac icon Lindsey Buckingham was spotted this Friday in his car, marking his first public sighting since he was attacked two days before

Buckingham seen in 2018

In 2016, five years before her rollercoaster drama with Buckingham took off, Dick was arrested and accused of DUI and battering a peace officer in Alameda County, California, the Daily Mail can now reveal.

She found herself faced with a raft of misdemeanor counts, including two of excessive blood alcohol/refusal, one of DUI, and one of driving while her blood alcohol level was at 0.08 percent or higher.

Dick was further charged with one count of battery with injury on a peace officer and one of resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer and EMT.

She ultimately pled no contest to driving while having a 0.08 percent or higher blood alcohol level, on top of which she admitted to having excessive blood alcohol.

All the other charges were dropped under the terms of her plea bargain, and although she was originally sentenced to 20 days behind bars, she only spent three days at the Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County, according to court records.

She then served three years' probation ending January 2020 - the year before the start of her toe-curling entanglement with Lindsey Buckingham and his family.

Buckingham's current, 'permanent' five-year restraining order against Dick is an extension of a temporary restraining order (TRO) he previously obtained against her.

The TRO expired on December 20, 2024, on which day Buckingham and his wife both gave declarations at a hearing at the Los Angeles Superior Court.

He was set upon Wednesday by a woman who has not yet been publicly identified, who threw a mystery substance on him in the Santa Monica area of Los Angeles

The 76-year-old musician, who is reportedly unhurt, looked somewhat bleary but was able to drive himself when he was glimpsed pulling out of his Brentwood home

In 2024 Buckingham was granted a permanent restraining order against a 54-year-old woman called Michelle Dick, pictured talking to KTLA5 in Los Angeles

Buckingham accused Dick of threatening 'to kill me and my family,' turning up at his house and at one point even making a fake 911 call

There has been no public indication from the authorities that Dick was the woman who set upon Buckingham this Wednesday, two days before his sighting here

A suspect in the Wednesday assault has been identified by law enforcement, but as of Thursday local media reported no arrest had been made

Buckingham's court declaration in December 2024 - obtained by the Daily Mail - provided a chilling account of the campaign of terror he claimed Dick waged against him and his family

She redoubled her previous claims that she was Buckingham's daughter, insisting: 'He wasnt a father to me but hes my birth father,' to KTLA

Moreover she confessed that she approached Buckingham in the week before the attack, and admitted that she had paid another visit to his house

Buckingham's declaration - obtained by the Daily Mail - provided a chilling account of the campaign of terror he claimed Dick waged against him and his family.

According to Buckingham, Dick allegedly acquired the business phone number of his wife Kristen, 56, and began plaguing her with phone calls 'dozens of times a day sometimes' over a three-month span in late 2021 and early 2022.

Speaking to the court, he accused Dick of 'leaving long drawn-out messages that included the claim that she was my child and threats to kill me and my family.'

She also allegedly left voicemails in 2021 for Buckingham's son William, 27, repeating her contention that she was the rock star's daughter.

Buckingham insisted in his sworn testimony that he was not Dick's father and that she was not in fact known to him personally at all.

He made the further allegation that the stalker 'blamed me for facial deformities she apparently suffered as a child and demanded money.'

In his version of events, Dick was instructed by police to cease contacting the Buckingham family in 2022, so he let the matter drop.

However in September 2024 she is said to have returned to the fray and left collages of Buckingham and Kristen's letterboxes with pictures of their faces.

Buckingham's current, 'permanent' five-year restraining order against Dick (pictured) is an extension of a temporary restraining order (TRO) he previously obtained against her

Meanwhile Buckingham's intimates have been flocking to his side in the wake of the shocking attack on him this Wednesday

Although they did not see Dick at their respective homes, Buckingham and his wife both 'knew she was the author of the collage because the collage was from her Instagram and had pictures of her on it.'

According to Buckingham's declaration, Kristen, who lives separately from him, had a security team installed at her house as a result of Dick's overtures.

However, shortly thereafter - just one day following the appearance of the collages - one of Kristen's guards caught sight of Dick parked out front.

The guard called the police, who tailed Dick all the way to the Pacific Coast Highway, where they stopped her and heard her 'rambling about me being her father and suffocating her as child,' according to Buckingham. 'The police released her and told her not to come back.'

That November, the police allegedly arrived at Buckingham's house, woke him, handcuffed him and brought him outside on the basis of a 911 call.

The emergency services had reportedly been warned that Buckingham's son William 'was in my house and suicidal and that the caller had heard gunshots,' according to Buckingham's testimony in court.

Police allegedly searched the property for 20 minutes, discovered that they had received a false alarm and uncuffed Buckingham, he testified.

'I now know that the 911 call was traced to Ms. Dick's cell phone,' said Buckingham, citing a declaration by an LAPD detective: 'and was the latest in an unabated pattern of harassment and threatening acts against my family and me.'

His 26-year-old daughter Leelee Welles Buckingham, whom he had with his current wife, was seen arriving at his house along with her boyfriend Axel Youngdale

Bundled up in sweats and wearing an expression of concern, Leelee could be seen carrying her dog Billy as she emerged from her father's Brentwood property

Her barefoot boyfriend walked ahead of her as Leelee left her father's house

It was Leelee and her mother who in 2021 had first contacted detectives over Michelle Dick's voicemails, resulting in the opening of a file on Dick

He asserted that in the absence of 'restraint,' he was 'afraid her conduct may escalate into something physically dangerous to me and my family.'

His argument persuaded the judge enough that the TRO was extended to grant Buckingham five years of protection from Dick ending December 20, 2029.

The now 'permanent' restraining order stipulated that Dick remain 100 yards away from Buckingham, Kristen and William, and that she refrain from threatening or harassing the musician or contacting him at all.

After the attack on Buckingham this week, Dick broke her silence in a peculiar interview that did little to dissipate the cloud of morbid fascination hanging over her.

She doubled down on her previous claims that she was Buckingham's daughter, insisting: 'He wasnt a father to me but hes my birth father,' to KTLA.

Moreover she confessed that she approached Buckingham in the week before the attack, and admitted that she had paid another visit to his house.

She said that she dropped by his Brentwood home 'one time, that was last year,' while alleging that 'I didn't know I had a restraining order on me.'

Legal documents obtained by the Daily Mail show a sheriff's deputy tried and failed to serve Dick with the restraining order in the Bay Area, where she evidently lived.

Mingled with the friends and relations visiting Buckingham this week was a silver-haired man from the executive protection firm Lions 4 Security

Interestingly, the unsuccessful attempt to serve Dick took place in December 2025 - about a year after the judge granted Buckingham the order.

Meanwhile Buckingham's intimates have been flocking to his side in the wake of the shocking attack on him this Wednesday.

His 26-year-old daughter Leelee Welles Buckingham, whom he had with his current wife, was seen arriving at his house along with her boyfriend Axel Youngdale.

Bundled up in sweats and wearing an expression of concern, Leelee could be seen carrying her dog Billy as she emerged from her father's Brentwood property.

It was Leelee and her mother who in 2021 had first contacted detectives over Michelle Dick's voicemails, resulting in the opening of a file on Dick, according to Kristen's declaration at the hearing on December 20, 2024.

Mingled with the friends and relations visiting Buckingham this week was a silver-haired man from the executive protection firm Lions 4 Security.

A suspect in the Wednesday assault has been identified by law enforcement, but as of Thursday local media reported no arrest had been made.
The governments of Claudia Sheinbaum and Donald Trump maintain an unwritten agreement for the deportation of foreigners. A federal judge has estimated that 6,000 Cubans have been deported so far. Most arrive in the Mexican cities of Villahermosa and Tapachula, where they barely survive in the absence of state support

Just a few weeks ago they were electricians in Miami. Or department managers at a multinational corporation. They were still fishing, just like they had for the last 30 years. They drove trucks. They owned an air conditioning company. They were collecting retirement benefits after a lifetime of work. And now? Now they look for a gap between the arcades, hang wet clothes to dry in a sink, open and close the doors of an Oxxo convenience store hoping for a few coins, celebrate the blankets that a kind neighbor gave them so they dont have to sleep directly on the hard concrete floor, treasure worn papers, documents in the wrong language, and rely on promised money to buy a cell phone so they can call their families, who remained thousands of miles away, on the other side of the border.

They are in Tapachula, a city that for years functioned as an open-air prison for thousands of migrants who carried the weight of their travels and who now no longer arrive, frightened away by Donald Trumps policies. That anti-immigrant strategy is the same one that has now reached them  Cubans with lives built in the United States. ICE, the U.S. immigration agency, tore them from their homes and dumped them here, in a poor city in Mexicos poorest state. Many dream of returning; they plead, they wait. Others, with wrinkled eyes, complain: I cry at night, I cry in the morning. Look around you, were all old, what are we going to do here? asks Lazaro Ballesteros, who spent 47 of his 53 years in Miami.

A group of Cubans deported to Mexico organize their documents in downtown Tapachula, Chiapas, on March 26. Jose Torres

Mexico accepts deported foreigners from the United States as a safe third country. Under the Biden administration, an agreement was reached to receive 30,000 per month (Nicaraguans, Cubans, Haitians, and Venezuelans who had crossed the border illegally). Now, under Trump, there is no quota, at least not publicly. However, Federal Judge William G. Young stated in a ruling that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed him that, based on an unwritten agreement, it deported 6,000 Cubans to Mexico in the last year. According to Tapachula authorities, most of these deportees in 2026 have arrived in Tapachula and Villahermosa. This newspaper has asked the National Institute of Migration (INM) about these figures, as well as why these two locations were chosen as receiving destinations, but has not received a response.

The decision to send them to Tapachula caught by surprise local authorities already seasoned in dealing with people in transit and migrant caravans. Its a completely new situation for which no one was prepared. Were worried, acknowledges Denisse Lugardo, director of International Relations and Cross-Border Development. She admits they are still awaiting instructions from the state or federal government. No one notified them that the Cubans, who have been arriving by the dozens in INM trucks from the northern border for the past couple of months, were being sent there  a three-day road trip.

Now, with the help of activist Luis Villagran, these Cubans are fighting for legal protection to obtain a humanitarian visa, which would allow them to reside and move freely within Mexico, given their stateless status. The city council is aware of the initiative and supports it: Its one of the primary conditions of vulnerability; in that case, its absolutely essential that COMAR (the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance) or the INM grant them the visa. For the U.S. government, their deportation to Cuba has been considered impractical, inadvisable, or impossible. They told me at the Arizona detention center: Cuba wont accept you, says 63-year-old Jesus Gutierrez. Niorje Rodriguez even attempted the journey to the island from Tapachula: he went to the immigration office and asked to be deported to his country: Instead, they sent me to Guatemala. From there I came back, crossing the river, and here I am, sick, sleeping on the street.

Cuba, which is mired in its worst crisis in decades, evokes mixed feelings in these men. Most left as children, some fleeing the Castro regime, others simply out of poverty. Many no longer know anyone in the country, but some plead to be sent back to see their ailing mother one last time or embrace a brother after 40 years. If neither the United States nor Cuba is an option, many seek at least to reach Cancun, where a network of Cubans is being established; or to some other country where they can work and support themselves. Here, I cant find a job I can do at my age. Sometimes, when Im desperate, I unload 100-pound sacks from trucks, but Im in a lot of pain the next day, says Eduardo Soto, 62. Others, like William Herrero, 54, got hold of a thermos and make coffee in the morning to distribute throughout the day, charging 10 pesos (less than a dollar). Lazaro Ballesteros, who describes himself as a professional tile maker, bought fishing gear: There arent any fish here. Nothing moves here. What there is here is poverty.

Arsenio Chirino, 76

He limps through the central park carrying an empty water bottle and the food left behind by another man: So it doesnt get stolen, he explains. He poses sadly for photos, after remembering Mateo, the six-year-old grandson he cared for in recent years and whom he hasnt seen in seven months. Arsenio Chirino is 76 years old, has had heart surgery, and suffers from high blood pressure. He tires easily in this tropical heat, eats little and poorly, sleeps on the ground, and begs, by any means necessary, for someone to send him back: Im old now, I dont want to die here.

Arsenio Chirino was deported to Mexico while signing the revocation of his deportation order. He is pictured in Tapachula, Chiapas, on March 27. Jose Torres

He remembers the day he arrived in the United States, on May 5, 1980, better than the day he was deported to Mexico. ICE detained him, like almost everyone else, while he was signing the revocation of his deportation order. He was imprisoned when he was already an old man, accused of drug possession, a crime he insists he didnt commit. Be that as it may, he paid for it for seven years. In September he was sent to Villahermosa, the other destination for deportees from third countries. But five months later  he doesnt know why  the INM transferred him to Tapachula, along with a young man and a man in a wheelchair. In the state capital of Tabasco, he thinks he was somewhat better off because he found a shelter nearby; here in Tapachula they are far from the city center, and in that isolation hes filled with thoughts and sadness, which is why he prefers the streets. His last request is frank: he doesnt want to die, after a lifetime working as an electrician in the U.S., in a place where he doesnt know a soul.

Rolando Tito Vega, 50

What are you doing in Mexico? the lawyer asked Rolando Tito Vega when he called her two months ago for help. Hes still asking himself the same question. It was January 9 and he was working in his office as a department manager when ICE showed up. They were supposedly looking for him because of a 25-year-old sanction for which he hadnt even served time and for which he had already received a pardon. It didnt matter. In 11 days, he was already on the Arizona-Mexico border: They offered me a federal prison to wait for my case to be resolved, but Im not going to jail for something I didnt do. So they took me to Mexico. He says a judge has acknowledged the error, but now the U.S. government is demanding a $9,400 fine (as if I had left the country voluntarily) to return. Its money he still doesnt have. He has five children in Miami, where he has lived since 1995. They now run the air conditioning business he started and help him survive in Tapachula.

Rolando Tito Vega was deported to the Arizona-Mexico border. Jose Torres

Juan Carlos Rodriguez and Jesus Gutierrez, 44 and 63

Last Wednesday, Juan Carlos Rodriguez, a chef by trade, didnt feel like cooking anything. So he went down to buy some tamales at the entrance of the hotel in downtown Tapachula where he lives with Jesus Gutierrez. He paid for them, went back upstairs, and said that immigration officials had asked for his documents; hed bring them down quickly and be right back for lunch. Minutes passed, and nothing happened. When Gutierrez, worried, went down to the street, he found Juan Carlos already inside one of the INMs vans. Without any explanation, the federal agency had conducted a raid and taken Juan Carlos from the first floor, three Haitian women with their children from the second, and another young Cuban man from the third. They were released, without further ado, a few days later.

Juan Carlos Rodriguez, a chef, in Tapachula on March 27. Jose Torres

The Siglo XXI center is the third immigration detention center that Juan Carlos, 44, has been in during the last six months. He was arrested on September 12 in the streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, on his way to work at a Puerto Rican restaurant where he was one of the chefs. He was flown directly to Alligator Alcatraz and held for 86 days. There, he was told he would be sent to Mexico, but he refused to sign the deportation papers. He spent another two months in an Arizona jail until February 9, when they were taken to Mexico. Many of my companions didnt want to get on the trucks to come here. They were beaten, subdued, and then forced on, he recounts. It was in Tapachula where he met Jesus, and they rented an apartment together in the hotel for 12,000 pesos a month (about $650), with the money their families send them. All my life paying taxes, income tax, licenses, says Gutierrez: Only to end up here.

William Herrera, 54

William Herrera says his family crossed the 200 miles from Villa Clara, Cuba, to Key West, Florida, on March 11, 1994: When Fidel said anyone who wanted to could leave. He was 22 years old at the time and did the same work he did back home: fishing. A year after arriving in the U.S., a wood-shredding machine took off the fingers of his right hand, but he continued working on the boats and preparing fish for 30 years. Because of a felony he committed in his youth, he spent years traveling to Miami to sign the revocation of his deportation order. He was never arrested again for anything. In October 2025, he was detained at the courthouse and transferred, like most of the others, to the infamous Alligator Alcatraz, the migrant detention center built by Trump that has accumulated dozens of complaints of human rights abuses. Its terrible in there, Herrera says. Its a cage, Eduardo Soto adds: Youre with 32 other people inside a cell all day, you only get out to eat three times a day and to shower on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Nothing else.

William Herrera was arrested in court in October 2025 and transferred to Mexico. Jose Torres

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Bob's Burgers star Eugene Mirman has spoken out for the first time since he was pulled from a fiery car crash earlier this week.

The 51-year-old comedian, who voices the part of Gene Belcher on the animated sitcom, took to Instagram to thank all the well-wishers and the 'heroic people' who saved him from the burning wreckage as well as the hospital staff tending to him through his recovery.

'Thank you so much for all the well wishes, love and kind messages from friends and strangers,' Mirman wrote alongside a photo of him holding up a colorful picture that read, 'Life is an Adventure.'

'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!

'I am thankful beyond words to be here and doing relatively alright, all things considered,' he added.

Mirman - whose explosive car wreck was revealed in chilling photos after the heroic rescue - also mentioned that he doesn't have his phone and hasn't 'been online much,' joking that he does 'not recommend my method of decreasing screen-time.'

Eugene Mirman took to Instagram on Friday to thank the well-wishers and the 'heroic people' who saved him from the burning wreckage and hospital staffers tending to him through his recovery following his near-death crash earlier this week

'I am thankful beyond words to be here and doing relatively alright, all things considered,' the Bob's Burgers star wrote

'If you're a friend who sent a kind, loving message, you should know that it was hard to not respond with, 'I'd love to be on your podcast.' I love you all and please take care of yourselves, Eugene,' he concluded on a humorous note.

On Tuesday, Mirman sustained significant injuries from a life-threatening incident in Bedford, New Hampshire after his vehicle struck the Bedford Toll Plaza and burst into flames.

A veteran state trooper assigned to Governor Kelly Ayotte and other bystanders dashed to pull Mirman out of the burning car through a window to safety. The governor also assisted at the scene, WCVB reported.

Mirman was then taken by ambulance to a hospital with 'serious injuries.'

Colonel Mark B. Hall praised the actions of the 'heroic' rescuers in a statement.

'Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it,' he said.

Governor Ayotte, 57, assisted by grabbing a fire extinguisher from a nearby vehicle to help with the rescue, per Hall.

'She wasn't in harm's way at any point, but she has a great deal of care for our citizens and tried to do what she could at the scene to provide assistance,' Hall added.

Mirman is lucky to be alive after his vehicle crashed into a toll booth in Bedford, New Hampshire and burst into flames on Tuesday

The voice actor sustained 'serious injuries' but said he is 'on the mend'

A veteran state trooper assigned to Governor Kelly Ayotte, other bystanders and the governor herself (pictured) helped to rescue Mirman from the burning car

Mirman is best known for voicing the role of middle child Gene Belcher on the animated Fox sitcom Bob's Burgers

Ayotte shared her gratitude for the lifesaving efforts of those involved in the rescue on social media.

'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,' she wrote on X.

Referencing her husband, Ayotte added, 'Joe and I are praying for the full recovery of the driver who was injured today.'

The incident remains under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time, WCVB reported.
Tammy Hembrow showed no signs of slowing down her whirlwind new romance over the weekend.

The glamorous influencer, 31, was spotted locking lips with her much younger boyfriend Grayson Te Moana, 23, as the pair soaked up the sun on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The loved-up couple appeared completely smitten, putting on an eye-catching display of affection as they relaxed on the sand during a very romantic outing.

Tammy ensured all eyes were firmly on her as she strutted her stuff in a breezy white tank top paired with baggy jeans and black open-toed shoes.

She accessorised with a white head scarf and beamed from ear-to-ear as she strolled alongside her new man, who rocked a slick monochromatic look in a black tee paired with matching pants and a beanie.

But it wasn't just Tammy's bold outfit that drew attention.

Tammy Hembrow showed no signs of slowing down her whirlwind new romance over the weekend. The glamorous influencer, 31, was spotted locking lips with her much younger boyfriend Grayson Te Moana as the pair soaked up the sun on the Gold Coast on Saturday

The loved-up couple appeared completely smitten, putting on an eye-catching display of affection

Tammy ensured all eyes were firmly on her as she strutted her stuff in a breezy white tank top paired with baggy jeans and black open-toed shoes

At one point, Tammy lay across Grayson on the glistening sand as the pair shared a passionate kiss, drinks in hand, clearly unfazed by onlookers as they packed on the PDA during their loved-up beachside outing.

The pair later swapped beachwear for party mode, heading to a rave in Reedy Creek to continue their day together.

The duo couldn't keep their hands off each other, frequently cuddling as they gazed into each other's eyes while making their way across the beach.

At one point, they were seen laughing and chatting closely, appearing completely at ease in each other's company.

Both looked thrilled to be together, with Tammy flashing a beaming smile as Grayson kept close by her side.

The outing had all the makings of a carefree day out, with the pair clearly embracing the early stages of their romance.

The outing comes after Grayson hit back at chatter about his 'speedy rebound'.

The couple 'hard-launched' their romance in February at the Australian premiere of 'Wuthering Heights' in Sydney.

She accessorised with a white head scarf and beamed from ear-to-ear as she enjoyed some quality time with Grayson

At one point, Tammy lay across Grayson on the glistening sand as the pair shared a passionate kiss, drinks in hand, clearly unfazed by onlookers as they packed on the PDA during their loved-up beachside outing

The pair later swapped beachwear for party mode, heading to a rave in Reedy Creek to continue their day together

The duo couldn't keep their hands off each other, frequently cuddling as they gazed into each other's eyes while making their way across the beach

At one point, they were seen laughing and chatting closely, appearing completely at ease in each other's company

The following day, it was reported that Grayson was until recently in a serious relationship with a woman named Jemma Hammett, and that she and her family were mortified to learn of his relationship with the mother-of-three.

Jemma's sister Amelia told The Daily Telegraph that Grayson's very public new romance with Tammy had caused them significant embarrassment.

'I only care about my baby sister in this whole ordeal, as most people would,' Amelia said.

'I think that for this to be so publicised is embarrassing. How did he not see this unravelling the way it has? It's exactly what he has so badly wanted but in the absolute wrong way.'

She finished by saying she was speaking out to protect other young women.

Jemma has several photos of Grayson featured on her Instagram account as recently as December last year.

Both looked thrilled to be together, with Tammy flashing a beaming smile as Grayson kept close by her side

The outing had all the makings of a carefree day out, with the pair clearly embracing the early stages of their romance

The couple 'hard-launched' their romance in February at the Australian premiere of 'Wuthering Heights' in Sydney

He was even pictured decorating a Christmas tree with Jemma.

When previously contacted by the Daily Mail, the aspiring model denied ever being in a committed relationship with Jemma.

The new relationship comes as Tammy's ex-fling Bailey Smith, 25, appears to have found himself another love  and she looks almost identical to Tammy.

Tammy and Bailey had a short-lived interstate fling last August, with the footy star jetting out to the Gold Coast to spend time with the influencer.

She had only just recently split from her ex-husband, Matt Zukowski, at the time.

However, by December, Tammy and Bailey publicly stated they were no longer romantically involved and described their relationship as a friendship.
Sydney news anchor Mark Ferguson has had his role reduced from five nights behind the desk to four, along with his co-star Angela Cox.

The duo have stepped back from the Thursday night 6pm bulletin, handing over the competitive slot to Michael Usher and Angie Asimus.

Ferguson, 60, and Cox will now only be fronting the news from Sunday through to Wednesday, reported Sydney Confidential.

According to TV insiders, the shake-up is intended to give the end-of-week programs a new look in order to attract more viewers amid the tough ratings battle with Nine.

'It gives the weekend team a bit more weight and presence during the week, which helps on weekends,' they said.

'This isn't a demotion for anyone. It's more about flexibility and making the overall line-up feel stronger and even more competitive across the full week.'

Sydney news anchor Mark Ferguson, 60, has had his role reduced from five nights behind the desk to four, along with his co-star Angela Cox

They added Seven was already seeing results from the change-up, with a recent extended bulletin with Michael Usher and Mark Riley beating A Current Affair.

'Seven's extended news coverage [1900 to 1930] averaged 1.216m across Seven and 7plus. Number 1 in its timeslot, beating ACA [1.181m] by 3 per cent,' the source said.

It comes just months after rumours began to swirl late last year that Seven News veteran Ferguson could be reducing his on-air schedule.

The change was said to be happening as the network navigated cost pressures and a fierce rivalry with Channel Nine.

The veteran newsreader was rumoured to be scaling back from five to four nights a week presenting alongside Cox, amid financial troubles at the network.

However, Seven said at the time that no such decision had yet been made.

'No such announcement has been made to newsroom staff,' a network spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph in December.

But an insider said Ferguson may have accepted a pay cut to ease financial pressure at the network.

Join the discussion Do YOU think Mark Ferguson reducing his role will help improve ratings?

The duo have stepped back from the Thursday night 6pm bulletin, handing over the competitive slot to Michael Usher and Angie Asimus

Ferguson and Cox will now only be fronting the news from Sunday through to Wednesday, reported Sydney Confidential

'It sounds like Mark has taken a pay reduction,' they told the publication.

'Revenue is down, so that's what happens and Mark wouldn't be in a position to refuse.

'It's not yet known whether he will work Sunday to Wednesday, or Monday to Thursday.'

Daily Mail has reached out to Seven for comment.
Blake Lively said that she is 'grateful' for the judge's ruling as she reacted to her sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni being tossed out this week amid their legal battle.

The 38-year-old actress, who initially filed her lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, took to her Instagram stories on Friday to offer her own response in a statement as she also slammed the 'online abuse' she has faced.

Along with her sexual harassment claims, Judge Lewis Liman additionally dismissed fat-shaming allegations that she made against her It Ends With Us co-star and director.

However, she can still proceed with the following claims: retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation and breach of contract.

'I'm grateful for the Court's ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial, for my own sake...'

The Gossip Girl alum added, 'But also for those who don't have the same opportunity to... many of whom I have known and loved deeply in my life, and the countless I'll never know.'

Blake Lively, 38, said that she is 'grateful' for the judge's ruling as she reacted to her sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni being tossed out this week amid their legal battle; seen in 2025 in NYC

The actress took to her Instagram stories on Friday to offer her own response as she also slammed the 'online abuse' she has faced

Lively explained to her followers that she never wanted to be a part of a lawsuit, but did so due to the 'persuasive RETALLIATION I faced, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.'

She wrote that she still hopes others will have the courage to 'speak up.'

'Don't be distracted by the digital soap opera,' the actress typed, before expressing that adding labels to the lawsuit such as 'Celebrity Drama' is 'irresponsible.'

Lively continued, 'The physical pain from digital violence is very real. It is abuse. And it's everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools.'

She also discussed manipulation that can occur online and warned that children with phones 'are some of the most vulnerable.'

'Studies estimate that between 16% and 58% of women have experienced online abuse or stalking, with 97% of gender-based violence service providers reporting technology-facilitated abuse in their cases.'

Lively added that she is 'proud' over the steps that have been taken to 'expose systems, tactics and players who harm.'

The star sent gratitude to others who have spoken up before her and also said she is thankful to the support she has received.

Along with her sexual harassment claims, Judge Lewis Liman additionally dismissed fat-shaming allegations that she made against her It Ends With Us co-star and director; Baldoni seen in 2024 in NYC

'I'm grateful for the Court's ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial, for my own sake,' she wrote; seen in February in NYC

The actress also posted a statement from her attorney Mike Gottlieb as she still prepares to go to trial on May 18

In conclusion, Lively added, 'I will never stop doing my part to expose the systems and people who seek to harm, shame, silence and retaliate against victims. I know it's a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it. Your support keeps me going.'

The actress also posted a statement from her attorney Mike Gottlieb as she still prepares to go to trial on May 18.

'It is completely unsurprising that Bryan Freedman does not understand the court's actual ruling,' he said, referring to Baldoni's attorney.

'He didn't even argue the summary judgement motion he's now spinning, had to bring in another law firm for the trial, and just last week was reprimanded by the court for having filed legally frivolous claims.'

Gottlieb then said that the court holds Lively 'provided sufficient evidence' on other claims including: 'She reasonably believed, in good faith, that the behavior she privately raised concerns about was unlawful sexual harassment.'

Her attorney also shared a quote from the Court in regards to her sexual harassment claims.

It read: 'A person in her position could have understood the workplace to at times reflect a gendered and sexualized view and a disregard for their privacy sufficient to make it reasonable to complain about a hostile work environment based on sex or gender."'

Gottlieb concluded with, 'The retaliation Ms. Lively faced for privately speaking up for a safe working environment has always been the beating heart of her case.

In conclusion, Lively added, 'I will never stop doing my part to expose the systems and people who seek to harm, shame, silence and retaliate against victims'; seen in 2025 in NYC

'It is completely unsurprising that Bryan Freedman does not understand the court's actual ruling,' Lively's lawyer said, referring to Baldoni's attorney; Baldoni seen in February in NYC

'It is why she filed her lawsuit. The Court found ample evidence to move her case forward. We look forward to trial on May 18.'

Baldoni's other attorneys, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, have also reacted to his recent legal victory.

'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,' they said in a statement to the Daily Mail on Thursday.

'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.'

Shapiro and Bach added that Lively's lawsuit 'is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court.'

The judge threw out 10 of the 13 claims in Lively's lawsuit this week.

It was also revealed on Friday that lawyers for both Lively and Baldoni have been unexpectedly called to discuss their latest openness to settling their case.

The attorneys in the long-running case have been told to call US Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave on Monday in separate sessions.

Shapiro and Bach added that Lively's lawsuit 'is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court'; Baldoni seen in 2024 in NYC

It was also revealed on Friday that lawyers for both Lively and Baldoni have been unexpectedly called to discuss their latest openness to settling their case; seen above in It Ends With Us (2024)

The public will not be allowed to hear what is said on the two calls on Monday.

The first is with Lively's 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.'

Lively's lawyer Michael Gottlieb insisted that doesn't 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.

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.

The lawsuit was quickly reported on by The New York Times, which accused Baldoni and his colleagues of orchestrating a smear campaign against Lively; seen in 2024 in NYC

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.

A spokesperson for WME agency voiced support for Lively in a statement to Deadline on Friday after the judge's latest ruling this week; seen in 2024 in L.A.

At the time Lively filed her lawsuit against Baldoni, he was dropped from his talent agency WME.

A spokesperson for the agency voiced support for Lively in a statement to Deadline on Friday after the judge's latest ruling this week.

'In an industry that too often asks women to absorb the damage and stay quiet, Blake Lively chose to stand up for herself, her castmates, and those without the ability to fight back.'

The spokesperson added, 'She has met this moment with courage, moral clarity, and extraordinary determination.'
Kyle Sandilands is said to be putting out the feelers for a cashed-up investor to help him buy out the Australian Radio Network (ARN).

The radio shock jock, 54, is currently in a huge legal battle with the company after they terminated his $100 million contract and axed The Kyle & Jackie O Show.

Now, reports allege he's willing to invest $10 million into buying the network, but needs another $90 million to make the deal happen, according to News.com.au.

A source claimed to the publication that Kyle would ideally take over the network and 'overhaul' the leadership team.

'I don't think he would want to leave things the way they are. He would want his hands on all the levers; otherwise, there is no real point in being an owner,' they said.

'He has done every job in radio and he knows what not to do.'

Kyle Sandilands, 54, is said to be putting out the feelers for a cashed-up investor to splash $90 million and help him buy out the Australian Radio Network (ARN)

They also went on to say Kyle was so eager to get back on radio that he would even negotiate a pay cut to his previously massive $10 million a year salary.

'He would be open to it,' they said, adding that the terms would have to be right for the industry titan to consider it.

However, according to the insider, there are some wealthy notables who are 'pretty interested' in buying ARN with Kyle.

Daily Mail has reached out to Kyle for further comment.

Whispers first emerged the shock jock might be willing to take over ownership of the network last month, before news broke he had been given the boot.

While the radio star was waiting to learn his fate at the network following co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson's departure, he reportedly claimed he intended to buy ARN.

Craig Bruce, who was previously Kyle's boss when he worked as program director at 2DayFM, announced the news on his Game Changers Radio page in March.

Craig claimed Kyle made comments regarding a potential takeover of ARN during a recent taping of Australian Idol, where the radio star serves as a judge.

Join the discussion Should someone fired from a company be able to buy it and take charge of its future direction?

The radio shock jock is currently in a legal battle with the company after they terminated his $100 million contract and axed The Kyle & Jackie O Show. Pictured with Jackie 'O' Henderson

'Update. Kyle Sandilands will be back on the air on Wednesday, if he's not sacked on Tuesday. And he reckons he's going to get sacked on Tuesday,' Craig said at the time.

'This is intel. I got a DM last night from a listener who was at the Idol auditions and so he said that to either a crowd of people or to a few people [that he] has a plan.

'If he's sacked on Tuesday, he's going to buy the network. He's either going to be on the radio on Wednesday... or he is sacked on Tuesday.

'That's according to Kyle Sandilands himself. The plot thickens.'

It is unclear if Kyle made the comments seriously or in jest.

The veteran radio personality is currently embroiled in a blockbuster legal stoush with ARN, which has now ended up in Federal Court.

Kyle recently commenced action in the Federal Court, alleging that ARN deliberately sabotaged his $100 million contract.

He claimed the altercation with Jackie, 51, which led to his dismissal and the axing of The Kyle & Jackie O Show, could not constitute serious misconduct as such behaviour had been encouraged by his employer.

The pair's 25-year broadcasting partnership imploded on February 20 when Kyle slammed Jackie over what he described as her 'fixation' with astrology.

ARN is reportedly hoping to bring back Jackie at a much lower rate with a new program, after the network also terminated her own $100 million deal last month.
Joseph Duggar's wife Kendra made desperate moves in order to post his $600,000 bond following his arrest last month on child molestation charges.

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 the $600k bond but is banned from having unsupervised contact with minors under the age of 18 - which includes his four children.

One of the ways Kendra was able to bring in funds for her husband's bond was to move everything out of their home in order to turn the residence into a rental property, per People.

The pair had also talked about other items that could be sold during a March 25 phone call they had while Duggar was in jail at the time, with the conversation also being obtained by the outlet.

Duggar and Kendra - who married in 2017 - discussed selling personal belongings such as a four-wheeler, a pressure washer and trailers.

Joseph Duggar's wife Kendra made desperate moves in order to post his $600,000 bond following his arrest last month on child molestation charges

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

They had also discussed how renting out the home could help bring in a steady income to support both herself and their children.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Duggar was released from prison on March 31 after posting $60,000 needed to be released from custody - 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.

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. Duggar is also facing the same charges.

Kendra is not able to see her four children for one month due to her arrest, per People.

Both she and Duggar are also scheduled to appear in court later this month on April 29 in Arkansas over the child endangerment and false imprisonment charges.

One of the ways Kendra was able to bring in funds for her husband's bond was to move everything out of their home in order to turn the residence into a rental property, per People

Duggar is barred from unsupervised contact with any person under 18 - which includes his own children

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's March 2o mugshot seen above

In previous jail phone calls, Kendra shared to Duggar 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.'

The pair have since reunited in Arkansas after he was released from the Bay County Jail in Florida - but are not with their children.

Duggar 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.

The incident involving Duggar occurred in 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida during a vacation, according to authorities.

Both she and Duggar are also scheduled to appear in court later this month on April 29 in Arkansas over the child endangerment and false imprisonment charges

'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.

Duggar's father Jim Bob 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 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.'

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.'

He was also charged with lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older, officials said; Duggar's March 18 mugshot seen above

Duggar's father Jim Bob slammed his son's 'terrible decisions' in a jail letter after his arrest last month on child molestation charges; Jim Bob and wife Michelle seen in 2014 in NYC

In conclusion, he told Duggar that 'God is not finished with your life' before adding that 'we'll keep praying for you.'

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.

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.'

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'

Duggar was also brutally mocked by his cousin Amy Duggar as she responded to his complaints about having difficulty sleeping in jail

Jessa concluded with, 'We are lifting her up in prayer, asking for comfort, healing, and justice.'

Duggar was also brutally mocked by his cousin Amy Duggar as she responded to his complaints about having difficulty sleeping in jail.

'Joe says he's having trouble sleeping,' Amy said in a TikTok video shared on Thursday, before adding, 'Nobody cares.'

His cousin then continued, 'I bet the victim hasn't slept in five years.'
Dina Broadhurst flaunted her figure at a Sydney beach on Thursday as she whipped off her top and packed on the PDA with her new beau Danny Tchalaby.

The socialite, 50, proved why she's best known as a 'nude artist' as she showed off her taut frame in a tiny white G-string bikini.

Danny, her new, much younger fling, appeared unable to get enough of the brunette beauty, as he was spotted groping her behind while enjoying a dip with Dina.

Dina pulled her locks back into a high ponytail as she waded into the water with the hunk, keeping to the shallows to cool off on the sunny day.

At one point, the mother-of-one was seen locking lips with Danny as they put on an affectionate display.

She then threw caution to the wind and pulled off her bikini top, baring her breasts without a care for nearby onlookers.

Dina Broadhurst, 50, flaunted her figure at a Sydney beach on Thursday as she whipped off her top and packed on the PDA with her new beau Danny Tchalaby

The socialite proved why she's best known as a 'nude artist' as she showed off her taut frame in a tiny white G-string bikini

Danny, her new, much younger fling, appeared unable to get enough of the brunette beauty, as he was spotted groping her behind while enjoying a dip with Dina

Soaking up the sun, Dina then hid her eyes behind a pair of sunglasses, let down her tresses, and lounged back on a beach towel with Danny.

It's the second time in recent weeks Dina has been spotted going topless on the beach with her new man, following her split from John 'Herman' Winning Jr.

Just last week she was seen sunbathing without her bikini top at Hermit Beach in Vaucluse, eastern Sydney.

You can read all about their amorous display over on Mail+.

Danny and Dina's romance has been the talk of Sydney's social scene, with many believing the socialite is flaunting her strapping new bloke to get back at her ex John, who is now reportedly involved with Big Brother Australia star Holly Young.

The pair made their debut as a couple at a party hosted by Italian luxury fashion house Prada in Sydney's CBD recently - an event that saw quite a few notable Sydneysiders debut their new romances.

Not only was it their first sighting together, but it also marked Dina's return to the social scene since splitting from John - again.

Danny is an entrepreneur from Germany who founded the angel investment syndicate Mavericks Founders in 2015.

Join the discussion What do you think motivates public figures to flaunt their new relationships so boldly after a breakup?

Dina pulled her locks back into a high ponytail as she waded into the water with the hunk, keeping to the shallows to cool off on the sunny day

At one point, the mother-of-one was seen locking lips with Danny as they put on an affectionate display

She then threw caution to the wind and pulled off her bikini top, baring her breasts without a care for nearby onlookers

Soaking up the sun, Dina then hid her eyes behind a pair of sunglasses, let down her tresses, and lounged back on a beach towel with Danny

Dina could be seen accessorising with a thin anklet and designer glasses

At one point, she was spotted crouching down to adjust her towel

Before this, he held various roles in tech and finance. He seems to keep a low profile online, with social media accounts set to private.

Before becoming a full-time angel investor - someone who makes early investments in start-up companies - Danny worked as an advisor at SKEDit, a WhatsApp messaging automation platform.

For about a year in 2023, he also worked in venture growth for business consultant Hoxton Projects, and was a co-founder and CEO of Datra from 2017 to 2019.

Danny appears to have begun his career in tech as an 'entrepreneur-in-residence' at the ideasdriven collective Pulilab in 2012, following his graduation from EBS Business School in OestrichWinkel, Hesse, Germany.

He then began working as a business analyst before moving to Budapest.

After a year in the Hungarian capital, it seems he returned to Germany to work at Deutsche Bank as a financial technology advisor for a little over four years.

It's unclear exactly how long Dina and Danny have been seeing each other, but he first appeared on the Sydney society radar in February.

At the time, Dina's love life was the subject of whispers after John unexpectedly deleted his Instagram account following reports his 'rock star' social media presence was causing friction at his family business, Winning Appliances.

Dina and Danny were spotted sharing a kiss as they waded in the water

The happy couple wrapped their arms around each other as they left the water

Danny couldn't seem to keep his hands off his lady love

Dina slipped a yellow skirt on over her bathers

Meanwhile, Danny kept things casual in a white shirt and black shorts

Dina had also stopped posting about John on her socials, with their last photo together appearing on her account in January.

'Herman', as he is widely known, is the son of appliances mogul John Winning Sr, whose family is worth an estimated $700 million.

John took over as CEO of Winning Appliances in 2011 at the age of 22, spearheading its expansion into Australia's largest online appliance retailer.

The company was founded in 1906 by his great-grandfather, Richard William Winning, and remains a powerhouse in the kitchen and laundry appliance sector.

He began dating Dina in March 2024, but had called it quits by the end of the year, only to rekindle things in August 2025.

At the time, the so-called 'nude artist' told Stellar magazine: 'I'm in a relationship. After spending some time apart, we've reconnected with a much deeper bond. And we're happier than ever.'
Vogue Williams shared a glimpse of her 'dream night in' in support of Sophie Habboo and Jaime Laing's new show in an Instagram post on Friday.

Three-part series Raising Chelsea follows the former Made In Chelsea stars as they face the reality of becoming parents.

It sees Sophie, 31, and Jamie, 37, from her early pregnancy to labour and finally meeting their baby son, Ziggy, now nearly four months old.

Now, Vogue appears to confirm a reconciliation between herself, Spencer Matthews, Sophie and Jamie after Jamie failed to invite him to his wedding in 2023.

McVitie's heir Jamie, married Made In Chelsea co-star Sophie Habboo at Chelsea Registry Office in a low-key ceremony, but Spencer, Vogue and their three children were absent.

But now, it appears all is well and truly forgiven as Vogue shared a story of the new show alongside the caption: 'dream night in, let's go', which Sophie then reposted to her own story.

Vogue Williams shared a glimpse of her 'dream night in' in support of Sophie Habboo, 31, and Jaime Laing's, 37, new show in an Instagram post on Friday

Three-part series Raising Chelsea will follow the former Made In Chelsea stars as they face the reality of becoming parents

Vogue said at the time that she had never seen him so upset and faced harsh criticism from fans, who claimed he had 'snubbed' the wedding to go on holiday, when actually he was never invited in the first place.

Sitting down to clear the air afterwards, the two couples had a candid conversation about the 'miscommunication' on Jamie and Sophie's NearlyWeds podcast - with the groom admitting he 'f***ed up'.

During the honest chat, Vogue admitted that in all her years of knowing Spencer, she had never seen her partner so upset over the mix-up and the criticism directed towards him afterwards.

'He was very upset, I have to be honest, I've never seen him like that,' Vogue said.

'He was genuinely upset over something and then it was getting worse and worse because I saw the personalised stuff. And I thought "Oh s*** you really thought about this".'

Jamie took full responsibility for the oversight, saying: 'I f****d up. We had our wedding, our civil ceremony in the UK. It was a hectic process.

'Amongst the hectic-ness of getting people there and things like that, I thought Spencer and Vogue were away.

'Spencer got upset - which is fair enough. So I sent Vogue a message hoping to get a bit of support and then she replied "To be honest Jamie, it's not good." And I was like f***.'

Now, Vogues shows a confirmed reconciliation between Vogue, Spencer Matthews, Sophie and Jamie after Jamie failed to invite him to his wedding in 2023

McVitie's heir Jamie, married Made In Chelsea co-star Sophie Habboo at Chelsea Registry Office in a low-key ceremony, but Spencer, Vogue and their three children were absent

But the wedding drama continued as Vogue missed Jamie and Sophie's second wedding ceremony in Seville after her manager inadvertently booked her to host a show on the same day.

In the opening moments of Raising Chelsea, the couple are seen discussing conceiving and opening up about the time it might take for them to have their first child.

But in Spring 2025, 'four months' after their recorded conversation about conceiving, Sophie reveals the pregnancy test with a positive result.

Setting up a camera behind Jamie to record his reaction, she comes into the room and announces: 'I'm pregnant, I am, it's a really faint line.'

'No you're not... what?' Jamie replies in shock as Sophie covers her face and starts to cry, with Jamie continuing: 'I don't understand, I don't understand!'

Collapsing onto the sofa, holding back tears, Jamie responds: 'Hang on, I don't know whether you're pranking me or not. Are you joking? Is that it?'

Jamie then leans in to embrace his wife, telling her: 'Oh my god, this is nuts.'

He later tells the cameras, 'I was in total shock. I was not ready for that,' to which Sophie quips back: 'I don't know why you were so shocked, we were actively trying.'

'I thought it was going to take a long time,' Jamie explains. 'It was a mixture of anxiety, fear, worry, stress, relief, happiness, joy, love, everything combined into one.'

'And then we told our family and friends, which was an amazing moment, it was the best,' Jamie concluded as they showcased videos of them telling their family.
ITV's children's channel CITV has officially closed after 40 years on air.

The brand was originally launched back in 1983 as an afternoon segment on ITV, before being moved to its own channel in 2006.

Since its debut, CITV has been the home of many British TV classic, and kickstarted the careers of stars such as Holly Willoughby, Ant and Dec and Stephen Mulhern.

The standalone channel originally closed in 2023 so ITV could move its entire slate of children's programming to its streaming platform ITVX, with a dedicated destination called ITVX Kids.

CITV still existed with its own dedicated block on digital channel ITV2 each day.

However, media accounts have shared on social media that this will officially end on April 10.

ITV's CITV channel has officially closed after 40 years on air. It was originally launched back in 1983 as an afternoon segment on ITV, before being moved to its own channel in 2006

One industry account reported: 'This really means the end of the iconic CITV brand that's been around for 42 years.

'Farewell CITV, this time for real. CBBC will have some of CITV's programming while the rest will be under ITVX Kids.'

Another account confirming the news said: 'CITV is coming to an end, for good. After the channel closed in 2023, theres been a CITV block on ITV2 every day, but this ends on 10th April. The new home for childrens content will be on ITVX Kids.'

Reacting to the news, one fan said: 'That's actually depressing. Citv was my childhood.'

Another penned: 'They stopped making original content like 5+ years ago and was just airing shows other places have though. It was such a insult it did not even get a real send off on ITV either.'

'End of an era . I remember watching the Pokemon movies on this channel.'; 'This channel was my childhood, loved switching it on in the mornings before school, it will be missed.'; 'End of an era.'

For years, ITV struggled to match the BBC when it came to Saturday morning programming, but in 1998 they launched SMTV: Live.

The show was hosted by Ant and Dec and Cat Deeley, and featured a myriad of famous sketches and segments including Eat My Goal and Wonky Donkey.

One of the show's most legendary moments came during their Friends spoof Chums, with Dec set to 'marry' Cat in front of a star-studded audience that included big names such as Amanda Holden, Denise Van Outen and Frank Skinner.

While the trio departed the show in 2001, it continued to air with a selection of new hosts such as Brian Dowling, Tess Daly and Stephen Mulhern, before ending for good in 2003.

The show launched the careers of its original three hosts, and they even reunited in 2021 for a one-off Chums sketch in honour of SMTV's belated anniversary.

Time to say goodbye: Former cast and crew previously paid tribute and said their goodbyes to the iconic children's channel when its standalone channel closed

It spent four decades on the airwaves, and birthed a slew of legendary children's shows that put its US rivals to shame (Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern on Holly and Stephen's Saturday Showdown on CITV in 2006)

Art Attack became one of CITVs' most long-running shows hitting the network in 1990 and airing for 17 years.

Hosted by art guru-turned rock musician Neil Buchanan, the show saw him demonstrate an array of works step-by-step.

The creations would always include a so-called 'Big Art Attack,' which would be produced on a grand life-size scale.

Neil's skills with art were so renowned, he was even the subject of a conspiracy theory from users believing he was the mysterious artist Banksy.

While the show ended in 2007, it was revived by Disney Junior for four years in 2011.

CITV had difficult shoes to fill when SMTV came to an end in 2003, but they continued their run of Saturday Morning success stories with the chaotic Ministry of Mayhem.

Known for gunging its guests and crazy games, the show kickstarted the careers of British TV favourites Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, while Michael Underwood also appeared during its first five months.

The show was later renamed Holly & Stephen's Saturday Showdown, and aired from January 2004 to July 2006.

In recent years, many classic clips of Holly's kids TV days have resurfaced, including the moment she dressed up as a French maid.

During an interview with the Daily Mail, Holly previously revealed: 'I spent three years of my life dressed as a French maid and it certainly got a response, but I don't like to think about all the boys who harboured crushes on me.

'I inevitably ended up covered in cake when I wore it, and cream is just the worst thing. No matter how hard you scrub, you can't get the smell of a custard pie off your skin.'

When news of the CITV channel's closure emerged, Stephen Mulhern said: 'Hello all, CITV started my career in TV, it was an incredibly special time learning the craft of how to present live TV.

Legendary: Art Attack became one of CITVs' most long-running shows hitting the network in 1990 and airing for 17 years, hosted by art guru-turned rock musician Neil Buchanan

Wacky: Hosted by Dominic Wood, Chris Jarvis and later Michael Underwood, Jungle Run was a CITV fixture for seven years

But now, media accounts have shared that the CITV block on ITV2 is officially ending on April 10

The brand originally closed in 2023 so ITV could move its entire slate of children's programming to its streaming platform ITVX, with a dedicated destination called ITVX Kids

'I will forever be thankful for every opportunity it has delivered. Great people, great shows and great times x'

A Place in the Sun's Leah Charles-King, who also presented the show, said: 'Goodbye #CITV!

'The end of an era. You launched my TV career almost 25 years ago, like many who came before and after me. You were my chosen kids channel growing up & it was a dream to become a @ChildrensITV presenter & part of your legacy. Youll be missed. #CITVFarewell '

Meanwhile a producer for the show added: 'Sad to hear CITV is closing today.

'25 years ago this month, I moved to London with no money and no contacts, and got my first job, launching CITV's sister channel, Carlton Kids.

'I ended up hosting 200 shows and became their youngest producer. Life is all about taking risks.'
Beverley Callard said she 'cannot paint a smile on her face' as she revealed her breast cancer surgery results have been delayed due to a backlog.

The soap star, 68, revealed she is battling the disease last month after being diagnosed just after she relocated to Dublin to start her new job on Irish soap Fair City.

In an update to fans, Beverley explained that she is still waiting for the results of her latest procedure and opened up about her husband and how he has been supporting her in a post shared to Instagram on Friday.

Beverley said that her husband, Jon McEwan, was decorating their new home to ensure she was comfortable during her recovery.

In the clip, she said: 'Well, I had to do a photoshoot yesterday and on the way there - it was for a magazine about Fair City - and on the way there, Jon [my husband] was driving, and I was in the passenger seat.

'My phone rang, and it said the caller ID. Usually, it's the hospital or one of the consultants from the hospital and I thought 'Okay, this is it, my results.'

Beverley Called, 68, said she 'cannot paint a smile on her face again' as she revealed her breast cancer surgery results have been delayed due to a backlog

The soap star revealed she is battling the disease last month after being diagnosed just after she'd relocated to Dublin to start her new job on Irish soap Fair City

'It was one of the amazing cancer care nurses from Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, they are fantastic. She wanted to know how I was doing.

'I told her that I've got quite a lot of soreness, which I've not had for ages but it came on a few days ago.

'She said I could be overdoing things, hopefully I'm not, I've had a lazy day today. But then she said 'No results yet because there is a backlog,' so hopefully I will get them next week.

'You know when your heart is in your mouth? You think 'This is it. It's coming now, any minute,' and then, no, nothing.

'Obviously, we were still moving in the car, and I just thought 'I can't do this now, I cannot paint a smile on my face again.'

'Anyway, I did it. You just do, don't you? Then we went out for some dinner and it was really nice.

'The other thing I was thinking was that Jon's painting the bedroom in our new home and doing all that so it will be lovely for me for radiotherapy, etc, if I am tired, and I just thought 'Oh, I could not go through this by myself.'

'I really feel for anyone who is going through it by themselves, I really do. If you are, you're much stronger than me, that is for sure, and I'm sending you so much love.'

She also opened up about her husband, Jon McEwan, (pictured 2017) and how he has been supporting her in a post shared to Instagram on Friday

Beverley's update comes after she revealed her mind is 'manic' while preparing to return to work.

Sharing a previously update with her fans on Instagram, Beverley opened up about the struggles she is facing while trying to prepare for her trip to London.

She said: 'Well, what a day today. I've been packing because I was told I have got to go to work on Sunday and Monday in London.

'So the quite posh outfits I need and as you can tell, I love wearing things like this more than anything else.

'So today I had a try on in my bedroom and then got myself into a state because I'm fine now. I'm fine now.

'But what do you do when you can't put a bra on because you're still sore and you still have wounds.

'So how do you make yourself look equal on both sides. Because I thought I'll find a soft bra, put it on and shove a pair of socks in there or something.

'No, it didn't work at all, so then I thought, well, I can't stick a shoulder pad on myself or something because I'm too sore everywhere.

'So I was completely, oh, well, I shouldn't be going. Why am I doing this and the rest of it? But I have got good shoes to wear. That is the only thing. I've got great shoes to wear, and that's it.

'And I will sort it, but it was just one of those days today. I'll work something out somehow.

'So that was my day really, and I can't sleep. My mind is manic at the moment. I think maybe it's nerves about going back to work and everything else, but I'm being strong, and I hope you are all as well.'
Eswatini, the country with the highest HIV prevalence in the world, is one of the first places to distribute lenacapavir, an injectable drug that is practically equivalent to a vaccine and with which health authorities expect to end the epidemic before 2030

Precious closes her eyes and clenches her fists as the syringe needle penetrates her right thigh, slowly injecting a greenish-yellow liquid. The same procedure is repeated in her left thigh. Youre protected for six months now! the nurse exclaims. On that sunny March morning, in a small health center in Lobamba, a rural area of Eswatini, this 32-year-old sex worker has just become one of the first people in the world to receive lenacapavir, a drug that, administered twice a year, offers nearly 100% protection against HIV.

Im relieved. Several girls who work with me tested positive recently. I try to use condoms, but my clients dont like it. Besides, they pay more without a condom, explains Precious, who prefers to use a pseudonym in the interview.

This small country, located between South Africa and Mozambique, where UNAIDS estimates that 26% of its inhabitants  some 220,000 people  are living with HIV, the highest prevalence rate in the world, is one of the nine African states pioneering the distribution of lenacapavir. This drug opens a new chapter in prevention and could eliminate the virus as a public health threat by 2030.

Eswatini, because of its small size and the progress it is already making in prevention, is a perfect place to start seeing results. And I think the world desperately needs a positive story related to HIV, says Mark Edington, director of grant management at the Global Fund, the multilateral organization in charge of distributing these first doses.

Eswatini, because of its small size and the progress it is already making in prevention, is a perfect place to start seeing results. And I think the world desperately needs a positive story related to HIV Mark Edington, Global Fund

Precious doesnt know it, but the commercial price of the injection she just received exceeds $11,600, an amount that must be doubled to calculate the annual cost per person. This woman embodies health equity today, in the words of the Global Fund. Because it is the first time in the fight against AIDS that a new drug has reached the Global South at the same time as wealthier countries, and this is happening amid abrupt cuts in development aid that threaten the significant progress made against HIV.

A solution, especially for women

Lenacapavir is a tremendous opportunity and will be a game-changer. Thats why the idea is that everyone who needs it in Eswatini can receive it, says Sindy Matse, program manager for the AIDS Action Plan in the country, which still widely known internationally by its former name, Swaziland.

But for now, in this first phase of distribution, the drugs doses are limited. In 2025, the Global Fund and the United States Presidents Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) reached an agreement with the U.S. pharmaceutical company Gilead, the manufacturer of lenacapavir, to supply this pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to two million people in low- and middle-income countries until 2028. Generic versions are expected to arrive before then, in 2027, reducing the price to $40 per person per year. In total, nine countries, including Eswatini, Zambia, Kenya, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, received these first doses of lenacapavir, and another 13 countries will be added to the list in the coming months.

Precious, a sex worker from Eswatini, moments before receiving her first injection of lenacapavir, on March 17, 2026. The Global Fund/Brian Otieno

Currently, more than 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV, 65% of them in Africa. Eighty-two percent of HIV-positive individuals on the continent are receiving treatment, compared to 45% a decade ago. This injectable will be a turning point, a solution to the increase in positive cases among young people, especially girls, Eswatinis Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula told this newspaper. I believe that by 2028 everyone in my country who needs lenacapavir will be able to receive it. And, little by little, the resources we no longer have to spend on treatment will be used for prevention, he added.

 Do you think this drug could mean the end of AIDS as a public health problem by 2030?

 Yes, definitely.

Counted doses

Eswatini administered the first dose of lenacapavir on December 1, 2025, World AIDS Day, just months after its approval in the United States and Europe. To date, the country has received 4,200 units from the Global Fund, which will send another 1,800 in the coming weeks or months. Several thousand doses are also expected from the United States via PEPFAR, a program severely hampered by funding cuts.

I knew I wanted the vaccine, Precious repeats several times. Vaccine. Thats what the people waiting, seated on the reddish earth or under the shade of the generous trees at this clinic in the town of Lobamba, call lenacapavir. Its one of 27 clinics administering the new drug in the country, where 59% of its 1.2 million inhabitants live in poverty. Most of the patients are young women who received information from healthcare workers or community educators.

They sent us 50 doses, then 100, then 30. And every day more people arrive who have heard about this almost miraculous drug, says Charles Mduli, the most senior nurse at this clinic, explaining that they had administered a total of 147 injections up to that day. Its the perfect treatment. Its effective and completely discreet. Women come here who decide on their own to receive it and dont have to explain themselves to anyone, he adds.

A healthcare worker records a dose of lenacapavir at a clinic in Eswatini, where several thousand doses of this HIV preventive medication began to be distributed in December. The Global Fund/Brian Otieno

Precious meets all the criteria to be considered at-risk, given her sex, age, and profession. She left her husband, the father of her two children, aged 13 and seven, two years ago after a beating that left her with a broken leg. He almost killed me, she explains. Since then, she and her children have been living with her mother. Ive been prostituting myself for over a year. I havent found a job, and I need to put food on the table, pay for school uniforms and supplies, she explains. To survive, she needs about 4,000 lilangenis a month (around $230), and the math is clear in her mind. A 15-minute encounter with a condom is 100 lilangenis, and without a condom, at least 150, she explains.

Its the perfect treatment. Its effective and completely discreet. Women come here who decide on their own to receive it and dont have to explain themselves to anyone Charles Mduli, nurse in Eswatini

Precious had occasionally taken PrEP in the form of daily pills. But she found it difficult to be consistent, as is the case for many people who use it, because its a rather conspicuous method that draws questions or criticism from partners and family members, and because it requires more frequent visits to a health center.

Most of the people who turn to lenacapavir in Eswatini and other countries had never taken any PrEP before. We are managing to attract people at risk, which is good news, says Carmen Perez Casas, strategic manager for HIV and pandemics at Unitaid, the international initiative working to improve access to treatment in low-resource countries.

Several women leave the clinic in Lobamba, a rural area of Eswatini, where services such as HIV prevention and treatment and family planning are provided, on March 17, 2026. The Global Fund/Brian Otieno The waiting room at the Lobamba clinic, which sees about 100 patients a day, most of them for HIV prevention or treatment consultations. The Global Fund/Brian Otieno The first dose of lenacapavir consists of two injections, which must be repeated six months later. The drug offers nearly 100% protection against HIV infection. Photo taken at a clinic in Eswatini on March 17, 2026. The Global Fund/Brian Otieno

Last September, Unitaid and the Gates Foundation announced separate agreements with Indian laboratories to make the generic version of lenacapavir available in 120 low- and middle-income countries starting in 2027. But right now were running out of stock. Some centers have no doses left, others have enough for a few days. I hope the next shipment doesnt take too long, sighs Sindy Matse, from the national HIV program.

A visit to the central warehouse where medications are stored in Eswatini reveals that the shelf reserved for lenacapavir has very few boxes and plenty of space. Matse explains that the authorities have reserved 500 doses just in case for people who received the lenacapavir injection in December and are due for their second dose in May.

The impact of cuts

Authorities, health organizations, and experts agree that lenacapavir supplies will be limited in 2026, as Gilead, its sole manufacturer today, has already allocated all the doses it is capable of producing. Perez Casas, from Unitaid, assures that the marketing of generic versions is progressing rapidly and they have already entered the World Health Organizations (WHO) prequalification system.

Only when generic drugs become available will we see a significant difference in infection rates. But if we dont see any change by the end of 2027 or in 2028, then well have to ask ourselves whats going on, says Edington of the Global Fund, the largest multilateral provider of funding for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

UNAIDS estimates that around two million people worldwide take some form of PrEP to protect themselves from HIV, the vast majority taking daily pills, but it estimates that to drastically change the curve of new infections and move towards the end of AIDS by 2030 it would be necessary to reach 20 million people considered at risk.

People wait at the Lobamba Clinic in Eswatini to be seen by the nurse specializing in HIV treatment and prevention on March 17, 2026. Beatriz Lecumberri

In the corridors of the clinics in Eswatini visited by EL PAIS, plaques commemorate the fact that these centers, dedicated to sexual health and prevention, received U.S. funding to open their doors. Sixty percent of Eswatinis HIV response was funded through PEPFAR, and the impact of the abrupt funding cuts decreed by Donald Trump has been keenly felt.

The Minister of Health cites, for example, a reduced capacity for diagnostic testing, training of healthcare personnel, and maintenance of mobile units that traveled to remote areas to provide assistance to at-risk individuals who often do not visit health centers. But the system has not collapsed, and the government is trying to address these shortfalls and expand its own capabilities so as not to always depend on external partners and donors, he asserts. In December 2025, the U.S. and Eswatini signed a five-year memorandum of understanding on health matters, under which Washington plans to allocate up to $205 million to modernize public health data systems and disease surveillance technology, and to facilitate access to antiretroviral drugs for HIV.

According to UNAIDS, the impact of U.S. funding cuts could lead to, in the worst-case scenario, 6.6 million additional infections and 4.2 million more HIV-related deaths by 2029. Regarding prevention, figures published by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) indicate that in 2025 the number of people who should have started oral PrEP was reduced by 37% compared to 2024 due to the cuts.

Men decide

Everyone in Eswatini knows someone living with HIV or who has died from AIDS-related complications. Its a very real fear among young people in this country, which registers 4,000 new HIV cases annually, compared to more than 20,000 25 years ago.

Lenacapavir is a milestone. Many people still dont know this drug exists, and I think we need to be cautious until there is a greater supply, says Nkululeko Dube, representative in Eswatini for the U.S.-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). But we mustnt forget that lenacapavir protects against HIV/AIDS, but not against syphilis or pregnancy. People shouldnt let their guard down, urges Dube, speaking from the foundations LaMvelase clinic, the countrys largest medical center for HIV prevention and treatment.

The official still remembers the not-so-distant past when families in Eswatini had to sell their livestock and homes and were plunged into poverty in a futile attempt to save a son or brother suffering from AIDS. He also remembers the young people who died from pneumonia, meningitis, or other complications linked to the disease, and the people lying in the streets, exhausted and weakened by the lack of treatment. It sounds like a movie, but thats how it was.

Another obstacle to prevention is the weight of a highly patriarchal society in a country where a significant portion of women depend on the will and finances of men, who also decide whether or not to use a condom during sex. Thats just how things work here, the women interviewed for this report repeatedly stated.

Sandra MKambule breaks those molds. Shes 24, runs a small beauty salon, and prides herself on being an independent woman. She received her first injection of lenacapavir in January because she doesnt trust the men she has relationships with. They dont tell you the truth, and I want peace of mind, she explains. It was my decision, and nobody cares. Its much more discreet than taking a pill every day. I think its going to change the lives of many young women like me, she says, recalling that some people cant bear being sick, like her 15-year-old niece, who found out she had contracted HIV and took her own life.

It was my decision, and nobody cares. Its much more discreet than taking a pill every day. I think its going to change the lives of many young women like me Sandra MKambule, businesswoman

They dont want to use condoms

In Kayise Gamas office at the Lyengo Clinic in Eswatini, there are three clear plastic containers filled with red and green beads, which she uses in her HIV prevention and treatment consultations. The one with most green beads and a third red beads represents the person with HIV who comes to the clinic. The second one, with most red beads, represents that same person if they dont receive treatment. The third one, where there are practically only green beads, represents the person after undergoing antiretroviral treatment, she explains.

That day, Gama has two prostitutes in their early twenties before her, whom she must test for HIV before offering them lenacapavir. I cant protect myself because they dont want to use condoms. And I dont think much about myself because I have to bring money home, sighs Princess, 27, who doesnt want to give her real name. The young woman explains that she is responsible for her siblings, her two children, and her father. I met an older man who paid me for sex, and I thought that was the life I was destined for, she recalls, trying to hide her tears.

When she goes to the nurses office with her negative HIV test result, the girl must answer several questions before receiving the injection.

 Did you have unprotected sex in the last 72 hours?

 Yeah.

Princess wont be able to receive lenacapavir that morning because the virus can take a few days to manifest even if the diagnostic test is negative. The nurse advises her to protect herself properly and return in a month. You will, right? she insists, seeing the young womans unconvinced expression.

I was hoping to get my injection today, and I dont know if Ill be able to come back here again, Princess says, disappointed.

This report from Eswatini was made possible thanks to support from the Global Fund.

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Jane Fallon has hit out at a 'disgusting' fake obituary in a post shared to X on Saturday after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The best-selling author, 65, 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'.

However, after undergoing the operation and informing her followers that surgeons 'basically got it all', Jane has made her feelings known about AI-generated images, as fake announcements of her death started circulating online.

Taking to X, referencing a since-deleted post, she wrote: 'I've taken the post about the obituary down, because I don't want people to think I'm upset by it.

'I'm not. p***ed off yes. But more, I just want people to know that any photos you see of me in hospital, looking sad or with tubes sticking out of me are 100% fake  AI generated'.

Jane Fallon, 65, has hit out at a 'disgusting' fake obituary in a post shared to X on Saturday after she was diagnosed with breast cancer

The best-selling author, 65, 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

Jane was flooded with supportive messages with one explaining how the 'obituary' was originally shared by a page set up as a Ricky fan page.

'It's a beyond vile page, reported that post and the page itself. It hides under the guise of a RG 'fan' and animal welfare! The AI stuff posted is frankly libellous and disgusting! Not something anyone should have to deal with', wrote @FeralMother44.

@AnnWorkm05 also called the post 'awful', and @JustMissEmma said it represented the 'lowest of the low'.

'We got you, Jane', @DonnerAndChris added sweetly.

'Glad I missed seeing it. How awful that someone would post something like that. Sorry it happened to you', wrote @tvtray.

Her post came just hours after she shared a positive health update on Instagram.

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.

But after undergoing the operation and informing her followers that surgeons 'basically got it all', Jane has made her feelings known about AI images, as fake announcements of her death started circulating

Taking to X, referencing a since-deleted post, she wrote: 'I've taken the post about the obituary down, because I don't want people to think I'm upset by it

'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.'

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.
Rachael Leigh Cook had fans of 90s rom-coms doing a double take when she made a rare appearance in Los Angeles on Friday - looking as though she'd discovered the secret to eternal youth.

The Shes All That star, now 46, flaunted her ageless beauty in a casual Mickey Mouse T-shirt and black biker shorts during a laid-back coffee run.

With her raven locks swept into a loose ponytail, the actress looked every bit like the beloved teen queen from The Baby-Sitters Club and Josie and the Pussycats.

Though her sunglasses were on to keep a low profile, there was no hiding her unmistakable movie star aura.

The rare outing comes just weeks after Rachael made her romance with Superman star Brandon Routh red carpet official.

The couple, who were first spotted out together in July 2025, attended the 2026 Elton John AIDS Foundation Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in March.

Rachael Leigh Cook had fans of 90s rom-coms doing a double take when she made a rare appearance in Los Angeles on Friday - looking as though she'd discovered the secret to eternal youth

The Shes All That star, now 46, flaunted her ageless beauty in a casual Mickey Mouse T-shirt and black biker shorts during a laid-back coffee run

The couple quietly attended the Los Angeles Special Screening of Slanted in March as well.

Last July the rom-com star stepped out with Routh as they enjoyed a date night in LA.

It's unclear when they began seeing each other, but they were also spotted last February stopping by the restaurant HomeGrown in Des Moines, Iowa.

The eatery shared a snap of the actors on Instagram, showing them posing with staff members.

The caption read: 'It's a bird it's a plane it's Brandon Routh! Superman and Des Moines' own Brandon Routh stopped by Crescent to fuel up before fighting for truth and justice with kindness, of course.

'Also visiting us today, the one and only Rachael Leigh Cook. From Hollywood to Hallmark, She's All That in our book, and what a treat it was to welcome her to DSM today.'

Cook married Daniel Gillies in 2004, but they separated in 2019 and their divorce was finalized in 2021. The exes share daughter Charlotte, 12, and son Theodore, 11 in April.

Routh was married to Courtney Ford from 2007 until they announced their split in January 2025. They share 13-year-old son Leo.

With her raven locks swept into a loose ponytail, the actress looked every bit like the beloved teen queen from The Baby-Sitters Club and Josie and the Pussycats

The rare outing comes just weeks after Rachael made her romance with Superman star Brandon Routh red carpet official

Cook married Daniel Gillies in 2004, but they separated in 2019 and their divorce was finalized in 2021; (with Freddie Prinze Jr in She's All That)

Following the split, Cook revealed that she is still 'totally open' to marrying again in the future.

In a 2022 interview with People, she said, 'I am the most incorrigible full-tilt romantic you have ever met in your whole life, to the point that it's probably unreasonable. So yeah, totally open to that happening again.'

However, the mom of two added that she 'will be slightly more cautious in making that decision because I have kids involved and such in my life now. But I wouldn't say no.'

As to whether she would expand her family with more kids, the actress said she's not sure.

'I gotta watch out for my own spontaneous side, and I gotta make that decision with eyes wide open,' she said.
Charlene White has candidly opened up about the difficulties of 'holding it together' after returning to work in the aftermath of her beloved father Denniston's devastating suicide.

The Loose Women star, 45, announced in October 2025 that her father had tragically taken his own life after 'living with a dark cloud he couldn't lift'.

The loss came just months after Charlene lost best friend Darrell and her mother Dorrett previously died from bowel cancer in 2002.

Paying tribute to her employer for their support, the broadcaster, who is also an ITV newsreader, said it took her time to realise the 'difference between being strong and faking it' as she battled through grief.

'What I underestimated is how difficult it is to go on air when youre holding it together in front of hundreds of thousands of people,'

Charlene went on: 'I work for an amazing company that has given me time when Ive needed it. When Ive said: "This week isnt a good week" theyve supported me'.

Charlene White has candidly opened up about the difficulties of returning to work in the aftermath of her beloved father Denniston's devastating suicide

She told New Magazine: 'We are strong when we need to be, but we also have to recognise when were not. There have been times when Ive had to step back because I couldnt be strong that week. Thats important knowing the difference between being strong and faking it' as reported by The Mirror.

Charlene previously made the heartbreaking confession that she has spent 'many many hours' asking why her father decided to take his own life . Read the full story here.

Last year the Loose Women panel were discussing grief saw the star breaking down when discussing late pal Darrell's death from Sarcoma cancer.

The presenter shared his incredible story and explained how he had joined forces with charity Sarcoma UK to try and raise awareness for the illness.

She'd paid tribute to Darrell on social media, writing: 'There will be many of you who will be aware of me talking about one of my oldest and best friends Darrell @djoptic and his mission to beat the enemy which is Sarcoma cancer.

'In the early hours of Saturday morning, four and a half years after he was diagnosed, after a week of saying goodbyes to those he loved, sharing stories and banter, he took his final breath surrounded by his wonderful wife @mrsamymcdonald and children Maya and Theo.

'He has been my brother since we met at 16 years old, I was the best man at his wedding, and godmother to his eldest. The nonsense our little crew would get up to was hilarious back in the day, he was there for every milestone. My heart is broken into a million pieces.

The Loose Women star, 45, announced in October 2025 that her father had tragically taken his own life after 'living with a dark cloud he couldn't lift' (pictured together)

'He was by far one of the kindest men Ive ever met, and throughout his treatment he made it his mission to shine a light on Sarcoma alongside @sarcoma_uk in the hope no other family had to go through what he and his family went through: raising awareness, raising money, educating doctors. He was quite simply, amazing.

'His wife @mrsamymcdonald is honestly the best of all of us. Ive watched her in awe over the past 4 years. I wish I could hug her pain away, because at this point life just feels very, very unfair.

'Im returning to work today, because I just dont know what else to do tbh. Grief can sometimes just make you feel a little lost. Message your besties and let them know how much they are loved xx.'

Charlene also had an emotional moment on the panel when she reflected on the death of her mother.

She was just 20 when her mum Dorrett died from bowel cancer at the age of 47.

In a discussion about grief, the mother-of-two explained that her pregnancy with her son Alfie was particularly difficult as she faced motherhood without her own mother to support her.

Charlene - who has son Alfie, nine, and daughter Florence, seven, with her TV executive partner Andy.

She first explained that, upon finding out she was pregnant, Charlene 'was fine' but grief caught up with her unexpectedly.

'I was fine about it, I took the test, I was completely fine with it. But there was a moment, when I started showing and I was in the bath', she remembered, 'I was looking at the bump in my belly and it hit me that I was going to have to learn to be a mother when I was motherless.

'The one person that I needed to guide through this really massive moment in my life wasn't there. That's the one moment where I completely lost it and I just cried and cried.

'I couldn't stop because grief presents itself when you least expect it and when I gave birth to Alfie, it's that realisation that your mum is the only person you'll physically connect to.'

For confidential help and support contact Samaritans for free on 116 123
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have managed to maintain an amicable relationship following their 2018 divorce.

The exes put on another united front as they took their son Samuel, 14, on an errand run in sunny Los Angeles on Friday.

Even the most casual observer would find it hard not to notice how happy they looked together, as if nothing had come between them.

Garner, 53, had a bounce in her step while she draped an arm around her son's shoulders.

Affleck, also 53, who recently treated Samuel to chicken nuggets at McDonald's, appeared to be his usually complacent self as they crossed a parking lot.

The former couple, who also share Violet, 20, and Fin, 17, have remained a solid family unit against all odds, reuniting for holidays and the kids' birthdays.

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck put on another united front as they took their son Samuel, 14, on an errand run in sunny Los Angeles on Friday

The Argo director appeared to be his usually complacent self while the Alias alum had a bounce in her step

On February 28, the Argo director and the Alias alum carried on their annual tradition by co-hosting a paintball party for Samuels 14th birthday.

They were seen arriving to Combat Paintball Park in Castaic, California and looking ready for action.

The year before, while celebrating their son's 13th birthday at the same paintball park, Affleck was spotted affectionately hugging Garner and laughing with her.

Their latest outing comes after Garner spoke candidly about the realities of co-parenting three children across two households with her ex-husband.

Speaking to host Charlotte Owen on Bustle's One Nightstand YouTube series, Garner addressed how she finds the balance in raising her children with a 'conscientious upbringing and 'appreciation.'

'And I think my kids' dad does too. Especially when your kids grow up in two separate households, I become mom and dad and he becomes dad and mom,' she said.

'You kind of can't help it, right? Because you don't have the benefit of both sides of the yin and yang being in the same house.

'Theres a little bit of loss in that, but there's also something gained in that. You also just learn. It's made me let go and not focus so much on bringing up.'

Join the discussion Should exes stay closely involved for their kids, or does it risk confusing family boundaries?

The former couple - seen in 2014 - were married for 10 years and share three children and often get together for holidays and kids' birthdays

Affleck and Garner - pictured with their brood in 2013 - have remained a solid family unit against all odds

The actress (pictured on January 11) previously described the breakdown of her marriage to Affleck as 'hard'

Garner has been in a relationship with burger chain CEO John Miller (pictured) for seven years and they're still going strong

In a recent interview with Marie Claire UK, Garner described the breakdown of her marriage as hard.

You have to be smart about what you can and can't handle, and I could not handle what was out there,' she admitted. 'The fact of it is what was hard. The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard. Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard.'

The actress added putting her children first never felt like a sacrifice, despite her career in Hollywood: 'It definitely shaped the jobs I chose, in a big way.'

Garner's relationship with burger chain CEO John Miller, meanwhile, continues to go strong after seven years, while Affleck's second marriage to Jennifer Lopez ended in 2024 after two years.
Fifi Geldof has reportedly split from her husband Andrew Roberston and found love with actor, model and fellow nepo baby Jon Paul Phillips.

The eldest daughter of Bob Geldof and the late Paul Yates, 43, who wed the sand sculptor in 2016, has returned to using her maiden name on social media.

In snaps obtained by The Sun Fifi was spotted without her wedding ring as she and Jon, 46, walked her dog through London's swanky Knightsbridge earlier this week.

A source told the publication: 'Fifi and JP are very much in love. She has gone through so much pain in her life and it is lovely to see her happy'.

Fifi also reportedly celebrated her 43rd birthday with Jon on Tuesday as he treated her to a 1,300-per-night apartment stay.

She is said to have shared a snap of the trip to Instagram with the caption: 'Well this will do rather bl***y nicely for the next few days. Lovely birthday surprise staycation from the even lovelier boyfriend.'

Fifi Geldof has reportedly split from husband Andrew Roberston (pictured together 2025) and found love with actor, model and fellow nepo baby Jon Paul Phillips

Fifi was spotted without her wedding ring as she and Jon, 46, walked her dog through London's swanky Knightsbridge earlier this week (Jon pictured 2013)

The eldest daughter of Bob Geldof and the late Paul Yates, 43, who wed the sand sculptor in 2016, has returned to using her maiden name on social media

The Daily Mail have contacted Fifi's representatives for comment.

Jon is the grandson of French film actress Marika Rivera and the great-grandson of Russian-born painter Marie Vorobieff known for her work with Cubism and pointillism.

As well as modelling he has also appeared in independent movies X/Y, Kilimanjaro and Ass Backwards.

Fifi's ex Andrew described himself as an artist and busker and runs an organisation called Dirtybeach, which creates sand sculptures on beaches to make sometimes light-hearted political and environmental points.

He once appeared on Dragons Den, dressed in a red kilt, with the intention of asking for 100,000 of funding to build litter-removing robots.

The producers edited out his idea, screening only his bid for 22,000 for a pop-up beach bar  which the Dragons turned down.

He told the investors he had been homeless in 2007 and had a plethora of jobs. He even worked as a lap-dancer at Stringfellows. I started out as an engineer, he said. I was Father Christmas once.

In 2014, the same year he proposed to Fifi, he launched a bid for a political career, making enquiries with the Electoral Commission about registering his own political party.

He published a manifesto for his Beach Party, whose policies included legalising drugs, and providing free food, travel and education 'at any age, regardless of sex, age, race, religion or species'.

'Your GP should have the power to prescribe you any drug you need, including cannabis and mushrooms for free,' he asserted just seven weeks after Fifi's younger sister Peaches died of a heroin overdose at 25.

Join the discussion How do you think family tragedies should shape our approach to new relationships and public scrutiny?

A source said: 'Fifi and JP are very much in love. She has gone through so much pain in her life and it is lovely to see her happy' (pictured with husband Andrew in 2013)

Fifi (L) pictured with father Bob, late mum Paula and late sister Peaches in 1989

It comes as the Geldof family prepare to mark the 12th anniversary of Peaches' tragic death as she suffered the same fate that claimed her mother Paula in 2000.

Paula and Bob had three children together, daughters Fifi, Pixie and Peaches, before divorcing in 1996. He later married Jeanne Marine in 2015, with the actress helping him raise his children following Paula's death.

As part of one of Britain's most famous families, they once lived their lives in the spotlight.

Yet when tragedy struck the clan in the Noughties, the trajectories of the famous brood veered in a very different direction.

Following her death, the Boomtown Rats star also adopted Paula's daughter Tiger Lily, whom she shared with the late Michael Hutchence.

Bob became Tiger's legal guardian and officially adopted her in 2007, determined to raise her far from the showbusiness spotlight.

Bob has credited his second wife Jeanne with helping him to raise his daughters and previously said his children 'wouldn't have survived' without her.

The musician even proposed to Jeanne days after Peaches' death in a moment he said 'brought air into the room' when Fifi and Pixie were 'in agony'.

After Bob became Tiger Lily's legal guardian, it was also Jeanne's influence which helped support the then four-year-old through the difficult period.

Gerry Agar previously told the Daily Mail: Tiger was totally raised and totally loved by Bobs wife Jeanne, so she has such stability.

'They have been very strict with her and Tiger is incredibly unlike Peaches. She wants to please them.'
Adrienne Bailon-Houghton hasnt played Chanel 'Chuchi' Simmons from The Cheetah Girls in over 20 years, but if she had to speculate as to where her Disney character would be today, it would involve a lot of glitz and glam.

'I feel like Chanel Chuchi is living her best life,' Bailon-Houghton, 42, told Daily Mail exclusively, while discussing her partnership with Finish to celebrate the launch of New Finish Ultimate Quantum, alongside her mom, Nilda Felix.

'I know that they have said that the Cheetahs... I believe in the book series, it says we did end up becoming a major big thing. So I'm sure she's living a fabulous life.'

The film trilogy, based off the books by author Deborah Gregory, helped launch Bailon-Houghton to fame alongside co-stars Raven-Symone, Sabrina Bryan, Kiely Williams and Lynn Whitfield.

Bailon-Houghton starred in all three films, which followed a successful girl group finding their footing in the music industry around the world; the first film debuted in 2003, the second installment, The Cheetah Girls 2, came out in 2006 followed by The Cheetah Girls: One World in 2008.

Success translated off-screen for the popstars, too. They each found success with albums and tours based on the movies.

With former network co-stars like Hilary Duff selling out arenas on tour this year and Miley Cyrus bringing Hannah Montana back for the 20th anniversary in March, Bailon-Houghton revealed that shes seen it all and has thought about reprising her role on film or tour, too.

'I love the fact that I've always said never say never,' the former talk show host said.

Adrienne Bailon-Houghton (seen in The Cheetah Girls 2 with her costars) spoke to the Daily Mail about where her The Cheetah Girls character would be today

She also dished on a potential reboot while discussing her partnership with Finish to celebrate the launch of New Finish Ultimate Quantum, alongside her mom, Nilda Felix

'My only concern is that it be done right, you know? Like, if we're gonna do it, it has to be done really well. And yeah, we shall see.'

After seeing Hulu not order the highly anticipated Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale pilot to air, Bailon-Houghton said it was a wake-up call that despite fans craving nostalgia, anything being brought back to life has to be done carefully.

'I think there's something to be said about seeing ... people being disappointed [with some reboots if] it doesn't match what it was,' Bailon-Houghton explained.

'And I think there is a fear of like, I don't want to ruin the franchise. Sometimes, things are better [leaving people] wanting more versus [people] going, they did it again and it was not great.'

'I've always said that I think that would be the reason not to do it is, sometimes you don't want to touch gold,' continued Bailon-Houghton while reflecting on the possibility of a Cheetah Girls reboot.

'If it was the way it was and your audience is so happy with it... even now, I love the fact that there's a whole new generation of cheetahs that are watching it on Disney+, and they have no idea that it's not a movie that's current.

'They're watching it and their moms are showing it to them, and I think that that's amazing.

'So I think there is something to be said about how you reboot something. [It's important to] not try to recreate it as much as maybe pass the baton to a new generation.'

While it remains to be seen if Bailon-Houghton will break out her microphone again for a reboot, she hasn't closed the door on reuniting with all of the ladies again, seen here in 2004

Bailon-Houghton (seen in February) said that despite fans craving nostalgia, anything being brought back to life has to be done carefully

'It's unbeatable,' she gushed of Finish. 'It works'

While it remains to be seen if Bailon-Houghton will break out her microphone again for a Cheetah Girls reboot, she hasn't closed the door on reuniting with all of the ladies again, especially one in particular.

'Raven and I are super close, and I absolutely adore her,' Bailon-Houghton said.

'I got to be a part of her reboot [in 2022] of That's So Raven, which is called Raven's Home, and I got to reprise my character of Alana Rivera, who was the bully on That's So Raven.

'I came back now as the principal of the school, and that was so much fun. So anything I can do to work with Raven, I'm there.'

Having just moved from Los Angeles to New York City to be closer to family, Bailon-Houghton said she is happy to be in the kitchen cooking and doing dishes with Finish alongside her son, Ever James, three, and mother while she figures out her next move.

'I feel like this is such an organic partnership,' Bailon-Houghton said of the breakthrough dishwashing detergent that also has the Finish Cookbook Club, a series of classes that will pair hands-on recipe demos with practical cleaning insights.

'Mainly because I love nothing more than cooking with my mom. We do everything together as a family.

'She lives 15 minutes from my house. It's the reason why I moved back to New York from LA. Now having a son, I really love the fact that I have this great village.'

Bailon-Houghton explained that it's been especially special to teach recipes passed down from her grandmother to her son, who 'helps them in the kitchen.'

'I love the fact that while my mom has taught me all these things, including clean up afterwards, I now get to introduce her to some new tricks in the kitchen like the new Finish Ultimate Quantum,' added the star.

'It's unbeatable,' she gushed. 'It works. I think for such a long time, the [older] generation was like, "We clean everything by hand."

'I'm like, "Girl, that is so old school." Pop one of these in the dishwasher. You get to do two things at once.

'You get to still hang out with your family. You can get on the floor and still play with your grandson. And guess what? In just a little bit, it's all gonna be clean.'

'It does work,' Felix agreed. 'I think that's what sold me was the fact that I get to spend more time [with my family].

'I'm not in the kitchen cleaning and scrubbing the pots after or during cooking. I am now able to spend time with my family, get on the floor, play with the kids, and then when they're gone, the dishes are done. It's amazing.'
Costco's perks range from deep discounted food court snacks to Kirkland Signature products.

While the $65 annual fee for a basic Costco membership can seem steep, fans of the members-only warehouse argue that some exclusive items make the added cost worth it.

Thanks to Costcos bulk pricing on household essentials and food staples, brand-name goodies and Kirkland Signature spinoffs often cost less than similar products at other grocery stores - and for some shoppers, the Costco-brand items are even better.

Here are the Kirkland Signature products that Costco members say rival the brand-name versions.

Kirkland Signature Pepperoni (or Cheese!) Pizza

Four frozen pizzas for $13.38 is practically unheard of. That comes out to about $3.50 per pie for the Costco-branded dinner option. For some Reddit users, the taste is still 'pretty good,' especially for the price point.

At Target, Red Baron's four cheese 'classic crust' frozen pizza is about $6 for one, depending on the store location.

Kirkland Signature pizza comes in a pack of four with an option of either cheese or pepperoni for less than $14

Kirkland Signature Organic Applesauce Pouch

Sure, the GoGo Squeez version of this snack comes in exciting flavors like apple strawberry and apple banana. When it comes to value, though, the Kirkland Signature applesauce comes out on top.

A box of 24 Kirkland Signature applesauce pouches is $12.99, while the brand name costs around $17 for 28 pouches.

Kirkland Signature Ultra Soft Bath Tissue

Some shoppers are notoriously wary of non-brand name toilet paper.

At just $24.99 for 36-rolls, the Kirkland Signature product has customers coming back again and again - especially because the name-brand Charmin Ultra Strong Bath Tissue comes to the same price for only 30 rolls.

Costco's version of Charmin's toilet paper is the Kirkland Signature Ultra Soft Bath Tissue

Kirkland Signature Kettle Himalayan Salt Potato Chips

This Kirkland Signature product even looks like its brand-name rival. The 32-ounce bag of gluten-free chips will run customers a mere $6. Meanwhile, a 30-ounce bag of Cape Cod Kettle Chips is $8.50 at the retail warehouse.

If you're less of a kettle chip and more of a tortilla chip, Costco also has a Kirkland Signature organic tortilla chip option for less than $8.

Kirkland Signature Chicken Street Tacos

For just over $18, customers can snag the chicken street tacos kit that includes chicken, shredded cabbage, cheese, salsa and cilantro lime crema with soft tacos. That's enough food for the whole family - and way less time-consuming than cooking it yourself.

Other restaurants have followed suit, with Whole Foods selling a 'Family Meal Deal for Four' in the prepared food section. Customers can pick a protein and two sides which come out to about $9 per serving when divvied up.

Chipotle fans started meal prepping with the chain's catering spread, mixing and matching ingredients in a cost-friendly way. The 'build your own' boxes on the Chipotle website comes with one protein, two bases, two toppings, two salsas and one type of tortilla for about $8.75 per serving.

Join the discussion Are store brands like Kirkland undermining the value of big-name products or raising standards for shoppers?

Kirkland Signature Chicken Street Tacos comes in a pack of 12, with some customers using it to meal prep

Kirkland Signature Diapers

Costco has a budget-friendly diaper option for new parents.

The Kirkland brand diapers, previously made by the same manufacturer as Huggies, has since switched to the manufacturer that makes Cuties. Though some customers noticed the difference, others think the necessity is still worth it for the price point.

'We have been using the Kirkland brand pretty exclusively for several months and have no complaints,' one Reddit user wrote. A box of Kirkland Signature diapers costs $39.99, compared to $49.99 for the Huggies version.
This is not good news, especially after President Trump announced complete air supremacy over Iran. Special forces have been deployed to rescue the ejected pilots. This is the latest news as of 05:00 GMT.

We have mentioned that the war in Iran is not specifically against Iran alone. Behind them, they have China and Russia, who are supplying grade-A weapons and even experimental weapons to be used against the USA.

 BREAKING: Footage has been released of what is reportedly Iranian police opening fire on a US military Blackhawk which was conducting search and rescue missions for downed F-15 pilots earlier today The crew of the Blackhawk which was hit by fire, has been confirmed SAFE, pic.twitter.com/klnzbZg5JH  Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 3, 2026

Unfortunately, the Iranian side and other sources have produced a plethora of fake propaganda videos and misinformation, as one would expect. Without true verification, there can only be speculation. Always check and cross-check references and sources.

The Iranians can also buy any weapons they want or need from the global arms black market. Who is to say that, for the right price, the Iranians can just purchase a suitcase nuke from either China, Russia, or another unscrupulous nuclear nation or organization?

BREAKING: Iranian TV tells residents of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province: If you capture an enemy pilot or pilots and deliver them alive to law enforcement and military forces, you will receive a valuable reward. Reports of a jet being downed. pic.twitter.com/9V43u9FbM8  ADAM (@AdameMedia) April 3, 2026

The USA right now is fighting a war with Russia and China, with Iran as the conduit for this war.

Let us hope those pilots are extracted safely because it will be horrible to see them paraded around Iranian propaganda TV like Saddam Hussein did to a British pilot during the Iraq war.

There are only three ways to win this war: 1) Deploy a full air/sea/ground invasion. 2) Carpet bomb everything: smart bombs, dumb bombs, all bombs. 3) Nuke the country completely.

Story developing
GAZA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Saturday rejected Israeli army's claims that the group planned to kidnap Israeli soldiers and accused Israel of trying to justify its continued violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said in a press statement that the Israeli army's Gaza Division commander's claims about Hamas planning to kidnap Israeli soldiers were "false and baseless allegations, and an attempt by the occupation to justify its violations of the ceasefire agreement."

Qassem added that the Gaza Division commander's assertion that withdrawal from the Yellow Line was "not on the table and that he is waiting for an opportunity to resume fighting in Gaza" is a clear violation of the ceasefire and reveals Israel's "persistent intention to sabotage it."

Qassem called on the mediators, guarantor states, and the UN Security Council to take "a clear stance against the occupation's violations and pressure it to implement the commitments stipulated in the agreement."

Israeli Channel 12 quoted the commander of the Israeli army's Gaza Division as saying that Hamas was exploiting the military operation against Iran to strengthen its capabilities and rearm itself.

The commander claimed that Hamas intends to carry out kidnappings of Israeli soldiers, noting that the Israeli army will later return to focusing entirely on the Gaza Strip "to complete the mission."

The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel went into effect on October 10, 2025. Since then, 713 Palestinians have been killed and 1,943 others wounded by Israeli army fire, bringing the total number of casualties since October 7, 2023, to 72,289 dead and 172,043 wounded, according to figures released by Gaza's health authorities on Thursday. 
A rally in Coleraine has heard concerns around immigration, as well as challenges from a counter protest.

The event was billed as the launch of a movement called Our Northern Ireland Voice.

It calls for stopping HMOs (houses in multiple occupation), closing migrant hotels, deporting all illegal immigrants immediately and keeping our children safe.

Around 200 hundred people heard speakers outside Coleraine Town Hall, while trade union members staged a counter protest nearby.

The rally finished with a procession around the Co Londonderry town amid a police presence.

Speakers included Richard Inman who told those assembled of a spiritual battle against a great evil that has come upon these islands in the last 50 years.

The counter protest played music and chanted slogans during the speeches.

Mr Inman continued: I call it the great army of darkness, the Islamists, the communists, and the globalists, and thats who were fighting against.

He told the counter protest that he was louder than youll ever be to cheers from his supporters.

He went on to say he genuinely believes that there are people in political parties that are evil and satanic, and criticised the legalisation of abortion.

Northern Ireland used to be a heartland, it was the bible belt of Christianity in Europe, and were losing that, he added.

Dan Grundle criticised Belfast as having become unrecognisable, as well as in Coleraine, referencing hotels full of migrants and condemning a housing crisis.

We need to start demanding accountability from the so-called people in charge, he added.

Later, Nipsa deputy general secretary Patrick Mulholland responded by challenging Our Northern Ireland Voice, claiming it had promised 2,500, and they turned out 200.

A number from the rally heckled as Mr Mulholland said in 1984 the National Front tried to march in Coleraine, and were seen off by the organised working class.

He contended that the current leader of the National Front, Tony Martin, was in attendance, and said those ideas belong in 1984, to cheers from the counter protest.

We have a message for any ordinary people who have been polluted by the snake oil salesmen of the far right, and our message to them is, we welcome a conversation and a discussion with you about what the future should look like with homes for all, he said.
Louth County Council have been told that vape shops have created an "entire generation of young addicts".

Independent councillor Ciaran Fisher made the comments at the March meeting of Louth County Council in which two motions were put forward calling for the crackdown of vape shops across the county.

Cathaoirleach of the Dundalk Municipal District, Cllr Robert Nash tabled a motion calling for the sale of vapes to fall closely in line with that of tobacco products.

Cllr Nash called for the restriction of "bright neon signs" as well as "products aimed at children".

He told the meeting that it's not just about dealing with shopfronts, but tackling the planning and development regulations.

"Under the planning and development regulations, any corner shop overnight can swap from being a sweet shop to a vape shop," he said.

The Fine Gael councillor said vape shops should have their own "distinct class" which would require a full planning application to be submitted for the change of use of retail premises.

"Its important we deal with this issue head on and from as many angles as possible. We need to make the opening of these premises hard and make the sale of these products as hard as possible," he said.

Cllr Nash added that the "oversaturation of these premises on our streets will not be tolerated."

Cllr Fisher, who also put forward a similar motion said the "nationwide problem" has reached tipping point.

He said vaping has become far more accessible than it once was.

"An entire generation of young addicts that were raising. Weve let the genie out of the bottle with regards to vaping and how weve allowed it to be advertised, we now have to circle back and try claw back some ground on it," he said.

Independent councillor Maeve Yore called for Revenue to investigate vape shops and carry out audits.

"We have a problem with vape shops on our main streets in every town in Ireland.

With the amount of footfall thats in them, theyre not selling vapes. The Government should be proactive rather than reactive and get this issue sorted, and get Revenue to check whats happening in these shops and carry out audits," she said.

Fine Gael councillor Dolores Minogue warned that "we don't even know how bad it is" and said "there's not enough data on it, there's nothing on it".

She called for vape shops to be "locked and put out of town".

Green Party councillor Marianne Butler said the advertising and packaging of vapes "makes them interesting and attractive to children".

Cllr Butler labelled it "disgusting" and said it is doing harm to people.

Read Next: This week's Dundalk Democrat Front Page

Thomas McEvoy, Director of Economic Delivery with Louth County Council acknowledged that there is "an increasing number of vape shops in town centres".

He added that "any lighting or illumination on signage should generally be discreet" although he said there are no restrictions on the colour or illumination for window displays.

Mr McEvoy confirmed that shopfront guidelines are currently under review, and said future updates to the guidelines could include "specific reference to signage for vape shops".

He also said Louth County Council would support any amendments to the regulations that would "exclude vape shops from the definition of a shop" giving the local authority more control over where than can be located.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Keep your ear to the ground, I was told before taking off for a visit to Aidan OBriens Ballydoyle stable. What my friend hoped for was that Id get the names of a few horses worth following this season.

So off we went on Tuesday last, myself and one of the third generation, whos a staunch follower of the OBrien stable.

READ NEXT: Inside Track: The pints were on Parrott, but little else to celebrate on a night of woe

Backs the Ballydoyle runners ante-post and on the day of the races. In fact, if he really fancied one, hed follow it over a cliff, as they say.

Other times, hes just happy to go to a meeting to see the OBrien horses in action, and his day is made even more enjoyable if Ryan Moore is taking the mounts. This was a Christmas present.

It was my second trip to one of the biggest training and breeding establishments in the world.

The last time it was to Coolmore, the breeding wing of the operation. If that was interesting, this was fascinating.

Miles and miles of gallops on surfaces of all kinds, sand, grass and others, all of them meticulously maintained. Manicured, in fact.

The whole estate covers hundreds of acres, and if you were to travel the road that takes in every section of it, youd clock up about 12 miles.

The 40 or so of us who made up the visiting party were there in the afternoon, which meant we didnt see horses in action. Gallops take place in the morning.

But on a visit to the yard named after one of the stables stars of recent years, City of Troy, we saw last years dual Derby winner, Lambourn, being taken out for an evening stroll.

A horse by the name of Albert Einstein, who ran at The Curragh on Saturday last, is expected to follow Lambourn on to the roll of honour.

However, we didnt get to glimpse that one, but his trainer was there to greet us. And, always the gentleman, the Master of Ballydoyle had a handshake and word for each of us.

The thought crossed my mind as I took in the splendour of the place, the attention to detail, and the supreme breeding of the horses: I wouldnt want to go there if I was a small trainer, with maybe a half-dozen in my stable.

Id be asking myself, How can I compete with that?

But then, I might take a more positive look and plan to put into practice the tips I picked up.

As I said earlier, I was looking for tips of the other kind. There was none available, but it was still a memorable outing. My travelling companion was in his element.
A total of 1,201,215.59 in representational payments and expenses was paid to the 29 Louth County Councillors in 2025, including a total of 899,351.12 in representational payments, 148,226.67 in ad hoc expenses, 17,141.98 in foreign travel expenses, and 26,039.89 in other training expenses.

It is up from the 1,142,988.63 that was paid to 36 councillors in 2024. Payments were made to 36 councillors in 2024 due to local elections taking place, with some being re-elected, some being elected for the first time, and some not re-elected but serving as a councillor until the 2024 elections.

The highest amount was paid to Cllr Sean Kelly. Cllr Kelly was paid 59,081.82 up from 52,365.25 in 2024.

His 2025 payments comprised 30,932.08 in representational payments; 6,546.48 in ad hoc expenses; 11,666.90 as a chairperson allowance; 5,000 as a chairperson of a municipal district allowance; 593,12 in phone and broadband allowances; 259.05 in personal liability personal accident A/B; 50 for LAMA (Local Authorities Members Association); 471.09 in East Border Region Forum & other meeting expenses; and 3,563.10 in foreign travel expenses.

The lowest amount was paid to Cllr Maeve Yore. Cllr Yore was paid 34,112.36 in total, which comprised 30,932.08 in representational payments; 2,565.32 in ad hoc expenses; 524.78 in phone and broadband allowances; 40.18 in personal liability personal accident A/B; and 50 for LAMA.

Just one other councillor received payments of over 50,000 in 2025, Cllr Pio Smith.

Cllr Smith was paid a total of 55,912.15 in 2025, up from 52,958.85 in 2024, with his 2025 payments comprising 30,932.08 in representational payments; 7,026.34 in ad hoc expenses; 6,000 as a chairperson of a Strategic Policy Committee (SPC); 524.29 in phone and broadband allowances; 40.18 in personal liability personal accident A/B; 50 for LAMA; 700 for conference expenses in State; 963.70 in East Border Region Forum & other meeting expenses; 6,607.11 in other training expenses; and 3,068.45 in foreign travel expenses.

Since 2019, Cllr Smith has been paid 25,738.43 in other training expenses. Along with 6,607.11 in 2025, he was paid 5,308.23 in 2024; 6238.75 in 2023; 4,019.56 in 2022; 1,284.44 in 2021; 795.24 in 2020; and 1,485.10 in 2019.

With regards to foreign travel expenses; a total of 17,141.98 was paid to eight councillors in 2025. This included 5,033.30 to Cllr Kevin Callan; 980.25 to Cllr Michelle Hall; 3,563.10 to Cllr Sean Kelly; 494.65 to Cllr Robert Nash; 280.25 to Cllr Declan Power; 3,291.53 to Cllr John Sheridan; 3,068.34 to Cllr Pio Smith; and 430.25 to Cllr Jim Tenanty.

Louth County Council provided some information to the Dundalk Democrat last year in relation to representational payments, items covered by ad hoc expenses, and training expenses.

Louth County Council said that the Local Representational Allowance (LRA) covers the following expenditure categories:

Rent, Rates & other such charges in relation to an Office

Signage in respect of an Office

Improvements to Office accommodation

Utilities of an office

Purchase or maintenance of home office furniture or equipment

Purchase of Stationery

Insurance for office accommodation, equipment & public liability insurance

Cleaning of office accommodation

Internet & telephone costs

Web hosting

Hiring of rooms for Clinics or other meetings

Leaflet & newsletter printing & distribution

Advertising relating to the performance elected members functions

Purchase of secretarial support, public relations & expert advice relevant to local government functions

It said that ad hoc expenses covers:

Travel by elected members to meetings of LCC

Subsistence payments for attending meetings of LCC

A payment of 960 of unvouched expenses

Local Representational Allowance (LRA) up to 4,200 per year for which receipts must be submitted

Phone bills

Insurance for Councillors

Louth County Council said that all expenses are a combination of vouched & unvouched expenses. With regards training expenses, Louth County Council said that: "All training expenses are covered by Circular LG 03/2025 and would include training provided by the:
The decision by Louth County Council to grant planning permission to Dublin Simon Community for an apartment development at the site of the former Labour Exchange Site at Barrack Street in Dundalk, has been appealed to An Bord Coimisiun (formerly An Bord Pleanala).

The organisation, which provides services to people across Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, applied to Louth County Council for planning permission in August 2025, seeking the go ahead for the demolition of the existing derelict properties 63, 65 and 67 Barrack Street to facilitate the construction of 21 one-bedroom residential units, within a single three storey block.

The planning application also provided for items including a single storey utility and plantroom building, comprising ESB substation, switch room, water services and bin store, located to the northeast of the site, and a low profile, combined bulk storage and secured bicycle store. It also includes boundary treatment proposals, landscaping, roads, drainage and lighting treatments across the site.

A significant number of submissions objecting to the planning application had been lodged with Louth County Council, including from residents and local businesses in the area. Among the reasons for objecting to the application were antisocial behaviour, health and safety risks, and a negative impact on the quality of life and privacy for local residents.

Read also: Revealed: Breakdown of the 1.2 million paid to Louth councillors last year

A public meeting had been held last year, where householders and business owners in the area spoke of how they had been dealing with anti-social behaviour, including open drug dealing and drug taking on a daily basis.

It is understood that residents in the area had become frustrated over the lack of consultation between themselves and Louth County Council, as well as Dublin Simon Community.

Louth County Council granted planning permission on 20 March 2026, subject to nine planning conditions.

A third party appeal was lodged with An Bord Coimisiun on 26 March. Brendan & Patricia McCoy, and Francis Hammond are listed as third party appellants. It is not yet known when the appeal will be decided upon.
Nearly 1,300 students, including graduates from Louth, celebrated their achievements as they crossed the stage at Dublin City Universitys graduation ceremonies in The Helix.

Three ceremonies took place in the Mahony Hall in The Helix on Friday 27 March, featuring students from the Universitys five faculties; the DCU Business School, the Institute of Education, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science & Health, and the Faculty of Engineering & Computing.

Orlaith Hickey from Carraigaline Co Cork and Meath Ni Shluain, Dundalk Co Louth who received a PHD during the Spring Graduation Ceremony in Dublin City Unversity (DCU) .Pic :Kyran OBrien DCU

This year saw the first graduates from the MA in Documentary Practice cross the stage.

Speaking at the graduation ceremonies Prof Daire Keogh, President of Dublin City University, said:

Read Next: Dedication and Service celebrated at the 2026 Dundalk Civic Awards

Today is a special day, a day when we get to celebrate the very purpose of our University: the education and graduation of our students.

We wish each of our graduates every success in the years to come as they make their contribution to the DCU mission to transform lives and societies.
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.
WASHINGTON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- As many as 365 U.S. troops have been wounded in action as of Friday since the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, according to an online update from the Pentagon.

Of those injured, 247 were Army soldiers, 63 Navy sailors, 19 Marines and 36 Air Force airmen.

The death toll remains at 13, with seven being hostile deaths, six killed in an Iranian strike in Kuwait, and one dead after being wounded in Saudi Arabia.

It's not clear if the figure includes any crew members aboard U.S. warplanes downed or struck by Iranian forces on Friday. 
DkIT staff and students and members of the wider community recently united in a powerful show of solidarity against violence towards women. The event, which was co-ordinated by Womens Aid Dundalk, The DkIT RiVeR Project and RESPECT at DkIT saw representatives across the community stand in unity and support against gender-based violence.

The One Billion Rising Campaign which began in 2013, sees people across the world coming together to express their solidarity and RISE in defiance of gender-based violence, demanding an end at last to violence against women. The on-campus event was led by Siobhan Molloy, Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment Manager at DkIT and Naoise Weldon Pastoral Care Coordinator at DkIT. A large group came together through dance in support of survivors in Ireland and across the globe.

Speaking after the event, Naoise said: We were truly honoured to host the One Billion Rising dance on campus this year. The team at Womens Aid Dundalk continuously support our students and staff, making their presence at the event even more special. There was a hugely positive community atmosphere and that is what we endeavour to foster here in DKIT.

The event was introduced by Megan Bellew and Gemma Stuart who are both support workers in Womens Aid Dundalk and graduates of DkIT's Social Care programme. Both Gemma and Megan were instrumental in establishing DkITs Drop-in Clinic in association with Womens Aid Dundalk, which is a fantastic support to both staff and students.

Read Next: Popular Louth tourist village set for bank holiday Garda operation

Speaking at the event Megan said: We know the influence students have and the powerful role you all play in shaping a future where there is zero tolerance for violence against women. Thank you to all who supported us and stood together, raising awareness and sharing support for survivors.

Gemma added: We would like to give a special thanks to Siobhan and Naoise, all staff at DkIT and The RiVeR Project who have been extremely helpful and supportive in bringing everybody together for One Billion Rising. It was great to be back at DkIT and to see so many people joining the dance and standing in solidarity to take a stand against DSGBV."
A wave of high-profile pub sales in Cork City sees landmark venues Reidys Vault Bar and Bull McCabes change hands, while the sale of The Grange bar is expected to close shortly for well in excess of its 1m guide price.

Separately, an offer of 1.9m has been accepted by the vendors of pub/restaurant Paddy the Farmers, while advanced talks are under way with a Dublin-based restaurant operator in relation to Tequila Jacks, a popular Mexican restaurant and tequila bar on Lapps Quay, guiding at 1.3m.

The notable uptick in pub disposals follows on from a strong start to the hospitality investment market in 2026, starting with the sale of The Wilton bar for more than 3m to well-known Cork-based publican Paul Montgomery, who owns and operates multiple venues in the city.

The latest sales will see established restaurant operators take over Reidys, with plans to open their second city restaurant at the 15 Lancaster Quay/Western Rd venue before the end of the year. A former bonded warehouse, it had operated as a bar for several decades, run by the Reidy family, who have a long involvement in the citys licensed trade, and who continue to own and operate the popular Le Chateau bar on St Patricks Street.

Rob Coughlan, of Cohalan Downing, oversaw the Reidys deal and he said the distinctive premises  halfway between UCC and the Grand Parade  sold for just shy of its 600,000 guide price. The bar had initially come to market with two adjoining properties with an overall guide of 1.4m but the other two properties were withdrawn from sale about a year ago.

Mr Coughlan also oversaw the sale of Bull McCabes on Kinsale Rd, and he said the new owners are planning a residential conversion. The buyers are local developers, a husband-and-wife team with a track record of converting former licensed premises into residential units. They have done similar schemes over the years, the agent said.

HILLSIDE SITE

Bull McCabes sold for 730,000, a chunk above the 650,000 guide price. On a 0.4a site, the 3,800sq ft venue had traded for 25 years at the hillside site close to Cork Airport before the operating company, Activebundles Ltd, went into liquidation in September 2023.

The sale of The Grange bar, by tender, also via Cohalan Downing, is expected to close shortly at a price substantially in excess of the 1m guide. The long-established premises, on a 0.54a (0.22ha) site on Grange Rd, has been run by the ONeill family for about four decades and continues to trade.

Meanwhile, the tender deadline was yesterday for The Viaduct bar and restaurant, which is on the market with a guide price of 1.6m.

The 7,000sq ft Bandon Rd premises  owned by Cliste Hospitality  is a turn-key premises which dates to the 1990s and is an established hospitality venue.

Mr Coughlan  who previously negotiated the off-market sale of city centre bar Electric in 2024 for 2m  said tenders for The Viaduct are being reviewed.

Separately, Ger OCallaghan, of Lisney Commercial, confirmed that the vendors of Paddy the Farmers have accepted an offer of the 1.9m asking price. The Old Blackrock Rd/Summerhill South premises, along with nine overhead apartments, is being sold by the Sean McCarthy-led local hospitality group, who disposed of Soho bar/restaurant on Grand Parade in 2023 in a multimillion-euro sale.

The group is also selling waterfront premises Tequila Jacks, via Lisney CRE.

Tequila Jacks and Paddy the Farmers, which are both being sold as going concerns, enjoy strong trading profiles and have been continually enhanced by the current owners.

The flurry of activity in pub sales follows on from the record-setting price achieved last year after the sale of the Flying Enterprise complex near South Gate bridge, when longstanding owners Finbarr and Dolly OShea sold it for more than 5m to a local buyer with international backing.

The complex includes multiple buildings and a central courtyard on a 0.5a city-centre site.
The annual PwC Anthony Reidy memorial 5k road race takes place on Wednesday April 15, raising funds for Focus Ireland.

Anthony Reidy was an assurance partner in PwCs Cork office who sadly passed away in July 2021.

The event brings PwC colleagues, alumni and members of the wider community together to honour the memory of Anthony Reidy, while supporting a vital cause.

All proceeds from this years event will go to Focus Ireland, one of PwC Irelands charity partners for 2026, supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across Ireland.

Registration for the race on April 15 kicks off at 6pm in One Albert Quay in Cork, followed by a 7.30pm start.

There is also the option to pre-register online at eventmaster.ie - search for 'pwc5k'.

All donations in support of Focus Ireland can be made via idonate.ie under 'PwCCorkFocus'.
A Cork TD has described as unjust the decision to increase school transport fees for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The 2026/2027 academic year will see transport fees for both primary school and post primary children rising to 100 per child.

For account holders with three or more children in the post primary school transport scheme, a maximum family charge of 220 will apply, with a maximum family charge of 200 applying for primary school families.

That is in contrast to the school transport fees for the 2025/2026 school year which were 50 for a primary school child, 75 for a secondary school child and the maximum fee for a family of 125.

Independent Ireland leader and Cork South West TD Michael Collins said that increasing the school transport fees risks placing additional strain on people least able to afford it.

This is another attack on the most vulnerable in our society. Families are already dealing with the rising cost of living, and now they are being asked to pay substantially more just to get their children to school. It is simply not acceptable.

In rural Ireland, in particular, school transport is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Parents rely on it every day. Doubling these fees places an unfair burden on families who already have limited choices.

Mr Collins added: Education is a basic right. No child should be left behind because their family cannot afford transport to school.

We need a system that supports families, not one that adds to their hardship. This decision must be reversed, and meaningful supports must be put in place to protect those most affected.

Bus Eireann operates the school transport schemes on behalf of the department of education and youth.

The primary school transport scheme supports the transport to and from school of children who live at least 3.2km from, and are attending, their nearest primary school.

The post primary school transport scheme supports the transport to and from school of children who live at least 4.8km from, and are attending, their nearest post-primary education centre/school.

School transport is free for children with a valid medical card and for children with special educational needs.

The Echo has contacted the Department of Education and Youth for comment.
Two intrepid Cork women have taken on a gruelling Arctic challenge to raise vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

Gabriella OKeeffe from Buttevant and Karen Daly from Cork city were part of a team of 14 who signed up for the week long trek.

The team travelled 350km north of the Arctic Circle, where they trekked across a frozen lake hauling their equipment and tents, overnighting outdoors under stars in subzero temperatures as low as -5C. The Cork women decided to get involved to raise funds and awareness of the impacts of stroke, heart disease, and other cardiac conditions.

Ms OKeeffe, a third year medical student in UCC, first came across the Irish Heart Foundation while researching a project on cardiovascular disease for her university work.

Some of the statistics I discovered while conducting this research really shocked me. The more I learnt about the Irish Heart Foundations vital and lifesaving work, the more I wanted to do something to help,

she said.

For other members of the team, it was a very personal journey to highlight the importance of heart health after loved ones suffered serious cardiac issues. Each participant has to date raised a minimum of 6,500, while the two Cork women raised a total of 17,184 between them. So far, the entire team has raised a combined total of almost 112,000. Funds raised go towards essential supports that help people who have been affected by heart disease or stroke.

Karen Daly was among 14 Arctic Challenge participants who helped to raise vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

These include free professional counselling services and a nurse support line, support groups, and other programmes to help improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people after a cardiac event or stroke.

Tom Hickey, director of development with the Irish Heart Foundation, said the challenge showed how difficult it is to learn new skills in a tough environment and to persevere in the face of adversity.

Through the kindness of our fundraisers and donors, we can work hard every day to help prevent cardiovascular illness in the first place. Together, we can stop so many lives being damaged, shortened or lost.

The Irish Heart Foundation is asking the public to support Gabriella, Karen, and the other Arctic challenge participants on their fundraising pages at irishheart.ie or donate on irishheart.ie.
Cork University Hospital (CUH) has implemented full-capacity protocol measures on 266 occasions between January 2025 and March of this year, HSE figures have shown.

Over the 454-day period, the protocols were implemented on 58% of the days. The measures were implemented 200 times last year, and 66 times so far this year.

A monthly breakdown shows that incidences were highest at the start of both years, with measures implemented 29 times in January 2025, 22 in February 2025, 24 in February 2026, and 22 in March 2026.

However, they were also implemented 20 times in both July and August 2025  a significant jump from June 2025 which saw the lowest implementation of five days.

The figures were provided to Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire, who said they were a clear sign of a health service beyond crisis point for patients and staff.

The full capacity protocol is when the hospital is at maximum pressure with emergency department overcrowding, Mr O Laoghaire said.

Of course, there will be a need to use such a protocol but, in a properly functioning health service, it should be implemented only in exceptional circumstances.

When this protocol is instigated, a lot of the hospitals normal activity is suspended to make space for patients. People have to be moved onto wards and hallways outside the emergency unit, and that might in some circumstances mean elective surgeries being cancelled.

The situation puts huge pressure on patients and their families, and it puts huge pressure on staff in our hospitals.

It comes as figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation on Wednesday showed that 939 people were treated on trolleys in CUH last month, up from 907 in March 2025.

So far this year, a total of 2,881 people have been treated on trolleys in CUH. Last years total was 10,113.
A Polish man stole more than 100 worth of goods from a Cork supermarket because his children were coming to visit him, the district court has heard.

Court presenter, Sergeant Eimear OConnell, told Macroom District Court that Krystian Zurek, aged 41, of Gurteen House, Bridgemount, Clondrohid, Co. Cork, went to the Aldi supermarket in Macroom on March 19, 2025.

The court heard that at 3.30pm Zurek was observed on CCTV taking items that were in his shopping trolley and placing them in a rucksack.

Zurek went to the checkout and paid for items valued at 23 but left the store with other items in his rucksack valued at 113.30 which he did not pay for.

The court was told that Zurek had two previous convictions, one for possession of drugs and one for the possession of a flick-knife.

Defence solicitor, Sean Cahill, said Zurek took the items because he did not have enough money to pay for them and his children were coming to visit him from Poland.

The court was told Zurek made full admissions and was not working but was in receipt of disability allowance. Mr Cahill said Zurek was fully co-operative and had no previous convictions for theft and had brought compensation to court to the value of the stolen items.

Judge Joanne Carroll convicted Zurek of theft contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act, 2001 and sentenced him to two months in prison suspended for 12 months.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
DUBAI, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Debris from an aerial interception hit the Oracle building in Dubai Internet City, with no injuries reported, the Dubai Media Office said on Saturday.

The debris struck the building's facade, causing limited damage, it said.

Earlier in the day, authorities responded likewise in Dubai Marina after debris from an aerial interception struck the facade of a building. No injuries or fires were reported.

Authorities said the debris resulted from successful aerial interceptions and urged the public to rely on official sources for updates. 
Three Cork companies have been announced as finalists in this years EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) programme.

Now in its 29th year, the theme of this years EOY programme, The Entrepreneurs, aims to recognise those who pair imagination with action.

Each year, 24 finalists are selected by a dedicated judging panel, spread in groups of eight candidates across the three categories of emerging, established, and international.

The three Cork entrepreneurs shortlisted are Danny Buckley of ADHDNow, who was shortlisted in the emerging category; Trevor Casey of EPH Controls, shortlisted in the established category, and Chris Horgan of Dexgreen, shortlisted in the international category.

The 24 finalists will participate in a nine-month strategic growth programme that includes executive education, networking forums, tailored media profiling, and the annual CEO Retreat, which this year will take place in Toronto, Canada.

Head of the EY EOY Ireland programme, Roger Wallace, said entrepreneurship in 2026 looks very different to even a few years ago.

We are operating in a world shaped by geopolitical instability, rapid advances in AI, and a level of economic uncertainty that demands creativity as much as resilience, said Mr Wallace.

Our finalists this year have not only adapted to this environment, but are shaping it.

The 2026 cohort brings together entrepreneurs who are rethinking the possibilities of technology  they are creating jobs, solving complex challenges, and opening doors to opportunities that did not exist before, he added.

The ingenuity and ambition we see across these 24 finalists reminds us why backing entrepreneurs matters now more than ever.

EOY judging panel chairperson Harry Hughes said this years judging process reminded us just how rapidly the world is changing for entrepreneurs.

Selecting just 24 finalists was an exceptionally difficult task, Mr Hughes said.

The entrepreneurs we met represent both long established sectors and fast emerging fields, but all of them are reshaping their industries with new ideas and new ways of working, and are turning challenges into opportunity.
The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Cork has announced that teenage entrepreneurs from Carrigaline Community School and Colaiste Muire Realt na Mara, Crosshaven, will represent the office at this years Student Enterprise Programme national final on Thursday, May 7.

The students all took part in the county final last month at the Munster Technological University.

This school year the initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered Local Enterprise Offices across the country, saw more than 30,000 students from just under 500 secondary schools across the country take part.

The largest student start-up programme in the country, it supports students to create, design and market their own business, all with the hope of reaching the National Final.

Maria Pietruczuk (Crosshaven) from Colaiste Muire Realt na Mara, Crosshaven, winner of the Intermediate Category Regional final at the Student Enterprise Awards 2026, with her business Petal and Pearl, with Sean OSullivan, head of enterprise, Local Enterprise Office South Cork.

In the junior category, the students representing South Cork at the National Finals are Clodagh Concannon and Aisling ODonoghue from Colaiste Muire Realt na Mara with their business Sea-Sea Sauna Salts.

In the intermediate category, Maria Pietruczuk, also from Colaiste Muire Realt na Mara, will compete in the intermediate category with her business Petal and Pearl.

South Cork will be represented in the senior category by Jake Molloy, Alex ODriscoll, Natasha Thottakana, and Amelia Gumienny, from Carrigaline Community School, with their business Hall of Grades Trading Cards.

Special guests at the county final, Louise McCall, founder of Digital Marketing Solutions, and Ruth Hendrick, founder of Target Alert Group, inspired students by sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and hardearned insights.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley, said the programme continues to demonstrate the creativity, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit of young people across our county.

First year students Clodagh Conancanman,and Aisling ODonoghue from Colaiste Muire Realt na Mara, Crosshaven, winners of the junior category regional final at the Student Enterprise Awards. Picture: Joleen Cronin.

Cork County Council is proud to support initiatives that empower students to develop realworld business skills, build confidence and learn the value of innovation and enterprise from an early age, she said.

Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, more than 500,000 students have taken part, learning key skills on how to create a business idea, start a business, and grow a business.

The programme also has a new range of online resources at www.StudentEnterprise.ie, which will feature regular blogs and houses a full range of Student Enterprise resources for students and teachers.

Further information around the initiative is available from www.studententerprise.ie and by searching #studententerprise on social media.
When youre watching a TV series or film, and hear the unmistakable Leeside burr, do you react like me? Do you point at the screen in delight and shout: Thats a Cork accent!?

Phew, I knew I wasnt alone.

In recent years, that little yelp of recognition has become commonplace, as actors and actresses from the Rebel County have excelled in the thespian world.

I was watching a thrilling new drama last week when the finger-pointing happened again. And I have to report that there is a new name to add to the Cork acting canon.

The series is called Young Sherlock and was released on Amazon Prime last month. Its easily the finest TV series I have seen so far this year.

Not only that, but the Cork actor in it, Donal Finn, steals the show from a host of other brilliant talents.

If you hadnt heard his name before, Im positive it will be up in lights soon alongside the likes of Rebel luminaries Cillian Murphy, Eanna Hardwicke, Fiona Shaw, and Sarah Greene.

Young Sherlock is an eight-part mystery drama set in Victorian England, inspired by Andrew Lanes book series of that name, and produced and directed by Guy Ritchie - Madonnas ex.

It reimagines the early life of Sherlock Holmes as he begins to cut his teeth in the world of crime-solving. Finn, 30, from North Cork, plays the future detectives arch-rival James Moriarty - but with a twist.

When this series starts, Holmes and Moriarty become the best of friends when they meet at Oxford University, and solve crimes together using their combined genius.

Finns portrayal of Moriarty is superb - he plays him as a wildly unpredictable, outspoken, and impulsive Irish man, contrasting sharply with the well-to-do Englishness of the teenage Holmes.

Young Sherlock is compelling, twisty, and great fun, and boasts a top-notch cast - including Colin Firth as the university boss and Joseph Fiennes as Sherlocks father. Max Irons, son of Sinead Cusack and Jeremy Irons, plays Sherlocks brother Mycroft, and Dubliner Simon Delaney plays a wizened old detective who wears a cape and deer-stalker (no prizes for guessing who that influences...)

All of them are excellent, as is Hero Fiennes Tiffin - nephew of Joseph Fiennes - as Sherlock.

But our own Donal puts in a mesmerising performance that leaves the rest standing.

Dont just take my word for it.

The reviewer of Young Sherlock for The Guardian said Moriarty blows the lead off the screen in a magnificently assured turn from Donal Finn. They later added: It doesnt help that Fiennes Tiffin has been teamed with the explosively charismatic Finn, whose presence here reduces everyone within the blast zone to a smoking hillock of moustache.

The Irish Times said the role of Moriarty was one of those parts where the villain truly gets the best lines, adding: Dont be surprised if Finn becomes Irelands next acting superstar.

Indeed, if there is any justice, Finns charismatic portrayal of Moriarty should catapult him into the big time - just like it did for another Irish actor, Andrew Scott, who played the Victorian villain in the Sherlock series that starred Benedict Cumberbatch.

There has long been a consensus that Arthur Conan Doyle - who had Irish blood himself - portrayed Moriarty as an Irish character, and there is even a theory that the author based him on UCC mathematician George Boole.

While Scott played the character as a south Dubliner, Finn leaned on his own strong accent for the role in Young Sherlock.

To my ears, some of his sentences sounded pure Roy Keane, but he actually told the Irish Times in an interview that he went a little further west for his Moriarty voice

I had some people in my head that I think influenced me in developing what the characters voice is, he said. They would be from the southwest.

Specifically, Finn decided to channel the late Kerry actor and storyteller Eamon Kelly for the role.

He was very old school and theatrical in a way. I wanted to harness some part of that story-telling quality. Moriarty is able to hold peoples attention in such an amazing way, and thats how the seanchaithe worked as well. They were incredible storytellers.

Finn grew up in Dromina, near Charleville, close to the Cork-Limerick border, one of eight children raised on a farm.

He honed a long-held passion for drama and musical theatre, and performed in community halls around Cork, taking part in pantos in Fermoy, along with musicals in the Opera House.

He told The Irish Times he was eternally grateful for the support his parents gave him to help him pursue his acting dream in the UK.

I worked in a supermarket in Kanturk, which was the town I went to school in. I was there for a year, he said.

A lot of my friends had gone off to college in Cork, Limerick, and Dublin. That was a year of working and saving money to fly over and back for auditions at drama schools.

He ended up becoming a student at Lamda, the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art.

Finn told the Irish Examiner in 2023: I think a goal of mine would be to repay my mother for every ounce of petrol that she ever put in the car to drive me to Mallow, Charleville, Cork, Kanturk. Pantos in Fermoy, musicals in the Opera House, drama lessons out in Ballincollig...

If I could go as far as to repay her for all the hours and the miles that she put in that Mitsubishi Space Wagon... Im eternally grateful to both my parents, for such wild and almost I would say daft support!

Hopefully, that day wont be too far away as his career progresses.

There is no word yet on a second season of Young Sherlock - although the fact it set a new record for the most watched Amazon Prime Series trailer in its first seven days in February is evidence it will happen, as well as the positive reviews.

With seven additional books in the series, there is plenty of source material for the story to continue

Finns CV also includes a role in another Amazon Prime series - fantasy The Wheel Of Time - and in hit BBC drama SAS Rogue Heroes, made by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. He appeared in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore, The Witcher, and How To Build a Girl, and last year starred in a West End production, Hadestown.

You can currently also see him in the cast of BBC period drama The Other Bennet Sister.
The American filmmaker Hal Hartley has long stood apart in contemporary cinema, with a voice thats instantly recognisable.

He first made his mark in the late 1980s and early 1990s with The Unbelievable Truth and Trust. These witty, offbeat romantic comedies signalled the arrival of a major talent. Critics quickly embraced him as one of the leading lights of the American independent scene.

Triskel Cinema invites film fans to experience three of Hal Hartleys films with its latest season, Hal Hartleys Henry Fool Trilogy, beginning on April 6.

Chris ONeill, head of cinema at Triskel, points out that one of his hallmarks is his offbeat characters.

Hal Hartley was a leading icon in the American independent cinema movement of the 1990s. What made his films such as Trust, Simple Men and Amateur so unique was their deadpan wit and offbeat characters.

While many of his peers went on to bigger, more commercial projects, Hartley chose to follow his own, independent path.

His films are known for their dry, understated humour, clean, carefully composed visuals, and soundtracks that draw on underground rock from bands, as well as his own music.

He also has a gift for drawing out distinctive performances. Actors including Adrienne Shelly, Parker Posey, Edie Falco, Martin Donovan, and Elina Lowensohn bring a slightly unusual, quietly compelling presence to his work.

The result is a body of films that feel both personal and approachable, stories that pay close attention to how people speak, behave, and connect, often in ways that are funny, surprising, and unexpectedly moving.

ONeill says that the first film in the trilogy, Henry Fool.

In 1997, Hartley made what many consider to be his greatest work - Henry Fool. It follows a shy, introverted garbage man in Queens, New York, named Simon Grim, who befriends a strange man named Henry Fool, and the film explores the impact Henry has on Simon, his sister, and his mother. Its such a wonderfully quirky movie and one of my personal favourites.

Henry Fool is a wickedly funny portrait of an unlikely friendship. Grim (James Urbaniak), an introverted and unassuming sanitation worker with little hope for change, crosses paths with Fool (Thomas Jay Ryan), a charming drifter with a mysterious past.

Encouraged by Henry, who is working on his autobiography, Simon discovers a gift for poetry that launches him into the spotlight. Soon, his work sparks acclaim, outrage, and scandal, while Henrys unresolved past threatens to unravel both their futures.

With memorable performances from Posey and Shelly, and a sharp, layered screenplay that earned Hartley top honours at Cannes, the film deftly blends dark humour and philosophical depth.

It probes the complications of ambition, creativity, and the human cost of artistic pursuit, establishing its status as a landmark in American independent cinema.

At the time, Henry Fool was intended as a stand-alone film, but as ONeill explains, it became much more than a one-off venture.

Hartley didnt realise it at the time, but this would ultimately become the first part of a trilogy which would span over 17 years.

American film-maker Hal Hartley

The second part of this story is called Fay Grim and follows Simons sister, played by Posey, but this film is very different from the first in that it deals with international espionage and takes place over several continents; its Hartleys most ambitious film to date.

Fay Grim, released in 2006, takes a bold, unexpected leap into the world of espionage and international intrigue.

Fay is a single mother navigating the challenges of raising her son alone, and is thrust into a dangerous conspiracy when CIA agent Fulbright (Jeff Goldblum) enlists her to recover a series of cryptic notebooks penned by her fugitive husband, Henry (Thomas Jay Ryan).

As she travels from New York to Paris, Fay finds herself entangled in a strange world of shifting allegiances and is forced to question who she can and cant trust at every turn, all while seeking the truth about Henrys mysterious notebooks. James Urbaniak reprises his role as Simon Grim, providing continuity and comic relief.

Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film gained a cult following for its sharp wit, satirical edge, and inventive reinvention of the spy genre, further cementing Hartleys reputation as a singular voice in independent cinema.

Ned Rifle, released in 2014, concludes the trilogy by introducing a new generation of characters, as ONeill explains.

The final part of the trilogy follows the son that Fay and Henry had, who is now a young man seeking revenge against the father. He meets a strange woman along the way, played by Aubrey Plaza, who may know more about this family than he realises.

Ned Rifle follows Ned (Liam Aiken) as he embarks on a mission to face his estranged father. Along the way, he meets the mysterious writer Susan (Aubrey Plaza), whose motives remain ambiguous. Parker Posey reprises her role as Fay Grim.

Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film received critical praise for its dark humour and inventive storytelling, solidifying the trilogys status as a cult favourite in U.S independent cinema.

ONeill says this latest season at Triskel will especially appeal to audiences who enjoy a quirky sense of humour.

We are screening the complete trilogy over three consecutive nights and recommend the films to anyone interested in the quirky and slyly offbeat.

Hal Hartleys Henry Fool Trilogy runs from April 6-8, see triskelartscentre.ie.
By Rebecca Black, Press Association

Northern Irelands Education Authority (EA) has said it is making positive progress following a cyber attack.

An IT system used by pupils was impacted and the EA apologised for the impact on those who may be preparing for exams over the Easter break.

The C2K school system, provided by Capita, is used as a curriculum support.

We apologise for the unavoidable disruption but would reassure users this essential security measure was taken to maintain the integrity of the system and safety of all users Education Authority spokesperson

In a statement on Saturday, an EA spokesperson said it is continuing to engage with Capita to minimise the impact on staff and pupils.

We are making positive progress towards restoring access to the schools C2K system, they said.

EA teams, along with the service provider Capita and colleagues in schools, have worked around the clock to rapidly develop and test a safe and secure solution.

We have started to roll this out in schools, with initial priority given to post primary schools and pupils in exam years.

EA officials said work will continue over the weekend and Easter period to restore access.

Details of arrangements will be communicated to pupils by their school as soon as possible, they said.

We apologise for the unavoidable disruption but would reassure users this essential security measure was taken to maintain the integrity of the system and safety of all users.

EA would like to thank schools and partners for their support as we continue to monitor progress over coming days.

We will continue to keep schools, parents/carers and pupils updated via EA website Education Authority and our social media channels.
(Photo:@Vatican Media)Pope Leo carries the Cross inside the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday, April 3, 2026.

Pope Leo XIV led the Catholic faithful at the 2026 Good Friday Way of the Cross by carrying the Cross throughout the Colosseum in Rome.

Leo became the second pope to carry the Cross for the entire Via Crucis on Good Friday at Rome's Colosseum on April 3, Vatican News reported.

The Pope was joined by around 30,000 faithful and countless people worldwide as he led the Way of the Cross through the candlelit ruins of the ancient Roman edifice on social media, television, and radio.

This is the site that witnessed the martyrdom of many early Christians.

Pope Leo also spoke about the need to end the wars in the Middle East and in Ukraine in phone conversations with the presidents of Israel and Ukraine on Good Friday.

The Vatican issued press statements revealing that the Pope had spoken with the presidents separately.

Following the Vatican's usual diplomatic protocol, the statements did not identify who initiated the conversations, but America, the Jesuit news site, said it had learned from an informed Vatican source that the Israeli and Ukrainian sides initiated them.

After Leo's conversation with the Israeli president Isaac Herzog, the Vatican issued a brief and concise statement.

"This morning, April 3, a phone call took place between the Holy Father Leo XIV and Mr. Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, on the occasion of the paschal festivities."

- ACHIEVE JUST PEACE

According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office that confirmed the call, "during the conversation, the need to reopen all possible channels of diplomatic dialogue was reiterated, in order to put an end to the serious ongoing conflict, with a view to achieving a just and lasting peace throughout the Middle East."

"As the discussion continued," the Holy See Press Office note concluded, "attention was focused on the importance of protecting the civilian population and promoting respect for international and humanitarian law."

This year, Catholics and Jews are celebrating the paschal feasts around the same time.

Jews celebrate the feast of Pesach (Passover) this year, the 5,786th year in the Hebrew calendar; the feast began at sundown on April 1 and will end at nightfall on April 8.

Catholics, on the other hand, follow the Gregorian calendar and therefore celebrate Easter (the paschal feast) on Sunday, April 5, while Orthodox Christians, who follow the Julian calendar, will celebrate on April 12.

Since Israel and the United States launched the war against Iran on Feb. 28, Pope Leo has repeatedly called publicly for an end to the conflict and has emphasized the need to open negotiations through dialogue

The Pope also had a telephone conversation on Good Friday with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president.

According to a statement by the Holy See Press Office, "During the cordial conversation, the Holy Father extended his best wishes for the Easter holidays and reaffirmed his closeness to the Ukrainian people."

The statement noted that "They then discussed the humanitarian situation, emphasising the urgency of ensuring that the necessary aid reaches the people suffering from the conflict."

Reference was also made to efforts to promote humanitarian initiatives, particularly the release of prisoners.

The statement concluded, "hope was once again expressed 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."

After his conversation with the Pope, President Zelensky also issued a statement via Telegram which read:

"I spoke today with Pope Leo XIV. Right during this conversation, Russia attacked Ukraine again  hundreds of Shahed drones and dozens of missiles against our cities and towns. The attack has been ongoing since nightfall, and at least five regions have already been hit.

"Not a single hour of rest for our people, and this is Russia's response to our proposal for a ceasefire at Easter. Essentially, the Russians have only increased the intensity of the strikes and, instead of calm in the sky, are carrying out an Easter escalation. This cannot be ignored, and I am grateful to everyone in the world who does not stay silent about this
This photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a building destroyed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike at the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran. Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf said on Saturday more than 30 Iranian universities have been directly attacked by the United States and Israel since the beginning of the war in late February. (Xinhua/Shadati)

TEHRAN, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf said on Saturday more than 30 Iranian universities have been directly attacked by the United States and Israel since the beginning of the war in late February.

He made the remarks in an address to reporters during a visit to the Shahid Beheshti University in the Iranian capital Tehran, which was hit in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike on Friday, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

Simaei-Sarraf said five university professors and more than 60 students were killed in the strikes, describing attacks on Iranian infrastructure as "crimes against humanity."

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. interests in regional countries. 

This photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a building destroyed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike at the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran. Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf said on Saturday more than 30 Iranian universities have been directly attacked by the United States and Israel since the beginning of the war in late February. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a building destroyed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike at the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran. Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf said on Saturday more than 30 Iranian universities have been directly attacked by the United States and Israel since the beginning of the war in late February. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a building destroyed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike at the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran. Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf said on Saturday more than 30 Iranian universities have been directly attacked by the United States and Israel since the beginning of the war in late February. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a building destroyed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike at the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran. Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf said on Saturday more than 30 Iranian universities have been directly attacked by the United States and Israel since the beginning of the war in late February. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows equipment destroyed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike at the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran. Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf said on Saturday more than 30 Iranian universities have been directly attacked by the United States and Israel since the beginning of the war in late February. (Xinhua/Shadati)

A journalist takes pictures of a building destroyed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike at the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran, April 4, 2026. Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf said on Saturday more than 30 Iranian universities have been directly attacked by the United States and Israel since the beginning of the war in late February. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a building destroyed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike at the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran. Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf said on Saturday more than 30 Iranian universities have been directly attacked by the United States and Israel since the beginning of the war in late February. (Xinhua/Shadati)

Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf receives an interview during a media visit to the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran, April 4, 2026. Simaei-Sarraf said on Saturday more than 30 Iranian universities have been directly attacked by the United States and Israel since the beginning of the war in late February. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a building destroyed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike at the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran. Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei-Sarraf said on Saturday more than 30 Iranian universities have been directly attacked by the United States and Israel since the beginning of the war in late February. (Xinhua/Shadati)
Before it's publicly available later this year, the Irish government is trialing its Government Digital Wallet, which includes a way to verify a user's age to access social media platforms. In its press release, the government's Department of Public Expediture, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation said people can store digital versions of their birth certificates, driving licenses, European health cards and more.

Frank Feighan, the department's minister, said that this testing phase would help inform the development of the digital wallet and ensure it was user friendly. The government hasn't laid out when the Government Digital Wallet graduates beyond the testing phase, but Ireland is required to create a digital wallet by the end of 2026 as part of a European Union regulation.

"It will be able to facilitate secure age verification capability as set out in Digital Ireland and the implementation of the Online Safety Code, under which designated platforms must have age verification measures in place to help protect, in particular, children and young people from online harm," Feighan said of Ireland's digital wallet.

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The pilot phase will be done on an opt-in basis and the government has a short survey available for comments and concerns. Along with Ireland, many other European Union member states are working on their own age verification methods. Earlier this year, Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez announced a law to ban social media for anyone under 16.
Instead of raising prices again, Netflix may have to lower its subscription costs in Italy. A court in Rome recently ruled that Netflix owed its Italian users a refund for price hikes between 2017 and January 2024 and a reduction to previous subscription costs. On top of the refunds, Netflix Italia would have to inform its affected subscribers of their right to a refund.

The lawsuit was originally filed by Movimento Consumatori, a consumer rights organization based in Rome. The group's president, Alessandro Mostaccio, said in a press release that more than 25,000 Netflix users have complained to Movimento Consumatori that they're not satisfied with the price increases over the years. According to the lawyers representing the consumers, Premium subscribers are entitled to a refund of roughly 500 euros, while Standard tier customers should get back about 250 euros.

Mostaccio also said that if Netflix doesn't immediately reduce prices and refund its customers, the consumer rights organization would pursue a class action lawsuit to recover funds. A Netflix spokesperson told Reuters that it would appeal the Italian court's ruling, adding that the company takes "consumer rights very seriously and believe our terms have always complied with Italian laws and practice." On the other side of the world, Netflix again raised prices for its US customers, this time across all of its subscription tiers.
We got to share in a rare moment of collective awe this week as four astronauts blasted off toward the moon, beginning a 10-day journey that will take them farther from Earth than any humans have traveled in the last 50 years. It'll still be a little while before they reach their destination  the Orion spacecraft is expected to loop around the moon on Monday  but they've already seen some pretty incredible stuff on the way there. Here's the latest on the Artemis II mission, and other interesting science stories from this week.

Artemis II crosses the halfway point

After years of planning, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, are finally on their way to the moon for the Artemis II mission. This test flight is a crucial step in NASA's plans to send humans to the surface of the moon again for the first time since Apollo 17, and the high-stakes launch went off without a hitch on Wednesday.

The Artemis II crew is now more than halfway to the moon, according to NASA. When Orion reaches the moon on April 6, the astronauts will have a six-hour window of opportunity to observe the partially lit lunar far side, which can't be seen from Earth. If you're curious about where exactly the astronauts are at any given moment, you can track the mission by visiting NASA's Artemis Real-Time Orbit website. And, if you just want to see what space looks like from Orion, here's a livestream from outside the capsule. The moon is now in view!

The crew did experience some technical difficulties after leaving the ground, though all were resolved fairly quickly. Early Thursday morning, Wiseman contacted mission control to troubleshoot some issues with a Surface Pro he was attempting to use, noting, "I have two Microsoft Outlooks and neither one of those are working." Relatable. The Artemis II crew was also greeted by a malfunctioning toilet not long into the flight, and astronaut Koch had to work with the ground team to figure out a fix  which they thankfully were able to do. In a livestream later, the astronaut joked that she is now a space plumber.

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Small issues aside, the Artemis II mission is off to a pretty amazing start. The Orion spacecraft completed its translunar injection burn on Thursday, officially taking it out of Earth orbit and putting it on its way to the moon. Commander Wiseman shared some pictures of the view from Orion's windows afterward, and they are breathtaking. In one unbelievably crisp shot of Earth, you can even see two auroras. And there's plenty more observations to come.

Students discover a nearly pristine ancient star

Using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), a group of undergraduate students at the University of Chicago has discovered what's thought to be one of the oldest stars ever observed. Their analysis indicates that the star, called SDSSJ0715-7334, was born in the nearby Large Magellanic Cloud billions of years ago before eventually making its way to the Milky Way.

Vedant Chandra and the SDSS collaboration Background ESA/Gaia image, A. Moitinho, A. F. Silva, M. Barros, C. Barata, University of Lisbon; H. Savietto, Fork Research

The star was one of 77 that the students selected for closer observation after poring through the SDSS data in their "Field Course in Astrophysics class, which is led by Professor Alex Ji, the deputy Project Scientist for SDSS-V. SDSS-V is an ongoing all-sky survey that's mapping the Milky Way. After creating their list, they set out to observe the stars during a field trip to Carnegie Sciences Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, and honed in on SDSSJ0715-7334 on day two. The team found it's made mostly of hydrogen and helium, with very little carbon and iron. In the paper published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the researchers note that this composition could be the product of a primordial supernova.

"This ancient immigrant gives us an unprecedented look at conditions in the early universe, said Ji in a statement. Ji added, The star has so little carbon that it suggests an early sprinkling of cosmic dust is responsible for making it. This formation pathway has only been seen once before.

Before you go, be sure to check these stories out too:
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JCB has unveiled a new UK-wide online platform designed to speed up parts ordering and reduce machine downtime for operators across agriculture and construction.

The JCB Parts Online website gives customers round-the-clock access to genuine components across the companys full equipment range, with orders fulfilled through its established dealer network.

The move reflects growing demand for faster, digital access to parts, as operators look to keep machines running efficiently and minimise costly delays.

Tania Tams, JCB parts and attachments general manager for product and marketing, said the platform had been developed to support machine uptime.

We know how crucial uptime is for our customers, she said.

JCB said the system has been designed to improve access and flexibility for users, allowing orders to be placed outside normal working hours and parts accessed quickly when needed.

At launch, more than 1,200 of the most commonly required part numbers are available to UK customers, with the range expected to expand further throughout 2026.

Users can search for parts using machine serial numbers or specific component codes, helping ensure the correct items are selected first time.

Orders are handled through JCBs dealer network, with options for click and collect at local depots or direct delivery.

Customers can choose from same-day or next-day collection, as well as standard and next-day delivery services.

JCB also stressed the importance of using genuine components, warning that non-genuine parts could affect performance, reliability and long-term machine value.

Tams said JCB machines are designed to operate as complete systems, with parts working together exactly as manufacturer intended.

Customers can register online to access the platform and place orders.
A new code designed to reset relationships between landlords and tenant farmers in Wales has been unveiled, marking a fresh push to improve standards and reduce disputes across the sector.

The voluntary Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice, published by the Welsh Government, sets out clearer expectations for behaviour, with a focus on improving transparency, communication and long-term stability for farm businesses.

The framework was developed with input from a range of industry bodies, including NFU Cymru, the Farmers Union of Wales, Tenant Farmers Association Cymru, the Country Land and Business Association, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

It applies to a sector that covers around a third of all farmland in Wales, underlining its importance to the wider rural economy.

At its core are three guiding principles  clarity, communication and mutual respect  which the code states should underpin all dealings between landlords, tenants and their advisers.

The code is intended to improve working relationships while recognising that both parties may have differing priorities.

It covers the full lifecycle of a tenancy, from the initial agreement through to rent reviews, repairs, diversification and eventual termination.

Landlords are expected to provide sufficient detail when offering land to give a fair and accurate picture of the holding, including any limitations or obligations attached.

Prospective tenants, meanwhile, are expected to be open about their experience, finances and farming proposals, with both sides encouraged to negotiate terms positively and flexibly.

Once agreements are in place, the emphasis shifts to maintaining regular and effective communication.

The code states that engagement should be clear and timely, with both parties agreeing practical arrangements for contact, visits and record-keeping.

Rent payments and reviews are highlighted as key pressure points, with guidance urging early discussions, realistic timelines and properly documented outcomes to avoid unnecessary disputes.

The framework also encourages more open conversations around future opportunities, including environmental schemes and diversification.

Landlords are advised not to withhold consent for new initiatives unreasonably, while tenants are expected to consider the long-term interests of the holding when making decisions.

Disputes are acknowledged as inevitable in some cases, but the code emphasises that they should be handled constructively, with parties encouraged to keep costs proportionate and consider alternative resolution methods such as mediation.

Importantly, the guidance makes clear it does not carry legal force. It does not replace existing tenancy agreements or legislation, but instead aims to raise standards beyond minimum legal requirements.

For many new entrants, tenancies remain one of the few realistic routes into farming, while established businesses rely on rented land to expand and adapt.

The code describes the sector as vital to Welsh agriculture, supporting innovation, flexibility and the wider rural economy.

Officials hope the new framework will help create more stable, transparent and productive relationships across Wales farming sector.
Coal Valley, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2026) - Riverbend Kitchens has announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, marking an update to the company's online presence. The new platform introduces a streamlined layout that showcases the kitchen remodeling company's services, completed kitchen remodeling projects, and outlines the company's project process.

The website launch reflects Riverbend Kitchens' ongoing efforts to improve how prospective clients access information online. As more homeowners begin researching renovation projects digitally, company websites have become a primary source for viewing design work, understanding project timelines, and learning about remodeling processes before scheduling an initial consultation. The updated platform allows Riverbend Kitchens to present this information in a more structured and accessible format.

Kitchen Remodeling Company Riverbend Kitchens Launches New Website to Strengthen Digital Presence

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"We built this website the same way we approach every kitchen project, with our clients in mind. Homeowners do a lot of research before they ever pick up the phone, and we wanted to give them a place where they could see our work, understand how we operate, and feel confident before that first conversation. That transparency is something we've always believed in," says owner Matt Vermillion.

The redesigned website includes project galleries showcasing completed kitchen renovations, along with explanations of how projects move from design concepts to completed installations. By presenting visual examples of previous work, the platform allows visitors to review kitchen layouts, cabinetry styles, and design features commonly incorporated into remodeling projects. The updated site also includes client feedback and general information about the company's design and construction process.

During the redesign process, the team focused on creating a user-friendly structure that allows visitors to navigate the site without requiring extensive searching. The goal of the redesign was to present the company's approach to kitchen remodeling in a way that truly reflects the brand and services, while making exploring past remodeling projects easy for homeowners.

Riverbend Kitchens views the website launch as part of its long-term digital development strategy. As new technologies emerge in the home improvement sector, including visualization tools and digital design platforms, the company plans to continue evaluating ways to incorporate updated technologies into its operations and client communication.

About Riverbend Kitchens:

Riverbend Kitchens is a kitchen remodeling company based in Coal Valley, Illinois. Owner Matt Vermillion works with homeowners to guide kitchen renovation projects from initial design concepts through completed installations. Riverbend Kitchens focuses on structured design processes that help homeowners evaluate layout options, cabinetry selections, and functional improvements before construction begins. The company provides project planning and remodeling services for residential kitchens throughout the surrounding region.

Media Contact





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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291201

Source: GetFeatured
ISTANBUL, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to pay a working visit to Istanbul on Saturday, Turkish presidency has announced.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Burhanettin Duran, head of the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, said the visit will focus on key items on the bilateral agenda and recent regional developments.

The discussions are expected to address diplomatic initiatives aimed at establishing a ceasefire and advancing a lasting resolution to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with particular attention to the so-called Istanbul Process, Duran said.

Turkiye has positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict, previously hosting negotiations between the parties and advocating dialogue to end hostilities. 
West Bend, Wisconsin--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2026) - Martinson Manufacturing now offers two-business-day turnaround for its fully custom window vent kits. The company's rapid turnaround model addresses a critical gap in the home cooling market, where customers facing heat waves cannot afford to wait weeks for relief.

According to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information, the United States experienced 28 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2023, with extreme heat events increasing in both frequency and duration. For coastal homeowners in traditionally temperate regions, these unexpected heat waves create urgent cooling needs that standard manufacturing timelines cannot accommodate.

"When you're sweating through 90-degree nights in a home that was never built for this kind of heat, waiting three weeks for a solution isn't acceptable," said Joe Martinson, Founder of Martinson Manufacturing. "We designed our entire business model around speed because we understand that our customers are in distress. They need relief now, not eventually."

Traditional custom manufacturing requires extended lead times for design consultations, measurements, approvals, and production scheduling. Martinson Manufacturing has eliminated these delays through streamlined processes that maintain precision while dramatically reducing turnaround time.

The Two-Day Advantage:

Orders ship within two business days of purchase

Typical delivery within 5-7 days

No house visits or scheduling delays required

Same-day custom hose adapter manufacturing for unique AC units

Next-business-day remake and shipping under Perfect Fit Guarantee

The speed advantage becomes particularly critical in coastal markets where extreme heat may only last 2-4 weeks per year.

"Our customers often tell us they've been searching for a solution for years," Martinson explained. "When they finally find us, they're amazed that we can have a custom-fitted window insert in their hands within a week. Speed isn't just a convenience for us, it's a core part of the relief we provide."

Martinson Manufacturing's rapid turnaround process has delivered over 10,000 custom-fit solutions, earning consistent praise for "perfect" fit quality. Every order is reviewed before fabrication to ensure exact measurements and a clean, reliable result.

Industry analysts note that the combination of speed and customization represents a significant departure from traditional manufacturing trade-offs.

Martinson Manufacturing serves primarily coastal homeowners with casement windows, a window type that represents 95% of the company's sales and has been historically underserved by standard portable AC solutions.

For more information about Martinson Manufacturing's two-day turnaround service, visit https://martinsonmanufacturing.com.

About Martinson Manufacturing

Martinson Manufacturing is a Wisconsin-based manufacturer specializing in custom plexiglass window vent kits for portable air conditioners. Founded by Joe Martinson, the company serves homeowners in coastal regions who need professional-grade cooling solutions for casement and specialty windows. With over 10,000 window inserts sold, a two-business-day manufacturing lead time, and a Perfect Fit Guarantee, Martinson Manufacturing has established itself as the leading provider of rapid-turnaround custom portable AC window solutions in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291196

Source: Jeremy McGilvrey
Akron, Ohio--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2026) - Armada Recovery of Akron: Addiction Treatment Center In Akron, Ohio, has announced the implementation of an expanded care model that integrates mental health support into a structured, graduated recovery program. The announcement introduces a coordinated clinical framework designed to address substance use disorders alongside co-occurring mental health conditions through a unified approach to care.

The update reflects an observed gap in treatment models that separate substance use care from mental health support. Clinical data indicates that individuals experiencing substance dependency may also face conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When these conditions are addressed independently, continuity in care can be limited. Armada Recovery of Akron: Addiction Treatment Center In Akron, Ohio has structured this model to align both components within a single treatment pathway.





Armada Recovery of Akron: Addiction Treatment Center In Akron, Ohio Announces Expanded Care Model



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The expanded framework is designed to address underlying neurological and psychological factors associated with dependency rather than focusing solely on surface-level symptoms. By incorporating mental health care into each stage of recovery, the model establishes a consistent clinical structure from intake through ongoing support.

A key component of the announcement is the implementation of a four-tier graduated support model, structured to guide individuals through distinct stages of recovery. The model includes medical detoxification, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care, and outpatient support.

The framework establishes a continuous path of care that begins with intensive clinical oversight and gradually transitions toward more flexible, self-directed support. This structured approach allows for ongoing clinical engagement while supporting the development of practical coping strategies, ultimately contributing to a more stable and sustainable recovery process.





Armada Recovery of Akron: Addiction Treatment Center In Akron, Ohio has introduced an expanded care model



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The announcement signals a continued focus on structured, integrated treatment planning within addiction care. By aligning mental health support with a defined progression of care levels, the Akron addiction treatment presents a model intended to provide consistency across each stage of recovery while addressing the broader clinical factors associated with substance use disorders.

About Armada Recovery of Akron: Addiction Treatment Center In Akron, Ohio:

Armada Recovery of Akron: Addiction Treatment Center In Akron, Ohio provides addiction treatment services in Akron, Ohio, including medical detoxification, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient programming (IOP), outpatient care (OP), dual-diagnosis treatment, and therapeutic services such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The addiction treatment center also offers case management and medication management as part of a structured approach to recovery.

Media Contact





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Source: GetFeatured
Beijing, China--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2026) - Under the theme "Smart, Reliable Power for AI," SIFANG DIGITAL ENERGY today unveiled its SST 1.0 product, a solid-state transformer designed to meet the growing power demands of artificial intelligence data centers (AIDCs). The launch event brought together industry experts, corporate representatives, and media to Beijing.

The event opened with remarks from Mr. Liu Zhichao, President of SIFANG, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the rapid growth of AI and AIDCs. "Computing power has become the core productive force of the digital economy, bringing new challenges to power supply architectures," he said. Mr. Liu noted that SIFANG's deep experience in DC distribution and microgrids has laid a strong technical foundation for AIDC power solutions, and that the SST 1.0 marks a major step forward in addressing these challenges.





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Mr. Mei Hongming, CTO of SIFANG DIGITAL ENERGY, reviewed the company's nearly 20-year history in power electronics, including innovations in power quality, unit control, special power supplies, energy storage and grid-forming, and flexible AC/DC transmission. He explained that SIFANG's accumulated expertise in DC distribution has positioned the company to deliver critical equipment for AIDC power scenarios, including solid-state transformers, supercapacitor energy storage, medium-voltage cascaded energy storage, and multi-port SSTs.





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The highlight of the event was the official launch of the SST 1.0. Mr. Wang Jikang, CMO of SIFANG DIGITAL ENERGY, described the product as a next-generation power solution for data centers. "It enables medium-voltage AC to directly power an 800V DC energy platform, making DC load power supply simpler, more efficient, more controllable, and grid-friendly," he said. Mr. Wang confirmed that the SST 1.0 has already entered mass production and will continue to evolve in response to market needs. The on-site debut of the unit drew significant attention from attendees.





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SIFANG DIGITAL ENERGY also marked its official corporate launch with an inauguration ceremony. Ms. Gao Xiuhuan, Chairwoman of SIFANG; Mr. Liu Zhichao, President; Mr. Liu Shu, Vice President and General Manager of SIFANG DIGITAL ENERGY; and Mr. Qian Jinwen, Vice President and Board Secretary, jointly unveiled the new company's nameplate. The ceremony signaled SIFANG DIGITAL ENERGY's strategic entry into the AIDC business, accelerating its push into next-generation DC data center power distribution equipment centered on solid-state transformers.





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About SIFANG DIGITAL ENERGY

SIFANG DIGITAL ENERGY is a new entity focused on advanced power electronics and DC distribution solutions for AI data centers and digital economy infrastructure.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291136

Source: Hmedium
Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - April 4, 2026) - Audifort today announced the release of its updated 2026 formula, designed to support natural hearing health and auditory wellness as part of a daily routine.





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The company has introduced the Enhanced 2026 Version Of Audifort. The updated formula features an advanced blend of over 20 pure plant ingredients and natural minerals, carefully selected to work together in a synergistic manner. This latest formulation reflects Audifort's ongoing commitment to innovation in the natural wellness space.

The Audifort 2026 formula is manufactured in FDA-registered and GMP-certified facilities located in the United States. Every batch is produced using 100% natural and BIO-sourced ingredients assembled from the finest foreign and domestic sources. The product is completely GMO-free and undergoes rigorous quality testing to maintain the highest standards of purity and consistency.

The 2026 update builds upon Audifort's Established Reputation for creating clean, plant-based supplements. The brand has focused on developing products that support overall wellness through science-aligned ingredients and transparent manufacturing practices. This latest release continues that tradition by offering consumers a refined option for daily auditory wellness support.

Audifort is currently available exclusively through Its Official Website. The company notes that this direct distribution model allows it to maintain full control over product quality and ensure every customer receives the authentic formula.

"Our team remains dedicated to providing high-quality natural supplements that meet strict manufacturing standards," said Thomas Greenwood, a company spokesperson. "The updated 2026 formula represents our continued effort to deliver a clean and consistent product to those who choose to incorporate it into their wellness routine."

Audifort products are intended to be used as part of a healthy lifestyle. The company emphasizes that the formula is well-tolerated and produced under the highest quality controls available.

About Audifort

Audifort is a natural supplement brand dedicated to supporting hearing health and auditory wellness through science-aligned, plant-based formulas manufactured under rigorous quality standards in FDA-registered and GMP-certified facilities.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291219

Source: Audifort LLC
ZHUHAI, Guangdong, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The grey-green water off Zhuhai in south China's Guangdong Province churns as teams of small underwater robots compete to make a big revolution at China's marine ranches.

This is not a laboratory test. It is the final round of the inaugural Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area marine underwater robot application challenge, held in an active marine ranch in the South China Sea.

By shifting the testing ground from laboratory tanks to the open sea, the competition offered a compelling glimpse of how underwater robotics can turn marine ranching's most persistent "headaches" into a catalyst for a smarter, more resilient ocean economy.

Over two days in late March, 16 teams from across China pitted their machines against real-world trials far from shore, where unpredictable currents, waves and turbidity put their machines to a rigorous test.

Unlike previous competitions staged in calm pools or shallow coastal zones, this contest required participants to tackle tasks that marine ranch operators face daily: retrieving submerged mooring anchors, harvesting shellfish from the seabed, and cleaning biofouling from netting.

Judges stressed that the real-sea setting "forces robots to be optimized not as mere prototypes, but for cost-effectiveness, reliability and user-friendliness, with the potential for rapid commercialization."

The pain points are anything but hypothetical. In 2025, Typhoon Ragasa dealt a heavy blow to the marine ranches of a local fishery called Yuehe, causing more than 700 iron anchors to be lost on the seabed. Human divers are too costly, so most remain lost.

"That's nearly 1 million yuan (about 145,000 U.S. dollars)in damages," said Lin Jincheng, the fishery's general manager. Several teams in the competition, he noted, showed impressive autonomy and anti-interference capability - exactly what the industry needs.

For Shenzhen Hanhai Huafan Cleaning Robotics, an underwater cleaning robot producer based in Shenzhen, also a winning team at the event, the market opportunity is clear.

Cai Qianxia, the company's marketing manager, said that its cleaning robots can operate 24 hours a day, achieving efficiency more than 10 times greater than traditional methods.

"Before, if you wanted to clean the hull of a small sailboat, you had to either hire divers to go underwater or wait for your turn at a dry dock. That meant your boat was out of service, you lost money, and honestly, there were just a lot of limitations," said Cai.

In the inspection and monitoring category, Westlake University's team leveraged underwater embodied AI with large language models and multimodal perception, ultimately securing first prize.

Team member Wang Zhangyuan said that the competition has brought algorithms out of the lab and connected them with industrial needs in real-world scenarios.

The challenge in Zhuhai was conceived as a direct response to these industrial needs.

Before the competition, organizers released a 150-million-yuan "opportunity list" covering real operational needs -- net inspection, debris retrieval, and ecological monitoring.

That was followed by over 100 million yuan in potential orders from 17 marine ranch developers across Guangdong. Four award-winning teams have already signed preliminary agreements to set up operations in Zhuhai's Xiangzhou District.

The event fits into a broader policy landscape. China's own underwater robotics market surpassed 10 billion yuan in 2024 and is forecast to reach 40 billion yuan by 2027.

For the first time, China identified "deep-sea technology" as a strategic emerging industry in its government work report in 2025.

As part of this push, Zhuhai, a marine economy city with 9,348 square kilometers of maritime territory, has built 10 truss-type platforms and 452 gravity net cages by the end of 2025. The city is home to 40 oceanographic innovation platforms and 140 high-tech marine enterprises.

A senior official of the Zhuhai municipal marine development bureau said that the competition will help unlock real-world applications for underwater robots, link the entire "industry-academia-research-application-finance" chain, upgrade marine ranching, and accelerate Zhuhai's development as a regional marine hub city. 
PARIS, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has appointed Chinese Professor Chen Qun as the UN agency's assistant director-general (ADG) for education.

According to a UNESCO statement updated on Thursday, Chen is an academic, physicist and education specialist with more than 30 years of experience in academic and executive leadership. He will support Director-General Khaled El-Enany in transforming education systems and advancing equitable, inclusive and high-quality learning, while equipping learners worldwide with advanced skills, for the benefit of people and peace.

Chen's appointment came after the naming of three women to senior positions in January, when Sweden's Asa Regner was designated as UNESCO deputy director-general, Mozambique's Lidia Brito appointed as ADG in charge of priority Africa and external relations, and Bulgaria's former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel named as ADG for communication and information.

El-Enany, an Egyptologist, took office last November. He is the 12th director-general of UNESCO, the first from an Arab country and the second from Africa to hold this position. 
People visit a vintage car exhibition in Cairo, capital of Egypt, April 3, 2026. Dozens of rare vintage automobiles on Friday rolled through downtown Cairo, the capital of Egypt, turning historic streets into a living museum and offering a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of automotive design. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People visit a vintage car exhibition in Cairo, capital of Egypt, April 3, 2026. Dozens of rare vintage automobiles on Friday rolled through downtown Cairo, the capital of Egypt, turning historic streets into a living museum and offering a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of automotive design. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People visit a vintage car exhibition in Cairo, capital of Egypt, April 3, 2026. Dozens of rare vintage automobiles on Friday rolled through downtown Cairo, the capital of Egypt, turning historic streets into a living museum and offering a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of automotive design. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People visit a vintage car exhibition in Cairo, capital of Egypt, April 3, 2026. Dozens of rare vintage automobiles on Friday rolled through downtown Cairo, the capital of Egypt, turning historic streets into a living museum and offering a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of automotive design. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People visit a vintage car exhibition in Cairo, capital of Egypt, April 3, 2026. Dozens of rare vintage automobiles on Friday rolled through downtown Cairo, the capital of Egypt, turning historic streets into a living museum and offering a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of automotive design. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People visit a vintage car exhibition in Cairo, capital of Egypt, April 3, 2026. Dozens of rare vintage automobiles on Friday rolled through downtown Cairo, the capital of Egypt, turning historic streets into a living museum and offering a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of automotive design. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
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.
Larry Robinson/The Daily Sentinel

Linda Seavey, liver transplant recipient, speaks Thursday at Intermountain Health St. Marys Regional Hospital about the process in getting a transplant and how many more things she got to do and see as a result of a successful transplant during an organ transplant awareness event.
GAZA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Friday called for the start of work of a transitional Palestinian administrative committee to manage the Gaza Strip and implement the provisions of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.

The group made the appeal in a statement following a two-day visit by its delegation, led by Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, to Cairo, where it held meetings with Egyptian officials, mediators and Palestinian factions.

During the visit, Hamas, along with other Palestinian factions, reaffirmed its commitment to implementing all phases of the agreement, noting that consultations with mediators are ongoing.

The movement also stressed the importance of ensuring continued humanitarian aid, maintaining calm on the ground, and facilitating early recovery and reconstruction.

It added that the delegation has received an invitation to resume talks in Cairo in the coming days.

A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has been in effect in the Gaza Strip since October 2025. Its first phase included an exchange of detainees and hostages, the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from some areas.

In January, the United States announced the start of the second phase of a proposed peace plan, which includes a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the beginning of reconstruction, and the establishment of a transitional governing body. 
Ex-aide faces DPP expulsion following espionage indictment

ROC Central News Agency

04/02/2026 07:54 PM

Taipei, April 2 (CNA) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Taipei chapter on Thursday approved a resolution to expel a former aide to Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Mark Ho (), hours after he was indicted for allegedly spying for China.

The chapter approved the resolution during ad hoc meetings of its executive and evaluation committees, according to chapter head Chang Mao-nan ().

Both committees unanimously approved the resolution to expel Chu Cheng-chi (), in line with the party's earlier statement that it would not tolerate actions harmful to the country and would impose the "strictest punishment."

The resolution is still pending approval by the DPP headquarters.

Chu, who worked for Ho when he was a legislator, was charged with espionage by the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office, which recommended a prison sentence of at least five years.

According to the indictment, while serving as Ho's aide in August 2022, Chu photographed classified documents in legislative offices and passed them to an individual linked to the Chinese Communist Party in exchange for 20,000 yuan (US$2,910).

Chu, who had been expected to be nominated by the DPP as its Taipei City councilor candidate for the Zhongshan-Datong electoral district, later told reporters that he respected the chapter's decision and would not run in the Nov. 28 election as an independent.

However, he denied ever spying for China and vowed to prove his innocence in court.

In a statement, Ho said he was "furious" upon learning of Chu's actions.

He added that Chu had been hired to assist with constituency services, rather than as a legislative aide.

(By Wen Kuei-hsiang, Huang Li-yun and Sean Lin)

Enditem/AW

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Local EU Statement on the recent death of Indonesian peacekeepers serving the UNIFIL in Lebanon

European External Action Service (EEAS)

02.04.2026

Jakarta

Press and information team of the Delegation to INDONESIA and BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

The Delegation of the European Union and the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States to Indonesia express their deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the peacekeepers who lost their lives, to the Republic of Indonesia, and to all those affected by this tragic loss.

We echo the statement of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General condemning the recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The Delegation of the European Union and the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States recall that under international law the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be ensured at all times.

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10 medical staff killed in drone strike on hospital in central Sudan

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

03.04.2026 [18:20]

Baku, April 3, AZERTAC

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, Xinhua reports citing 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.

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Guterres warns of 'wider war' as Middle East conflict enters second month

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

03.04.2026 [17:48]

Baku, April 3, AZERTAC

The Middle East crisis has lurched into its second month, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to issue a stark warning on Thursday morning that the world is "on the edge of a wider war" with catastrophic global implications, according to the official UN website.

Speaking to the press outside the Security Council in New York, the UN chief painted a grim picture of the rapidly deteriorating situation, as Israel and the US continue to bomb Iran while Tehran carries out attacks on neighbouring Gulf States and threatens ships it deems hostile against using the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

"Every day this war continues, human suffering grows. The scale of devastation grows. Indiscriminate attacks grow," Guterres stated, noting that the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as general perils to the world economy - especially the most vulnerable societies which depend on energy imports - are mounting daily.

He emphasized that the impacts of the crisis are no longer contained within the region, pointing specifically to the severe disruptions surrounding freedom of navigation.

"When the Strait of Hormuz is strangled, the world's poorest and most vulnerable cannot breathe," he warned.

He noted that the consequences are already visible "in the daily lives of people struggling with rising food and energy costs from the Philippines...to Sri Lanka...to Mozambique."

To curb this escalating trajectory, the Secretary-General announced he is dispatching his Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, to the region to assist in ongoing peace initiatives.

"The spiral of death and destruction must stop," he implored, urging that diplomatic efforts be given the space and support to succeed.

Guterres stressed that any resolution must be anchored firmly in international law and the UN Charter.

He called for disputes to be settled peacefully, for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States to be respected, and for the protection of civilians and nuclear installations under threat in Iran and elsewhere as the war metastasizes.

Directly addressing the combatants, the Secretary-General declared: "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."

Iran, he continued, must stop attacking its neighbours.

Reiterating that the Security Council has already condemned these attacks and reaffirmed the need to respect navigational rights in critical maritime routes, the UN chief reminded world leaders that the power to end the crisis lies in their hands.

"Conflicts do not end on their own," Guterres concluded. "They end when leaders choose dialogue over destruction. That choice still exists. And it must be made - now."

"Conflicts do not end on their own," Guterres concluded. "They end when leaders choose dialogue over destruction. That choice still exists. And it must be made - now."

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Azerbaijan, Turkiye launch implementation of MoU on defence industry cooperation

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

03.04.2026 [17:17]

Baku, April 3, AZERTAC

Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Defense Industry Hidayat Azimov met with a Turkish delegation led by Deputy Secretary of Corporate Development and Talent Management of the Secretariat of Defence Industries Hakan Karatas, who is on a working visit to the country.

The sides discussed the issues arising from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on enhancing the legal and institutional foundations of cooperation between the two institutions.

They also signed a relevant implementation agreement to fulfill specific activities in this area.

Subsequently, Hidayat Azimov and Hakan Karatas met with the leadership of the Turkiye-Azerbaijan University and the Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) .

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LIMA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- At least one person died and 47 others were injured Friday night in an incident at Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Peru's capital here, authorities said.

Local media reported that visitors to the stadium were pushing each other due to a lack of space. The situation escalated when several people fell and were trampled by the crowd, causing multiple injuries and the death of one person who did not receive medical attention in time.

The Municipality of La Victoria, the district where the stadium is located, announced the closure of the stadium, adding that authorities are investigating who might have been responsible. 
Azerbaijan Minister of Defense attends meeting of CIS Council of Defense Ministers

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

03.04.2026 [10:41]

Baku, April 3, AZERTAC

The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, who is on an official visit to the Russian Federation, participated in the meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states, held in Moscow on April 2, Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Defense told AZERTAC.

At the outset, the Defense Ministers of the CIS member states laid wreaths and flowers at the Victory Monument in Moscow, accompanied by an honor guard and a military band. Subsequently, a photo of the heads of delegations was taken.

Within the restricted-format meeting, various aspects of regional security and military cooperation between the participating countries, as well as other issues, were discussed.

As part of the visit, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov also held a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov.

The meeting addressed the current state and future prospects of military and military-technical cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia.

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U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to retire 'effective immediately,' Pentagon says

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

03.04.2026 [10:30]

Baku, April 3, AZERTAC

The Pentagon announced Thursday that Gen. Randy A. George will retire from his role as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army "effective immediately," Anadolu Agency reported.

In a brief statement, the Department of Defense expressed appreciation for George's decades of military service.

The department "is grateful for General George's decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement," said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell in a statement.

Earlier, CBS News reported that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had asked Gen. George to step down and immediately retire.

Citing sources familiar with the decision, the report said Hegseth wants someone in the role who would implement President Donald Trump and his vision for the US Army.

In 2021-2022, under the Biden administration, George served as a senior military assistant to then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

George assumed his duties as the US Army chief of staff on Sept. 21, 2023.

The army chief of staff usually holds the position for a four-year term.

Three US officials said that Hegseth dismissed two additional army generals Thursday: Maj. Gen. William Green Jr., the Army's chief of chaplains, and David Hodne, who led the Army's Transformation and Training Command.

Green, an ordained minister, oversaw the Army Chaplain Corps and advised senior Army leadership on religious, moral and morale issues, including religious accommodation in the force. He is the Army's top religious leader, not a combat commander.

Hodne, a combat-experienced infantry officer who previously served as commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, one of the Army's major combat units, and has held operational leadership roles including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, was involved in shaping training, readiness and modernization efforts.

The two roles represent different parts of the Army's leadership structure: Green focused on morale, ethics and religious support, while Hodne's responsibilities centered on combat readiness, transformation and modernization. Their removal suggests changes not only in operational leadership but also in the Army's institutional and cultural leadership layers.

Hegseth has dismissed a number of officials during Trump's second term.

Last year, he removed Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, who led the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency, after an early June assessment suggested that US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were more limited than Trump had claimed.

Earlier, he also fired Navy Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, the US military representative to NATO's military committee, with Parnell citing a "loss of confidence in her leadership."

Other dismissals carried out by Hegseth include Joint Chiefs Chairman CQ Brown Jr., Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh, the commander of US Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency (NSA), and Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan.

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China's mediation welcomed by Pakistan and Afghanistan as both agree to sit down again for negotiations: FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 03, 2026 03:39 PM

Both Pakistan and Afghanistan value and welcome China's mediation efforts and are willing to sit down again for negotiations, which is a positive developmentChinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday, in response to media inquiries over the peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan held in Chinaand if China would offer any guarantees to prevent future conflicts.

Mao said that since the recent escalation of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, China has been mediating and facilitating talks in its own way. China has maintained close communication with both sides through multiple channels and at various levels, creating conditions and providing a platform for dialogue.

According to the spokesperson, the negotiation process is progressing steadily and smoothly.

The three parties have reached consensus and made arrangements on the specific operational modalities, including news reporting. If there is any further information, we will release it in due course, Mao said.

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Come to Fight, Come to Win: II MEF First to Field New OSCAR Gen IV Training

US Marine Corps News

3 Apr 2026 | 2nd Lt. Sydney DiStefano II MEF Information Group

CAMP LEJEUNCE, N.C. -- Leading the way for the Marine Corps, II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) puts new doctrine into action by becoming the first command to implement the modernized Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) training, certifying 30 new Core Master Trainers from March 24-26, 2026.

The hand-selected Marines and Sailors, representing units from across the East Coast, are now equipped to deliver OSCAR Generation IV (Gen IV) training, a framework redesigned to directly enhance combat readiness by equipping leaders with practical tools to manage operational stress and build more resilient units.

The Gen IV rollout is a critical step in operationalizing Marine Corps Total Fitness (MCTF), translating its core domains: spiritual, social, physical, and mental, into actionable leadership. The training standardizes stress management practices across the force while empowering commanders with the flexibility to tailor the program to their specific mission. This event marks a deliberate shift towards proactive stress management as a leadership function, directly tying a Marine's mental fitness to overall warfighting effectiveness.

Led by the mobile training team from M&RA, the intensive three-day certification immersed the candidates in a modernized curriculum that incorporates years of lessons learned and direct feedback from the fleet. A significant enhancement in Gen IV is the "Warrior Toolkit," a collection of 15 guided discussions that enable small-unit leaders to conduct prevention-focused engagements in any environment, from home station to austere forward-deployed locations. The updated framework redefines the roles of OSCAR team members, which include specially trained peers, chaplains, and medical personnel, to create a unified front that supports Marines before stress becomes a crisis.

"Who knows you better than the person to your left and the person to your right?" asked Rebecca Childress, the OSCAR Section Head at Headquarters Marine Corps. "The people that you live with in the barracks, the people that you work with every day, that's who notices when something is a little different, and when that happens, people who have been trained as OSCAR team members, they know how to take action. They have a bias for action."

The training at Camp Lejeune extends beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of community and holistic fitness. The agenda included daily group physical training sessions and professional military education to reinforce the interconnectedness of the MCTF domains. Upon graduation, these newly certified trainers returned to their units as mentors and role models, postured to execute OSCAR Gen IV training.

"On a professional level, OSCAR continues to challenge me as a leader. It continues to propel me forward," said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Monique Allyn, headquarters company commander with II MEF Support Battalion. "It has broadened my scope of how to deal with situations and how to understand the totality of the circumstances as a leader, and to make intentional decisions for the welfare of my Marines and for the welfare of the institution."

The certification of the 30 core master trainers at Camp Lejeune are now charged with leading the evolution across the force, weaving the principles of OSCAR Gen IV into the fabric of daily leadership. For II MEF, being the first to field this training is not about adding another tactic to the playbook, it is a deliberate act of sharpening its most critical asset: the individual Marine. By ensuring its warfighters are as mentally and emotionally resilient as they are physically formidable, II MEF reaffirms its promise to the nation: come to fight, come to win.

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What To Know About The F-15E Strike Eagle

By Alex Raufoglu April 03, 2026

The F-15E Strike Eagle, which US officials say was shot down over Iran on April 3, is one of the US military's most advanced dual-role fighter aircraft, designed to carry out both air-to-air combat and deep-strike missions against ground targets.

"As the name suggests, the Strike Eagle is a strike fighter, designed to prosecute time-sensitive targets deep behind enemy lines," Colby Badhwar, a security analyst with the research group Tochnyi, told RFE/RL on April 3.

He noted that the aircraft has one of the highest payload capacities of any US fighter jet, second only to the newer F-15EX variant, allowing it to carry a large number of precision-guided weapons.

According to the US Air Force, the F-15E can operate day or night, in all weather conditions, and is capable of flying at low altitude to evade enemy defenses. It can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.5 -- more than 2,600 kilometers per hour -- and has a combat range of roughly 3,700 kilometers.

The aircraft is flown by a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and a weapons systems officer, who work together using advanced avionics, radar, and targeting systems.

A built-in GPS navigation system and digital moving maps in both cockpits allow for precise positioning and coordination during missions.

Equipped with powerful radar and targeting pods, including infrared systems for night operations, the Strike Eagle can identify, track, and strike targets at long distances with high accuracy.

It can carry a wide range of munitions, from precision-guided bombs to air-to-air missiles, as well as an internal 20mm cannon.

First introduced in the late 1980s, the F-15E remains a key part of the US Air Force fleet, with more than 200 aircraft still in service. Its combination of speed, range, firepower, and advanced electronics makes it a central platform for high-intensity combat operations.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/f15-jet-fighter-strike- eagle-shot-down-iran/33724307.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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One Crew Member Rescued After American Jet Shot Down In Iran, US Official Tells RFE/RL

By Alex Raufoglu April 03, 2026

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 Tehran's 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 aircraft's 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 hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran," he wrote in a series of social media posts, adding that targets could include bridges and power plants. "Iran's 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 Iran's 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 poston 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

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-fighter-jet- shot-down-iran/33724201.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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'We watched them die before our eyes': Sudan health workers helpless amid medical shortages

3 April 2026 - As violence forces tens of thousands to flee Sudan's South Kordofan state, doctors in a key maternity hospital are facing impossible choices - with too few supplies, too many patients, and lives slipping away.

"We had to watch two of the babies die before our eyes," said Dr. Hasan Babikir, describing the death of premature triplets he was unable to treat due to a lack of intensive care beds.

As tens of thousands of people, many in urgent need of healthcare, flee the violence engulfing South Kordofan, health workers at the El-Obeid Maternity Hospital in neighbouring North Kordofan describe dire conditions.

Shortages

"There's a severe shortage of surgical and normal delivery equipment, as well as essentials such as antibiotics, surgical sutures and gloves," Dr. Babikir told the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA.

"This forces us to buy them from the market at very high prices."

The maternity hospital is the only referral hospital in western Sudan and currently serves over 230,000 displaced people, most of them women and girls facing sexual violence, hunger and a near total lack of healthcare.

The city of El-Obeid has also come under frequent drone attacks, with multiple attacks against health facilities that have killed and injured health workers and patients.

A growing maternal health crisis

"Previously, the hospital didn't have a neonatal intensive care unit," said Dr. Babikir. "At the beginning of 2026, we opened one with only four beds, which are constantly occupied, and we urgently need to expand capacity."

The increasingly fraught conditions are driving up maternal death rates, he warned. "We have lost patients due to prolonged waiting times. Although there are two emergency operating rooms, they are currently out of service."

"In many cases, emergency patients arrive while all rooms are occupied, sometimes resulting in the loss of the mother or fetus."

Newborns' lives are in danger too, "we don't have tables to place newborns on, nor do we have adequate infection control equipment in the delivery rooms," said midwife Laila Sarfo.

To combat these challenges, UNFPA has installed a solar power system to help mitigate power outages at the maternity hospital, rehabilitated delivery rooms, and trained and deployed skilled health workers to assist with emergency obstetric and neonatal services.

Health workers under pressure

"The salaries we receive are not enough to cover even basic transportation or the meals we need during our shifts," explained Insaf, a senior midwife.

"Many times, women arrive without the means to purchase essential delivery supplies, and we find ourselves paying for these items out of our own pockets," added Insaf.

Yet she and her colleagues are determined to keep delivering care, "some midwives are working 24-hour shifts to meet the overwhelming demand," said Insaf.

'Women are exhausted from the war'

Nearly three years of civil war have pushed more than 33 million people in Sudan into severe need of humanitarian aid.

The conflict has been marked by horrific sexual violence, kidnappings and child marriage, with survivors struggling to access any safe spaces or healthcare.

In the crowded Al Moaskar Al Mwahhad displacement camp in South Kordofan, UNFPA operates a mobile health clinic and a safe space for women and girls who are survivors or at risk of abuse.

"Women are exhausted from the war," said Salma, 50, who has been sheltering at the camp for eight months now.

"Many crimes have been committed against women, including rape. Many women have been widowed. In this camp, the number of women who are still with their husbands can be counted on one hand," she added.

For girls, the crisis is impacting almost every part of their lives and their futures, "We travelled by donkey for three days, and after those trucks brought us here," 16-year-old Ismailia told UNFPA.

"I hope to return to my town and my school. Please allow us to rebuild our home and go back."

To continue supporting women and girls in 2026, UNFPA is urgently calling for $129 million, of which just $33 million has so far been pledged.

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Rescue Mission Races To Find Crew Member Of US Jet Downed Over Iran

By Alex Raufoglu and RFE/RL's Radio Farda April 04, 2026

WASHINGTON -- Rescue teams continue to search early on April 4 for a US crew member missing after their fighter jet was brought down over Iran, one of two American forces planes reportedly knocked out of the sky in the region a day earlier.

A US official told RFE/RL one crew member was recovered while the search is ongoing for the second in the first known loss of an American plane, a two-seat F-15E jet, to hostile fire since the war began.

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 Tehran's 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 aircraft's 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 hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran," he wrote in a series of social media posts, adding that targets could include bridges and power plants. "Iran's 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 Iran's 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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/rescue-operation-us-jet- downed-iran/33724346.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 - 03 April 2026 - Day 1500

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 French Ministere des Armees et des Anciens combattants reported that, on the ground, territorial gains remain stable.

It also reported that, in the previous 24 hours, the Russian Armed Forces (FAFR) have targeted the oblasts of Volhynia [A], Khmelnytskyi [B], Cherkasy [C], Chernihiv [D], Sumy [E], Poltava [F], Kharkiv [G], Donetsk [H], Dnipropetrovsk [I], Zaporizhzhia [J], Kherson [K], and Mykolaiv [L]. The FAFR primarily targeted residential areas as well as a few energy infrastructure sites, causing power outages in certain regions. In total, 339 drones (including 200 Geran-2 drones) targeted Ukraine. The Ukrainian ground-to-air defense claimed the interception of 298 drones, for an interception rate of 88%. The Russian ground-to-air defense claimed the interception of 60 drones.

In the previous 24 hours, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (FAU) have not succeeded in any deep-strike actions.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 128 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of this day.

The Russian opponent made three rocket strikes with the use of 37 rockets and 40 aviation strikes - dropped 140 controlled air bombs. In addition, Russian forces operated 6531 kamikaze drones to impress and carried out 2,663 shells of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions today, the Russian enemy launched two aerial strikes with the use of seven KABs, carried out 91 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, 12 of them with the use of the RSV. Two clashes have been recorded.

In the South Slobozhans komu direction, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian units five times in the areas of Starica, Krasnoy First and towards Tsegelny, Vilci.

Russian troops attacked five times in the Kupyans komu direction, in the area of Borivs koi Andriyivka and in the direction of Kivsharivka, Novoosinovoye.

In the Lyman direction Ukrainian warriors repelled two Russian assaults, towards dibrova and novosergiivka.

In the Slovak direction, the Russian opponent tried to advance three times in the areas of Paradise-Oleksandrivka and Platonivka. Two assault actions of the enemy are underway.

In the Kramators komu direction, the Russian occupiers did not carry out active offensive actions.

In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders 18 times in the areas of settlements Udacne, Kleban-Bull Pleshiyivka, Ivanopylya, Rusin Yar and towards Illinivka, Sofiyivka, Novopavlivka, Kucherovoy Yar and Konstantinivka.

Russian troops committed 30 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of settlements Bilitske, Shevchenko, Rodinske, Novooleksandrivka, Grishine, Sergiyivka, Udaachne, Muravka, Novomykolaivka, Novopidgorodn , Novopavlivka, Mirnograd, Pokrovsk and Molodetske.

According to preliminary calculations, 53 Russian occupants were eliminated and 22 injured today; occupant shelters and ten units of vehicles destroyed; 14 shelters, three cannons and a unit of vehicles damaged. Destroyed or suppressed 237 BPLA of different types.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian occupiers seven times attacked the areas of the settlements of Andriyivka-Klevtsove, Sichneve, Zlagoda, Novogrigorivka, Krasnogirske, Stepove.

11 Russian attacks were recorded in the areas of the settlements of Gulyaipole, Olenokostyantinivka, Varvarivka, Zelene and in the direction of Dobropilla, Pryluk, Girkky, Charming. Two assault operations are underway.

In the Orihiv direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped one Russian attempt to advance near the settlement Stepovo.

In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Russian opponent carried out five assault actions in the areas of the Antonivskogo Bridge and the Goloi Pier.

In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the previous night, in response to terrorist attacks launched by Ukraine against civilian facilities on the territory of Russia, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out a massive strike with long-range air- and ground-based high-precision weapons, as well as attack UAVs against the Ukrainian defence industry enterprises and energy infrastructure that support their work.

In addition, six group strikes have been launched during the week, which hit fuel, transport and port infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the AFU, military airfields, production workshops and launch preparation areas of long-range attack drones, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries.

Over the past week, as a result of the resolute actions of the Sever Group of Forces units, Malaya Korchakovka in Sumy region and Verkhnyaya Pisarevka in Kharkov region were taken under control.

Russian troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, two motorised infantry brigades, an airmobile brigade, an artillery brigade of the AFU, three territorial defence brigades, two national guard brigades, and two border detachments of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

In total, the enemy lost more than 1,535 troops, eight armoured fighting vehicles, 68 motor vehicles, nine field artillery guns, nine electronic warfare and counter-fire stations, and 71 ammunition, POL, and materiel depots in the Sever Group's area of responsibility.

The Zapad Group's units have completed the liberation of the Lugansk People's Republic.

In addition, over the past week, the settlements of Brusovka in the Donetsk People's Republic, as well as Kovsharovka and Novoosinovo in Kharkov region were liberated.

The Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of five mechanised brigades, an airmobile brigade, an assault brigade, a security brigade of the General Staff of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and a national guard brigade.

The enemy losses in this direction amounted to more than 1,250 troops, two tanks, 16 armoured fighting vehicles, 152 motor vehicles, 17 field artillery guns, two counter-fire stations, as well as 13 ammunition and materiel depots.

The Yuzhnaya Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line. During the week, Russian units engaged formations of five mechanised brigades, a motorised infantry brigade, an assault brigade, a mountain assault brigade, an airmobile brigade, a UAV brigade of the AFU, and a territorial defence brigade.

Over the past week, the AFU has lost more than 1,155 troops, two tanks, 22 armoured fighting vehicles, 93 motor vehicles, and 25 field artillery guns in the Yuzhnaya Group's area of responsibility.

Eight electronic warfare stations, 53 ammunition, fuel, and materiel depots were neutralised.

The Tsentr Group's units improved the tactical situation and took more advantageous positions. The Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of five mechanised brigades, two airmobile brigades, an infantry brigade, an assault brigade, an air assault brigade, and a jaeger brigade of the AFU, three assault regiments of the AFU, three marine brigades, three territorial defence brigades, and four national guard brigades.

In total, the enemy lost more than 2,545 troops, four tanks, including one U.S.-made Abrams tank, 68 armoured fighting vehicles, and 106 motor vehicles. Ten field artillery guns and 11 electronic warfare stations were neutralised.

Over the past week, units of the Vostok Group of Forces advanced to the depths of the enemy's defence and liberated Lugovskoye and Boykovo in Zaporozhye region.

The Group's units inflicted damage on formations two mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, two assault brigades, five assault regiments of the AFU, a marine brigade, and a territorial defence brigade.

The AFU losses in the Vostok Group's area of responsibility amounted to more than 1,960 servicemen, 12 armoured fighting vehicles, 54 motor vehicles, and seven artillery guns. Seven ammunition and materiel depots were destroyed.

Over the past week, units of the Dnepr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops engaged formations of two mechanised brigades, a mountain assault brigade of the AFU, a marine brigade, and a territorial defence brigade.

In total, the AFU lost up to 395 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, 94 motor vehicles, and one field artillery gun.

Russian troops eliminated 17 electronic warfare stations and counter-fire radars, 14 ammunition, fuel, and materiel depots.

Air defence systems shot down 57 guided aerial bombs, three U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, four Flamingo long-range cruise missiles, three Neptune long-range guided missiles, and 2,354 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Black Sea Fleet destroyed an uncrewed surface ship and an autonomous submerged vehicle of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 671 aircraft, 284 helicopters, 130,717 unmanned aerial vehicles, 653 anti-aircraft missile systems, 28,664 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,694 MLRS combat vehicles, 34,255 field artillery guns and mortars, and 58,505 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

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45th Meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Pakistan, which currently holds the chairmanship of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, today successfully chaired the 45th Council Meeting of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO-RATS) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The Council held detailed deliberations on matters of mutual interest. During the meeting, issues related to regional security were discussed, and a number of reporting documents on the activities of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization were agreed upon for submission to the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The Council expressed concern over developments in the Middle East and stressed the need to resolve the conflict through dialogue and mutual respect, in accordance with international law.

The Council further noted, with concern, the threat posed by terrorist groups in Afghanistan and underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation and undertaking joint efforts to counter this threat.

It was agreed that the next meeting of the SCO-RATS Council will be held in September 2026 in Pakistan.

Since assuming the Chair in September 2025, Pakistan has steered SCO-RATS in a professional manner, prioritising shared objectives and guided by the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, equality, and shared responsibility to foster regional cooperation against terrorism and extremism.

Under its chairmanship, Pakistan has hosted multiple events and activities across key domains, including joint information operations, border security, and cyberspace.

As a frontline state in combating terrorism, Pakistan continues to make unparalleled sacrifices to ensure the safety and security not only of its own people but also of the region and beyond. Pakistan will continue to work with international and regional partners to advance collective efforts against terrorism, in line with the principles of the SCO, international law, and the United Nations Charter.

Islamabad

April 03,2026

89/2026

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A ferry linking Fujian Province on the mainland with Kinmen approaches a passenger terminal in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, April 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

FUZHOU, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Direct ferries linking Fujian Province on the mainland with Kinmen and Matsu and carrying flocks of passengers across the Taiwan Strait have been especially busy this weekend as China's three-day Qingming (Tomb Sweeping) Festival holiday kicks off on Saturday.

At the ports of Fuzhou, Xiamen and Quanzhou in Fujian, travelers from Taiwan have arrived to honor their ancestors and enjoy spring outings during one of the most significant festivals in Chinese culture.

Chiang Wei-wen, originally from Taoyuan in Taiwan and now working in Kinmen, joined the travelers for his first ferry trip from Kinmen to Quanzhou, despite having frequently traveled to Xiamen by ferry in his spare time.

Like many people in Taiwan, Chiang's family moved from Fujian generations ago to settle down on the island. Although he does not know the exact location of his ancestors' origin, he said, "I'm certain that we're Minnan people."

As their name -- literally meaning "southern Fujian" -- suggests, the Minnan people are predominant in Fujian's southern cities of Quanzhou, Zhangzhou and Xiamen, where they have developed a distinct culture featuring a unique dialect, culinary traditions, and the worship of the sea goddess Mazu. They make up a majority of the ancestors of people in Taiwan, with migration believed to date back centuries.

On Friday, the Quanzhou-based China Museum for Fujian-Taiwan Kinship hosted an exhibition focused on tracing the roots of Taiwan residents in Fujian, featuring more than 160 items from its collection, including genealogical records and family letters exchanged across the Strait.

Since its opening in 2006, the museum has helped more than 300 people from Taiwan trace their roots and reconnect with relatives, said Zhuang Xiaofang, director of the documentation and information center of the museum.

At Huangqi port in Fuzhou, extra ferries linking Matsu have been added to meet the demands of ancestor-honoring rituals among travelers from Taiwan.

"We brought our child here to honor our ancestors together, so he will understand that our roots are here, and we should never forget about that," said Lin Tsai-yun, who arrived in Fuzhou by ferry ahead of the Qingming Festival.

According to the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration, 16 passenger vessels will operate on four ferry routes linking Fujian with Kinmen and Matsu over the Qingming Festival holiday from Saturday to Monday. It expects an estimated 19,500 passengers, up 8.3 percent from the same period last year.

In Fujian and across several regions of the mainland, multiple events commemorating the common ancestors and celebrating the same origin of both sides of the Strait are scheduled for the weekend.

In Quanzhou, the ancestral halls of two long-history family clans have invited their relatives from Taiwan for joint ancestor-worship ceremonies. In the northwestern Shaanxi Province, a ceremony honoring the Yellow Emperor, or Huangdi -- the legendary common ancestor of the Chinese nation -- will be held with participants from across the Strait.

In Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius in eastern Shandong Province, a cross-Strait cultural festival commemorating the esteemed ancient Chinese philosopher and educator is underway, with more than 900 participants from Taiwan.

"The wisdom of the sage shines for us on both sides of the Strait, who share the same roots," said Kung Tsui-chang, a 79th-generation descendant of Confucius. "Confucianism is our shared cultural heritage, and together we will pass on the memory of our nation through generations." 

Passengers taking a direct ferry linking Fujian Province on the mainland with Kinmen leave a passenger terminal in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, April 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)
Russian Aerospace Forces successfully launch Soyuz-2.1b missile carrier from Plesetsk Cosmodrome

03 April 2026 07:01

After the launch, the Soyuz-2.1a medium-class launch vehicle was escorted by ground-based automated control system of the German Titov Main Test Space Centre.

On Friday, 3 April, at 9:28 (Moscow time), the Russian Aerospace Forces launched a medium-class Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle with a space vehicle in the interests of the Russian Defence Ministry from the State Test Cosmodrome of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation (Plesetsk Cosmodrome) in Arkhangelsk region.

The rocket carrier lift off as planned. The spacecraft was successfully delivered to the target orbit. After the launch, the Soyuz-2.1a medium-class launch vehicle was escorted by ground-based automated control system of the German Titov Main Test Space Centre.

At the estimated time, the spacecraft was placed into the target orbit and taken into control by the ground facilities of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

At the moment, the spacecraft has a stable telemetry connection installed and maintained. Its onboard systems are operating normally.

Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation

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Artemis II

Apollo 8's photographs of Earth and the new Artemis II images speak to each other across nearly six decades, framing a single, unfolding story about how humans see their home world. Apollo 8's view AS08-16-2593, taken on the translunar coast in December 1968, showed the whole Earth suspended in blackness, a nearly complete Western Hemisphere framed by clouds and the curve of the atmosphere. Artemis II's "Hello, World" images, shot through Orion's windows by NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman shortly after translunar injection, reprise that perspective with modern cameras, sharper detail, and a planet now understood by some as a politically and environmentally fragile Blue Dot.

"Hello, World" has its provenance in early computer programming culture, where it became the canonical minimal example used to demonstrate how to write and execute a basic program. he phrase appeared in print in the 1978 book "The C Programming Language" by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie. This text became foundational in computer science education, which significantly propagated the phrase. "Hello, World" became a programming ritual -- often the first program written when learning a new language -- symbolizing successful entry into a new technical environment.

Artemis II's early Earth photographs are consciously framed as homages to Apollo 8, but they are not simple recreations. One of the first images NASA released shows Earth filling the window of Orion, crusted with swirling cloud systems, the entire sunlit disk floating alone in deep space. Another, released as the crew approached the halfway point to the Moon, presents an inverted globe with the Atlantic Ocean dominating the view, the western Sahara and Iberian Peninsula to one side, and eastern South America to the other, fringed by a thin halo of atmosphere. In both, auroral ovals shimmer at the poles, and even faint zodiacal light and the bright point of Venus can be picked out, details far beyond the dynamic range of Apollo-era film.

Wiseman took pictures of Earth from the Orion spacecrafts window after completing the translunar injection burn. There are two auroras (top right and bottom left) and zodiacal light (bottom right) visible as the Earth eclipses the Sun. This and another photo of Earth were the first downlinked images from the Artemis II astronauts. NASA did not do much to explain the image, which left many non-Space Cadets puzzled by the picture of a mud-pie, which featured the South Pole at the top of the image [left]. Inverting the NASA image [center] helps bring the Sahara Desert into focus to the right of the middle image, while map outlines and a bit of AI cloud erasure brings Africa and Spain into focus [right image].

The similar orientation of Apollo 8 AS8-16-2593, with South at the top, hinted at the arbitrariness of cartographic conventions. On Earth, maps and globes usually place North at the top, reinforcing cultural habits about direction and dominance. In space, those conventions dissolve. The camera's roll and the spacecraft's trajectory determine what appears "up," and the resulting image invites viewers to reconsider their mental map of the world. The planet can be rotated any which way; its meaning does not depend on a fixed orientation.

The Apollo 8 image came from a time when no human had ever left Earth's immediate neighborhood; the spacecraft was only about 30,000 kilometers away when the crew captured the full disk with a 70mm Hasselblad. In the frame, South America stretches across the top, North America lurks in the corner, and the limb of West Africa slips into shadow, all rotated so that south lies at the top. That disorienting orientation underscored a deeper point: there is no inherent "up" in space, and the familiar map of the world is revealed as an arbitrary projection pinned to a small, vulnerable globe. Apollo 8's photography, including the later "Earthrise" sequence over the lunar horizon, helped trigger what historians have described as a new awareness of planetary unity and environmental interdependence, especially in the United States.

The continuity lies not only in the geometry of the pictures but in the human act of turning the camera back toward home. In 1968, Apollo 8's crew had been sent to orbit the Moon in a bold escalation of Cold War competition, yet one of the enduring legacies of their mission was an inward-looking image that seemed to transcend that rivalry. Today, Artemis II flies in a different context: a program explicitly framed around "sustainability" and the return to the Moon a long-term infrastructure plan. When Wiseman and his crewmates document Earth from deep space, they do so with an awareness of the half-century of images that lie between Apollo and Artemis.

Technically, too, the photographs mark the progression from the analog age to the digital. Apollo 8's AS08-16-2593 emerged from a 70mm film magazine labeled A, SO-368 film stock exposed through an 80mm lens, later scanned and remastered for contemporary archives. Artemis II's views, by contrast, are high-resolution digital frames transmitted almost in real time, rapidly processed and released to a global audience across news sites and social media. Yet despite this evolution, the essential content is unchanged: a small, bright sphere alone in the dark, the only place in the frame where life is known to exist. The Apollo 8 and Artemis II pictures thus function as bookends of a sort -- one at the dawn of humanity's first rush to the Moon, the other at the beginning of a more measured, sustained return -- each inviting viewers to consider not just where humans can go, but what it means to look back at from whence they came.

The iconic "Earthrise" photo

On December 24, 1968, as Apollo 8 swung around the far side of the Moon on its fourth orbit, a small blue-and-white sphere drifted into view above the gray, cratered horizon. That image -- later titled "Earthrise" -- would become one of the most recognizable photographs in history, a visual shorthand for the fragility and unity of life on our planet. It did not show a "whole Earth" in the strict geometric sense, but it captured something far more potent: the sudden appearance of home, rising over an alien world.

The photograph was taken by astronaut William Anders, the lunar module pilot of Apollo 8. Using a highly modified Hasselblad 500 EL camera loaded with 70 mm color film, Anders pivoted from his assigned task -- systematic imaging of the lunar surface -- to seize a fleeting, unscripted moment. In that instant, the mission's technical objectives briefly receded, and a more existential purpose emerged: to show humanity its own face, suspended in darkness.

The way "Earthrise" happened has become part of its legend. As the spacecraft rolled, the Moon's horizon shifted in the window, and the Earth suddenly appeared, hanging above it. Anders exclaimed, "Oh my God! Look at that picture over there! There's the Earth coming up. Wow, that's pretty." The crew scrambled for a color film magazine -- Anders had been shooting the lunar surface in black and white -- and within seconds he framed and captured the now-iconic view. The spontaneity is audible in the onboard audio: a mix of awe, urgency, and playful banter about taking an unscheduled photograph.

Technically, "Earthrise" is a telephoto view taken from lunar orbit near 110 degrees east longitude. The lunar horizon in the foreground is about 570 kilometers from the spacecraft, a rough, ash-gray band of craters and ridges. Above it floats the partially sunlit Earth, its cloud systems swirling over the African continent and the Atlantic, with the planet's limb sharply defined against the black vacuum. The composition is simple but arresting: dead world below, living world above, separated by a thin line of curvature.

One of the subtle powers of "Earthrise" lies in its inversion of expectations. Before Apollo 8, most space imagery centered on the Moon or planets as the main subject, with Earth as the familiar reference point. Here, the Moon becomes the foreground, almost a stage, while Earth is the luminous protagonist. The photograph quietly flips the hierarchy: the place we thought of as "center" is revealed as just another small world in a much larger theater.

The image also plays with orientation. In many reproductions, the frame is rotated so that the lunar horizon appears horizontal, making Earth look as if it is literally "rising" like a sunrise. In the raw sequence, the spacecraft's roll means the horizon is tilted, and the Earth is more "coming into view" than rising in a planetary sense. Yet the chosen orientation -- horizon as a baseline, Earth above -- matches human intuition and reinforces the metaphor of a dawn, not just of a day, but of a new planetary awareness.

"Earthrise" quickly transcended its status as a mission photograph and became a cultural artifact. Nature photographer Galen Rowell famously called it "the most influential environmental photograph ever taken," capturing how it condensed complex ideas into a single frame: the smallness of Earth, the absence of visible borders, the thinness of the atmosphere, and the stark contrast between life-bearing blue and lifeless gray. It was as if the planet had been placed in a cosmic display case, inviting both wonder and responsibility.

The timing of the image amplified its impact. Late 1968 was a turbulent moment -- Vietnam, civil rights struggles, political assassinations, and global unrest. Against that backdrop, the sight of Earth as a single, borderless sphere offered a counter-image to fragmentation and conflict. When the crew broadcast their Christmas Eve message from lunar orbit, reading from the Book of Genesis, millions watched live as the Moon's surface drifted beneath them. The photograph, released soon after, became a visual echo of that broadcast: a reminder that all of human history, all of its turmoil and hope, was unfolding on that small, distant world.

The environmental significance of "Earthrise" is hard to overstate. The image helped catalyze a shift from seeing Earth as an inexhaustible backdrop to recognizing it as a finite, vulnerable system. It circulated widely in the early 1970s, appearing in posters, magazines, and educational materials, and became part of the visual vocabulary that surrounded the first Earth Day in 1970. The photograph's implicit message -- that the planet is both beautiful and fragile -- aligned perfectly with emerging concerns about pollution, resource depletion, and ecological interdependence.

In many ways, "Earthrise" functioned as a mirror. It does not show people, cities, or individual stories, yet viewers instinctively project themselves into it. The dark lunar foreground becomes a vantage point we occupy in imagination, looking back at our own world from a place of exile. That psychological displacement -- standing "off Earth" and seeing it as an object -- creates a powerful emotional jolt. Humans are both inside the picture (living on that sphere) and outside it (looking at it from afar).

The photograph also compressed scales that are normally impossible to hold together. The Moon's surface in the foreground is detailed and textured, almost tactile, while Earth appears small enough to cover with a thumb at arm's length. Yet we know that the tiny globe contains oceans, continents, weather systems, and billions of lives. That tension between apparent smallness and known vastness is part of what makes "Earthrise" so haunting: it shows how easily our entire world can be reduced to a delicate ornament in space.

Over time, "Earthrise" has been endlessly reproduced, reinterpreted, and remixed. It has appeared on postage stamps, in environmental campaigns, in textbooks, and in art installations. Each reuse adds another layer of meaning, but the core remains the same: a reminder that Earth is singular, finite, and shared. Even as higher-resolution images and full-disk portraits have been captured since, "Earthrise" retains a special status because it is not just a technical achievement -- it is a human moment, a gasp of recognition caught on film.

The first "whole Earth" photo from Apollo 8

Less well known than "Earthrise," but historically crucial, was Apollo 8 image NASA ID AS8-16-2593, often described as the first photograph of the complete Earth taken by a human. Captured only a few hours into the mission, while the spacecraft was still relatively close to home, this image shows the entire sunlit disk of Earth in a single frame. Unlike "Earthrise," which juxtaposes Earth with the Moon, this photograph isolates the planet against the blackness of space, turning it into a solitary, luminous sphere.

The photographer was most likely William Anders as well, working with the same family of Hasselblad equipment that would later produce "Earthrise." At this early stage of the mission, the crew's view of Earth was still dominated by familiar geography rather than the stark lunar foreground. The camera, pointed back toward the receding planet, recorded a nearly full disk, with cloud systems swirling over recognizable landmasses. The result is a portrait of Earth that is more geometrically complete than "Earthrise," yet far less embedded in public memory.

AS8-16-2593 was taken from roughly 30,000 kilometers away, when Apollo 8 was outbound but still within the EarthMoon system's inner reaches. From this vantage point, Earth fills a substantial portion of the frame, its curvature obvious, its limb crisp. South America appears near the top of the image, and the orientation places the South Pole toward the top of the frame, flipping the usual north-up convention. This inversion subtly underscores that "up" and "down" are local habits, not cosmic rules.

The perspective of this first "whole Earth" photo is different in tone from "Earthrise." There is no lunar horizon to anchor the viewer, no sense of standing on another world. Instead, the planet floats alone, a complete globe with no foreground reference. The effect is more clinical but also more planetary: this is Earth as an astronomical object, not as a landscape seen from a neighboring body. It anticipates later full-disk images, such as the famous "Blue Marble" from Apollo 17, but with a raw, early-mission immediacy.

One reason AS8-16-2593 is less famous than "Earthrise" is narrative. "Earthrise" comes with a built-in story: the surprise of seeing Earth appear over the Moon's horizon, the scramble for color film, the Christmas Eve broadcast, the emotional reactions of the crew. The whole-Earth image, by contrast, was taken during a more routine phase of the mission, without the same dramatic context. It is historically first, but it lacks the cinematic moment that made "Earthrise" so resonant.

Another reason is symbolic framing. "Earthrise" visually stages a relationship between worlds: dead foreground, living background. It invites metaphors of dawn, emergence, and contrast. The whole-Earth photo, while scientifically remarkable, is more straightforward: a globe against black. It is powerful, but it does not carry the same built-in narrative of duality and comparison. As a result, it has often been overshadowed in public consciousness, even as historians and space enthusiasts recognize its importance.

Yet the first "whole Earth" image plays a crucial role in the evolution of a planetary self-portrait. It marks the moment when a human being, not an automated probe, framed the entire Earth in a single view. That act -- choosing exposure, composition, and timing -- turns the image into a deliberate human gaze, not just a data point. It is the beginning of a new genre: Earth photography from deep space, authored by people who are themselves part of the scene they are recording.

While "Earthrise" became the emotional icon, the whole-Earth photo quietly fed into the same emerging consciousness. It showed, with stark clarity, that Earth is a single, bounded system -- no edges, no corners, no "elsewhere" beyond the thin shell of atmosphere. For scientists, policymakers, and visionaries, such images reinforced the idea that environmental issues are global by definition. Pollution, climate, and resource use do not respect borders drawn on maps; they play out on the one continuous sphere we all share.

From the Earth to the Moon

Together, "Earthrise" and the first "whole Earth" photo form a kind of diptych: one image shows Earth in relationship to another world, the other shows it alone in space. One is emotionally charged and narratively rich; the other is geometrically complete and conceptually pure. Both contributed to a profound shift in how humanity thinks about its home, turning the abstract idea of "Spaceship Earth" into something that could actually be seen.

The impact of these images rippled outward into culture, politics, and philosophy. They helped fuel the modern environmental movement by making planetary finitude visible. When people saw Earth as a small, delicate sphere, it became easier to grasp that its resources were limited and its systems interconnected. The photographs did not contain policy prescriptions, but they provided a powerful emotional foundation for arguments about conservation, pollution control, and ecological responsibility.

Stewart Brand, a key figure in the counterculture and environmental thought, was deeply influenced by the emerging space-based views of Earth. His advocacy for a publicly available "whole Earth" image and his creation of the Whole Earth Catalog were part of the same visual and conceptual revolution. The catalog's title and ethos -- tools and ideas for living responsibly on a finite planet -- resonate directly with the perspective offered by Apollo-era Earth photography. The planet is not an infinite backdrop; it is the shared context for every human endeavor.

Philosophically, these images nudged humanity toward a more planetary identity. National flags and borders vanish at orbital distances; what remains is a single, cloud-streaked sphere. For many viewers, this perspective softened rigid notions of "us" and "them," suggesting that the primary "we" might be all inhabitants of Earth. The photographs did not erase conflict or inequality, but they offered a visual counterpoint: a reminder that, at the largest scale, everyone is in the same fragile boat.

The legacy of "Earthrise" and AS8-16-2593 also extends into art and media. Filmmakers, designers, and visual storytellers have drawn on their compositions and color palettes to evoke themes of isolation, unity, and vulnerability. Whenever a film cuts to a shot of Earth hanging in space to underscore the stakes of a story, it is echoing the visual grammar established by these Apollo images. They set the template for how "our planet from afar" should look and feel.

Even as newer missions have produced higher-resolution and more detailed images -- multi-spectral composites, continuous weather animations, and ultra-sharp full-disk portraits -- the early Apollo photographs retain a special gravity. Their grain, their slight imperfections, and their historical context make them feel more like encounters than products. They are not just data; they are moments when human beings, far from home, turned their cameras around and saw their world anew.

The power of "Earthrise" and the first "whole Earth" photo lies in how they collapse distance. They were taken from tens of thousands of kilometers away, yet they brought Earth closer. They invite stepping outside of local concerns and looking back with a wider, more encompassing gaze. The Moon's gray horizon and the black void beyond become a kind of frame, and within that frame, the small, bright sphere of Earth asks quiet but insistent questions.

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Belarus Cancels Passport Of Nobel Laureate Byalyatski, Other Former Political Prisoners

By RFE/RL's Belarus Service April 03, 2026

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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-nobel-byalyatski- bialiatski-human-rights-exile-lukashenko/33724092.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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Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with GCC's Rotating Chair and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 02, 2026 13:55

On April 2, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with the rotating chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani upon request.

Al Zayani briefed on the latest developments in the Middle East situation and Bahrain's position, stating that Gulf countries are currently facing serious security challenges and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted. Bahrain is willing to play a role through the UN Security Council to address the issue of strait passage. Bahrain hopes to strengthen communication and coordination with China.

Wang Yi expounded China's principled position of opposing aggression and advocating peace. He stated that China and Pakistan recently jointly released the Five-Point Initiative of China and Pakistan For Restoring Peace and Stability in the Gulf and Middle East Region, which includes calling for an end to attacks on civilians and nonmilitary targets, ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz, and restoring normal passage. A ceasefire and cessation of hostilities is the shared call of the international community. The actions of the UN Security Council should help de-escalate the situation, stop the fighting and resume talks, rather than endorse illegal acts of war or fuel the flames. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, China stands ready to work with Bahrain to promote the cessation of hostilities, restore peace, achieve lasting regional stability, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of members of the Global South, especially small and medium-sized countries.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on April 3, 2026

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 03, 2026 17:42

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 China's 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 party's 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. What's 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 China's 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: Myanmar's Parliament today elected Min Aung Hlaing as the new president. What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: China congratulates Mr. Min Aung Hlaing on his election as Myanmar's 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.

People's 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. What's 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 data's 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 community's recognition on China's data development. By 2025, China has the world's 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. China's 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 China's 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 national's 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 Spokesperson's Office via fax, E-mail or WeChat.

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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Badr Abdelatty

3 April 2026 17:30

497-03-04-2026

On April 3, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Badr Abdelatty, who was on a visit to Russia.

The discussions between the two foreign ministers centred on pertinent issues related to the continued development of the historically amicable relations between Russia and Egypt. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to expanding multifaceted bilateral collaboration in line with the Treaty on Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation, signed in Sochi in 2018 by the Presidents of Russia and Egypt.

The ministers acknowledged the significant coordinating role of the Joint Russian-Egyptian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation in enhancing collaboration, noting that its 15th meeting was held in Moscow in May 2025. They deliberated on certain practical aspects of realising large-scale joint investment projects, particularly the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant in Egypt and the establishment of a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

Views were exchanged on urgent international and regional challenges. They concurred on intensifying partner-like coordination in foreign policy at the United Nations and in other international arenas. The ministers observed the alignment of Russia's and Egypt's positions regarding the resolution of crises in the Middle East and on the African continent through political and diplomatic means, in accordance with international law standards.

During discussions concerning the situation in the Persian Gulf region, the Russian side underscored that the current unprecedented escalation was a consequence of unprovoked aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran. Sergey Lavrov and Badr Abdelatty advocated an immediate cessation of hostilities and a de-escalation of tensions through negotiation. They affirmed their mutual readiness to offer every possible assistance in overcoming existing contradictions through dialogue, while taking into account the interests of all the states in the Middle East region.

The ministers confirmed that both countries' fundamental approaches to resolving the PalestinianIsraeli conflict are aligned, based on the universally recognised international legal framework which provides for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They emphasised the importance of achieving sustainable peace in the Gaza Strip and ensuring unfettered humanitarian access to that Palestinian enclave.

The crisis situations in Libya, Sudan, Yemen, and Lebanon were also examined. The necessity of resolving these crises through peaceful means, so as to preserve the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of these states, was noted.

Sergey Lavrov provided Badr Abdelatty with a detailed briefing on Russia's approaches to resolving the conflict around Ukraine.

Furthermore, they discussed practical matters concerning preparations for the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to be held in Moscow later this year, as well as the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum at the level of heads of foreign policy agencies.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Badr Abdelatty, Moscow, April 3, 2026

3 April 2026 17:23

496-03-04-2026

Ladies and gentlemen,

I held substantive and insightful talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Badr Abdelatty.

As you may be aware, yesterday my colleague was received by the President of the Russian Federation. During his visit to Moscow, he also met with Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergey Shoigu, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk.

As you no doubt understand, such a substantive programme in itself clearly reveals the high level of the traditionally friendly Russian-Egyptian relations. We welcomed the great strides our relations made in accordance with the Treaty on Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation signed by our leaders in Sochi in 2018.

We noted with satisfaction the positive dynamics of trade, economic, and investment interaction. As of late 2025, bilateral trade exceeded $10 billion, up 12 percent on the year before.

We highly value the productive work of the Joint Russian-Egyptian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. It met for the 15th time in Moscow on May 14, 2025. We are preparing the next meeting in Egypt. Today, we confirmed the important coordinating role of this body in expanding practical bilateral cooperation.

We discussed the status of the implementation of flagship joint infrastructure projects, primarily the construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the creation of the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. We focused in particular on the prospects for expanding supplies of Russian agricultural products and energy.

We discussed at length current international and regional issues and reaffirmed our shared commitment to continuing close coordination at the UN and other multilateral platforms.

We placed great emphasis on the most acute crisis and the unprecedented escalation in the Persian Gulf that broke out as a result of unprovoked aggression by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Both Russia and Egypt are in favour of an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to the political and diplomatic process in order to resolve existing differences while ensuring the security interests of all countries in the region without exception, including friendly Arab countries of the Gulf such as Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and, of course, the Islamic Republic of Iran.

We reviewed the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which is gradually slipping from the headlines and, in my view, undeservedly so, because the problem did not go anywhere. We underscored the importance of the efforts to ensure sustainability of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip that was agreed upon in October 2025 largely thanks to Egypt's mediation efforts.

We share concern over the developments on the West Bank of the Jordan River, where the Israeli authorities are consistently ratcheting up administrative and legal control by establishing greater number of settlements. We share a common conviction that there is no alternative to a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue on the existing and still valid international legal basis, with the central two-state formula.

We discussed the state of affairs in Sudan and noted the urgency of developing coordinated approaches by the international community to a peaceful settlement of the military-political conflict that has been ongoing for three years now. We reaffirmed our shared position in favour of preserving unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Sudan.

We also touched upon the situation in Libya with its ongoing deep internal political split in the wake of Western aggression against that country in 2011. We highlighted the urgency of advancing a comprehensive political settlement in Libya under the leading role of the UN in order to find a solution that takes into account the positions of all ethnic, religious, and political groups in the country, including the main groups in eastern and western Libya. We see eye to eye on his matter.

We discussed a number of Russia-African Union practical cooperation issues and touched upon preparations for the 3rd summit of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum to be held in Moscow in the second half of the year.

We discussed the development of Russia's relations with the League of Arab States headquartered in Cairo. This year, we plan to hold a Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum at the level of foreign ministers.

We expressed appreciation to our colleagues for Egypt's objective and balanced position on the situation in and around Ukraine. We provided detailed information about Russia's principled approaches to the Ukraine crisis, including developments on the ground and efforts to resolve the conflict based on eliminating its underlying causes. This is a point of principle.

Overall, we are mutually satisfied with the way we organised our work today, and we will continue working like that it in the interest of further expanding multifaceted Russian-Egyptian cooperation. I am grateful to my colleague and friend Badr Abdelatty.

Question (retranslated from Arabic): You mentioned important regional issues. In light of the rapidly developing situation in the Middle East, among the other issues you discussed was the question of regional security in the context of the situation in Iran and the Gaza Strip.

What are the prospects for strengthening mutual understanding and coordination between Russia and Egypt on these matters? Is there any understanding regarding a joint response to these challenges?

Sergey Lavrov: I could elaborate on this at great length. I will try not to go over everything that we read about in the news daily.

Disquieting news is coming from the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and other hotspots that we discussed today.

Egypt and Russia have a strategic alignment of approaches. There may always be subtle differences which is inevitable. But the grand strategy of the foreign policy of the Russian Federation and the Arab Republic of Egypt lies in bringing the conflicting parties in any crisis to dialogue.

This is not always an easy thing to accomplish, because sometimes differences are provoked to such a major extent (as a rule, by external forces) that it becomes difficult even to establish communication. We are observing this in a number of cases mentioned today. However, this does not negate the main point which is that water wears down rock, as the saying goes.

We must strive for the cessation of hostilities and the start of negotiations. This is the only way to find out how sincere the parties are in their desire for peace and a good future for their citizens.

We appreciate Egypt's role as a mediator in a number of crisis situations, providing the Cairo platform for various meetings on a number of African crises. Egypt consistently shows initiative on other issues as well. Not every such effort is loudly announced. For our Egyptian colleagues, as for us, the main thing is not to capture some sensational "headline effect" (forgive me the language), but to achieve a genuine result.

Real work doesn't like publicity. Those who engage in real work rather than self-promotion will ultimately succeed.

Question: Moscow has consistently called for prioritising political and diplomatic settlement in the Middle East, calling for a ceasefire to prevent a full-scale military conflict in the region. Do you observe any response to Russian initiatives from the parties to the conflict? Or are we on the verge of the conflict entering a more dangerous phase? How is work progressing on Bahrain's proposal for a draft resolution on the protection of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz? Where does Russia stand on this issue?

Sergey Lavrov: We are not hiding our position and have been stating it regularly since the beginning of the US-Israeli aggression against Iran on February 28. The Foreign Ministry comments on and presents assessments of the ongoing events. The Presidential Executive Office and President Putin himself regularly address this topic in contacts with their counterparts.

In recent days, President Putin has held several telephone conversations with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Earlier, he spoke with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. At the level of foreign ministers, we are working in close contact with our Iranian colleagues as well. Yesterday, April 2, I got on the phone with Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi. Of course, we are also maintaining contacts with our friends from the Gulf countries. On Monday, March 30, a videoconference took place during which we discussed in detail for more than two hours the current situation, including how it is being discussed at the UN Security Council.

One can discuss the draft resolution submitted by Bahrain, which has been under consideration by the UN Security Council for several days now. Many do exactly that. They take the text and begin discussing it. This is the professional approach practised by those who are ultimately responsible for the product issued by the UN Security Council. But even from this purely expert point of view, a large number of issues become apparent.

If we look past the description of the difficulties such as calls on Iran not to respond to strikes on its territory, the key objective and central element of this resolution is the paragraph authorising all stakeholder states, whether acting individually or as part of a coalition, to take all necessary measures to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. During the negotiations, the wording "all necessary defensive measures" was added, but immediately qualified by the phrase "proportionate to the circumstances."

Who will determine these circumstances? Naturally, it will be the same countries that are granted the right to take all "necessary defensive measures." We know how, in the past, our Western colleagues have treated what appeared to be purely defensive UN Security Council resolutions. They were immediately turned upside down and used to substantiate their aggressive actions.

The second point is that these measures are authorised for the stakeholder countries, but they will act "proportionately to the circumstances" on the territory of coastal Gulf countries that will not themselves participate in these "defensive measures." This constitutes direct violation of their sovereignty. Such a Security Council resolution is unlikely to increase the chances of a peaceful settlement, not to mention the credibility of this body.

All this is taking place against the backdrop of rhetoric coming from Washington, including assertions by US President Trump that talks are underway and that the people the Americans are talking with are "much more reasonable" and that they listen and respond. The Iranians do not deny the fact of contacts, although they say these are not talks but an exchange of positions. Nevertheless, it is already some kind of process. The day before yesterday, President Trump said that as soon as they complete military operations (in his words, almost all objectives have been achieved), navigation in the Strait of Hormuz will immediately resume meaning that the problem is not about making demands of Iran. It is imperative to stop military actions and the regime of the strait which is fully based on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which defines all norms of navigation in times of peace, will be restored. It does not apply in wartime.

In contacts with their Gulf partners, our Chinese colleagues emphasise the same point that it is necessary to stop hostilities in order to resume navigation. When we are urged to adopt this resolution at the height of what the United States calls negotiations (clearly, adopting this resolution, which does not even mention the fact that Iran was the victim of aggression, will antagonise the authorities in Tehran), this suggests that someone wants to undermine the emerging, still very fragile prospects for negotiations if, of course, all those who speak of peaceful talks genuinely want them. Undermining such intentions would be entirely wrong.

If, however, the rhetoric about talks will once again be used as cover for launching another attack on Iran (as was the case in June 2025 and February of this year), then this resolution is designed to legitimise, after the fact, the aggression against Iran.

My final point in this regard concerns legal interpretation. Our friends in the Gulf are telling us that Iran attacked them and that they are, therefore, entitled to defends themselves under Article 51 of the UN Charter. This is true. This article exists. However, in order to invoke it and to take specific steps in order to exercise the right to self-defence, no UN Security Council resolution is required.

When the United States and Israel began attacking Iran, they publicly stated that it was an exercise of the right to self-defence. When asked how so since Iran did not attack them, they said Article 51 also provided for preventive defensive action aimed at decapitating a potential attacker, even if no such plans existed.

During the videoconference, I asked our friends from the Gulf whether Iran had attacked them. No such facts were presented. In response, the view was expressed that throughout its existence the Islamic Republic of Iran had always intended to attack its neighbours. A "convenient" opportunity subsequently arose when the country was attacked by the Americans and Israelis, and Iran began targeting Arab countries.

These arguments may enter the media space with the best of intentions, but the end result is the same. This resolution was probably conceived with good intentions, yet it may either be used to derail the still fragile prospects for negotiations or to legitimise aggression against Iran after the fact.

I hope that all our detailed clarifications have been heard by our friends in the Gulf and, more broadly, in the Arab world.

Question: How is cooperation between Russia and Egypt going in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, and will the Intervision contest take place this year? How is preparation progressing? Is the Egyptian side ready to send its participant?

Sergey Lavrov: Our cultural and humanitarian relations are at a very high level, though we still can do more. Today we discussed additional projects in this sphere that are already under consideration and will certainly be implemented. I am sure you are aware of the long-standing traditions of our cooperation in higher education. Thousands upon thousands of Egyptians have received education in our country (both in the USSR and in the Russian Federation). The Association of Graduates of Russian Higher Education Institutions operates in Egypt. Our embassy maintains close contacts with former students, who naturally serve as an additional link at the level of civil society, cultural institutions and organisations. Universities have long established ties with each other, exchanging experience. Tours of performing artists and cultural exchanges are held as well.

You mentioned the Intervision competition. Indeed, last year it was held for the first time in a new format in Moscow. Twenty-two countries, including the Arab Republic of Egypt, sent their performers. The representative of Vietnam won that competition. Since all participants agreed to make the contest annual, at the end of 2025 our Saudi friends announced they would host this year's Intervision. I hope the situation around the Persian Gulf will stabilise and the Russian cultural organisation in charge of this event will resume contacts with their Saudi colleagues. We expect that our Egyptian friends will once again be represented at this event.

Let me mention another upcoming event which is the World Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg in September 2026. Egyptian delegates have been invited, and I am confident they will take part in what will truly be a major celebration.

Cooperation in the humanitarian sphere also includes interaction between your colleagues - journalists and media corporations. TASS, RT Arabic and Sputnik Arabic operate successfully in Egypt. Today we agreed that cooperation between our news agencies will continue to strengthen. We will assist each other in setting up engaging meetings for journalists from both countries.

Speaking of the media, in 2024, on our initiative, the Global Fact-Checking Network was established. It has already held several international forums. The third international forum titled "Dialogue on Fake News" took place in October 2025.

There is no need to explain how, in today's world, lying is used not "for salvation," as the Russian proverb goes, but to cause direct harm and to inflict damage by those who bear no responsibility for anything. Falsehood is used to shift blame and to stage provocations "under a false flag." Our Western colleagues have certainly excelled in this "art." The above Fact-Checking Network is combatting this "scourge" that has flooded the media space. It brings together representatives from more than 50 countries, with a core group of over 100 experts. Egypt actively participated in the most recent conference held in Moscow in October 2025. I am confident that our cooperation in this area will continue.

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The Daily Press Briefing (04/03/2026)

France - Ministere de lEurope et des Affaires etrangeres - Press briefing

News

Statements by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson

Press briefing

Published on April 3, 2026

IRAN

Arrest of Nasrin Sotoudeh (Apr. 3, 2026)

France was deeply concerned by the announcement of yesterday's arrest of lawyer and human rights defender Nasrin Sotoudeh, winner of the Sakharov Prize.

This arrest illustrates yet again the Iranian regime's systematic policy of persecution and intimidation of human rights activists. It must stop.

France calls for the immediate release of Nasrin Sotoudeh and all those detained arbitrarily in Iran. It expresses its concern over the alarming news concerning the health of Narges Mohammadi. It stands shoulder to shoulder with the Iranian people, who must be able to exercise their fundamental rights and freely choose their own future.

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Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (April 02, 2026)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

April 02, 2026

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Let's begin our conversation. The floor is open. Start from here.

Huma Siddiqui, Strat News Global: Sir, I have two questions. My name is Huma Siddiqui and I am from Strat News Global. Whether India has asked US for a special waiver for getting Russian LNG? And my second question is, will the Foreign Ministers of Quad meet in New Delhi next month?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Meet when?

Huma Siddiqui, Strat News Global: Next month.

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. My question is on Indian peacekeepers in Lebanon. The exact numbers that are there, and I know that there has been a statement issued where India has urged that their safety becomes a priority. But three peacekeepers from Indonesia are already dead. So, what's the reason that they are there because this is an all-out war? How do you ensure that they stay protected?

And my second question is, the ships that are coming from Strait of Hormuz, are we paying any toll on the ships that are being released or are they just coming gratis?

Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. I have a question related to the upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting. We are expecting it to take place next month. Has India sent invitations to all the members and if you can let us know how many countries have confirmed so far? Thank you so much.

Sidhant, WION: Hi sir, I am Sidhant from WION. When it comes to the neighborhood, we are providing support in terms of fuel to countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. If you can perhaps give an overview.

And my second question is, the Japanese Foreign Ministry has opened a special unit in their department for India economic relationship to firm up economic relationship with India, which is a very novel way of dealing with bilateral relationships. How does India see that?

Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: Thank you, Spokesperson. Keshav Padmanabhan here from The Print. My first question is with regards to Azerbaijan. Yesterday, the Indian Ambassador met with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan. In the past, especially during Op SINDOOR, there have been statements back and forth. So, just wanted to understand here what was specifically discussed, what is going to move forward? Have you agreed to the political office consultations that came out in the Azeri readout?

And secondly, just wanted to add, we are now in the month of April. The US had given a waiver for Chabahar till the end of April. What is sort of the status? Have there been discussions on extending this further? Can you just give us a sense because we are now on the 2nd of April and it should end on the 26th. Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, first Huma, to your question. We have seen some speculation on this matter. These reports are ill-informed when it comes to the facts of this particular matter. So, these are speculation and we would caution against such reports.

On Quad Foreign Ministers meeting, you said next month, we are still some distance away. We will keep you informed, well in time as to what we have, what we are planning, so on and so forth.

Yeshi, on the exact number of troops that we have in UNIFIL. We have around 600 Indian troops who are serving in UNIFIL. We have been doing it, 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, regarded, to global peace and security. We had also issued a statement, which you may have seen, condemning the recent attacks on UNIFIL in which several troops unfortunately lost their lives. We also pay homage to these brave blue helmet soldiers. Once again, we would like to emphasize that the inviolability of UN missions must be ensured, and safety and security of our peacekeepers must be ensured. As one of the largest and longest-serving contributors to peacekeeping, as also in consonance with UN Security Council Resolution 2589, we seek accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.

On your questions regarding payment, etc., we had clarified this issue earlier as well that there has been no discussion of this nature between us and Iran.

Ayushi, again, BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting, we are the chair. We are doing several of these meetings. You would have followed the recent working level meetings that we have done. We will be organizing 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.

Sidhant, on neighborhood, on Bangladesh as you would have seen, we continue to supply energy requirements to them since 2007 as per the commercial engagement that we have with them. We have also recently supplied fuel to Sri Lanka, 38,000 metric tons of petroleum products based on their request. Also, we have ongoing engagement with Nepal and Bhutan which continue.

The Government of Maldives has also reached out to us for supply of petroleum products, both on short-term and long-term basis. The Maldives request is being examined keeping in mind our own availability, our own needs. We also remain engaged with the Governments of Mauritius and Seychelles on the energy situation in these two countries. We have not received any request from them as yet. So that is how the situation is in our neighborhood.

On Japan, giving a focus to India-Japan economic partnership, this is a welcome move. Our economic partnership is one of the strongest pillars of India-Japan cooperation and we want to strengthen it further. We have a large number of Japanese companies who are active here in India in the manufacturing space, in the innovation space, and we want this number to continue further. We also have a large presence of Indian companies on the services side, on the IT side, on the tech side, and several other fields in Japan, and we want to strengthen our joint work together.

On Azerbaijan, question from Keshav. Azerbaijan, we have our ambassador there, he recently presented credentials. During the presentation of his credentials, he also discussed several issues of bilateral nature. As you know, 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'll be coming back home. Several of them have returned. Others will be returning in the course of the next few days or so. We are thankful to the government of Azerbaijan for the support that they have rendered for the exit of Indian nationals from Iran through the land border. We have consultations and regular exchange between both sides and hopefully we'll have more details or more developments on this account for you.

There was a question regarding Chabahar. So, our position remains the same what I had conveyed earlier. This particular issue, sanctions waiver that was given to us, is valid till 26th April 2026. Government of India remains engaged with all concerned in order to address the implications of these developments.

Alexander, Russian media: Good evening. Alexander, I am with the Russian media. First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government, Mr. Manturov, is visiting New Delhi as well as a high-ranking Russian Member of Parliament, Mr. Yakushev. Could you please give us an update on the interactions that they have with their Indian counterparts? Thank you.

Jessica, Doordarshan: Hi sir, this is Jessica for Doordarshan. Bahrain has proposed a resolution in UNSC calling for unimpeded transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which also includes the multinational naval partnership to secure the area. What is India's outlook to the proposed resolution?

Abhimanyu Sharma, CNBC-TV18: Sir, this is Abhimanyu Sharma from CNBC-TV18. Sir, are the news reports true that tankers are being allowed to flow through the Strait of Hormuz subject to the payment made in Yuan?

Vishal Pandey, ABP News: Sir, main Vishal Pandey hoon ABP News se. Ek mahine se zyada waqt beet chuka hai is yuddh ka. Jo yuddhgrast desh hain, wahan par Bhartiyon ki sthiti kaisi hai aur kitne Bhartiyon ki maut is yuddh ke dauran hui hai? Aur iske sath hi sath, Rashtrapati Trump ne aaj kaha hai ki Hormuz ki jo khadi hai, wahan par un deshon ko khulwane par vichar karna chahiye jo wahan se tel lete hain, America ka koi lena dena nahi. Is par Bharat ki kya pratikriya hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Vishal Pandey from ABP News. It has been more than a month since this conflict began. What is the current situation of Indians in the war-affected countries, and how many Indian citizens have lost their lives during this conflict?

Along with this, President Trump has said today that countries which take oil through the Strait of Hormuz should think about opening it, as the United States has no direct stake in it. What is India's response to this?

Neeraj, News18 India: Sir, Neeraj News18 India se. ICT ko Sheikh Hasina ki taraf se patra likha gaya hai, jo unke khilaf saza di gayi hai, us saza ko hatane ke liye aur faisle ko gair kanooni bataya gaya. Bharat Sarkar ka kya paksh hai ispe?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Neeraj from News18 India. A letter has been written to the ICT by Sheikh Hasina, in which she has called the sentence given against her illegal and has requested that it be revoked. What is the Government of India's position on this?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, so first, Alexander, coming to your question. We have the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Mr. Denis Manturov in Delhi. He arrived today and he will be there till tomorrow. He has several meetings lined up. We will keep you informed of those meetings. This visit is a bilateral visit for consultations, to follow up on the annual summit that we had recently. At the same time, we also have the First Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Vladimir Yakushev. He is also in the city. He called on the Speaker of Lok Sabha a little while ago at the Parliament House and they exchanged as to how we can strengthen our parliament-to-parliament links. It looks very well for a relationship which is deep-rooted and time-tested in terms of its strategic content. So, more on these as we go into the evening, we will get more details, and also a press release for you giving the details of the meetings that the First Deputy Prime Minister will be having with dignitaries here in India.

Jessica, your question was regarding the Bahraini resolution. 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, you very well know what we stand for. 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. Given to understand that it may come up for discussion or consideration today or tomorrow.

Abhimanyu, your question, again, I answered that question that there has been no discussion between India and Iran on the question of payment.

Vishal, Khadi ke deshon mein, GCC ke deshon mein, kareeban ek crore, yaani ki 10 million Bharatiya nagrik wahan rehte hain. Sabhi surakshit hain. Hamare dutawas sabhi deshon mein unse lagatar sampark mein hain, unse baat-cheet hoti rehti hai, taaki jo bhi unki samasyayein hon, jis prakar ki unko zaroorat ho, usko hum log poora kar sakein. Khed yeh hai ki is yuddh mein abhi tak aath Bharatiya nagrik hataahat hue hain aur ek abhi bhi gayab ya missing bataya ja raha hai. Toh yeh hai mota-mota aaklan hamare Bharatiya nagrikon ke baare mein. Lekin saath hi saath main yeh kehna chahta hoon ki hum log tatpar hain, yahan par Videsh Mantralaya mein, hamare Shipping Mantralaya, Jahaz Mantralaya, aur jitne hamare Bharatiya dutawas wahan par hain, hamare nagrikon ki suraksha ke liye aur unke hit ke liye.

Jahan Hormuz ki khadi ki baat aapne kahi, dekhiye jitni bhi gatividhiyan hain khadi ko leke, is yuddh ko leke, is conflict ko leke aur Hormuz ko leke, is saari gatividhiyan ko leker hum apni nazar banaye hue hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Vishal, in the Gulf countries, in the GCC nations, around one crorethat is, about 10 millionIndian nationals reside there. All of them are safe. Our embassies in all these countries are in constant contact with them, regularly communicating so that any issues they face or any needs they have can be addressed. It is unfortunate that, so far, eight Indian nationals have been injured in this conflict, and one is still reported missing. So, this is a broad assessment regarding our citizens. At the same time, I would like to say that we remain fully preparedhere at the Ministry of External Affairs, along with our Shipping Ministry and all our embassies thereto ensure the safety and welfare of our citizens.

As for the Strait of Hormuz, we are closely monitoring all developments related to the Gulf, the ongoing conflict, and the situation concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

Neeraj, aapka sawal tha ki abhi jo bhootpurva Pradhan Mantri Bangladesh ke hain, unhone kuch chitthi likha hai. Toh is chitthi par hamari kuch tippani nahi hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Neeraj, your question was about the letter written by the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. We have no comments to offer on this letter.

Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist: Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist. Sir, kal UK ke PM ne ek bayan diya hai, usme unhone ye bhi kaha hai ki 35 deshon ka ek coalition banakar, usme agle hafte Strait of Hormuz se freedom of navigation aur maritime security par woh baat karenge, toh kya Bharat iska hissa hoga?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist. Sir, yesterday the UK Prime Minister made a statement in which he said that a coalition of 35 countries will be formed, and next week they will discuss freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. Will India be a part of this?

Vineeta Pandey, Asian Age Deccan Chronicle: This is Vineeta Pandey from the Asian Age Deccan Chronicle. Roughly 10 foreign-flagged vessels and 18 Indian-flagged vessels carrying crude oil and LPG are stranded in the Persian Gulf. Is the Indian Government in talks with the Iranian Government and other nations for quick ... or to expedite the movement of the ships to India?

Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: This is Suhasini Haidar from The Hindu. In addition to Kadambini's question about the idea that there is this 35-nation grouping that the UK Prime Minister is going to host virtually, there is also, we have seen a process with Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan and China have five initiatives. The Gulf as well is apparently looking at ways of circumventing the Hormuz Straits through pipelines. I just wanted to get a broader sense of, is India involved in any multinational, any kind of peace initiatives when it comes to the war in West Asia?

And another is just a follow-up. I saw your statement on UNIFIL and condemning all the attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers. I wondered, has India raised this directly with Israel? Because it is the IDF that is targeting the peacekeepers, and Israel has publicly announced that it intends to occupy parts of South Lebanon now, this side of the Littani river. This is all part of the UNIFIL's mandate and is going to make it even more dangerous for Indian peacekeepers over there.

Neeraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi: Sir, namaskar. Main Neeraj Dubey Prabhasakshi se. Sir, Cheen aur Bhutan ne seema muddon ko suljhane ke liye baat-cheet ki hai. 15th Expert Group Meeting ke baad bayan bhi dono pakshon ki or se jaari hue hain. Is par kya pratikriya hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, greetings. I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. Sir, China and Bhutan have held talks to resolve their boundary issues, and statements have been issued by both sides after the 15th Expert Group Meeting. What is your response to this?

Ayanangsha Maitra: Sir, this is Ayanangsha Maitra. Sir, what are expected to be on table during the maiden visit of Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman?

Raghavendra Verma, ZDF German Television: This is Raghavendra Verma from ZDF German Television. Sir, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh made a statement today regarding a possible misadventure by a neighbor. Is there anything specific, something to worry that in the current situation from Pakistan or any other neighbor, there could be disturbance for peace on border or something?

Shailesh: Sir, our Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has also said along with this Pakistan issue that the Indian Navy is escorting the ships through the Gulf, through the Strait of Hormuz. Can you please elaborate, sir, how many ships have been escorted by the Indian Navy and who are the nations they are helping, or what is the current situation as of now, sir?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, Kadambini, first to your question. The UK side has invited several countries, which also includes India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz. From our side, the Foreign Secretary is attending the meeting this evening. It may have started, or it will be starting shortly.

Vineeta, your questions, 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've had over the last several days, we've had six Indian ships which have been able to safely cross Hormuz, and we continue to be in touch with relevant parties on this matter.

Suhasini, yes, UK, I just said the Foreign Secretary is attending the meeting. I don't know the number of countries who are attending it; perhaps post-meeting we'll get a sense of how many countries have joined. But the Foreign Secretary will be or is participating in this conversation. As far as all the conversations that are happening, we are following all the developments that are linked to this particular conflict. Several conversations are actually happening on this particular subject, and we are keeping track of all those.

On your question regarding UNIFIL, these are matters that the United Nations is looking into for the time being. We are in constant touch with relevant agencies of the United Nations as to how best we can address these issues. So, that is where we are.

Neeraj, Bharat aur aapne Bhutan ki baat ki. Bhutan aur Cheen ke beech mein, ya koi anya desh ke beech mein, hamare padosi aur padosiyon ke beech mein jab baatcheet hoti hai, toh hum log un saari gatividhiyon ko apni nazar mein rakhte hain. Aur jis prakar ka koi agar uthana ho kadam, toh hum log uchit kadam uthate hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Neeraj, you mentioned India and Bhutan. Whenever there are talks between Bhutan and China, or between any of our neighboring countries, we keep a close watch on all such developments. And if any action needs to be taken, we take appropriate steps accordingly.

Ayangsha, Bangladesh Foreign Minister, as I told you last time also ... once the visit is announced, we will keep you informed of the visit, the agenda, and also share more details of this bilateral visit.

Raghvendra, the Defense Minister of India has spoken, so I need not elaborate anything more. He has spoken on this particular matter.

Shailesh, to your question on Indian ships. I understand that as part of Operation Sankalp, which has been going on since 2019, if my memory serves me right, they are there in that area of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden to secure shipping lines. This is in our interest, as well as the interest of several of our partners. They have been there to provide and secure maritime commerce, and they have also been supporting ships that are passing from that area.

So, that is where we are. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Take care.

New Delhi

April 02, 2026

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Indian Navy's latest stealth frigate 'INS Taragiri' commissioned in Visakhapatnam

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

The warship is a symbol of India's growing technological prowess, self-reliance & formidable naval power, says Raksha Mantri

"Building a strong & capable Navy is an absolute necessity in today's times"

Indian Navy is securing critical sea lanes, choke points & digital infrastructure inextricably linked to our national interests, establishing India as a responsible maritime power: Shri Rajnath Singh

Posted On: 03 APR 2026 3:51PM by PIB Delhi

INS Taragiri, the fourth potent platform of the Project 17A class, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on April 03, 2026. A masterclass in modern naval shipbuilding, this latest stealth frigate, with a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes, has been designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, with the support of MSMEs, for multi-role operations. It utilises advanced stealth technology to achieve a significantly reduced radar signature, providing a lethal edge in contested environments.

With over 75% indigenous content and built in significantly reduced timelines, INS Taragiri exemplifies India's shipbuilding prowess and strong public-private collaboration. Raksha Mantri, in his address, described INS Taragiri as not merely a warship but a symbol of India's growing technological prowess, self-reliance, and formidable naval power.

"This ship is capable of high-speed transit and can remain deployed at sea for extended periods. It is equipped with systems designed to monitor enemy movements, ensure its own security, and if necessary, deliver an immediate response. It features modern radar, sonar, and missile systems, such as BrahMos and surface-to-air missiles, which further augment its operational prowess. From high-intensity combat to maritime security, anti-piracy operations, coastal surveillance, and humanitarian missions, it fits perfectly into every role, making it a unique naval platform," said Shri Rajnath Singh.

Raksha Mantri asserted that India, with a coastline stretching over 11,000 kilometers, is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and it cannot view its development in isolation from the ocean. He added that approximately 95 percent of the country's trade is conducted via maritime routes, and energy security is dependent on the sea, which makes building a strong and capable Navy not merely an option, but an absolute necessity.

Highlighting the immense significance of the maritime domain in the evolving security landscape, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian Navy maintains a round-the-clock presence across the Indian Ocean region amidst the global uncertainties. "The vast expanse of the ocean contains numerous sensitive points, where our Navy has consistently maintained an active presence to ensure the smooth flow of goods. Whenever tensions flare, the Indian Navy steps-in to guarantee the security of commercial vessels and oil tankers. It is not only safeguarding India's national interests, but is also prepared to take every necessary measure to protect our citizens and trade routes across the globe. It is this capability that firmly establishes India as a responsible and formidable maritime power," he said.

Raksha Mantri added that in the modern digital era, the vast majority of the world's data travels through undersea internet cables, and any damage to them could disrupt global order. He called to move beyond a traditional perspective on maritime security and view it through a comprehensive, future-ready framework. "We must not limit ourselves to safeguarding our coastlines; we must also ensure the security of critical sea lanes, choke points, and digital infrastructure that are inextricably linked to our national interests. The Indian Navy is proactively engaged in all these security endeavors. This approach prepares us for future challenges. Whenever India constructs and deploys advanced vessels such as INS Taragiri, it serves as a guarantee of peace and prosperity for the entire region," he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh also pointed out that whenever a crisis arises, be it evacuation operations or humanitarian assistance, the Indian Navy invariably stands at the forefront, serving as a symbol of India's core values and unwavering commitment. "INS Taragiri will further augment the strength, values, and commitment of our Navy," he said.

Reiterating the Government's commitment to make the Indian Navy one of the world's strongest in the times to come, backed by an indigenous industry, Raksha Mantri stated that defence manufacturing in the country is marching ahead as a national mission under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership. "Today, we're no longer confined to fulfilling our own requirements; we're actively securing our place within the global supply chain. India's participation is integral at every stage - from design and development to final deployment. It gives us confidence that we possess the capability to design not only our own security but also our future. INS Taragiri stands as an embodiment of this very vision," he said.

Highlighting the transformation witnessed by the country in the last decade, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the Government has created an ecosystem for the youth and the industry that consistently fosters innovation, manufacturing, and exports. He stressed that India has no alternative but to pursue self-reliance in defence to stay ready in the present uncertain times. He added that the security efforts must not confine solely to the domains of land, sea & air, but extend to space, cyberspace, and economic spheres. He pointed out that guided by that very vision, the Government has taken several major policy decisions, the results of which are now visible.

Raksha Mantri commended Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and other Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) for their consistent positive contributions towards bolstering India's security apparatus. He termed the 16 DPSUs as the hubs of Aatmanirbharta in defence. Raksha Mantri appreciated the efforts of DPSUs and the private sector in taking defence exports to an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in Financial Year 2025-26. "13-14 years ago, we used to export defence items worth Rs 1,200 crore. Today, it has reached almost Rs 39,000 crore. This is proof that India's self-reliance is growing steadily, signifying that we are standing on our own feet," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi highlighted INS Taragiri's rich legacy, recalling the erstwhile Leander-class frigate commissioned in 1980, which played a pioneering role in advancing India's anti-submarine warfare capabilities and operational innovation. Reflecting on the evolving maritime security environment, he underscored the growing complexities of the Indian Ocean Region, shaped by dynamic geopolitics, emerging technologies, and non-traditional threats. The CNS emphasised the Navy's commitment to remaining a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-ready force to safeguard national maritime interests, anytime, anywhere, anyhow.

The momentous event was marked by the ceremonial breaking of the Commissioning Pennant and the maiden hoisting of the National Flag on the ship. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan; Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla; CMD, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited Captain Jagmohan (Retd) were among those present during the commissioning.

About INS Taragiri

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 percent, the ship highlights the maturity of a domestic industrial ecosystem that now spans over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to the Government's Aatmanirbharta initiative, supporting thousands of Indian jobs.

Beneath its sleek, modular exterior lies a powerhouse driven by a Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion engine and managed by a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System. This technological sophistication ensures the vessel remains a versatile asset, capable of carrying out any mission assigned to the ship, anywhere and at any time.

The ship's combat punch is world class, featuring a lethal array of supersonic Surface-to-Surface missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air missiles, and an advanced indigenous Anti-Submarine suite. In an evolving Indo-Pacific security landscape, this commissioning sends an important geopolitical signal: India is now a premier builder of complex warships, capable of maintaining a credible posture to deter potential adversaries and contribute to collective regional stability under the vision of MAHASAGAR.

As INS Taragiri joins the Eastern Fleet on the Eastern seaboard, the ship carries forward the proud legacy of her predecessor, honouring a name that has served the nation for decades. The message delivered on the deck today was unmistakable: India's oceans are guarded by ships designed by Indians, built by Indians, and operated by Indians.

*****

VK/VM/Savvy

(Release ID: 2248799)

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ISTANBUL, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said regional conflict started by U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran has entered a "geostrategic deadlock", during a phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Saturday, according to the Turkish Presidency.

Burhanettin Duran, head of the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, said in a statement that the two leaders discussed regional security challenges, the upcoming Alliance summit, as well as matters of mutual concern within the framework of NATO.

Regarding the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Erdogan noted that the process beginning with the intervention against Iran has drifted into a "geostrategic deadlock."

He emphasized that the international community must increase its efforts to bring an end to the conflict to prevent further regional instability.

This follows recent operations where NATO systems assisted in neutralizing missiles from Iran over Turkish airspace. The Iranian side rejected previous reports of missiles aimed at Turkiye since the conflict began. 
8 killed, 95 wounded in U.S.-Israeli attacks on bridge in N. Iran

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

03.04.2026 [11:09]

Baku, April 3, AZERTAC

At least eight civilians were killed and 95 others wounded in U.S. and Israeli attacks on a bridge in Iran's northern Alborz province on Thursday, Xinhua reported citing Iran's official IRNA news agency.

According to the report, the B1 bridge, located in the provincial capital Karaj, 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.

IRNA cited Qodratollah Seif, the province's deputy governor for political, security and social affairs, as saying that among those killed and injured were inhabitants of Bileqan village, passengers and the families who had gathered in the nearby areas for the Nature Day, a traditional Iranian holiday marking the end of the Nowruz holidays.

He added that there were no military activities in the areas surrounding the bridge, stressing that the structure was under construction and scheduled to be inaugurated in the coming days.

Seif said those injured in the strikes were immediately transferred to nearby medical centers, and some of them were hospitalized.

U.S. President Donald Trump posted a video on the social media Truth Social, showing smoke rising from the B1 bridge in Karaj, hours after threatening to bomb the country "back to the Stone Ages," warning of further destruction unless Iran comes to the table to end the five-week war.

"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!" Trump said.

Trump delivered a speech earlier on Wednesday in which he argued that the war launched by the United States and Israel was almost over -- even as he threatened to bomb Iran "extremely hard" if it did not bow to his demands.

Condemning the attacks in a post on X, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, "Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender."

He added, "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."

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 with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. assets in the Middle East.

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HE GCCSG and the UN SG Discuss the Brutal Iranian Attacks on GCC States and Stress the Need for Iran to Comply with UN Resolution 2817

General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council

Apr 03, 2026

General Secretariat - New York State.

His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with His Excellency Mr Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), on Thursday (April 2, 2026) in New York, United States of America.

During the meeting, they discussed the brutal Iranian attacks targeting GCC states and examined the repercussions of the serious escalation witnessed in the region, and the direct threat this poses to regional and international security and stability.

HE the GCC Secretary General expressed his appreciation for the supportive stance of the UN Secretary General towards GCC states against these attacks, affirming that the Cooperation Council countries had sought to build normal relations with Iran, but were surprised by these treacherous attacks that violated the sovereignty of GCC states and constituted a flagrant breach of all international laws and norms.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides stressed the need for the immediate cessation of all hostile acts and the necessity for Iran to comply with UN Resolution 2817.

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Chinese FM spokesperson responds to Trump's video showing strike on Iran's largest bridge aimed at pressuring Tehran into deal

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 03, 2026 04:33 PM

China opposes attacks on civilian facilities and the relevant parties should immediately cease fire, return to the track of political and diplomatic resolution, and prevent a larger humanitarian disaster, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing on Friday, in response to media inquiries over a Thursday social media video released by US President Donald Trump, showing a strike against Iran's "biggest bridge."

Citing Iran's state media Karaj, the Guardian said eight people were killed and 95 wounded during the strike. The middle of the bridge was struck twice. Later imagery showed a clear gap at the heart of what had been one of Iran's premier infrastructure projects, per the media outlet.

The US president threatened in a Truth Social post that there would be "much more to follow" if a settlement was not reached, per the Guardian's report.

The military actions taken by the US and Israel against Iran were conducted without authorization by the UN Security Council, which is in clear violation of international law, the spokesperson said.



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Over 40 countries including Korea discuss reopening Hormuz

KOREA.net

Apr 03, 2026

By Xu Aiying

Foreign ministers and representatives from more than 40 countries including Korea on April 2 discussed how to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in a U.K.-led videoconference.

Participants urged Iran to stop its attempts to blockade Hormuz and agreed on global cooperation and efforts for safe passage through the strait.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who chaired the meeting, said in her opening speech, "We have seen Iran hijack an international shipping route to hold the global economy hostage."

She also pledged to explore all economic and diplomatic means to reopen the strait.

In the chair's statement issued right after the meeting, Secretary Cooper said, "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."

Korea was represented at the event by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-hye. Key NATO allies such as France, Germany and Canada, Gulf nations including the United Arab Emirates and Asian countries like India participated.

The U.S. did not attend.

This meeting is considered the first step among countries seeking to discuss the reopening of the strait, with specific responses to come at working-level meetings later.

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US-Israeli aggression on Iran: What happened on 35th day of the imposed war

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 10:37 PM

By Press TV Website Staff

Thirty-five days into the US-Israeli war on Iran, launched on February 28 with the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and some top-ranking commanders, the military aggression continues to target civilian, medical and academic infrastructure across the country.

US-Israeli airstrikes on Friday hit a wide range of sites nationwide, including Tabriz, Khorramshahr, Qom, and multiple locations in the capital Tehran.

Explosions were also reported in southern Shiraz and central Isfahan provinces, while air defenses were activated in eastern and northeastern Tehran.

The IRGC announced that it shot down a second advanced American fighter jet over central Iran, apart from two cruise missiles and three drones. The US admitted that Iran destroyed an American fighter jet, as search operations continue for downed pilots.

One Black Hawk helicopter was also struck during a rescue mission near the border.

On the diplomatic front, France distanced itself from Washington's approach, with President Emmanuel Macron declaring that US President Donald Trump "cannot be taken seriously" and that the Strait of Hormuz can only be reopened in coordination with Iran.

Russia, China, and France blocked an Arab push for UN military authorization over the Strait of Hormuz, which is effectively shut to American and allied vessels.

Meanwhile, Iranian oil is trading above Brent for the first time since 2022  a profound strategic shift  as prices surged to $140 a barrel, the highest level since 2008.

Key developments from Day 33 of the imposed war:

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that it shot down an advanced fighter jet in central Iran. The US military confirmed that one of its aircraft was downed inside Iranian territory, and the United States "has launched a search-and-rescue operation to locate the pilot or pilots."

Posting on X, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf ridiculed Trump's five-week war on the country, saying "this brilliant, no-strategy war" has now been downgraded to "can anyone find our pilots, please. Wow, what incredible progress. Absolute geniuses."

The commander of the United States Army Ground Forces, General Randy George, was removed from his post by US war minister Pete Hegseth.

Two other senior military officers, General David Hodne and Major General William Green Jr, were also dismissed as a fallout of the war against Iran.

The USS Gerald R Ford, an aircraft carrier that had been deployed to the Arabian Sea, left Croatia after five days in port for repairs following a fire incident on board, the US Navy said. It did not reveal its next destination as US forces reposition in West Asia amid the war against Iran.

US-Israeli airstrikes severely damaged a plasma research centre at Shahid Beheshti University in northern Tehran.

US-Israeli airstrikes also hit various locations in Tehran, Shiraz, Tabriz, Ahvaz and Isfahan cities.

Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) said the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) silence on US-Israeli attacks on the country's peaceful nuclear facilities makes the agency complicit in the aggression.

According to the New York Times, Russia, China, and France blocked an Arab-led initiative seeking UN Security Council authorisation for military action against Iran aimed at forcing open the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, stressed that any provocative action by the aggressors and their supporters, including at the United Nations Security Council, regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, will only further complicate the situation.

Jordan's parliamentary speaker called for the revival of a joint "Arab defence" and economic pact to "confront Iran."

Satellite imagery confirmed the destruction of a critical American AN/TPY-2 radar at Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base during an Iranian strike. The radar was an indispensable component of the THAAD missile defence system. The antenna alone is valued at an estimated $136 million.

Time magazine, citing officials, said that Donald Trump approved the plan to attack Iran nearly one month before the operation commenced. The plan was finalised after weeks of meticulous coordination, including close consultations with Israel. A White House official told Time: "He was deliberately deceiving public opinion to protect the mission."

In a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed hope for a swift end to the war and confirmed that humanitarian aid to Tehran will continue uninterrupted.

Oil prices have surged to $140 a barrel, the highest level seen since 2008.

According to Bloomberg, Iranian oil is now trading above Brent crude, the global benchmark, for the first time since May 2022, a development that signals a profound and historic strategic shift in global energy markets.

In a response to Trump, Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, issued a blistering rebuke: "Twenty-three years ago, you dragged us into a war with Iraq, and no nuclear weapons were found. You cannot fool us twice."

Vietnam's foreign ministry announced that Iran is taking measures to allow Vietnamese vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The UN deputy secretary-general said that efforts are underway to reduce tensions and halt the hostilities, but warned that the signs are dangerous. "We are closely monitoring the situation in Iran," he said.

Middle East Eye revealed that Greek ships are secretly supplying Israel with oil and military cargo. According to the report, "shadow vessels" are switching off their transponders and registering false destinations to supply Israel via Turkey.

The New York Times reported that US military forces committed a double-tap attack in Iran, two strikes hitting the B1 bridge in Karaj approximately one hour apart, with the second strike occurring as rescue workers were tending to the wounded.

Trump wrote on social media: "Bridges are the next target in Iran, then power plants," provoking angry reactions.

French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Trump cannot be taken seriously, pointing to his repeatedly shifting objectives in the war with Iran. "This is not a show...When you want to be serious, you don't say every day the opposite of what you said the day before."

The Wall Street Journal reported that Qatar is resisting efforts by the US and other regional countries to be a key mediator for a potential ceasefire deal with Iran.

Amazon announced that from April 17, sellers using its delivery and warehousing services will be required to pay a temporary 3.5 per cent surcharge. The company said the decision is a direct response to rising transportation and fuel costs, which have soared in recent weeks amid escalating tensions and war in West Asia.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, citing informed sources, reported that Israel is preparing to act forcefully against energy facilities in Iran if it receives a green light from Washington. According to Israeli sources, Tel Aviv has informed Washington that striking energy facilities would "cripple Iran's economy and could potentially lead to the collapse of the system."

The head of Iran's Securities and Exchange Organisation, Hojatollah Seydi, announced that the capital market will spare no effort to expedite the reconstruction of Mobarakeh Steel and Khuzestan Steel. Both companies were struck multiple times by US-Israeli missiles.

World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over escalating US-Israeli attacks on health infrastructure in Iran, particularly in Tehran, saying these strikes have severely disrupted the delivery of vital services to patients.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghani announced that Iran's armed forces shot down a drone over Shiraz. He revealed hard evidence on the involvement of some Persian Gulf Arab states in the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic.

IRGC has said that Israel carried out an earlier attack on Kuwait's power and desalination plant, warning regional countries to stay vigilant.

Donald Trump, who has repeatedly issued contradictory statements about the Strait of Hormuz, claimed on his social media platform that the waterway could be reopened soon. "With a little more time, we can easily open the Strait of Hormuz, take the oil, and make a lot of money. It will be a gusher for the world???"

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire during a phone call, warning that the war risks having global repercussions for energy, trade, and logistics.

The Yemeni capital, Sana'a, once again witnessed a million-man march in solidarity with Iran and the regional resistance against ongoing US-Israeli aggression.

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Iran's Army announces downing American A-10 Warthog warplane

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 8:57 PM

Iran's Army has announced downing of an American A-10 Warthog warplane by the Islamic Republic's integrated air defense network over the country's southern waters near the Strait of Hormuz.

The Army made the announcement in a statement on Friday, saying the targeted aircraft "was tracked and engaged by the Army Air Defense Force's systems, and subsequently crashed into the waters of the Persian Gulf."

Earlier in the day, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) had also announced shooting down two more advanced US warplanes, including a second F-35, crediting its newly developed and advanced air defenses for the successful strikes.

The Corps noted that the successful operations came despite US President Donald Trump's claim of destroying Iran's air defenses.

Also on Friday, the IRGC announced that another advanced enemy fighter jet had been targeted south of the southern Iranian Qeshm Island. The advanced aircraft subsequently crashed between the Hengam and Qeshm Islands, plummeting "into the depths of the ever-Persian Gulf," it noted.

On March 11, the IRGC successfully hit a US Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet in central Iran's airspace.

The United States and the Israeli regime began their latest bout of unprovoked aggression against Iran on February 28, prompting the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces to launch their retaliatory Operation True Promise 4.

In addition to the aviation losses, the US's outposts and interests across the region have come under heavy reprisal, which has also dealt significant blows to sensitive and strategic Israeli targets throughout the occupied territories.

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True Promise 4: Iran and resistance axis ops. against US-Israeli assets on April 3

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 8:23 PM

By Press TV Website Staff

Iranian armed forces and resistance groups across the region continue to carry out retaliatory military operations against the United States and the Israeli regime.

On Friday, April 3, 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 92 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 3:

Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC):

The 91st wave of Operation True Promise 4, under the blessed code "O Truthful One who does not break promises," and dedicated to the community of engineers, the unsung trench builders, heavily attacked military and infrastructure targets belonging to the American-zionist terrorists in the southern countries of the Persian Gulf with a barrage of ballistic missiles, Ghadir cruise missiles, and attack drones.

In this operation, the Abraham Lincoln strike group of the US Navy in the northern Indian Ocean was also targeted with 4 Qadr-380 cruise missiles.

In the second wave of this intelligence and offensive operation, a secret gathering place for flight engineers and pilots of American fighter jets outside one of the enemy's bases in the UAE was accurately struck using ballistic missiles, with field reports and the extensive movement of ambulances indicating a large number of dead and wounded.

In the next stage, a heavy attack was also carried out against a unit of American "MQ1" drones at the "Ali Al-Salem" base.

IRGC Aerospace Force fighters, alongside the brave fighters of Yemen, in wave 91 of Operation True Promise 4, with the sacred code "O Aba Abdallah Al-Hussein (PBUH)" and commemorating the memory of top anti-terror commander General Qassem Soleimani, Navy Intelligence Deputy Commander Behnam Rezaei, and Commander Mohammad Ali Fathali Zadeh, in a series of joint and synergistic actions, targeted and destroyed the Israeli regime's force deployment centers, military-industrial companies, and support equipment in the western regions of Tel Aviv and the port of Eilat" using long-range liquid and solid-fuel, ultra-heavy missile systems.

An enemy aircraft was destroyed in the skies of Qazvin by the IRGC's new advanced air defense system, under the control of the country's integrated air defense network.

A very advanced American fighter jet was shot down over central Iran, after being targeted by a modern air defense system belonging to the IRGC Aerospace Force.

Radar systems and naval equipment of the American terrorists in the region and the occupied Palestinian territories were targeted in Wave 92.

The naval and aerospace fighters of the IRGC, IN 92nd wave of Operation True Promise 4, under the code "O Master of the Time, reach me" and dedicated to the martyrs of Mihrab, crushed the radar systems and naval equipment of the US forces in the region and the occupied Palestinian territories in several combined and lightning-fast offensives using ballistic missiles and drones.

In the first part of this naval operation, the assembly point of the American amphibious (LCU) vessels in Shuwaikh port was destroyed using ballistic missiles.

The long-range, three-dimensional early warning air radar AR-327 stationed at the Jabal Al-Dukhan radar site in Bahrain was struck and destroyed in another phase by a drone.

The aerospace forces also targeted the "Ramat David" airbase, which hosts squadrons of Israeli F-16 fighter jets, southeast of Haifa, by successfully firing two ballistic missiles.

In another part of the operation of the IRGC Aerospace Force, and in line with the fire-for-fire tactic and continuous firing, more than 50 points in the heart of Tel Aviv and the occupied territories were targeted with Khorramshahr-4 multi-warhead missiles.

A second ultra-advanced American F-35 fighter jet was also targeted and destroyed in the skies of central Iran by the new IRGC aerospace defense system. The aforementioned fighter belongs to the (LAKEN-HEATH) squadron. This is the second US fighter jet to enter Iranian airspace in the past 12 hours that has been destroyed.

In the 93rd wave of Operation True Promise 4, under the blessed code name "Peace be upon you, O Proof of Allah and the evidence of His will," and dedicated to the great fighters Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, targeted enemy locations in the north and the heart of the occupied territories, including western Al-Jalil, Haifa, Kafr Kanna, and "Krayot".

This wave was carried out as a joint operation with the Islamic Resistance, using a combination of solid and liquid-fueled, long-range, guided missiles and attack drones.

A "Lucas" suicide drone belonging to the US army was downed and landed on the waters of the Persian Gulf by the new advanced air defense system of the IRGC and under the control of the country's integrated air defense network in the Sirik region.

Iranian Army:

In response to the Israeli-American aggression and the targeting of the country's civilian infrastructure, including the Isfahan and Khuzestan steel industries and complexes and the B1 bridge in Karaj, Iranian Army targeted the ammunition and logistical equipment warehouse and accommodation sites for the US army in Jordan, the location of the US armored brigade's mechanized battalion in Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, and the largest aluminum smelting plant in Bahrain as a supporter of US military industries with drones.

Camp Arifjan is a support base for various armored vehicles in Kuwait, where units including infantry brigades and field support of the U.S. are stationed. The aluminum smelting plant in Bahrain (Alba) is considered the largest aluminum smelting plant in the country and has strategic cooperation with the US military-industrial complex.

An Israeli-American A-10 aircraft was targeted and intercepted by the country's integrated air defense network systems in the southern waters near the Strait of Hormuz.

Hezbollah:

In defense of Lebanon and its people, Islamic Resistance fighters detonated an explosive device against an Israeli force in the Deir Hanna area in the town of Al-Bayyada, after which a helicopter intervened to evacuate the casualties.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers 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 in the "Dishon" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the Hadabat Al-Ajal position, north of the "Kfar Yuval" settlement, with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a communications hub in the "Ma'iliya" 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 "Al-Malikiya" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "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 northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement for the second time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in the context of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in the north of occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement for the third time 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 fourth time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Margaliot" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the 769th Brigade headquarters in the "Kiryat Shmona" barracks with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Houla", "Metulla", and "Ma'ayan Baruch" settlements with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the "Misgav Am" 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 northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement for the fifth time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the Honin barracks with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the occupied city of Safad with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement for the sixth time, "Metulla" for the third time, and "Kfar Yuval" with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of the Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the Sader area in the town of Einata with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the Al-Malikiyah site, the Al-Sadr and Ghadmatha areas in the town of Ainata, and the square of the town of Al-Qantara with rocket barrages and artillery shells in successive waves.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two Israeli soldiers in the town of Rshaf with a sniping operation, achieving direct hits.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the "Rosh Pinna" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the occupied city of Safad for the third time 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 vehicles in the border town of Maroun Al-Ras with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Nahariya" settlement for the second time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement for the seventh time with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the "Avivim" 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 "Avivim" settlement for the second time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Yiron" settlement with a rocket barrage.

Yemeni military:

Yemeni Armed Forces announced the execution of a joint military operation with Hezbollah and the Iranian armed forces, targeting Israeli military and strategic sites in Tel Aviv with a barrage of ballistic missiles.

Islamic Resistance in Iraq:

Targeted the US occupation forces at the H-5 airbase in Jordan with a barrage of drones.

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Official reveals evidence of Arab states' involvement in US-Israeli war on Iran

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 5:00 PM

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has revealed hard evidence on the involvement of some Persian Gulf Arab states in the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic.

In a post on social media platform X on Friday, Baghaei published photos of a drone, which was shot down in southern Iran on Thursday, noting that only two regional states possess this drone, without naming them.

"This drone was downed by our brave armed forces over the beloved city of Hafiz and Saadi, Shiraz," he said, referring to the two prominent Persian poets.

"It could be another (hard) evidence of direct participation and active complicity of some states of the region in US-Israel crime of aggression and war crimes against Iran," Baghaei said.

The spokesman demanded "clarification" by "either of the TWO STATES of the region that are the users of this drone!"

The downed drone initially appeared to be an American MQ-9. However, military experts say it is actually a Wing Loong-2 drone, which is operated by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Last month, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran's neighboring countries should "promptly" clarify their position regarding their role in the "slaughter" of Iranian civilians by the Israeli regime and the United States.

In a post on his X account in mid-March, Araghchi said hundreds of Iranian civilians, including children, have been killed in Israel-US bombings.

"Reports claim that some neighboring states that host US forces and permit attacks on Iran are also actively encouraging this slaughter," the top Iranian diplomat stated.

He said positions should be promptly clarified on the mass killing of Iranian civilians.

The US and Israel started the latest round of unlawful military aggression on Iran on February 28, some eight months after they carried out unprovoked attacks on the country.

The attacks led to the martyrdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and hundreds of Iranian civilians, including women and children, as well as several senior military commanders.

Iran has carried out extensive retaliatory attacks on US assets in the region and on locations in the Israeli-occupied territories since the very first day of the US-Israeli aggression.

The Islamic Republic says it respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbors and that its reprisal attacks are directed at US assets and bases on their soil.

It has also warned regional countries not to allow their territory to be used for attacks against Iran.

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IAEA's silence makes it complicit in US-Israeli attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities: AEOI

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 3:38 PM

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the International Atomic Energy Agency's continued silence on US-Israeli attacks on the country's peaceful nuclear facilities makes the agency complicit in the aggression.

In a post on X on Friday, the AEOI noted that the head of the organization, Mohammad Eslami, has so far written several letters to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, urging him to condemn the aggressors' illegal attacks on Iran's nuclear sites.

"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," said the organization.

"This historic negligence," it continued, "erodes the IAEA's little remaining credibility."

Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for the AEOI, said earlier that attacking nuclear facilities that are under IAEA safeguards constitutes "a war crime."

The IAEA confirmed that Iran's Khondab Heavy Water Plant sustained severe damage and is no longer operational following US-Israeli attacks on the plant on March 27.

Iranian authorities reported that a yellowcake production facility in Ardakan, in the central province of Yazd, was also struck on the same day.

The IAEA, however, failed to condemn the attacks.

Khondab heavy water complex in central Iran had also come under attack during the US-Israel's 12-day war of aggression against the country last June.

Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that targeting nuclear facilities threatens national, regional, and international security.

They say that the release of radioactive materials could trigger a large-scale humanitarian and environmental catastrophe, with consequences extending beyond Iran's borders.

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'A massive war crime': Iran president denounces US 'Stone Age' threat

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 3:20 PM

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has censured American threats to bomb the Islamic Republic "back to the Stone Age," warning that those who keep silent in the face of criminals will pay "a heavy price."

In a post on his X account on Friday, Pezeshkian said he asked his Finnish counterpart, Alexander Stubb, during a phone conversation on Thursday, if threatening to send an entire nation back to the Stone Age has any meaning but "a massive war crime".

"Does threatening to send an entire nation back to the Stone Age mean anything other than a massive war crime? This was the question I asked my Finnish counterpart, who is a jurist," he wrote.

"History is full of those who paid a heavy price for their silence in the face of criminals," the Iranian president emphasized.

Pezeshkian'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.

Entire world bearing costs of US-Israeli act of aggression: Pezeshkian

In the phone call with the Finnish president, Pezeshkian said the adverse consequences of the US-Israel military aggression against Iran are affecting the entire world, urging all countries to take a decisive stance vis-a-vis escalating tensions.

He added that Iran came under attack for the second time in 9 months as Tehran was in the midst of a diplomatic process with the US over its peaceful nuclear program.

"The destructive consequences of this unlawful war are not confined to Iran or the region but the whole world was forced to pay the costs of the acts of aggression by the US and Israel," he emphasized.

He noted that the aggressors have undermined international law and the rule of law in the world, urging all governments to adopt a firm reaction to the military aggression against Iran.

The Iranian president criticized the reaction of the European Union to violation of law by the US and Israel, saying, "While a few European countries had taken a responsible stance, many others had adopted passive or biased positions toward the aggression and the committed crimes, including the killing of children and attacks on Iran's infrastructure, which are not acceptable at all."

He reaffirmed Iran's right to self-defense, saying Tehran does not seek to expand tension and war in the region, "but there is no doubt that it will defend its interests, national security, territorial integrity and sovereignty."

Pezeshkian added that Iran's actions in the region are a response to the enemy's use of the neighboring countries' territories and facilities, emphasizing that Tehran has no hostility toward its neighbors.

His 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.

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.

Tehran stresses that Iranian armed forces' operations are legitimate self-defense under international law, while noting that the US and Israel have been committing war crimes through deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and residential areas.

The Iranian president further rejected any foreign involvement in the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "The existing insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz is a direct result of military aggression by the US and the Zionist regime."

He added that vessels linked to parties involved in hostilities and anti-Iran war could not use the waterway to sustain their attacks against Iran, describing the position as consistent with international law.

Iran has intensified its restrictions on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Israeli war against the country.

Iran has indicated that the world's vital energy lifeline, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil passed before the war, remains open and that vessels not serving the interests of the United States and Israel can sail through safely.

The restrictions 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.

For his part, the Finnish president expressed concern over the current situation and pointed to the importance of diplomacy to halt the war.

Stubb voiced Finland's readiness to assist in efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability.

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DHAKA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh recorded 947 new suspected measles cases and three more deaths in the past 24 hours, the country's health authority said on Friday, raising the total suspected cases to 5,792 and the death toll to 94.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the three latest suspected measles-related deaths occurred between 8 a.m. on Thursday and 8 a.m. on Friday.

During the same period, it said 947 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals nationwide, of whom 42 later tested positive for the disease in laboratory tests.

DGHS data compiled between March 15 and April 3 shows 771 laboratory-confirmed measles cases and nine confirmed deaths over that period. 
Iran launches drone attacks on US military positions, interests in West Asia

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 2:49 PM

The Iranian army has conducted new drone attacks on US military positions in Jordan and Kuwait, as well as on an aluminum factory in Bahrain involved in the production of American military equipment.

The army announced that the attacks took place early on Friday in response to the US strikes on the country's civilian infrastructure, including industrial facilities, Isfahan and Khuzestan Steel plants, and the B1 Bridge.

According to the statement, the drone attacks targeted "the logistics and support equipment warehouse and the housing facilities of the US terrorist army's troops in Jordan," as well as the site where "the mechanized battalion of the US armored brigade" was deployed at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.

Camp Arifjan is a support base for various armored vehicles in Kuwait and hosts US infantry brigades and field support units, among others.

Among the targets struck by Iranian drones earlier in the day was "the largest aluminum smelting plant in Bahrain, which supports US military industries."

Aluminum Bahrain (Alba) has links to US military-related supply chains.

The statement vowed to "respond to any hostile action by the enemy in a combined manner beyond expectations."

The US and Israel started a fresh round of aerial aggression on Iran on February 28, some eight months after they carried out unprovoked attacks on the country.

Iran began to swiftly retaliate against the strikes by launching barrages of missiles and drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories as well as on US bases and interests in regional countries.

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IRGC: US, Israel responsible for attack on Kuwait's power, desalination plant

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 1:35 PM

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has said that Israel carried out an earlier attack on Kuwait's power and desalination plant, warning regional countries to stay vigilant.

On Friday, Kuwait said that an electricity generation and water desalination plant came under attack. The country's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy accused Iran of attacking the facilities.

In its statement, the IRGC's Public Relations Office condemned the attack as an "inhumane act," carried out by the aggressors.

It said that the "unconventional and illegitimate attack" by the US-Israeli aggressors on Kuwait's energy and civilian infrastructures is a sign of their "depravity and baseness."

The IRGC also urged regional countries to "remain vigilant" about attempts by the United States and Israel to destabilize and destroy West Asia.

The IRGC has once again warned that the US military bases and personnel in the region, as well as the military and security sites in the Israeli-occupied territories, are the targets of its powerful retaliatory attacks.

Since Israel and the US launched their illegal war against Iran on February 28, the country's civilian infrastructure has repeatedly been targeted in flagrant violation of international law.

In response to the aggression, Iran's Armed Forces have carried out daily missile and drone attacks on American assets and bases in the region. Israeli-occupied territories have also been the target of Iran's powerful drone and missile strikes.

Meanwhile, Tehran has consistently said that neighboring countries are friendly and brotherly nations, urging Arab Persian Gulf countries to expel US forces from the region.

The strike on Kuwait's power and desalination plant, which it did not name, came hours after the country's al-Ahmadi oil refinery was targeted.

Local media reported that the attack caused fires in a "number of operational units," and that no employees were injured.

According to reports, this was the third time the refinery has been hit, and people across the country are on "high alert."

Tehran has long warned of US- and Israeli false flag operations to draw regional states into the war.

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IRGC shoots down intruding Israeli cruise missile

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 11:21 AM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has shot down an intruding advanced cruise missile belonging to the Zionist regime.

In a statement on Friday, the IRGC's Public Relations Department said that its modern air defense systems, operating under the country's integrated air defense network, had destroyed the long-range stealth missile, with a 1,000-pound warhead, in the skies over the city of Zanjan.

In a separate statement, the IRGC in Qazvin Province announced that its air defense systems had destroyed an Israeli suicide drone over the skies of East Alamut.

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 Israeli-occupied territories as well as US military bases and assets across the region.

They have managed to shoot down several hostile fighter jets, missiles and drones, reflecting Iran's readiness to defend its airspace, despite the US President Donald Trump's claim of destroying Iran's air defenses.

Recently, the Iranian Army announced that more than 155 enemy drones had been destroyed by the country's integrated air defense network.

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True Promise 4: Strategic US radar, naval assets destroyed in wave 92

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 10:26 AM

Iranian armed forces targeted and destroyed strategic US radar systems and naval equipment across the region and occupied territories in the 92nd wave of Operation True Promise 4 in retaliation of US-Israeli aggression on Iran.

The Public Relations of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that its Navy and Aerospace Force, starting Friday morning in the 92nd wave of Operation True Promise 4, crushed the radar systems and naval equipment of American terrorists in the region and the occupied Palestinian territories with ballistic missiles and suicide drones in several combined attacks, the statement read.

Detailing the tactical successes, in the first part of this naval operation, the gathering place of American amphibious landing craft utility (LCU) vessels at the port of "Shuwaikh" was crushed using ballistic missiles, the statement noted.

Furthermore, the "AR-327" long-range three-dimensional early warning air radar deployed at the "Jabal Al Dukhan" radar site in Bahrain was struck and destroyed in another stage by a drone attack, based on the statement.

IRGC Aerospace at dawn on Friday, and in continuation of last night's attacks, successfully fired two ballistic missiles, crushing the Ramat David airbase, host to Israeli F-16 fighter squadrons in southeast Haifa, the statement detailed.

In another part of the IRGC Aerospace offensive and missile operation, and in line with the fire-for-fire tactic and continuous firing, more than 50 points in the heart of Tel Aviv and the occupied territories were effectively targeted by firing Khorramshahr 4 multi-warhead missiles, the statement declared.

Iran's retaliatory strikes have inflicted heavy losses on Washington and Tel Aviv and demonstrated the futility of their military posturing, the IRGC said, adding that targeted and comprehensive attacks in this wave are continuing, the statement added.

These retaliatory operations follow the criminal aggression launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28 by assassinating the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Seyyed Ali Khamenei along with senior military commanders. In the wake of these assassinations, the enemies have deliberately targeted Iran's civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, killing hundreds of Iranian people.

Ever since the initial aggression, the people of Iran have taken to the streets to express their unwavering support for the country's Armed forces, who have consistently targeted Israeli military and strategic sites as well as US military bases across the region with missiles and drones.

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Iran's military vows to continue war until US, Israel 'regret' aggression

Iran Press TV

Friday, 03 April 2026 7:37 AM

The senior spokesman for Iran's Armed Forces says the country will continue the war as long as it makes the United States and the Israeli regime "regret" their illegal act of aggression.

Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi made the remarks on Friday, the 35th day of the criminal US-Israeli military assault that has triggered Iran's powerful reprisal attacks against the enemies.

"Our strategy is not limited to eye-for-an-eye or reciprocal actions. Our strategy is to punish the aggressor so that it fully regrets [its move] and to guarantee the permanent removal of the threat posed to the nation," he said.

"The goal is not to announce a ceasefire today and see the resumption of the aggression tomorrow under various pretexts, with people feeling worried and remaining in anxiety."

Shekarchi also noted that the world has realized the invincibility of the Islamic Republic, which stems from its large capacity.

Many countries in the world condemn the imposed war on Iran while many of Washington's allies are not willing to join it as they see the catastrophe caused by the US's presence in the region, he added.

The unprovoked 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 daily missile and drone operations targeting locations in the Israeli-occupied 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.

The US has sought to form a coalition to open the strait, asking NATO countries to contribute naval and air assets. However, most of Washington's allies have declined to commit forces.

The military spokesman stressed that the strait, lying between the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, will remain closed for the Americans and the Zionists.

"The Americans will in no way have access to the Strait of Hormuz. What does the strait have to do with them? Our strategy is that Americans should withdraw from West Asia and leave it to the regional nations. This process is gradually being realized," he said.

Currently, Shekarchi emphasized, regional countries are divided into two groups, first those that are not willing to accompany the US and regret allowing American bases on their soil, and second, those that are fewer and keep accompanying the US and even encouraging it.

Referring to US President Donald Trump's remarks about a possible ground incursion into Iran and his desperate attempts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, he said the Iranian Armed Forces stand ready to deliver a decisive and deterrent response to any strategic miscalculation by the enemy.

He added that Trump humiliated the US and its military, asserting, "Today, the US army has no spirit of fighting. What kind of army is it that escapes from its bases and takes refuge in commercial centers and hotels in a bid not to be targeted by the Iranian Armed Forces?"

He also described the US president as the weakest and most disgraceful compared to his predecessors, saying he says the most lies and that his statements lack credibility.

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Tehran Hits Gulf Energy Sites, Trump Warns US 'Hasn't Even Started' To Destroy Iran

By RFE/RL April 03, 2026

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 hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran," he wrote in a series of social media posts, adding that targets could include bridges and power plants. "Iran's 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 Iran's 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 poston 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

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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Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova regarding the damage of the St Nicholas Church in Tehran in a missile strike

3 April 2026 13:10

493-03-04-2026

We have been shocked by reports about the serious damages and material losses sustained by the St Nicholas Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church in Tehran as the result of the April 1 barbaric missile strikes by the US-Israeli forces.

A unique historical and architectural landmark has been damaged, the only Orthodox cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church on the cultural heritage list of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Since its construction in 1945, this religious centre designed by Russian architect Nikolay Markov has united our diaspora in Iran as a place of power and spiritual connection with their home country. The Orthodox community of Tehran, regardless of its members' citizenship, contributed to the maintenance of the church by giving personal time and effort or by providing financial contributions.

It is especially surprising that the main strike was directed at the complex of the former US Embassy located several metres from the church, which the Iranian revolutionary young people took over in 1979. This may indicate the admission of helplessness by the Americans, who have completely lost faith in the ability of their army to ensure their triumphant return to Tehran.

We strongly condemn any damages to religious sites.

We are convinced that this flagrant violation of the rights of believers calls for an appropriate assessment by the international community.



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US Needs to Stop Fighting Iran, Not Talk About Problem of Strait of Hormuz - Lavrov

Sputnik News

20260403

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States needs to stop fighting against Iran and not talk about the problem of the blocked Strait of Hormuz, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday.

"And when President Trump says, I think he said it the day before yesterday... As soon as we finish the fighting, he explains that almost all the tasks there have been solved... As soon as we end the fighting, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz will resume on a normal basis. But this means that the problem is not that you just need to demand from Iran, you need to stop the fighting, and then the regime of the strait will be restored," Lavrov said at a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Moscow.

Russia is in close contact with Iran and the countries of the Persian Gulf to resolve the conflict in the Middle East, Sergey Lavrov said.

"We are working in very close contact with our Iranian colleagues. Yesterday I had a telephone conversation with the [Iranian] Foreign Minister Araghchi and of course with our friends from the Persian Gulf states," Lavrov told a press conference following his meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Moscow.

Bahrain's draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, which is being discussed by the UN Security Council, is unlikely to add to chances of a peaceful settlement of the crisis in the Middle East, Lavrov said.

"We can discuss the draft itself, which Bahrain has submitted and which has been discussed for several days in the UN Security Council ... But ... there are a lot of problems ... Of course, such a decision by the Security Council is unlikely to add ... chances of a peaceful settlement," Lavrov said.

The draft resolution contains a clause on defensive measures, but such UN decisions have previously been used for aggressive steps, the minister said.

"It [the resolution] was probably planned with the best of intentions, but either it is being used to disrupt the still very fragile chances of negotiations, or it is being used to legitimize the aggression against Iran in hindsight," Lavrov said.

 Sputnik

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Myanmar's former junta chief elected president by parliament

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

03.04.2026 [12:14]

Baku, April 3, AZERTAC

Former Burmese military junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was elected Myanmar's 11th president on Friday after winning more than half the votes in parliament, Anadolu Agency reported.

Lawmakers in the Union Parliament in the capital Nay Pyi Taw backed Min, 69, securing his victory in the presidential election, Xinhua News reported.

Min served as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, known as the Tatmadaw, from 2011 until stepping down in March to run for the presidency. He was succeeded by former intelligence chief Ye Win Oo, who assumed the role earlier this week.

Min has effectively ruled Myanmar since leading a military coup in 2021 that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The takeover led to the dissolution of her National League for Democracy party and intensified an ongoing civil war.

Following five years in power, Min oversaw a three-phase election process beginning in late December that resulted in a victory for pro-military parties, including the Union Solidarity and Development Party. The new parliament convened for its first session on March 16.

During his tenure as military chief, Myanmar faced international condemnation over the persecution of the Rohingya minority. A military campaign launched in 2017 forced more than 1 million Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh.

In November 2024, International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan sought an arrest warrant for Min, saying there were "reasonable grounds to believe" he bore responsibility for crimes against humanity, including deportation and persecution of the Rohingya.

In 2019, Gambia filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya, a case defended at the time by then-leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

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PH-Myanmar engagement continues after military leader's election win

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

April 3, 2026, 9:10 pm

MANILA -- Malacanang on Friday said the Philippines will continue engaging with Myanmar following the election of military leader Min Aung Hlaing, who was elected president through a parliamentary vote.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippines is taking note of recent political developments in Myanmar, particularly the election of Min Aung as president.

"The Philippines will continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders in Myanmar through Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, in her capacity as Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar, as well as through our respective embassies," Castro said.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has sought to mediate the crisis through its Five-Point Consensus, which calls for immediate cessation of violence, inclusive dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and the appointment of a special envoy.

In November 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Lazaro as the Philippines' Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair to Myanmar, as part of the country's role in supporting regional efforts to address the crisis in Myanmar.

Castro said the Philippines remains committed to supporting ASEAN's collective efforts and urged renewed momentum toward the "full and effective" implementation of the Five Point Consensus.

The Philippines, she said, hopes to achieve the cessation of violence and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar.

Min Aung, who has led Myanmar's military government since the February 2021 coup, was elected president by a military-dominated parliament, consolidating his hold on power amid ongoing political turmoil.

The 2021 coup ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and triggered widespread protests, armed resistance, and international condemnation, plunging the country into prolonged instability.

Since then, Myanmar has faced escalating violence between the military and various resistance groups.

The military authorities have defended their actions as necessary to restore order and have pledged to hold elections. (PNA)

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ABU DHABI, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday strongly condemned what it said were acts of rioting, attempted vandalism and attacks targeting its embassy and the residence of its head of mission in Damascus, Syria.

In a statement, the UAE reaffirmed its categorical rejection and condemnation of such "unacceptable" acts, including those directed against its national symbols.

The UAE called on relevant parties to take necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The statement didn't specify those incidents. Videos circulating on social media showed what appeared to be protests outside the embassy, though the reasons remain unclear. 
Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday 02nd April 2026

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It was a very busy week in Islamabad as Pakistan continued its active diplomatic efforts for cessation of hostilities in West Asia, including Iran.

The Honorable Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held numerous telephonic conversations with their counterparts in the world.

Additionally, the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabiya, Turkiye, Egypt, met Islamabad which our media colleagues extensively covered.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Last Sunday, the 2nd Meeting of Consultations among the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt was held in Islamabad. You may recall that our 1st Meeting was held in Riyadh on 19 March 2026.

Before formal talks in the Group Format, the visiting Foreign Ministers held bilateral meetings with the DPM/FM of Pakistan. I am sure you covered the Press Releases which we constantly shared in the course of the day.

The visiting dignitaries also called on the Honorable Prime Minister. The Prime Minister's Office release media readouts on these meetings which you all covered.

The Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt held important Consultations on range of issues, including review of the prevailing situation in the Middle East and the Gulf, efforts to de-escalate violence and hostilities and promoting peace, diplomacy in the region.

Pakistan highly values its relations with the brotherly countries of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt. These interactions provided an opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan's cooperation and coordination with these countries across multifaceted areas of mutual interest.

The formal consultations and talks of the Four Foreign Ministers lasted 15 minutes longer than originally scheduled. At the end of these talks, the DPM/FM delivered his media statement which included the Host's Summary about the 4 Party Consultations. The Summary by the DPM/FM included eight key points:

One - Discussions focused on the possible ways to bring an early and permanent end to the war in the region.

Two - Concerns were expressed that the on-going conflict is extremely unfortunate for its devastating impact on lives and livelihood across the wider region.

Three - The unity of Muslim Ummah in these challenging times is of utmost importance.

Four - DPM/FM briefed the visiting Foreign Ministers on the prospects of potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad. The visiting Foreign Ministers expressed their full support to the initiative.

Five - The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed unity to contain the situation, reduce the risk of military escalations and create conditions for structured negotiations between relevant parties.

Six - The Foreign Ministers advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable pathway to prevent conflicts and to promote regional peace and harmony. They called for upholding principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

Seven - The Foreign Ministers also discussed ways and means to further strengthen mutual cooperation among the four brotherly countries.

Another very important development of the week was the Visit of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister to China on 31 March 2026), undertaken at the invitation of the Foreign Minister of China, Mr Wang Yi.

The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to hold in-depth discussions on regional developments, as well as bilateral and global issues of mutual interest.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister's visit to China, despite medical advice to rest following his hairline shoulder fracture, was evidence of the importance placed by Pakistan on its relationship with China.

A milestone was achieved during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar as China and Pakistan agreed on a five-point Initiative of Chian and Pakistan for Restoring Peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East Region. These five points included

I. Immediate Cessation of Hostilities: China and Pakistan call for immediate cessation of hostilities and utmost efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading. Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to all war-affected areas.

II. Start of peace talks as soon as possible. Sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence should be safeguarded. Dialogue and diplomacy is the only viable option with all parties committing to peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or the threat of use of force during peace talks.

III. Security of nonmilitary targets. The principle of protecting civilians in military conflict should be observed. Calling on parties to the conflict to immediately stop attacks on civilians and nonmilitary targets, and fully adhere to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

IV. Security of shipping lanes to be ensured - including safety and passage of crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, allow the early and safe passage of civilian and commercial ships, and restore normal passage through the Strait as soon as possible.

V. Primacy of the United Nations Charter to be reaffirmed, establish comprehensive peace framework and realizing lasting peace based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and international law.

TELEPHONIC CONVERSATIONS OF THE PRIME MINISTER

On 27 March: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait. Expressing strong condemnation of attacks against Kuwait, the Prime Minister also apprised the Kuwaiti leadership of Pakistan's sincere diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war in the Middle East.

While expressing deep appreciation of the Prime Minister's leadership, the Crown Prince of Kuwait fully endorsed Pakistan's efforts for mediation between Iran and the U.S. He also thanked the Prime Minister for Pakistan's support to Kuwait in the current crisis.

The next day - 28 March, the Prime Minister Muhammad held a telephone conversation with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Prime Minister briefed the Iranian President on the strong endorsement of Pakistan's peace initiative and expressed the hope that a viable path towards ending hostilities could be found collectively.

While appreciating the Prime Minister's sincere diplomatic efforts, the Iranian President shared his perspective on the ongoing hostilities perpetrated by Israel against Iran. He stressed upon the need to build trust in order to facilitate talks and mediation. In this regard, he praised the Prime Minister for Pakistan's supportive role for peace.

On 31 March, the Prime Minister received a telephone call from H.E. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, on March 31, 2026. They exchanged views on the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. They also discussed strengthening Pakistan-EU relations, including the importance of GSP Plus and the upcoming Pakistan-EU Business Forum in Islamabad, scheduled for end-April.

TELEPHONIC CALLS

Among important telephone calls of Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar this week:

ON 27 March: the DPM/FM held a telephone conversation with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Wang Yi.

The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation.

The Chinese side expressed China's deep appreciation for Pakistan's constructive role in promoting de-escalation and conveyed China's full support for Pakistan's facilitation efforts.

Both leaders reaffirmed that Pakistan and China are strategic cooperative partners, bound by mutual trust and confidence. They agreed to continue working closely to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and agreed to continue efforts to advance peace, security, and stability in the region.

On 27 March: the DPM/FM held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of Egypt, Dr. Badr Abdelatty

The DPM/FM spoke with the Foreign Minister of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan, twice on March 27, and March 31respectively.

On 28 March, DPM/Foreign Minister spoke with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres. They exchanged views on the evolving situation in the West Asia and its implications for international peace and security. The DPM underscored that the UN remains indispensable to conflict prevention and resolution, and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to diplomacy and dialogue as the only viable path to sustainable peace. The Secretary-General expressed appreciation and extended his full support for Pakistan's ongoing diplomatic efforts in pursuit of peace and stability in the region.

On 28 March, the DPM/FM spoke with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The same day i.e. 28 March, the DPM/FM held a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Sugiono.

On 29 March, the DPM/FM spoke with Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation and ongoing developments. DPM/FM emphasized the need for de-escalation, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path for lasting peace.

During the week Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister announced that the Government of Iran had agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz -- two ships will cross the Strait daily. He said that this was a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation. It is a harbinger of peace and will help usher stability in the region. This positive announcement marks a meaningful step toward peace and will strengthen our collective efforts in that direction. Dialogue, diplomacy, and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward.

Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen

This Tuesday, the Foreign Ministers of the Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and the Qatar issued a Joint Statement condemning and rejecting the continued restrictions imposed by Israel on the freedom of worship for Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem, including the prevention of Muslim worshippers from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif, and the prevention of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate the Palm Sunday Mass. They renewed their condemnation and rejection of any Israeli attempts to alter the legal and historical status quo at Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The Ministers affirmed their absolute rejection of the illegal and restrictive Israeli measures against Muslims and Christians in Jerusalem, including preventing Christians from freely accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to perform their religious rites. They stressed the necessity of respecting the legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem and its Muslim and Christian holy sites, reiterating that Israel, as the occupying Power, holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem, and underscoring the need to halt all measures that impede worshippers' access to their places of worship in Jerusalem.

The Ministers reiterated that the entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque/ Al-Haram Al-Sharif, amounting to 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, and that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is the legal entity with exclusive jurisdiction to administer the affairs of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif and regulate entry thereto.

They also called on the international community to adopt a firm position that compels Israel to halt its ongoing violations and illegal practices against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, as well as its violations of the sanctity of these holy places.

Thank you

*

(Hussein Raza, PTV News): Sir, talks are being held between Afghanistan and Pakistan in China. Can you please share the details?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has sent its delegation to Urumqi as part of Trilateral CT Cooperation Mechanism in line with its consistent position and longstanding practice of supporting credible processes that can help achieve a durable solution to sanctuaries and stop cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan. Our participation is a reiteration of our core concerns. The onus of real progress, however, lies with Afghanistan, which must demonstrate visible and verifiable actions against terrorist groups using Afghan soil against Pakistan.

(Mateen Haider): At the end of talks between the Chinese and Pakistani Foreign Ministers, a five-point peace formula was agreed upon. Since Pakistan is mediating between the United States and Iran, can you confirm whether this five-point formula has been shared with the Iranians and with the Americans? If so, what is their response, and what is the next phase after Beijing? What is the follow-up, as far as Pakistan's role as facilitator to de-escalate the situation? On the other hand, there is no reduction in this ongoing crisis; the American-Israeli war against Iran is continuing.

Spokesperson: Let me first address your question on five points. The five points have received appreciation from across the region and beyond. I recall statements of appreciation on diplomatic efforts from the US leadership as well. You must have noticed the commonalities between the five-point peace plan announced in Beijing and the seven-point summary of the four-countries' consultations (Pakistan, KSA, Turkiye & Egypt) held in Islamabad. There are significant commonalities. The initiative as well as the points, not just in Beijing but also in Islamabad, have received appreciation. These are efforts towards ending war, cessation of hostilities, and paving the way for a sustainable pathway towards finding a lasting settlement of these ongoing hostilities.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Since Pakistan is mediating and both parties, the United States and Iran, have confirmed it, do you think Pakistan's mediation efforts get boosted or damaged because of the speech of President Donald Trump early this morning? My second question: some Western media outlets have reported that Vice President JD Vance has spoken to Pakistani mediators. What level of Pakistani leadership is in touch with JD Vance, and when is JD Vance visiting Pakistan, as has been reported? And a supplementary question on the Urumqi talks: is today also a day of talks in Urumqi, and what is the format? Is it like in Turkey and Qatar, where the mediator spoke separately with the Pakistani and Afghan delegations and then exchanged the proposals or recommendations or demands?

Spokesperson: Let me answer the first part of your question. We have a certain satisfaction that both Iran and the US have expressed their confidence in Pakistan to facilitate these talks. As we said, we will be honored to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in coming days for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the ongoing conflict. Pakistan has a very important relationship with the United States. We have remained actively engaged with the US leadership on our efforts to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful settlement of this conflict. You must also have seen that we condemned the attack that was carried out against the Gulf countries, and prior to that, condemned the attack on Iran as well. So, our position, as I have been stating here, is anchored on principles, on the principles of the UN Charter, and with the aim of promoting peace and stability in the region.

As regards the visit of the US Vice President or the likely US delegation for these talks, which can take place in Islamabad, I have no information. It is up to the parties to determine the members of their delegations, as well as the dates of the talks, because obviously our role in this context is as facilitator. It is up to the relevant parties to determine the members of their delegations or the timings of these talks.

On your question on the Urumqi talks: these talks are ongoing. I believe our delegation has not returned, so once they return, I will have a better picture of how these talks were conducted. For now, I can only tell you that our delegation is there. Pakistan has never shied away from dialogue on this issue, and we remain engaged with China on on this issue.

(Khalid Mehmood Chaudhry, Express News): Sir, many peace talks have been held in Islamabad, in Beijing, and in Saudi Arabia. Despite these talks, Israel kept attacking Lebanon and Iran. Has any Israeli counterpart participated directly or indirectly in the peace talks? And other than these three forums, has Israel been engaged in any other forum for talks?

Spokesperson: I have no detail about the involvement of Israel in these negotiations. We have been talking with the US on this issue. We have been also talking with our European partners on this issue. We have also been talking with our brotherly countries of the OIC and the GCC, some of whom have diplomatic relations with Israel. Our efforts would continue despite the complications that may arise in this very challenging facilitative process. Whilst challenges and obstacles could be there, we would continue our pursuit of facilitation and our advocacy for dialogue - in complete earnestness. This much I can assure you.



(Abbas Jaffar, Daily District News): Sir, after the conference of four foreign ministers in Islamabad, it is being said that a regional group is being formed consisting of these four countries in which a military framework would also be included. Your comments? My second question is that Indian and Israeli lobbies are propagating that Pakistan is pressurizing Iran to accept the terms of America for cessation of war. Your take on this?

Spokesperson: First, on working of the Group of four Foreign Ministers: I think the talk of this group graduating into any form of alliance is premature. I would draw your attention towards the media statement of our DPM/FM after consultations of these four countries, specifically to the seventh-point of the Host Summary (the last point of that summary) which stated that the foreign ministers also discussed ways and means to further strengthen mutual cooperation among the four brotherly countries. So yes, we are discussing this aspect, but the discussions are essentially in the context of enhancing cooperation on mutual interests.

As regards the second part of your question about pressurizing Iran - I do not think that is a valid observation. Iran is a sovereign country. They have their own policies, which they pursue. We are advocating dialogue and diplomacy, and our advocacy should not be misconstrued as applying any pressure.

(Carrie Davies, BBC): Two questions. You mentioned the 20 ships that are Pakistan-flagged. There has been some reporting that Pakistan would allow other countries to use their flag to get their tankers through. Can you tell us any more details about that, including which countries might be considered acceptable for that, and where those ships might be travelling to, whether they are just coming to Pakistan or could go to other countries? And the second question is a follow-up about the talks in China. Could you give us an indication of the components of the delegation from the Pakistani side, as in what level of diplomats or officials are attending those talks with Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: On the first part of your question about the 20 ships: these 20 ships include two per day. This was, as we said, a welcome and constructive gesture, a harbinger of peace and stability in the region, and a meaningful step towards peace that would strengthen our collective efforts. In this regard, the countries to which they are destined, I do not have any detail for the moment. These are vessels with a Pakistani flag, and I do not have any schedule of their movement beyond the fact that there were two at a time. I do not have the details about ships with Pakistani flag, but what I can tell you is that the 20 Pakistani-flagged ships have been allowed and they would steadily be moving as per the agreed schedule. This initiative has been appreciated by relevant countries in the region and beyond.

As regards the talks in Urumqi, these are working-level talks. Working level means that they comprise senior officials. I do not have full visibility on composition of delegation from Pakistan, but it is at the senior official level.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Sir, what is your reaction to the statement of the Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson after the conference of four foreign ministers in Islamabad that Iran is not involved in the Pakistan-led talks or meetings? Secondly, the UAE Foreign Minister held a telephonic conversation with Amir Khan Muttaqi, after which they issued a press release in which Amir Khan Muttaqi said that they would not let Afghan soil be used against Pakistan and that they have also taken actions in this regard. We have not seen any welcoming statement from Pakistan. Your comment?

Spokesperson: On the statement from Iran: the Iranian side has issued a clarification. I saw a post on X (Twitter) by His Excellency the Ambassador of Iran. I think the matter has been clarified, and we are fully satisfied with the comments of His Excellency the Ambassador of Iran.

I would, however, caution the media on a very deep nexus between the peddlers of fake information, which are in abundance in India, teaming with the fake news peddlers in Afghanistan. These fake news peddlers are spreading misinformation. When this misinformation was spreading. I was clear because I had heard the Spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador brother Esmaeil Baghaei, speaking live. We had no doubt. His words were misrepresented, and the clarification came from Iran. We would caution you not to pay heed to these fake news peddlers in India and their cohorts abroad. They are habitual liars. In this situation where we have a delicate, sensitive process of facilitation of dialogue taking place, and in these times where hostilities and a war-like situation is prevailing in our region, such fake news can be extremely dangerous.

On the call between the UAE Foreign Minister and the Afghan Taliban regime's Foreign Minister: we have seen the statement by the Aghan side. We know this as an expressed intent by the Afghan side. That intent has to be backed by concrete, verifiable assurances in written format that their territory would not be used against Pakistan. The intent, in a document, was inked by the Taliban in Doha in 2021, and yet they did not hold up to their words. While we acknowledge these statements of intent, we await concrete, verifiable, written assurances from the Taliban regime that their soil would not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.

(Asif Shahzad, Reuters): I have two brief questions. You have already expanded on the talks in China, and we also saw these five points in the Pakistan-China joint declaration. So, my question is, does that mean that China is now formally part of this process, whatever this is, mediation or facilitation, that Pakistan is doing between the US and Iran? Secondly, is there any idea of China being a guarantor for these talks, or any demand from Iran that China should come forward as a guarantor? And my third question: Trump's rhetoric, you must have seen it off and on, and he addressed the nation just some hours ago. When Trump comes up with rhetoric like taking Iran back to the stone age, does that impact in any way these talks, this process which Pakistan is facilitating, or can it even jeopardize these talks?

Spokesperson: On the role of China: it is better to ask this question from the Chinese side, the Chinese spokesperson. On our part, we appreciate the position of China and acknowledge their role. China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and an important global player. I also pointed out the commonalities between the five points announced in Beijing and the seven-point summary of the four Foreign Ministers' Talks held in Islamabad. So yes, these are mutually complimentary processes. We appreciate the support of other countries for that matter as well. You would recall that countries like Malaysia, for example, have expressed their support. Countries in Europe, the President of the European Council, have also expressed support. Everybody wants peace, and any supporter of peace would appreciate this initiative by Pakistan.

Regarding your question on statements from either Washington or any other international capital: look, hostilities are going on. When there are ongoing hostilities, a certain level of rhetoric is also expected from the parties. We are not deterred by those harsh sentiments. What we want is peace in the region. We will continue to pursue peace despite polarizing statements or positions expressed by relevant parties.

On the question of guarantor, I am not aware of this. There are nuances in every diplomatic exchange, and I have no comment to make on it.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): Thank you so much, Spokesperson. Couple of questions. The UAE on Tuesday has sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council and the Secretary General as well, asking them to invoke Article Seven in context of the reopening of Strait of Hormuz, which explicitly calls for the use of force. As a member of the UNSC, as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, and as an ally to the UAE, would Pakistan be backing such a demand? Number one.

Number two, in the five point peace plan, the point number one that says on to the lower end, it says provision of humanitarian aid to all war affected areas. Does that also include Pakistan calling for provision of humanitarian aid to Israel? And in the context of the Urumqi talks, what is the state of operation Gazab Lil Haq? Because last week you said it has resumed, and now with the talks, is it as at a pause? Is there a ceasefire? Is it continuing. I mean, if you can clarify? Thank you.

Spokesperson: First, on this UAE letter to the President of the Security Council under chapter Seven of UN Charter: I understand there is also a draft resolution before the Security Council on this issue. There have been calls to invoke Chapter Seven of the UN Charter in the context of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. We are part of this discussion as member of the Security Council. The dynamics of the Security Council are such that these consultations are taking place behind closed doors. You should not expect me to divulge on the details that the Security Council itself conceals. This is the first point. The second point is that we remain engaged with the relevant parties. I understand Bahrain is the President of the Security Council for this month. We would obviously formulate our position on these issues when they reach a certain level of completion before any action in the Security Council.

The second part of your questionnaire on provision of humanitarian aid: we meant provision of humanitarian aid in general sense. There have been reports of shortages of medicine and essential supplies. So it was in this context, and not specific towards any country.

Third question Operation Ghazab Lil Haq: there is no material change to ongoing Operation Ghazab Lil Haq that I mentioned last week. So I believe the operation is on, and our security forces took some CT actions few days ago as well. So, there is no change in that operation due to any talks.

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): It is a known fact worldwide that India has been prosecuting, victimizing Muslim population, the Christians, the Sikhs, Dalits and other minorities in that country. But the other day, Indian spokesperson alleged that Pakistan is doing something adverse about the Shia community in Pakistan, I wish to have your comments.

Spokesperson: We emphatically reject India's remarks as cynical and diversionary - an exercise in deflection. A very important concern for us in Indian statement is that they bracketed the Shia community, our Shia brothers and sisters, in a majority minority paradigm. This is lack of knowledge of the faith of Islam on the part of Indian MEA. The Shia community, Shia brothers and sisters, are part of the Muslim community. There is no distinction for us, between Shias and Sunni in terms of majority minority (MuslimsNon-Muslims) paradigm. These are just school of thoughts within a broader Muslim faith. So bracketing Shias as if they are a minority and have some sort of a non-Muslim character, is extremely dangerous. This shows that the Indian MEA is trying to stoke sectarianism and discord within our society. We see this as part of their efforts, not just on the faith issues but also on terrorism, that they stoke sectarianism and terrorism in Pakistan. This is an extremely dangerous line that Indian Ministry of External Affairs took. They should be mindful that within the Muslim community in India, there are Shia and Sunni people. So, such kind of rhetoric is not good for their own self, because the Muslim community that they have been persecuting for long, particularly under this present regime, such provocation would hurt their own country and society as well.

We do not need to further elaborate on what treatment to the Muslims, to the Christians and to the other religious communities have taken place in India. We have figures of the lynching of Muslims done in India. This lynching of Muslims, is a verifiable record of lynching close to 100 per year, which means around 10 lynching every month. The record that we have and the international media has, is backed by the names of these individuals, the places where these lynchings took place, the perpetrators, and then how these perpetrators escaped judicial oversight, under state patronage - showing complete lack of accountability.

We would call upon India to refrain from issuing such baseless and dangerous statements, and ensure that all minorities in their country, Muslim, Christian, Sikhs, Buddhist and the Schedule Casts, Dalits are respected, including fulfilment of their rights. India must uphold its international human rights obligation with respect to treatment of these communities.

(James Neish, Asia One News): I wonder whether I can push you more on this concept, on the Iran US potential talks in the coming days, was your Foreign Minister perhaps over optimistic, and you have repeated that line in the coming days. What does that mean for you, Sunday or Monday? And if that does not happen, does it not happen at all? Because I just wonder whether these talks may have been scheduled, and did they collapse? I mean, what's happening?

Spokesperson: First of all, let me be very clear that there has never been an instance where these talks were "scheduled and collapsed", borrowing your phrase. So, this has never happened. Second, the schedule of these talks depends on the parties concerned, they have to come to the table, and it is for them to decide on the time. Regarding optimism or pessimism, our Deputy Prime Minister is very positively engaged and I sense that he is as optimistic as any diplomat who is engaged in this facilitation process ought to be. Those in the process of peaceful settlement of disputes have to be optimistic. We, therefore, proceed with a certain degree of optimism on this issue.

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): In the recent Iran - US conflict, the utmost demand by Donald Trump is the opening of Strait of Hormuz for which he also asked world leaders to come forward. Pakistan has proved diplomatically that 02 Pakistani ships will pass through Strait of Hormuz everyday and 22 Pakistani ships will pass through Strait of Hormuz. Keeping in view the recent diplomatic events, Pakistan is in a position to open Strait of Hormuz. What are your comments?

Spokesperson: Our efforts for peace are comprehensive. It is not about one aspect of the crisis only, whether we want to focus on the waterways, on the maritime routes, on the humanitarian issues etc. Our efforts are wholesome and comprehensive. Of course, as you said, we are part of this initiative where some easement in the right of passage through these 20 ships has been provided. This issue is amongst the priorities for many countries and is part of our talking points on the ME/Gulf situation.

(Syeda Qurat Ul Ain, Independent Urdu): So there are several media reports that claim that Pakistan regime has killed two children and left six wounded in Kunar attack, and it says that it happened in Sirkanay District of Kunar province. Can you please confirm or reject?

Spokesperson: I have not seen the particular report that you are referring to. What I can tell you is that we take concrete measures with complete due diligence to prevent any harm to the civilians in our targeted operations.

(Sophia Saifi, CNN): I want to ask about the talks that are upcoming in London regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Obviously, I have seen that Pakistan is not in the list of countries that have been invited. But has Pakistan been asked anything? Was any discussion held with Pakistan, between the UK and Pakistan about these upcoming talks? Because it looks like there are different blocks appearing with different countries having these talks, and because Pakistan is a big facilitator when it comes to anything between Iran and the US at the moment. I am just intrigued to know whether anything between the UK and Pakistan has been discussed regarding the Strait of Hormuz?

Spokesperson: There must have been some exchanges taking place at a certain level between Pakistan and UK. I am not particularly aware of the developments that you mentioned with regards to this meeting in London. But I think when the parties in London discuss this issue, there would be considerable commonalities in our positions since the focus is to peacefully settle this issue through dialogue and diplomacy.

Commonalities would be there. Communications? I will have to check. I believe that there would be communications as well, because we have quite robust level of communication between our Foreign Ministry and the British FCDO, through respective High Commissions. I am sure some sort of communications may have taken place. I am not privy to those. I did not check. If you had asked me this question in advance, I might have come up with more details, but I do not have the details of exact exchanges right now.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Would you mind sharing the Iranian perspective? Are they ready to come to Islamabad? Do they feel safe in Islamabad or not, and when are they expected to come? I mean, is there any expectation in coming 10 to 15 days, or any idea or update.

Spokesperson: From our exchanges with Iran, we have heard nothing to the contrary that they are willing to come Alhamdulillah, Islamabad remains safe.

As I told you, date, members of delegation, these are the details that I do not have right now. It is up to the relevant parties to decide on these issues.

(Asghar Ali Mubarik, The Daily Mail International): Pakistan's abilities have been recognized in military diplomacy and war diplomacy. Sir, my question is that will there be an extraordinary session of OIC in the context of Iran - US conflict?

Spokesperson: I am not aware of any OIC meeting taking place on this issue. Maybe you will have to check from the OIC Secretariat.

(Danyal, Relation Times): My question is, can Pakistan balance its relations with China and the US, given their competing interests in the region?

Spokesperson: Yes, we can balance.

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): As you mentioned, talks are ongoing between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Urumqi. What will be the Chinese role? Has China agreed to act as guarantor that Afghan soil will not be used against Pakistan and verifiable mechanisms written, verifiable mechanism are provided to Islamabad?

Spokesperson: I will refer you to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comments.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): We used to say that we need the minimum requirement was this, that they should declare TTP as a terrorist organization, and they should give in writing that they will not allow their soil to be used against Pakistan. Have they given anything in written?

Spokesperson: As I said, our delegation is probably still in Urumqi or as way back. Once they come back, we will get a readout of this meeting and let you know.

(Tooba Khan, Bloomberg): Sir, my question is that the points which were discussed between China Pakistan conversations, have we sent them to Iran at all? Has Iran said anything to us about it at all? I know I am repeating a question from earlier, but I just wanted some clarity.

Spokesperson: On a lighter vein, I think you still are in the 16th, 17th century diplomacy. Once a decision is posted on our websites and social media handles, it reaches the destinations instantly. So, there's no question of delay.

You know, when the US civil war broke out in 1860s, the news in the subcontinent, in British India reached after about three to four weeks. This is what Mark Twain wrote. I recall, as he travelled to our region later. We are in on a much faster mode of communication since then, aren't we?

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): It is just a supplementary question to the question asked by Mr. James and Mr. Azaz Syed, you said the Deputy Prime Minister and yourself, you are optimistic about the talks in Islamabad.

Does this optimism stems from your instinct of being optimistic, or there is some solid confirmation from Iran and from the United States that they will come to Islamabad?

Spokesperson: Piracha Saab, optimism in diplomacy is a professional hazard. We all live with it.

Thank you very much.

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READOUT: Ranking Member Shaheen and Senator Curtis's Bipartisan Delegation Travel to South Korea

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

April 03, 2026

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA -- U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and John Curtis (R-UT) led a bipartisan Congressional delegation to South Korea for meetings with senior government officials, U.S. diplomatic and military leadership. The delegation included Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

In meetings with President Lee Jae-myung, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-back, Senator Shaheen and the delegation reaffirmed ironclad bipartisan Congressional support for the U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) alliance. In engagements with counterparts, the Senators emphasized that the alliance remains vital to regional stability, particularly as Russia and North Korea deepen their military and technology cooperation. The Senators welcomed President Lee's initiative to continue leader-level collaboration with Japan and to invest in critical military capabilities to enable greater ROK operational leadership in the combined conventional defense against North Korea. The Senators also acknowledged the effects of the on-going conflict in the Middle East on ROK energy security, financial markets and supply chains and pledged to urge greater American coordination of efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The delegation discussed U.S.-ROK economic cooperation in the shipbuilding, automotive and technology sectors. Continued growth in two-way trade and investment benefits American and South Korean workers and companies alike. South Korean companies like Samsung, Hyundai and LG employ hundreds of thousands of Americans and play a critical role in strengthening U.S. manufacturing and supply chains.

Senators Shaheen and Tillis also visited Camp Humphreys, the U.S. Army's largest overseas military installation, to consult with U.S. military leaders regarding alliance modernization and the regional security situation. Senators Curtis and Rosen visited the Joint Security Area for a briefing from U.S. forces managing the daily operations at the DMZ.

Across the meetings, the Senators underscored that the U.S.-ROK alliance is a cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, grounded in shared democratic values, strategic alignment against shared threats and groundbreaking long-term investments and technological cooperation.

###

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Russian Defene Minister Andrei Belousov holds talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart

02 April 2026 12:30

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held talks with the Defene Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Major General Ruslan Mukambetov.

'Since our last meeting, the world has undergone significant changes that have affected every country without exception,' said Andrei Belousov.

The head of the Russian military department emphasized that Russia and Kyrgyzstan must work together to build joint work together, determine goals, strengths and means to achieve them.

'Today, I propose discussing our bilateral issues,' the Russian Defene Minister concluded.

In his turn, Major General Ruslan Mukambetov thanked Andrei Belousov for his traditional hospitality at the regular meeting of the CIS Defence Ministers Council, which provides a reliable platform for discussing current agenda.

'Let me note that we are satisfied with the rapid development of military cooperation with the Russian Federation and are grateful for the ongoing work, which successfully implements joint projects throughout the entire period of Kyrgyz-Russian relations,' added the Minister of Defence of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation

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Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov holds talks with Defence Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan

02 April 2026 12:20

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held talks with Defence Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Colonel General Emomali Sobirzoda.

'Russian-Tajik defence cooperation has a strategic character and is a crucial factor in maintaining stability and security in the Central Asian region. We work closely in a bilateral format, as well as within the framework of the CIS, CSTO, and SCO,' said Andrei Belousov.

The head of the Russian military department expressed confidence that today's meeting will give new impetus to military cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan.

In his turn, Colonel General Emomali Sobirzoda thanked Andrei Belousov for the conditions created for the Tajik delegation at the regular meeting of the CIS Defence Ministers Council.

Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation

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Russian Defene Minister Andrei Belousov holds talks with Defence Minister of Uzbekistan

02 April 2026 12:10

On the sidelines of a meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the CIS member states, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov held talks with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Lieutenant General Shukhrat Khalmukhammedov.

'Russia and Uzbekistan are strategic partners and long-time friends,' Andrei Belousov said.

The head of the Russian military department highlighted that cooperation between the two countries in the military field is one of the key factors for maintaining stability in Central Asia, and expressed readiness to expand cooperation in areas of interest to the Uzbek side.

In his turn, Lieutenant General Shukhrat Khalmukhammedov thanked Andrei Belousov for the warm welcome and the excellent organisation of the meeting of the CIS Defence Ministers Council.

'We managed to discuss topical issues on the international agenda and the development of cooperation in the military sphere' the Uzbek Defence Minister added.

During the talks, the sides discussed current issues concerning bilateral cooperation.

Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation

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Telephone conversation with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the initiative of the Turkish side.

April 3, 2026

17:30

There was a thorough exchange of views on the ongoing escalation of the military and political confrontation in the Persian Gulf. It was noted that the heavy hostilities there are leading to severe consequences for energy, trade, logistics, and other sectors not just regionally, but globally as well. The leaders noted that they shared the stance in favour of achieving a ceasefire as soon as possible and working towards compromise peace agreements that would take into account the legitimate interests of all the regional states.

While discussing the situation surrounding Ukraine, Vladimir Putin thanked Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his unfaltering willingness to facilitate the relevant negotiations. In light of the Kiev regime's attempts to target gas transportation infrastructure linking Russia and Turkiye as well as commercial ships in the Black Sea, the leaders emphasised the importance of taking coordinated measures aimed at ensuring all-around security in and around the Black Sea.

In addition, the leaders discussed further steps aimed at expanding political and economic ties between Russia and Turkiye, including in particular the implementation of joint strategic projects in the energy sector.

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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev

3 April 2026 13:55

495-03-04-2026

On April 3, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Nurlan Yermekbayev.

Their in-depth discussion focused on priority issues relating to the SCO's activities in light of the evolving situation in the region and the world as a whole. Both sides stressed the growing importance of deepening cooperation within the organisation in the current context, as the foundation for creating a broad space of reliable, equal security and sustainable growth in Eurasia. They also discussed practical tasks for further advancing the SCO's comprehensive modernisation process in response to current geopolitical realities, as well as the substantive content of the organisation's upcoming summit in Kyrgyzstan, which will mark its 25th anniversary.

Current foreign policy issues were also discussed, with a view to further enhancing the SCO's international role.

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Ranking Member Shaheen, Chair Wicker Press Administration for Answers on Sanctioned Russian Delegation Visit to United States

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

April 03, 2026

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent raising serious concerns about the national security implications of a delegation of sanctioned members of the Russian Duma visiting the United States for meetings with Members of Congress and executive branch officials. The lawmakers warned that the delegationcomprised of Kremlin-aligned officials involved in cyberattacks, war crimes in Ukraine and support for Iran's targeting of U.S. personnelposed significant counterintelligence risks and called into question the Administration's decision to waive sanctions to allow their entry. They also underscored that the visit came amid mounting evidence of Russia's support for Iran's military activities and continued aggression against Ukraine and NATO allies.

"We write to express our concerns about the national security implications of a delegation of the Russian Dumaall of whom are under U.S. sanctionsvisiting the United States, reportedly for meetings with members of the House of Representatives and executive branch officials," wrote the Senators.

"The delegation came onto U.S. soil for one purpose: to advance the Kremlin's strategic aimsincluding gathering additional useful intelligence. They did not come to engage in dialogue or in pursuit of democratic aims," continued the Senators.

"It is important that Congress and the public understand the scope of the Russian delegation's actions here in the United States and the access they may have had to sensitive information," concluded the Senators.

Full text of the letter is available HERE and provided below.

Dear Secretary Rubio and Secretary Bessent,

We write to express our concerns about the national security implications of a delegation of the Russian Dumaall of whom are under U.S. sanctionsvisiting the United States, reportedly for meetings with members of the House of Representatives and executive branch officials. As you know, unlike the U.S. Congress, the Duma is not a separate and equal branch of government. Its members include Kremlin subordinates who have committed numerous cyber and ransomware attacks on Americans and have facilitated war crimes against Ukrainian civilians. Remarkably, they are today helping Iran target U.S. military and diplomatic personnel across the Middle East. The delegation came onto U.S. soil for one purpose: to advance the Kremlin's strategic aims including gathering additional useful intelligence. They did not come to engage in dialogue or in pursuit of democratic aims.

This visit comes at a time when Russia's intentions are unambiguously clear. Numerous public reports have cited Russian support for Iran's military targeting of American service members in the Middle East. European intelligence agencies have reported that Russia intends to attack the member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the coming years. And Putin has made it clear that peace in Ukraine is a mirage. His singular ambition for Ukraine is to erase its existence.

The delegation included individuals who are far from innocent participants in a cultural exchange. It included Vyacheslav Nikonov, who in 2023 referred to the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as the "Fourth Reich" on Russian television. Mikhail Delyagin has advocated for destroying Ukraine's energy sector. Boris Chernyshov once claimed that Russian retaliatory strikes were "an expression of our hatred [of Ukraine]." Nikonov, Chernyshov, and Delyagin, along with other members of the delegation, are sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order 14024, which indicates that these individuals were sanctioned because they engaged in conduct deemed to be harmful to U.S. national security. It is troubling that, despite those concerns, the U.S. government would give these individuals access to U.S. government institutions.

It is important that Congress and the public understand the scope of the Russian delegation's actions here in the United States and the access they may have had to sensitive information. To that end, we respectfully request responses to the following:

What is the justification for waiving sanctions on these individuals? Were there any limitations or conditions attached to those waivers?

Please explain why sanctions were also waived to facilitate the delegation's aircraft landing at a U.S. airport. What security precautions were conducted at the airport?

Please provide a full list of all individuals that traveled from the Russian Federation, including a flight manifest.

Was a counterintelligence assessment conducted for all individuals traveling to the U.S.? If so, please provide a classified summary of each such assessment.

What meetings did the delegation have with administration officials?

We appreciate your timely attention to these questions.

###

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Russia and Turkiye to Boost Joint Work on Black Sea Security

Sputnik News

20260403

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed on Friday the implementation of joint strategic energy projects between the two countries, the Kremlin said.

"Further steps to expand Russian-Turkish political, trade, and economic ties were also discussed, in particular the implementation of joint strategic projects in the energy sector," Kremlin said in a statement.

They stressed the need for coordinated security measures in the Black Sea amid attempts by the Kiev regime to target gas infrastructure and commercial vessels.

Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Erdogan for his continued readiness to facilitate the relevant negotiation process on Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Friday.

"When discussing the situation around Ukraine, Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his continued willingness to facilitate the relevant negotiation process," the statement said.

 Sputnik

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U.S. lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to protect Taiwan's undersea cables

ROC Central News Agency

04/03/2026 06:38 PM

San Francisco, April 2 (CNA) Three U.S. House representatives on Thursday introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at strengthening the resilience of Taiwan's undersea cables and other critical infrastructure against growing threats from China.

Under the proposed legislation, the United States would enhance undersea monitoring with advanced sensors designed to detect sabotage and provide Taiwan with real-time intelligence to protect its vital cable infrastructure, according to the bill.

The bill also mandates that the U.S. collaborate with allies to help Taiwan and regional partners build the capacity to recover from attacks on undersea infrastructure and minimize service disruptions.

As threats from the People's Republic of China (PRC) continue to grow, the U.S. must lead in ensuring undersea infrastructure in the region is protected and resilient, Republican Representative Mike Lawler said in a press release.

The bill follows a series of recent undersea cable disruptions involving Chinese vessels, which experts describe as "gray zone" tactics, including incidents near Taiwan's outlying islands between 2023 and last month.

Lawler said the bill seeks to deter such tactics by imposing sanctions on those found responsible for, or complicit in, sabotaging undersea infrastructure affecting the U.S., Taiwan, or their regional partners.

Democratic Representative Dave Min said Taiwan's communication infrastructure is critical to its security, as well as global commerce and regional stability.

"China's repeated sabotage of Taiwan's undersea cables is not accidental. It is part of a deliberate campaign to isolate a democratic partner and test how far authoritarian coercion can go without consequence," Min said.

Min said the bill signals the U.S. will not ignore "gray zone" tactics aimed at undermining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

A Senate companion bill, introduced by Republican Senator John Curtis and Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen, cleared the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in January.

(By Nancy Chang and Shih Hsiu-chuan)

Enditem/kb

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TEHRAN, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Iran's main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Saturday the country's armed forces hit the previous day a U.S. fighter jet, three drones, two stealth cruise missiles, two U.S. A-10 attack planes and two American Black Hawk helicopters.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, the headquarters' spokesman, said the aircraft were targeted by the air defense systems of the Ground Force of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps and army under the guidance of the country's integrated air defense network, according to the official news agency IRNA.

Zolfaghari said that Iran's homegrown air defense systems are being unveiled one by one in the battlefield.

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. 
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2026.04.03

Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Apr. 2 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Apr. 3 (Fri.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities:

2 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN ships and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 out of 2 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1150403_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1150403_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan

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PM call with the Crown Prince of Kuwait: 3 April 2026

Press release

The Prime Minister spoke to His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah this morning.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 3 April 2026

The Prime Minister spoke to His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah this morning.

The Prime Minister began by condemning the reckless overnight drone attack on a Kuwaiti oil refinery. He reiterated that the UK stands with Kuwait and all our allies in the Gulf. 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.

Regarding ongoing disruption to global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Prime Minister and Crown Prince welcomed the meeting convened by the Foreign Secretary yesterday on a viable plan to reopen the Strait.

They agreed to continue to work together on this and stay in close contact over the coming weeks.

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Secretary of State Sarai concludes visit to Ukraine and Poland

Global Affairs Canada

News release

April 3, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Over four years ago, Russia began its brutal full-scale war against Ukraine, shattering the lives of Ukrainians and threatening global stability and peace. As the humanitarian needs in Ukraine continue to grow, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), visited Ukraine and Poland, reaffirming Canada's steadfast support for the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion.

Secretary of State Sarai announced $51.1 million in international assistance funding to help Ukraine respond to urgent humanitarian needs while advancing longer-term recovery and reform priorities. Canada's support will help address immediate needs such as health care, food, shelter and protection services, strengthen Ukraine's capacity to deliver inclusive public services, support veterans and their families and lay the foundations for a resilient economy.

While in Ukraine, Secretary of State Sarai met with senior Ukrainian leadership, including Yulia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister; Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development; Nataliia Kalmykova, Minister of Veterans Affairs; and Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity. Discussions focused on the immediate consequences of the war, including humanitarian needs, population displacement, pressure on public services, the building of a reliable and secure energy grid, support for veterans and their families, the trauma experienced by returned children and the situation of vulnerable populations. He also engaged on longerterm recovery and reconstruction priorities, including institutional reform, economic stabilization and energy security. The Secretary of State reaffirmed Canada's continued engagement in support of the people of Ukraine as they manage the ongoing impacts of the war.

Secretary of State Sarai met with partners and civil society organizations supporting children and adolescents affected by war, including initiatives that provide traumainformed psychosocial support, mentorship and safe spaces. Canada recognizes the immense suffering endured by Ukraine's children, including displaced children and those forcibly transferred or deported by Russia, and remains committed to supporting efforts that protect their rights, dignity and future.

The Secretary of State met with Ukrainian business leaders to discuss reconstruction priorities, including in the energy sector, and opportunities to better align development programming with trade and investment initiatives to help build sustainable economic growth. Recognizing the scale and complexity of reconstruction needs, Canada is exploring ways to leverage privatesector financing and innovative funding mechanisms.

While in Poland, Secretary of State Sarai met with Wojciech Zajaczkowski, Undersecretary of State and National Coordinator for International Development Cooperation at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Eliza Zeidler, Secretary of State in the Ministry of State Assets, to discuss Poland's ongoing role in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, including through hosting the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference.

Secretary of State Sarai's visit to Poland also included engagements with displaced Ukrainians and organizations that support them, providing him the opportunity to hear about their experiences and learn about ongoing supports, as well as Ukrainians' contributions to the Polish economy. While in Warsaw, he also met with community leaders working to promote democratic values and regional stability, including by providing housing, health and psychosocial supports to former Belarusian political prisoners.

Quotes

"Canada remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, not only as it continues to face Russia's war, but as it rebuilds for the future. By working alongside Ukrainian leaders, regional partners in Poland, civil society and the private sector, we are helping lay the foundation for a resilient, inclusive and stronger Ukraine." - Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development)

Quick facts

Since 2022, Canada has committed over $25.5 billion to providing multi-faceted support to Ukraine.

Canada recently announced an additional $20-million contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to support the repair and replacement of damaged energy equipment and infrastructure to meet the energy needs of its population.

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Backgrounder: Secretary of State Sarai announces projects during visit to Ukraine

Global Affairs Canada

Backgrounder

The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced that Canada is providing $51.1 million in new funding to support humanitarian and development projects in Ukraine. Details are as follows.

Project: 2026 Humanitarian Assistance

Partners: Multiple

Funding: $32.1 million

Canada will provide funding to experienced and trusted partners, including the Adventist Development and Relief Agency Canada, Development and Peace - Caritas Canada, HelpAge Canada, the International Medical Corps, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and its Country-Based Pooled Fund (Ukraine Humanitarian Fund), the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations Refugee Agency and the World Food Programme. This support will help address urgent humanitarian needs, including emergency health care and other essentials such as shelter, water, sanitation and food.

Project: FAIR-UA Foundations for Accountable, Inclusive and Resilient Elections

Partner: International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Funding: $6 million (2026 to 2029)

This project will support the conduct of credible, inclusive and well-prepared post-war elections in Ukraine, enabling the equal and meaningful participation of women and marginalized populations. It aims to strengthen the administration of elections by the Central Election Commission of Ukraine; enhance the delivery of inclusive voter education, communications and responses to disinformation; and support independent civil society oversight and evidence-based analysis of electoral processes.

Project: Ukraine Ministry of Veterans Affairs Institutional Strengthening

Partner: Alinea International

Funding: $5 million (2026 to 2029)

The project seeks to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine to lead and coordinate an integrated system of programs and services for Ukrainian veterans and their spouses and children. The project will embed technical specialists within the ministry, reinforce evidence-based policy development, improve analytical and planning functions and enhance effective cooperation between ministries, local authorities and civil society partners.

Project: Supporting Inclusive Recovery and EU Accession of Ukraine

Partner: UN Women

Funding: $5 million (2026 to 2031)

This project seeks to improve governance at the national level to advance reforms aligned with EU accession requirements. It also aims to strengthen accountability of the national level to develop, implement and monitor inclusive recovery policies and budgets.

Project: Mobile Service Delivery for Conflict Affected Populations in Eastern Ukraine

Partner: United Nations Development Programme

Funding: additional $2 million (2019 to 2026)

Canada is providing additional funding to an existing project, bringing its total support to $19.5 million. This project seeks to alleviate the hardships of war-affected Ukrainian citizens, with a particular focus on women, older persons, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups who must often travel long distances or cross insecure areas to access basic public services. It will continue to support local authorities, first responders and communities in maintaining service delivery during crises and in front-line areas.

Project: Supporting Inclusive Grassroots Democracy in Ukraine

Partner: European Endowment for Democracy

Funding: additional $1 million (2018 to 2027)

Canada is providing additional funding to an existing project, bringing its total support to $12.8 million. This project seeks to strengthen Ukraine's grassroots democratic movement and advance inclusive, resilient and equitable governance during wartime and into early recovery. Building on progress to date, it aims to reinforce grassroots pro-democracy groups; promote women's civic and political leadership; increase participation of youths and marginalized communities; and strengthen organizational sustainability and financial resilience. The project will also address urgent and escalating physical security and mental health needs of civil society actors.

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Ukraine and the Netherlands discussed measures to support Ukrainians returning from abroad and internally displaced persons

Ukraine Government

Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, posted 03 April 2026 18:24

During a working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ilona Gavronska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine for European Integration, participated in a panel discussion titled "Ukrainians in the Netherlands: Diaspora Skills and Municipal Cooperation," which took place in The Hague.

The event brought together representatives of Ukrainian and Dutch authorities, experts, and members of the diaspora to discuss the challenges, needs, and opportunities for cooperation in supporting Ukrainians living abroad. In particular, the discussion focused on preparations for the launch of a joint Ukrainian-Dutch project aimed at supporting the voluntary return of Ukrainians to Ukraine.

"Our task today is to maintain contact with our people abroad, provide them with verified information, and create practical tools that will make a future return possible when conditions allow. At the same time, we are drawing our international partners' attention to the importance of investing in Ukrainian communities and developing local infrastructure, as well as seeking solutions that will promote social cohesion among all Ukrainians," noted Ilona Gavronska.

As part of the working visit, a bilateral meeting was also held with representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, during which the parties discussed possible approaches to supporting Ukrainians on their path to return. In particular, the discussion focused on combining support tools for Ukrainians returning from abroad and internally displaced persons.

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Iran Conflict Disrupts Private US Humanitarian Aid For Ukraine

By Alex Raufoglu April 03, 2026

WASHINGTON -- The flow of volunteer humanitarian aid from the United States to Ukraine -- a critical lifeline for frontline communities -- is coming under mounting strain, as disruptions linked to the Iran conflict ripple through global shipping networks.

US-based charities and volunteer groups tell RFE/RL that deliveries of essential supplies are now delayed by weeks, while transportation costs are rising sharply -- forcing difficult choices between funding freight and purchasing life-saving equipment.

For some organizations, the system is approaching a breaking point.

The ongoing Iran conflict has severely disrupted international shipping, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway used to transport about 20 percent of the world's oil and gas. Security risks in the Red Sea have forced ships to take longer routes, causing major delays and higher freight costs.

Aid Delayed At Sea, Pressure Mounts On Land

Hope For Ukraine, a New Jersey-based nonprofit delivering medical and humanitarian supplies to civilians and frontline areas, says its shipments are now taking significantly longer to reach Ukraine.

Containers carrying medical supplies and energy-resilience equipment are delayed by an additional three weeks, extending transit times by nearly a month.

"These kits are essential," the group's CEO, Yuriy Boyechko, told RFE/RL on April 2. "They keep clinics and shelters powered. When they are delayed like this, it creates a real, life-threatening gap."

The organization typically ships one to two containers per month from the United States, each carrying up to 20 tons of aid. Unlike government assistance, these deliveries rely on private donations and volunteer networks.

But those shipments are now facing growing uncertainty. "The routes have been completely redirected," Boyechko said. "Ships have to take a much longer path. That means much longer delivery times for people who cannot afford to wait."

Among the most critical supplies are solar-powered generators -- now indispensable in a country where energy infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted.

Delays Translate Into Real-World Consequences

Hope For Ukraine distributes the generators to frontline communities and areas enduring prolonged blackouts, where access to reliable power remains limited.

"We don't ship food -- we buy that locally," Boyechko said. "What we send are things people cannot access in Ukraine, especially energy equipment."

Each delay, he added, has direct humanitarian consequences. "Every extra week means people stay without power," he said. "After the winter we had, with so much infrastructure destroyed, this becomes an energy crisis for those communities."

Without electricity, clinics struggle to function, medicines cannot be stored safely, and even basic care becomes harder to deliver.

The delays are also affecting shipments of electric mobility scooters -- a key resource for Ukraine's growing population of war amputees.

According to Boyechko, Ukraine now has more than 120,000 amputees as a result of the war. "For them, every delay means more time without independence," he said. "It's more waiting for something that is essential to their daily lives."

Rising Costs Force Painful Trade-Offs

At the same time, the cost of shipping aid is climbing. After more than two years of relatively stable rates, Hope For Ukraine was notified that prices would increase beginning April 1.

"We are seeing a 10 to 25 percent increase," Boyechko said.

For nonprofits operating on limited budgets, the impact is immediate. "That means we have to redirect funds," he said. "Money that would go toward generators or medical supplies now has to cover shipping."

The result is a shrinking volume of aid reaching Ukraine -- even as demand remains high.

The disruption is also affecting procurement. Components sourced from overseas are taking longer to reach US warehouses, slowing the entire supply chain.

"It's not just shipping from the US to Ukraine," Boyechko said. "Even getting supplies into our warehouse is slower. The delays are happening across the entire chain."

He added that while fewer organizations now ship large containers compared to the early stages of the war -- due in part to funding constraints -- those that remain active are facing similar challenges.

"Everyone who is still sending aid is dealing with this," he said.

A Wider Shock To Global Shipping

Experts say these disruptions reflect broader strains on global logistics tied to the Iran conflict.

John Saldanha, a supply chain specialist at West Virginia University's John Chambers College of Business and Economics, describes the situation as a "capacity crunch" in maritime transport.

A significant share of global container capacity has been disrupted, he said, as vessels are delayed, rerouted, or stranded -- including in and around key waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.

At the same time, security risks in the Red Sea are forcing ships to take longer routes around southern Africa, adding weeks to delivery times.

"All of this pushes freight rates higher," Saldanha told RFE/RL, warning that smaller shippers -- including nonprofits -- are particularly vulnerable.

"They are the ones who get squeezed," he said.

Even if conditions improve, recovery will take time. "It's like a backlog in a pipeline," he added. "It can take weeks, months, even longer to clear."

Other Groups Brace For Further Delays

Other US-based volunteer organizations supporting Ukraine say they are increasingly concerned about the knock-on effects.

US Ukrainian Activists, which provides protective gear and other support to frontline paramedics, is already navigating complex logistics chains that span multiple countries.

"We recently placed orders for protective equipment that must travel through several stages before reaching Ukraine," said Nadia Shaporynska, the group's president.

Such arrangements leave shipments exposed to disruption at multiple points along the route.

"Unfortunately, there is such a chance," she told RFE/RL when asked about potential delays. "Of course, I'm concerned. We want the aid to arrive as quickly as possible."

Even air deliveries -- typically faster and more reliable -- have shown signs of slowing. "We are hoping that the next shipment will arrive on time," she added.

For now, the aid continues to move. But it is moving more slowly, at higher cost, and with increasing uncertainty.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-conflict- disrupts-private-us-humanitarian-aid-ukraine/33724043.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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Everyone Wants Ukraine's Drones. This German Joint Venture Is Trying To Get Ahead Of The Curve

By Mike Eckel and Serhiy Stetsenko April 03, 2026

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.

Russia's 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, she's 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 can't tear themselves away from their work."

The venture is part of an innovative push to tap Ukraine's deep expertise in developing and building new drone technologies. It's 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 Ukraine's 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 Ukraine's 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 Ukraine's 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 Ukraine's experience in greater demand. Over the past two weeks, Zelenskyy toured the Gulf and Middle East, signing defense agreements and promoting Kyiv's 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 Ukraine's 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 don't 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 [Russia's] 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."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-germany-drone- production/33723276.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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Ukrainian SBU Planned Terrorist Attack in Moscow  FSB

Sputnik News

20260403

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) planned to remotely detonate a bomb hidden in an electric scooter near a business centre in Moscow, The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Friday.

The FSB reported that it had thwarted a terrorist attack targeting a senior police officer.

Police discovered the scooter parked near the entrance to the business centre, with a powerful bomb hidden in its trunk disguised as a household charging station.

"The SBU planned to remotely detonate the device during the target's visit to the business centre, identifying him through organised video surveillance," the statement said. "This could have led to a large number of civilian casualties."

Bomb disposal experts recovered the device at the scene.

It reportedly contained around 1.5 kilograms of plastic explosives, along with shrapnel such as nuts and bolts.

The device was reportedly controlled via a smart home Wi-Fi relay system and a 4G modem.

 Sputnik

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Andrii Sybiha commented on Russia's massive strike on Ukraine

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

03 April 2026 12:12

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Almost half a thousand drones and cruise missiles attacked Ukraine. At least one person was killed and others injured.

In Obukhiv, a drone smashed into a residential building. Terrorist Russia strikes in broad daylight deliberatelyto maximise civilian casualties and damage.

This is how Moscow responds to Ukraine's Easter Ceasefire proposalswith brutal attacks. Russian terrorists reject diplomacy and peace efforts. They must get strong responses that they deserve."

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Olexandr Mischenko Paid a Working Visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

03 April 2026 14:50

On 2 April 2026, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko paid a working visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan, where he held bilateral consultations with his Uzbek counterpart, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bahromjon Aloyev.

During the negotiations, special attention was paid to giving fresh impetus to trade and economic cooperation. The parties agreed on reinvigorating the work of the Joint Commission on Comprehensive Cooperation, updating the legal and treaty framework, and developing alternative transport and logistics routes, including through the use of the potential of the Trans-Caspian (Middle) Corridor.

The parties also reaffirmed their interest in expanding cooperation in higher education, resuming academic exchanges and developing joint research projects, as well as intensifying interregional contacts, including in the sister cities format.

Olexandr Mischenko expressed gratitude for Uzbekistan's principled position in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, informed the Uzbek side about Ukraine's efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace, and thanked Uzbekistan for its consistent support for Ukraine, including during voting in the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Special note was made of Uzbekistan's humanitarian assistance, including the Uzbek side's readiness to host more than 100 Ukrainian children for rehabilitation in 2026.

The Ukrainian diplomat reaffirmed the invitation to the Uzbek side to participate in the Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will take place in June 2026 in Gdansk, Republic of Poland.

During the visit, Olexandr Mischenko also met with Deputy Minister for Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Alisher Aliyev. Together with the Special Representative of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for Central Asia, Ambassador of Ukraine to Kazakhstan Victor Mayko, and representatives of the Ukrainian business mission currently working in Tashkent, the parties discussed prospects for the development of bilateral trade and the implementation of joint projects in priority sectors, as well as issues related to ensuring stable supply logistics in the face of current geopolitical challenges.

The Deputy Minister also catched-up with the heads of diplomatic missions of the Gulf states accredited in Tashkent to discuss the security situation in the region.

An important part of the visit was the joint commemoration of Taras Shevchenko with the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities of Uzbekistan, including a flower-laying ceremony at his monument in Tashkent. Following the ceremony, a meeting was held with community representatives, during which current needs of compatriots were discussed, in particular support for the Ukrainian Sunday School in Tashkent and issues related to preserving national identity. Olexandr Mischenko also noted separately the significant contribution of volunteers to supporting Ukraine amid the Russian Federation's ongoing armed aggression, expressing gratitude for their dedication and practical assistance.

The visit concluded with a briefing by Deputy Minister Olexandr Mischenko for representatives of Uzbekistan's leading media outlets.

The visit demonstrated the mutual interest of the parties in the further development of political dialogue, the expansion of economic cooperation, and the strengthening of humanitarian ties between Ukraine and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

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MANILA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- A fire that broke out in a densely populated residential area in the Philippine capital on Saturday morning destroyed several houses but left no reported casualties, the Philippines' Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said.

According to the BFP, the blaze started at around 8:31 a.m. in Santa Ana, Metro Manila, and quickly spread through homes constructed mostly of light materials. Firefighters responded swiftly and brought the fire under control by 9:04 a.m.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 
Over 35,000 confirmed russian losses: March sets a record for verified hits

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

3 April, 2026, 7:36 PM EEST

In March, russia's losses reached their highest level since the launch of the Army of Drones Bonus programme, with over 35,000 russian troops killed or seriously wounded over the month.

These results are recorded in the ePoints system, which awards points for verified hits. Each hit is confirmed by video.

Drones  the primary strike tool

The vast majority of enemy losses were inflicted by unmanned systems.

In particular:

UAVs accounted for 33,988 hits;

1,363 hits were delivered by artillery.

Equipment destruction

Among other significant results in March, 274 enemy air defense systems were destroyed. Ukraine continues the systematic destruction of russian air defense assets.

In March, 121 MLRS systems and 212 artillery pieces and self-propelled artillery systems were destroyed.

The number of Shahed and Gerbera drones destroyed by interceptor drones doubled in March. A total of 33,686 enemy UAVs of various types were intercepted.

In total, Ukrainian warriors hit 151,207 targets over the course of March.

Top-performing units

In March, the top-performing units in drone operations were the Special Operations Center "A" (Alpha) of the Security Service of Ukraine, Magyar Birds, the "Phoenix" special unit of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Lazar's Group, and the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade.

The Ministry of Defence thanks Ukrainian warriors for their precision and effectiveness on the battlefield.

Enemy losses outpace replenishment

For the fourth consecutive month, enemy losses have continued to outpace the rate of troop replenishment. We are steadily progressing toward the strategic goal of 50,000 russian troops killed per month.

Ukraine is systematically increasing enemy losses faster than russia can regenerate its forces.

This is one of the key elements of the War Plan, which is to achieve a level of losses that will force russia into peace.

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Ukraine's air defense intercepted over 90% of drones in March

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

3 April, 2026, 3:36 PM EEST

Ukraine's air defense continues to demonstrate consistently high effectiveness in countering large-scale enemy air attacks. In March 2026, the drone interception rate surpassed 90%, despite an increase in the number of attacks.

Last month, the enemy continued its tactic of wearing down Ukraine's air defense, launching wave attacks and combining missile strikes and drone attacks.

Air defense performance in March

According to daily reports from the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, approximately 6,600 targets were detected in total during mass attacks. For comparison, in February, the enemy employed over 5,300 air attack assets.

In the past month, a total of 5,935 drones and missiles were neutralized, including:

Shahed-type drones and others: 6,463 launches recorded, 5,833 intercepted. The interception rate reached 90.25%.

Cruise and ballistic missiles: 138 launches recorded, 102 intercepted. The interception rate reached nearly 74%.

The overall interception effectiveness in March reached 89.9%.

Largest attacks in March

The highest intensity of enemy attack drone use was recorded on March 24, when nearly 1,000 drones were launched in a single day. Despite the record number of incoming threats, 94.6% of aerial targets were neutralized or forced down.

This was the largest attack since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

The largest missile attack occurred on March 14, during which 58 of the 68 missiles launched were intercepted. On the same day, the enemy launched 430 drones, of which over 400 were intercepted.

Notably, Ukraine's War Plan sets the goal of identifying 100% of aerial threats in real time and intercepting at least 95% of missiles and drones.

Advancement toward this objective has been enabled by the integrated efforts of aviation, various air defense assets, and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. This makes it possible not only to physically destroy targets, but also to disrupt their guidance and tracking, rendering them ineffective and conserving scarce interceptor missiles.

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Address by the President at the Presentation of Ukraine's State Awards to Representatives of the Crimean Tatar People

President of Ukraine

3 April 2026 - 17:39

Dear attendees!

Our dear Ukrainians!

Today is a day that very clearly shows how exactly we must defend Ukraine and from what. Since last night, Russia has not stopped attacking our state. "Shaheds" and missiles of various types - that is clear - are striking day and night Kharkiv, our Poltava region, the Zhytomyr region, many other cities and communities across Ukraine, as well as Kyiv and the region. And this is happening at a time when, without exaggeration, the entire world already seeks to bring this war - Russia's war against Ukraine - to an end. At a time when the destructive consequences of this war are also overlapping with other wars that are ongoing right now. And at a time when the team of the President of the United States, our team, and European teams have come as close as possible in a practical sense to resolving issues on security guarantees for Ukraine needed for peace to be truly reliable. Security guarantees must be a strong structure built on multiple components, primarily military ones. This concerns what partners are ready to do to prevent a renewed Russian aggression. Financial guarantees are needed so that every one of our warriors knows for certain that their service will be fully provided for. Of course, there must also be clear guarantees regarding the availability of weapons - both what we have in our arsenals, very concrete capabilities, and what we produce ourselves in Ukraine and together with partners. On each of the components of these guarantees, we are moving forward - in some areas faster, although, of course, it is not simple, that's clear - but we are working quite actively to ensure that Ukraine's security guarantees are, above all, reliable. But there must also be a strong moral component in Ukraine's security guarantees - a special one for all our people without exception and for the entire territory of our state. We must not allow anyone to forget that only Russia is responsible for this war. And that Russia moved gradually, step by step, toward full-scale war, and its first aggressive step was directed precisely against our Crimea. In the 1990s, during the Tuzla Island crisis, and later, Russia was laying the groundwork to take our Crimea. In 2014, it began exactly with this - with the Russian occupation of Crimea. And Russia did not stop at that step, precisely because instead of a strong moral response from the world, there was a weak and cynical reaction. Having seized Crimea back then, the Russians felt they could remain completely unpunished. The world did not respond as it should have. Russia felt as if it could calmly claim this "reward" for itself - our Crimea - while the world turned a blind eye. And war, unfortunately, always continues if the aggressor feels it can be forgiven for everything and even be gifted something.

Now we are fighting with the utmost principle so that the aggressor receives no reward for this war - so that Russia is truly held accountable for everything: for aggression against us, against our people, against all of Ukraine. And so that Russian crimes - against people, against the state, against sovereignty and independence, against our Crimea - do not go unpunished. And when we are sometimes asked to act weakly and cynically, we respond with full principle. Russia must not profit from war or because of war. Global sanctions must truly work. And Russian aggression must not be normalized by anyone in the world. The issue of our territorial integrity, Ukraine's sovereignty, our land, and all our people - and therefore the issue of our Crimea - is absolutely fundamental. We will certainly end this war with a dignified peace for Ukraine. And in order to prevent new Russian aggression, to prevent Russian missiles and occupiers, and to ensure sufficient safeguards against Russian aggression, there must also be a moral security guarantee for Ukraine, for Europe, and for the world - a guarantee that Russia will not be allowed by the world to consider any part of another country as if it were theirs, Russian. A guarantee that an aggressor will not grow stronger by stealing another people's land. A guarantee that Russia will not start demanding more from Ukraine or any other country in Europe, using missiles or any other form of Russian terror for blackmail.

Therefore, the question of our people, our land, and our Crimea must be met with a clear and principled answer: this is our state, our land, our Crimea. The Ukrainian people, the Indigenous peoples of Ukraine, and the Crimean Tatar people must not be deprived of their home. If the world allows Russia to take away one people's home, it will go on to take others - it has always done so - and we must ensure this never happens again. That is why security must be comprehensive and truly guaranteed. I ask you to continue to fight for this. I ask you to remain active and, when necessary, loud - so that all partners hear you clearly, even those who do not want to - and always principled, so that we achieve the results Ukraine needs. I am grateful to you for standing with Ukraine. I thank everyone who is fighting for our state, for Ukraine's independence, for our rights, and for our territorial integrity. I thank everyone who does not forget our people held in Russian captivity - in Russian camps and prisons. We must bring them all home.

I signed a decree that provides you with more real opportunities to defend our entire state - all of Ukraine and our Crimea - all our people and the Indigenous people, the Crimean Tatar people - our security and your security, our right to live freely on our land. The Mejlis has always been and remains the representative body of the Crimean Tatar people - this has been the case in practice, and we are now enshrining it legally and politically. So that your capabilities are strengthened, as well as our shared Ukrainian capabilities. We must put an end to Russian aggression, strikes, and abuse. We must guarantee all components of security for Ukraine. And we can achieve this only together - guided by principles - all of us in Ukraine, all of us in Europe, all of us around the world. If we continue to be as effective and active as possible and remain mindful of the lessons of the past. Thank you. Thank you for your activity. Thank you for your service to our state.

Glory to Ukraine.

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The President of Ukraine and the President of Egypt Discussed the Development of Bilateral Cooperation in Various Areas and the Global Security Situation

President of Ukraine

3 April 2026 - 18:39

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The President of Egypt informed that his country will no longer accept grain from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine exported by Russia. At the same time, Egypt is interested in increasing imports of grain from Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for this decision and for Egypt's support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Abdel Fattah El-Sisi noted that Egypt is ready to contribute to achieving a dignified peace for Ukraine. The presidents agreed to continue contacts at the level of foreign ministers.

The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, as well as its impact on the global oil market. Volodymyr Zelenskyy updated the President on his meetings and agreements with countries in the region.

"Ukraine has significant potential for military-technical cooperation, and we are ready to work in this direction with Egypt as well," the Head of State noted.

The presidents also discussed other areas for developing bilateral relations between the two countries and agreed to continue working on this.

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The President Signed a Decree Aimed at Accelerating the Formalization of the Mejlis' Legal Status as the Representative Body of the Crimean Tatar People

President of Ukraine

3 April 2026 - 17:12

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on formalizing the legal status of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people as the representative body of this people.

According to the decree, the Cabinet of Ministers is to ensure the urgent resolution of the relevant issue.

This will contribute to the realization of the Crimean Tatar people's right to sustainable development and to safeguarding guarantees of their ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious identity.

"I signed a decree that provides you with more real opportunities to defend our entire state - all of Ukraine and our Crimea - all our people and the Indigenous people, the Crimean Tatar people - our security and your security, our right to live freely on our land," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Head of State stressed that the Mejlis has always been, and remains, the representative body of the Crimean Tatar people, and that this is now being enshrined legally and politically.

The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people was established in 1991 and is the only highest authorized representative and executive body of this people. However, it has long lacked an appropriate legal status. Following the resolution of this legal issue, the Mejlis will, in particular, be able to participate in the development of state programs and fully represent the interests of the Crimean Tatar people.

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BEIJING, April 4 (Xinhua) -- China's listed companies are reporting their 2025 annual results, with data pointing to a fact that tech-driven earnings growth is emerging as a powerful new engine.

Of more than 1,200 companies that had filed annual reports as of Friday morning, nearly 90 percent turned a profit, according to data provider Wind. Firms in high-tech industries, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and telecommunications, stood out, suggesting that their sustained innovation efforts have translated into tangible performance gains.

Leading chipmaker SMIC posted a record high revenue of 67.32 billion yuan (about 9.77 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025, up 16.49 percent from a year ago, with net profits reaching a three-year best. AI chip company Cambricon Technologies delivered an even more striking turnaround, reporting its first-ever annual profit of nearly 2.06 billion yuan since listing, with revenue up more than fourfold.

Meanwhile, battery giant CATL reported a 17 percent increase in revenue and a 42 percent increase in net profits as it extended the dominance in the global power battery market. Foxconn Industrial Internet, a major consumer electronics manufacturer, posted around 50 percent growth in both revenue and profits, crediting AI as the core engine of its growth.

Analysts attributed the strong performance of tech companies to their ability to capitalize on the rapid expansion of the AI industry by combining core technological breakthroughs with accelerating commercialization, thereby bringing greater resilience and potential to the broader economy.

"The explosive growth in hard tech is not an isolated phenomenon," said Tian Lihui, head of the Institute of Financial Development at Nankai University. "It reflects a resonance between the global tech revolution and China's industrial upgrading strategy."

China is stepping up innovation efforts to cultivate new growth engines and accelerate economic transformation.

"Corporate earnings are painting a clear structural picture of this transformation -- a shift from traditional factor-driven growth to a new paradigm led by technological innovation and global competitiveness," Tian said.

This shift is also reflected in equity markets. While traditional sectors such as real estate remain under significant pressure, tech manufacturing and emerging industries are delivering robust returns.

Such momentum is supported by sustained policy incentives. China's research and development spending reached 3.93 trillion yuan in 2025, the second-highest in the world, with annual growth averaging 10 percent between 2021 and 2025. Tax relief and fee reductions supporting tech innovation and manufacturing exceeded 2.8 trillion yuan last year.

The sci-tech innovation board, commonly known as the STAR Market, has also channeled increasing support to companies in high-tech and strategic emerging sectors.

Looking ahead, cultivating innovation remains central to China's economic agenda. This year's government work report called for building integrated circuits, aerospace, biomedicine, and the low-altitude economy into emerging pillar sectors, while fostering future industries, including quantum technology, embodied AI, and 6G.

Official estimates showed that output from these emerging pillar industries had already approached 6 trillion yuan in 2025 and could more than double to over 10 trillion yuan by 2030, becoming the new engine for the country's high-quality development.

Notably, given the widespread application of AI, "creating new forms of smart economy" appeared in the government work report for the first time this year.

Zhang Li, head of the China Center for Information Industry Development, said intelligent agents, AI-native applications, and humanoid robots are beginning to find viable business models, with deep AI integration set to reshape value chains across multiple industries.

Expanding the breadth and depth of AI's role across all sectors will unlock new space for China's development, analysts said. 
Featured

Asante Gold reports US$345million loss for 2025

Kweku Zurek Business News Apr - 04 - 2026 , 05:11

Asante Gold Corporation recorded a net loss attributable to shareholders of US$345.44 million for the eleven months ended December 31, 2025, a sharp deterioration from the US$62.18 million loss reported for the previous financial year, according to the companys audited consolidated financial statements released on March 31, 2026.

The financial statements, signed by Director Alex Heath and Director David Anthony, showed that revenue for the period increased to US$482.59 million from US$458.88 million, driven by a higher average gold price realised of US$3,372 per ounce compared to US$2,403 per ounce in the prior year. However, the company sold 143,138 ounces of gold, down from 190,985 ounces in the previous year.

Total comprehensive loss attributable to shareholders widened to US$345.44 million from US$62.18 million, while basic and diluted loss per share increased to US$0.55 from US$0.16.

Production declines at both mines

Gold equivalent production for the period fell to 146,571 ounces from 189,600 ounces in the prior year. At the Bibiani Gold Mine, production declined to 50,497 ounces from 60,760 ounces, while the Chirano Gold Mine produced 96,074 ounces, down from 128,840 ounces.

The company attributed the decline at Bibiani to lower-grade plant feed as operations focused on reducing a backlog of waste stripping. At Chirano, lower ore grades and decreased recovery rates due to challenges with intertank screens at the carbon-in-leach plant were cited as the primary factors.

All-in sustaining costs rise sharply

Consolidated all-in sustaining costs increased to US$3,902 per ounce for the eleven-month period, compared to US$2,168 per ounce for the previous financial year. Bibiani recorded AISC of US$6,036 per ounce, while Chiranos AISC stood at US$2,877 per ounce.

The increase at Bibiani was primarily due to elevated stripping requirements, lower-grade ore processed from low-grade stockpiles, and higher sustaining capital expenditures. At Chirano, the increase was driven by lower gold production.

Financing package completed

During the period, the company completed a financing package comprising a senior debt facility of US$150 million, a mezzanine facility of US$125 million, gold stream agreements totalling US$50 million, and equity raisings totalling approximately US$182 million.

The company also restructured deferred payments owing to Kinross Gold Corporation, making a cash payment of US$53.42 million, issuing 36.93 million common shares valued at US$44.04 million, and issuing a secured convertible debenture of US$77.46 million. The debenture was subsequently converted by Kinross in October 2025, resulting in the issuance of 61.74 million common shares and a loss on conversion of US$28.38 million.

Going concern warning

The companys auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, drew attention to a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on Asantes ability to continue as a going concern. As of December 31, 2025, the company had cash of US$43.99 million and a working capital deficiency of US$229.33 million.

"These conditions indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern," the auditors report stated.

The company has since strengthened its liquidity position through a bought-deal private placement raising C$179.4 million in January 2026, a non-brokered private placement raising C$13.8 million, and an additional advance deposit of US$100 million from Fujairah for gold deliveries scheduled to commence in March 2026.

Operational review underway

Following recent management and board changes, including the appointment of Campbell Baird as Chief Operating Officer on March 11, 2026, the company has initiated a comprehensive operational and strategic review of its mining and processing activities across both Bibiani and Chirano.

The review is focused on resetting the operating plan to one that is executable and sustainable, with an emphasis on operational reliability, integration of mining and processing, and capital discipline. The company has not provided formal production guidance for 2026 pending completion of this work.

Regulatory and royalty changes

The company disclosed that Ghanas royalty rate for mining companies has been revised to a sliding scale linked to gold prices, ranging from 5 per cent to 12 per cent. When the price of gold is at or above US$4,500 per ounce, the royalty rate will be 12 per cent.

Additionally, the Growth and Sustainability Levy was raised from 1 per cent to 3 per cent on gross production effective April 2, 2025, before being reduced back to 1 per cent in March 2026 following the passage of the Growth and Sustainability Levy Amendment Bill 2026.

Share capital and reserves

As of December 31, 2025, the company had 781.5 million common shares issued and outstanding, with an additional 12.44 million stock options, 21.18 million warrants, 5.36 million restricted share units, and 4.85 million deferred share units outstanding.

The companys accumulated deficit stood at US$655.37 million, up from US$320.94 million at the end of the previous financial year.
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Featured

Ghana must lead AfCFTA by example  Trade Minister

Haruna Yussif Wunpini Business News Apr - 04 - 2026 , 14:41

Ghana has been urged to take a leading role in demonstrating the practical benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as the government intensifies efforts to position the country as a hub for intra-African trade and industrial growth.

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said Ghanas status as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat places a responsibility on the country to translate policy commitments into tangible outcomes for businesses across the continent.

Addressing participants on the second day of the Kwahu Business Forum at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region, the minister stressed that Ghana must set the pace by showcasing how intra-African trade can drive economic transformation.

Underpinning all of this is our Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat. Ghana carries a particular responsibility to demonstrate what intra-African trade can deliver in practice, she said.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare indicated that government efforts are focused on equipping local enterprises with the tools needed to compete effectively within the continental market, including access to trade information and certification systems.

We are working to ensure that Ghanaian enterprises as well as businesses have access to rules of origin certification, tariff intelligence, and market linkages necessary to compete and win in the continental market, she added.

She linked the strategy to broader plans to reposition special economic zones as active industrial ecosystems, with emphasis on agro-processing and light manufacturing to enhance export competitiveness within Africa.

The minister emphasised that the success of AfCFTA implementation would depend largely on the readiness of the private sector to respond to emerging opportunities.

No policies will deliver their ultimate intended outcome and aspirations without a private sector participation which will prepared to meet government-enabling environment with deliberate investment in technology, skills, governance, and standard compliance, she said.
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Featured

Cuba begins releasing more than 2,000 prisoners as US pressure mounts

BBC International News Apr - 04 - 2026 , 10:42 3 minutes read

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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Cuba begins releasing more than 2,000 prisoners as US pressure mounts

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Featured

Trump seeks $152m to reopen notorious Alcatraz prison

BBC International News Apr - 04 - 2026 , 10:28 3 minutes read

US President Donald Trump is seeking $152m (115m) to reopen the infamous Alcatraz prison as part of his proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

Located near San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, the site, also known as The Rock, was once regarded as one of America's most notorious prisons, but has served as a tourist attraction in recent years.

The budget request is seeking money "to rebuild Alcatraz as a state-of-the-art secure prison facility", with funds covering the first year of costs.

The plan has been met with scepticism by a number of politicians in California, with questions raised about the final cost of the project and the challenges of running Alcatraz as an active prison.

The maximum security facility was closed in 1963. As a tourist site, it is currently run by the National Park Service.

Former speaker for the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, said the budget proposal from the Trump administration was "absurd on its face and should be rejected outright".

"Rebuilding Alcatraz into a modern prison is a stupid notion that would be nothing more than a waste of taxpayer dollars and an insult to the intelligence of the American people."

The request will need to be approved by the US Congress.

Previous criticism of Trump's plan has pointed to the lack of running water and sewage on the island, and the fact all supplies are required to be brought in by boat.

By the time Alcatraz closed, it was three times more expensive to operate than any other federal prison, according to the US Bureau of Prisons.

Pelosi also raised a concern echoed by other San Francisco politicians, that turning Alcatraz back into a functioning prison would mean the loss of an iconic landmark.

According to the National Park Service, the facility currently brings in $60m (45m) in revenue as an attraction.

Money being sought to reopen the prison as an active facility is part of a $1.7bn (1.3bn) investment into the Bureau of Prisons.

There is no running water or sewage system on the island

Announcing his plans on Truth Social last year, Trump said was directing "the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ".

The prison would "house America's most ruthless and violent offenders".

Alcatraz was originally a naval defence fort, before being converted first to a military prison and then to a federal prison in the 1930s after being taken over by the Department of Justice.

Some of its most notable inmates have included notorious gangsters Al Capone, Mickey Cohen and George "Machine Gun" Kelly.

Alcatraz has served as a location in a number of films, notably 1962's Birdman of Alcatraz, starring Burt Lancaster, 1979's Escape from Alcatraz, starring Clint Eastwood, and 1996 film The Rock, starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage.
Featured

What not to say to a friend who is struggling to conceive

BBC Life Apr - 04 - 2026 , 10:35 5 minutes read

The day after Vicky Levens had her third miscarriage, she returned to her job as a receptionist.

Back at work, two managers, whom she says knew about what she'd been through, made comments she found hurtful.

"At least" Vicky was early on in her pregnancy when she miscarried a female manager told her, while a male manager said she didn't look presentable enough to work at the reception desk.

"I was in shock," says Vicky, 29, from Belfast. She handed in her notice on her next shift.

Over the years, friends and family have made misguided but well-meaning comments to Vicky about her struggle to conceive, telling her "it'll be your turn soon", "just hold on to hope", or even offering her advice.

"I know they're trying to bring comfort," says Vicky, who started trying for a baby in 2020. "But, in the moment, when you're going through the motions, I wish people wouldn't say that, because it hurts."

Uncomfortable comments

Vicky is not alone in facing uncomfortable comments about miscarriage and fertility struggles.

"You are met with really poor words from people," Kay, 33, from Manchester, told Woman's Hour's Guide to Life in an episode about navigating conversations around infertility. The vast majority of ill-judged comments aren't intentional, she says, but they can come across as insensitive.

"Someone really close to me sat me down just before I started IVF and said to me 'a lot of women have miscarriages, so you just need to get ready and not be dramatic about it'," Kay recalls.

According to the NHS, around one in seven couples have difficulty conceiving. In the UK, in 2023, more than 50,000 patients had IVF cycles - where eggs are fertilised in a lab and the embryo is then placed in the woman's uterus.

But people who've experienced infertility say it can be a difficult subject to discuss with friends, family and colleagues.

"I think it's quite a taboo subject," says Chloe Cavanagh, 26, from Glasgow, who is on the NHS waiting list for IVF.

Initially Chloe was hesitant to tell friends and family that she was being affected by infertility.

"There's a sense of embarrassment," she says, "because that is what your body's meant to do so you feel like you're failing yourself."

'You're questioned about being womanly enough'

Asiya Dawood, 42, who's British-Pakistani and lives in West London, says in some South Asian communities, women who don't conceive quickly after marriage "get so many comments".

"You're questioned about being womanly enough," Asiya says, adding that relatives can be quick to blame the wife for focusing on her career or not getting married young enough.

When she was struggling to conceive, Asiya withdrew from friends and family because she was tired of the relentless comments. "I didn't go out, I didn't have a social life," she says.

Asking for help is "taboo" and might be perceived as a "sign of weakness", she adds.

But it's important to open up to people about your experiences because infertility and the treatment for it can have a big effect on emotions, says Joyce Harper, Prof of reproductive science at University College London (UCL).

"The treatment itself is a roller coaster, and then the days when you get that period or you've had your embryo transfer back; there are so many times when it becomes really difficult," she told Woman's Hour.

The people you confide in don't necessarily need to be family or the friends you'd usually share things with, says Dr Marie Prince, a clinical psychologist who specialises in fertility.

"It might be that your IVF support team are different to the people who would normally support you," she says.

People going through fertility treatment at a UK clinic (including NHS clinics) have access to counsellors, Prince says, and she encourages everyone to use that service.

The women BBC News spoke to say friends and family should ask the person experiencing infertility what kind of support they need, as this varies from person to person.

Random check-ins, remembering dates of appointments and educating yourself on treatments can show that you're thinking of the person, Chloe says.

'Incredible' support from friends and family

Elena Morris, 29, from South Wales, says she's had "incredible" support from friends and family throughout her fertility journey.

After having miscarriages, people visited Elena, brought her food and flowers, and gifted her and her husband vouchers for restaurants "to just have a break". Her parents and husband bought her flowers for Mother's Day, too.

But it's not just the big gestures. Elena says small signs of support also mean a lot, such as people texting her saying they're thinking of her.

"It's just nice to know that you haven't been forgotten."

When a friend or relative becomes pregnant, this can stir strong emotions for someone experiencing infertility. Prince says she's spoken to people who feel "really distressed" over loved ones' pregnancy announcements.

Elena has told her friends and family she wants them to share their pregnancy announcements with her via text, so that it's "easier to digest and you can respond when you're ready".

She says being told in person can make some people feel like they've "got to be really really happy" even though "actually, all you might want to do in that moment is burst into tears".

When one of Chloe's closest friends became pregnant, she appreciated being told one-to-one, rather than finding out in a group setting or through another person.

"I would hate for people not to tell me because they think I'm going to be sad," Chloe adds.

Within South Asian communities, Asiya says younger people are keen to break the stigma associated with infertility and miscarriages.

To encourage people to share their experiences, she launched the first South Asian Baby Loss Awareness Week last year, with talks from women, GPs and charities.

For Elena speaking to friends and family about her experience with infertility "felt like a relief".

"When people don't know what you are going through, things can be said or done unintentionally that may trigger you," Elena says. "We are absolutely glad we opened up and wouldn't change it."
We keep hearing about the RAM/chip crisis that's triggered by heavy global investments in AI data centers, which are eating up supply and making prices go up by insane amounts in the process, but what exact amounts are involved for smartphone makers? How much more are they paying?

That's what Xiaomi President Lu Weibing has revealed on Weibo today. According to him, for a package of 12GB of RAM plus 512GB of storage, the company is now paying CNY 1,500 ($217) more than in the first quarter of last year (January to March).

Redmi K90 Pro Max

That's not $217 per RAM/storage package, it's $217 more than before. And it is, of course, totally insane. Furthermore, what it's paying today is apparently almost four times more than in 2025.

With some quick math applied, we can ascertain that last year, Xiaomi was paying around $72 for the same package, and the price it's actually paying today is about $288. That's the price of a lower-midrange phone!

So it will come as no surprise to you then that Xiaomi has announced that it will have to make the Redmi K90 Pro Max more expensive from April 11, but by just CNY 200 ($29), which means the company is still swallowing most of the RAM/storage appreciation. It will also cancel ongoing promos for the Redmi Turbo 5 and Turbo 5 Max. All of these hikes only apply to the Chinese market, where the company has the lowest margins on Redmi devices.

It's unclear if we should expect further price hikes internationally, but if the prices for RAM and storage modules keep going up, it's probably a matter of when, not if.

Source (in Chinese)
BAGHDAD, April 4 (Xinhua) -- An unidentified drone targeted the offices belonging to a U.S. company at an oilfield in Iraq's southern province of Basra on Saturday, causing material damage and a fire, a police source said.

The officer from Basra provincial police told Xinhua that an unidentified drone struck the Majnoon oil field, targeting the offices of the U.S. energy services company KBR.

The strike caused material damage and a fire that was later contained by firefighting teams with no reported casualties, the officer said.

The attack came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East. 
Childhood vaccinations, school physical exams, and select adult vaccinations will be offered during the Back-to-School In-Reach Clinics set for May and July, according to the Department of Public Health and Social Services.

The clinics will be held on the following dates:

May 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Northern Region Community Health Center, NRCHC at 520 W. Santa Monica Avenue, Dededo

May 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Southern Region Community Health Center, SRCHC, at 162 Apman Drive, Inalahan

July 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., NRCHC

July 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., SRCHC

On the day of the event, registration for vaccinations and services will end at 2 p.m. or while supplies last.

"Preparing for the school year goes beyond school supplies. It starts with a childs health, Public Health Director Theresa C. Arriola said in a statement. These in-reach clinics create a clear and accessible way for families to complete the necessary school vaccination requirements while also supporting the health of those who care for them."

Available services include school-required child vaccinations, and additional routine childhood vaccinations may be available, as appropriate.

Services are available for children ages 4 years old to 18 years old regardless of insurance coverage and those uninsured.

Parents, legal guardians or authorized adults must bring a photo ID, childs birth certificate, and the childs shot record.

Guardians must present either legal guardianship, power of attorney documents, or written authorization from the parent.

Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Additional services

Adult vaccinations: Adults must bring a valid photo ID and current shot record (yellow shot card if available).

Vaccines available for eligible adults include:

Influenza (flu) vaccine

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)

Hepatitis B vaccine

Pneumococcal vaccine (for eligible adults)

Community health centers provide services to individuals covered by Medicaid, MIP and private insurance, as well as those who are uninsured.

Individuals with questions or concerns about cost may contact the CHCs.

A sliding fee discount is available for those who qualify. Insurance will be billed when applicable.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the CHCs' services and available vaccines, individuals may contact the community health centers by calling NRCHC at (671) 635-7412 or SRCHC at (671) 828-7623, emailing gchcappointment@dphss.guam.gov, completing an online form by scanning the QR code, or by visiting bit.ly/4l5rt1i.
A shutdown of Department and Revenue and Taxation systems and delays in about $35.8 million in property taxes are not expected to impact government payroll or agencies allotments, according to Bureau of Budget and Management Research Director Lester Carlson.

Speaker Frank Blas Jr. was less optimistic, calling Carlsons assessment short of wishful thinking.

Carlson on Friday said the roughly $48.2 million in excess tax and fee revenue the government of Guam had as of February was big enough of a cushion to keep funds flowing to agencies that needed them.

He said March revenue numbers were still being crunched for GovGuam, and a little over a week out from being finalized.

But he said the $48.2 million in excess revenue as of the close of February is not anticipated to let up once March was tallied.

When weve collected cash well in excess of what it was we thought we needed, theres not going to be anything that impairs allotments or payroll or anything of that nature, Carlson said.

Thats even on the tail of the nearly two-week shutdown of the Department of Revenue and Taxations systems starting March 21, which stalled the processing of income tax returns, business privilege tax returns, and created a backlog of over 4,000 hard-copy income tax filings.

Carlson said the Treasurer of Guam, the division of the Department of Administration that actually accepts payments, continued accepting payments through that time.

And the DRT system was back up with the April 15 filing deadline still over a week away, he said.

Many of those who would have already filed were those anticipating a refund, according to the BBMR director.

Even a deferral of about $35.8 million in property tax payments to Dec. 31 is not anticipated to put a hitch in GovGuam payroll or allotments, Carlson said.

Property taxes are usually payable in installments for March and April, but Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero pushed the deadline back to the end of the year due to delayed tax statements put out by Rev and Tax.

Carlson said roughly two-thirds of the sum that was due by March, about $21.9 million, was already factored into GovGuams excess $48.2 million.

Other shortfalls eating into that excess revenue included an $852,349 shortfall from the Guam Highway Fund, which was there because GovGuam continued to waive liquid fuel taxes to the tune of about 19 cents per gallon.

Unobligated excess revenue amounted to about $24.9 million, Carlson noted.

Blas, who called the Rev and Tax situation a nightmare on Monday, remained concerned about how much potential revenue was impacted by issues at the department.

They havent even started the analysis on it, OK, so we dont know what that impact is, the speaker said. Property taxes arent due until the end of the year. What is the economic impact and how much have we not gained?...And how are we going to backfill what this money was supposed to provide for?

Blas said it is one thing to think that GovGuams revenues would be alright, but the actual outcome is another matter.

I appreciate the optimism, but theres also the earnest side of caution, he added.

As for the unobligated $24.9 million in excess revenue as of Februarys close, GovGuams fiscal 2026 does eye about $25 million worth of it.

Heres what it would go to:

$20 million for Guam Memorial Hospital

$5 million for the Department of Corrections new prison

However, Director of Administration Ed Birn late last month said the budget only provides that $25 million from the net unobligated fund balance, which wont be calculated until the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30.

Carlson on Friday said lawmakers could still technically tap into that funding, if they decided to.

He did take issue with trying to tap into fiscal 2026 revenue that wasnt even realized yet, to balance the budget, after providing a $40 million business privilege tax cut.

Thats not really how you should be doing a budget. Your budget should be from Monday through Friday, and what you earned when you went to work, Carlson said. Thats not budgeting, thats creative accounting.
Tiyan High School excelled at the 2026 Guam History Day Competition held on March 21, the Guam Department of Education said in a media release.

Demonstrating excellence in research, creativity, and presentation, Jaylene Masga and Caela Santos earned first place in the Group Website category. Their project showcased strong analytical skills and effective use of digital platforms to present historical content, GDOE said.

In the Group Performance category, Annielynn Palacios and Isabella Taijeron secured second place, delivering an engaging and dynamic interpretation that highlighted their depth of understanding and performance abilities.

Their teacher, Jerome Alfonso, thanked the Tiyan High School Social Studies Department and the schools administration for their continued support in fostering student achievement.

He also thanked the Guam Society of History & Culture for organizing the competition and to Sinora Eileen Meno for her valuable assistance in supporting the students group performance.

Sophie Duenas, principal of Tiyan High School, praised the students accomplishments.

We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence. Their success at the Guam History Day Competition reflects not only their hard work, but also the strong support system of our teachers, staff, and school community. These achievements highlight the importance of understanding and preserving our history," she said in a statement.
People in uniform operate at the site of a gas lighter factory blaze in Keraniganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, April 4, 2026. A massive fire swept through a tin-shed factory manufacturing gas lighters in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, killing at least five people, an official said. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

DHAKA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- A massive fire swept through a tin-shed factory manufacturing gas lighters in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, killing at least five people, an official said.

Anwarul Islam, an officer with the media wing of the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, told journalists that "so far, five bodies have been recovered, burned beyond recognition."

Search operations continued as of the latest update.

Fire department officials said they brought the blaze under control by around 2:30 p.m., less than two hours after the incident report was filed.

The cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage remain unknown. 

People gather at the site of a gas lighter factory blaze in Keraniganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, April 4, 2026. A massive fire swept through a tin-shed factory manufacturing gas lighters in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, killing at least five people, an official said. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

People in uniform operate at the site of a gas lighter factory blaze in Keraniganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, April 4, 2026. A massive fire swept through a tin-shed factory manufacturing gas lighters in Keraniganj on the outskirts of Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, killing at least five people, an official said. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)
The boy had been taken to Syria in the mid-2010s and was placed in the al-Hol camp in February 2019.

The Finnish foreign ministry said the boy arrived in Finland on Friday after an Iraqi court ordered his release on 31 March and his transfer to the Finnish embassy in Baghdad. Officials confirmed that he holds only Finnish citizenship.

Finnish authorities have repatriated a minor boy from Iraq to Finland after years spent in Syrias al-Hol camp, following a court decision in Baghdad that cleared his return.

He remained there for about seven years before being transferred in February 2026 to Baghdad alongside around 5,700 detainees moved from north-eastern Syria.

Finnish diplomats verified his identity in Iraq before arranging his return. The ministry said the repatriation followed a formal decision based on constitutional obligations, consular law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The ministry stated that domestic authorities will now take responsibility for the childs welfare. It declined to provide further details due to privacy protections for minors.

Al-Hol camp has held tens of thousands of people since the collapse of the Islamic States territorial control in 2019, including many women and children linked to foreign fighters. According to Finnish officials, around ten Finnish citizens remained in similar conditions earlier this year, most of them minors.

The camps situation has shifted in recent months. Control moved to Syrian government forces earlier this year, and reports indicate that thousands of residents left the site during a period of instability.

Since 2019, Finland has repatriated 37 individuals from the region, including 27 children. The previous return took place in May 2024.

Security authorities said each case is assessed individually. The Finnish Security Intelligence Service noted that, in general terms, returns from conflict zones raise the risk of terrorism.

Officials said the repatriated boy is not suspected of offences in Iraq or Finland.

HT
BAGHDAD, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi authorities announced Saturday the suspension of trade and passenger movement at the southern Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran following a strike that left one person dead and five others injured.

Omar al-Waeli, head of Iraq's Border Ports Commission, told the official Iraqi News Agency that the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran was targeted in the morning.

He said the strike hit the passenger hall, killing an Iraqi passenger and injuring five others, adding that the victims were transported to a hospital inside Iran.

According to Iraqi media, the strike coincided with the entry of donation and logistical support convoys into Iran through the crossing.

The Shalamcheh crossing, located in southern Iraq's Basra province, is a primary artery for trade and tourism between Iraq and Iran.

Meanwhile, Iraq's paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said Saturday that one of its members was killed, and four others wounded in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike at the al-Qaim border crossing in western Anbar province.

The PMF said its 45th Brigade was attacked at the border crossing in the al-Qaim area near Syria, adding that a member of the Iraqi defense ministry was also injured.

The attacks came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East. 
MOGADISHU, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Somali security forces, backed by international partners, killed nine al-Shabaab militants during coordinated operations in southern Somalia, officials said Saturday.

The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said the operations in the town of Kunyo Barrow and the Tugarey area of the Lower Shabelle region also destroyed six generators that the militants were using to make mines and explosives.

"Such planned operations are part of ongoing efforts to destroy terrorist bases and disrupt the group's activities in order to prevent terrorist attacks," NISA said in a statement.

NISA said the first operation in Kunyo Barrow targeted an al-Shabaab facility that housed large machines used to manufacture mines and explosives, where six terrorists were killed.

It added that three other terrorists, who were found hiding in the forest, were killed in an operation in the Tugarey area.

The al-Shabaab extremist group was driven out of the capital, Mogadishu, in 2011, but the militants are still hiding in rural areas, where they continue to carry out ambushes and plant landmines. 
BEIRUT, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Saturday that it will file a formal protest after Israeli soldiers destroyed surveillance cameras installed at its headquarters in Naqoura.

UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardell said in a statement that Israeli troops had, since Friday, destroyed all cameras facing the Menghi road at the mission's general headquarters in Naqoura.

The cameras were positioned solely to monitor the UNIFIL compound's immediate area, ensuring the security of its peacekeepers, Ardell said.

Ardell said UNIFIL had conveyed its serious concern to the Israeli army and would submit a formal protest.

The incident comes amid broader regional hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran, as well as repeated recent incidents affecting UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon. 
ADEN, Yemen, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and several others injured on Saturday when security forces opened fire to disperse pro-secession demonstrators in Yemen's southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout, according to a local source.

"Two individuals succumbed to gunshot wounds, while several others were injured," the medical source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

According to local activists, hundreds of protesters had gathered in Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout, in support of the pro-secession Southern Transitional Council (STC). They said security forces attempted to break up the rally by pointing weapons at demonstrators and opening fire.

Footage circulating on social media showed wounded protesters being transported on motorbikes to nearby hospitals.

Meanwhile, local authorities in Hadramout issued a statement expressing regret over the incident, blaming organizers for proceeding with the unlicensed demonstrations.

"They continued to organize unauthorized protests despite clear instructions to comply with the law in order to preserve security and stability," the statement said.

Established in 2017, the STC has consistently pursued the independence of southern Yemen, which has frequently put it at odds with state institutions, despite its involvement in the country's power-sharing government and its role in the current collective leadership. 
ISTANBUL, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday that Turkiye will continue to support negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing that the region is in urgent need of peace and stability.

The two leaders met at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul behind closed doors for over an hour.

Following the talks, the Presidency's Directorate of Communications stated on social media that the discussions addressed bilateral ties, peace initiatives regarding the ongoing conflict, and broader regional and global developments.

During the working session, Erdogan underlined the critical importance of maritime navigation safety in the Black Sea and the necessity of ensuring energy supply security. He also expressed Turkiye's determination to increase bilateral trade volume with Ukraine through continued strategic steps.

Furthermore, the Turkish president highlighted the importance of strengthening international diplomatic partnerships.

Turkiye has long positioned itself as a key mediator in the conflict, specifically through the "Istanbul Process," a diplomatic framework aimed at facilitating direct dialogue between the parties to reach a lasting resolution. 
ADDIS ABABA, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Wu Weihua, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, has called for closer cooperation with Ethiopia during his three-day visit to the East African country.

During his stay in Ethiopia since Friday, Wu met with Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, Speaker of the Ethiopian House of Peoples' Representatives Tagesse Chafo, and Speaker of the Ethiopian House of Federation Agegnehu Teshager.

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, China-Ethiopia relations have developed rapidly, and pragmatic cooperation has yielded fruitful results, Wu said.

He expressed China's readiness to work with Ethiopia to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of both sides and the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, strengthen exchanges of governance experience, and advance the all-weather strategic partnership between China and Ethiopia.

Wu also briefed the Ethiopian side on China's 15th Five-Year Plan and China's decision to implement a zero-tariff policy for the 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China.

For their part, the Ethiopian leaders expressed their appreciation for the four global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and China's zero-tariff policy for African countries. They lauded the achievements in bilateral relations and China-Africa cooperation, and thanked China for its long-term support for Ethiopia's socio-economic development.

They also reiterated Ethiopia's commitment to the one-China principle and expressed their willingness to enhance exchanges between legislative bodies, expand cooperation in various fields, and promote friendly relations between the two countries. 
CAIRO, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran entered its 36th day Saturday, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening "hell" if Iran fails to meet his deadline, and a top Iranian commander warning that any strike on Iran's infrastructure would trigger "devastating and continuous" attacks on U.S. military assets and Israeli infrastructure.

Tehran also reiterates that it seeks terms for a "conclusive and lasting" end to the war as U.S.-Israeli attacks continue.

The following is an overview of the latest developments in the crisis affecting much of the region and beyond.

The United States

-- Trump said Iran has 48 hours to strike a deal on opening up the Strait of Hormuz or face "Hell."

-- As many as 365 U.S. troops have been wounded in action as of Friday since the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, according to an online update from the Pentagon.

Israel

-- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has struck key infrastructure sites across Tehran, including an aerial defense facility of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) storing missiles intended to target aircraft.

The IDF also said its air force completed simultaneous waves of strikes across Iran and Lebanon on more than 200 targets over the weekend.

-- Two bombs from a cluster missile launched from Iran fell near the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel's state-owned Kan TV News and other media outlets reported. The bombs hit a parking lot and a school near the base, causing damage but no injuries.

Iran

-- At least five people were injured in U.S.-Israeli attacks on several petrochemical companies in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

-- Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran seeks to secure the terms of a "conclusive and lasting" end to the U.S. and Israeli war imposed on the country.

Araghchi also condemned a U.S.-Israeli strike near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant and warned of its potential lethal consequences for the West Asia region.

-- Ali Abdollahi, chief commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned that any U.S. or Israeli strike on Iran's infrastructure would be met with "devastating and continuous" attacks on all U.S. military assets in West Asia and Israeli infrastructure, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

-- Iran's IRGC Navy said it had hit an Israel-linked vessel with a drone, setting it on fire. Meanwhile, in a statement on its official news outlet Sepah News, the IRGC confirmed the attack, saying its forces had targeted an Israeli-owned commercial ship in a port in Bahrain.

-- Iran has authorized the passage of ships carrying essential and humanitarian goods through the Strait of Hormuz to it ports, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

-- Iran's science ministry said the United States and Israel have directly attacked more than 30 Iranian universities since the beginning of the war in late February.

-- Iran's main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the country's armed forces hit the previous day a U.S. fighter jet, three drones, two stealth cruise missiles, two U.S. A-10 attack planes, and two American Black Hawk helicopters.

Lebanon

-- Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks across southern Lebanon killed at least 14 people and wounded more than 25 others, the National News Agency reported.

Kuwait

-- Kuwaiti authorities said a main transformer station in northwestern Kuwait's Al Jahra governorate has gone out of service, causing a power outage in limited parts of the area. This followed a separate incident a day earlier in which a power generation and water desalination plant had been struck, resulting in material damage.

Yemen

-- Yemen's Houthi group said it had carried out a joint military operation targeting Israel's Ben Gurion Airport along with other vital military sites using a ballistic missile with a cluster warhead and several drones.

The group said the attacks were conducted with the IRGC, the Iranian army, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and "successfully achieved its objectives."

Iraq

-- Iraq's paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces said one of its members was killed, and four others wounded in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike at the al-Qaim border crossing in western Anbar province.

-- Iraqi authorities announced the suspension of trade and passenger movement at the southern Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran following a strike that left one person dead and five others injured.

-- An unidentified drone targeted the offices belonging to a U.S. company at an oilfield in Iraq's southern province of Basra, causing material damage and a fire, a police source said.

The United Arab Emirates

-- The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned what it said were acts of rioting, attempted vandalism, and attacks targeting its embassy and the residence of its head of mission in Damascus, Syria.

Syria

-- Syrian authorities said the Jdeidet Yabous crossing, a key transit point along the Syrian-Lebanese border, will be temporarily closed due to security concerns after Israel warned of possible strikes on the area, alleging that Hezbollah uses it for military actions.

Jordan

-- The Jordan Armed Forces said its air defense systems intercepted the vast majority of missiles and drones targeting the kingdom during five weeks of heightened military escalation in the region.

According to an official military briefing, a total of 281 Iranian missiles and drones were launched toward Jordanian territory, including 161 missiles and 120 drones. Of these, 261 were successfully intercepted and destroyed, while 20 were not intercepted.

The Netherlands

-- The Israel Center in Nijkerk, a city in the Gelderland province of the Netherlands, was hit by an explosion on Friday evening, with no injuries reported, local media said. A series of incidents targeting Jewish sites in the Netherlands has been reported since the outbreak of the Iran war. 
RIYADH, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia on Saturday successfully launched its "Shams" satellite aboard the Space Launch System as part of the Artemis II mission, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

With this achievement, the Kingdom becomes the first Arab nation to participate in a mission under the Artemis program, the SPA said.

Artemis II, the second phase of the Artemis program led by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is a collaborative international effort aimed at accelerating space science and innovation.

The "Shams" satellite will operate in a highly elliptical orbit ranging from some 500-70,000 km above Earth, enabling wide coverage for monitoring solar and radiation activity and supporting advanced space weather research, the SPA said.

It reflects the kingdom's commitment to developing its space sector through innovation, cultivating national talent, and strengthening global partnerships, the SPA added. 
TEHRAN, April 4 (Xinhua) -- A top Iranian commander warned that any U.S. or Israeli strike on Iran's infrastructure would be met with "devastating and continuous" attacks on all U.S. military assets in West Asia and Israeli infrastructure, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Ali Abdollahi, chief commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, issued the warning Saturday as a 10-day deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz is due to expire Monday.

"After having admitted successive defeats, the aggressive and warmongering president of the United States has, in a desperate, nervous, unbalanced and foolish move, threatened (to target) Iran's infrastructure and national assets," Abdollahi said.

He said the Iranian armed forces would not hesitate "for a moment" to defend the country's rights and protect national assets and "will put the aggressors in their place."

In a post Saturday on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT," adding, "Time is running out -- 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them."

On March 21, Trump threatened to "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants if the country failed to fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Two days later, however, he postponed strikes on power plants for five days after holding "productive conversations" with Tehran. He later pushed the deadline back again.

The developments come amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting Feb. 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East. 
ABIDJAN, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Cote d'Ivoire on Thursday urged the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution as the rainy season approaches.

Authorities should take all necessary measures to prevent a repeat of the tragic situations seen in the past, said Vagondo Diomande, minister for the interior and security, at an inter-ministerial meeting.

He said that total rainfall this year is expected to reach around 1,500 mm, a level comparable to that of last year.

In 2025, rains resulted in 26 deaths nationwide between April 1 and July 30, compared with 35 in 2024 and 30 in 2023.